Last year, December 2034
"Kasumi, please say something. If I don't hear your voice, I'll die."
It may sound exaggerated. But he genuinely meant it. These past few years without her by his side had been nothing short of torture.
"I... I love you, Mikami."
!!! He pushed her down on the bed and in seconds, his lips were feverishly on hers. Hands enter winded tightly against each other.
"Mi—kami...Unnnnghh."
"Kasumi. Kasumi. Am I hearing things? Did you just tell me, you loved me?"
Did she, really say that just now? Did he really hear her say those words? The words he has been waiting to hear for long. Ah, it shouldn't be surprising. He's heard it once before. Back then. But, there's something different now than before. She, she isn't hesitating. Is she serious?
"I love you. I love you. Mikami, I love you so much."
. . ..
...
What an idiot.
"You're so stupid. It was supposed to be me who told you that How can I propose in a natural fashion, if you're the one who confessed?"
Geez, she really ruined all his plans. Seeing her shocked expression. A chuckle escaped his lips, and he brushed his lips against her ear, gently nibbling on the top before he pulled away and brought her hands to his face. Her face turns a bright shade of red as he slipped something on her finger. That's right, idiot. It's a ring.
He wanted to give this to her so many years ago, but he could never find the timing and then all of that happened in between. "I'm not sure whether I have your tastes correct. But regardless, I want you to accept this."
Even though it's the same ring from back then, he made many adjustments. He understood what she's thinking. The two of them, although destined to be together can never cross paths properly. They'll never be able to live in harmony. Back then too, even before he was forced to change.
There always seemed to be something obstructing them from being with each other. From being together. He understood that for the longest time. Mikami has always wanted to hurry up and become an adult, so he could understand what the problem is. It appeared, there was no need for that. This girl loves him.
"Kasumi?"
" I...um...,"
..…
Mikami kissed her fingers, "I love you, Kasumi. Please marry me. I know it will still take a long time until we can truly be together. However, I will not wait any longer to claim what's rightfully mine. You're mine, you always have been. These beautiful eyelids, nose, lips, ears, neck. Kasumi, marry me."
Everything about her is his.
"Yes."
"Yes, I'll marry you, Mikami."
)
---
The last thing he needed was to look after another person in his present state that's why. Even though it was originally him who was supposed to look after Lila-chan. He ended up giving the job to Kouta. It's true, that he does want to get to know her. But, in his present condition, where he can't even fall asleep without taking medication and eating less and less. He slowly got up and made his way to the living room and switched the TV on.
Seeing a note on the counter, he exhaled deeply. He's in no state to look after himself, let alone another person and yet he ended up taking that girl in. If Mikado-senpai finds out, it was him who helped her escape, he will get in trouble. Then again, it's been quite some time since the girl escaped and nothing has happened.
Mikado-senpai seems to have stopped the search too.
[Iwa Kasumi returns, after the Dream Stars audition round.]
[Iwa Kasumi, an important announcement when she returns?]
Mikami almost dropped the mug in his hands.
Seeing the girls figure on TV, shouldn't be surprising already. But, he wasn't expecting this. She'll be returning from France. When the girl left much earlier than she ought to have, it surprised Mikami. Although, he heard she spent the last 4 days at the end of last month back here.
She wasn't working. So, it was clear that she only temporarily back in Japan. Was it, because of him? Because he stopped contacting her, did she feel the need to escape to Paris? He won't ever know the answer.
Kasumi, he wanted to meet with her; as soon as possible.