After the biggest threat departed, the now declared couple needed to debrief about the preceding events from earlier. But most importantly excuses needed to be made. Nora took a glance at Yuki who showed signs of relief.
Nora: (Awkwardly) "The coffee must have run cold by now.."
Yuki looked at Nora and did not say anything, instead she nodded and went back in the kitchen on her own.
Nora: "Yuki?"
The two of them did not exchange a single word or any form of conversation. Both were standing at the sink washing their coffee mug in complete silence. The sound of the running water was the only sense of peace between them. Her facial expression was an event to be guilty of. Nora's instincts were never wrong, he knew messed up big time. He continued to wash his coffee mug which were already cleaned as day. The water running was almost hypnotizing. Unfortunately his gateway of escapism were quickly shot down after Yuki turned off the tap water.
Nora: (startled) "?!"
Yuki: "..."
He could not bare to see her in that state. He tried his hardest to bring words into his mouth and rectify his second mistake. Meanwhile, she was already turning her back from him and making her way to the living room. No words came out, he knew he wasn't the best at communicating his feelings with words. Instead, he quickly dashed forward and grabbed her hand.
Yuki: (startled) "?!"
Nora: "..."
He did not plan ahead, he kept his hands withing hers still trying to form words. Yuki were now struggling to make eye contact with him while blushing away. Until Nora finally blurted out.
Nora: "I messed up..."
Yuki: "...."
Nora: (apologetic) "I shouldn't have put you on the spot like that...i have no excuses."
Yuki: "...."
Nora: "I can't imagine the anger you must feel...but it is all justified. I will right my wrong once again, if i can do anything to excuse myse-"
Yuki: "Embrace me..."
Nora: "?!"
Yuki: (blushing) "Take responsibility and embrace me."
Yuki was very serious. A normal relationship would take at least the end of a date to be able to hug someone. To be able to do this beforehand, he thought needed to be special. Ad mist all the thoughts going through his head, Yuki's hand was already stretched out and waiting for him. She still was avoiding eye contact with him. Nora could not help but think she was adorable and cute.
Yuki: (shyly) "Please....you are embarrassing me even more for making me wait..."
He took a foot forward and noticed he was walking unconsciously. "Fuck it!", he said to his mind while attempting the remaining steps. He embraced her tightly and were startled to feel her heart beating non-stop. Her body temperature was ideal, her embrace made his thought process cease and savor the moment. The softness of her hand on his back felt like a sense of security, similar to a caring mother. He wanted this moment to last as long as possible.
Nora: "Sorry, again...."
Yuki: "No need to excuse yourself, hugging me already serve as token of your apology."
Nora: "Thank you."
Yuki: "Instead i should be the one thanking you."
Nora: "Why?"
Yuki: "I mean, you vouched for my stay even though you didn't know anything about me."
Nora: "Yea, my choices of action to make this happen were questionable though..."
Yuki: (giggle) "You don't say..."
Still hugging each other, both laughed about it and the white flags were now raised on both sides. Suddenly her embrace felt even more pressed and comfortable. Nora felt oblivious until he felt her tremble.
Nora: "Yuki?"
Yuki: (trembling) " *sobs* *sobs*"
Nora: "Oh my god! Are you ok?"
Yuki: (trembling) "Thank you, from the bottom of my heart...i can't describe to you....how important this is for me..."
Nora: "...."
Yuki: "I am very lucky to have stayed with my wanted matcher."
Nora: "No problem."
She was now courageous enough to look at him in the eyes with a big smile covered in tears. Perhaps did she felt a sense of duty as an MMI employee to show her vulnerability. But being as natural as she was at that moment, it is hard to believe that it was.
Yuki: "Oh yes, I forgot the most important part. *Whipping away her tears* i have to legally say this. For the full confirmation."
Nora had no clue to what she meant. She broke free from his embrace and get a hold of his right hand. She held it within her two hands while slowly kneeling down.
Yuki: "From this day forward, all of me; from my soul to the extent my body is bounded to you. I wish to fulfill all the needs you may have and support you in the best just as in the worst. Nora Redgrave, i will be in your care."
Nora was shocked as her kneeling down and the term "all of me" lead him to misinterpretation.
Nora: "Uhmmm....i think it's a...little to early...."
Yuki: "?"
Nora was put in a very uncomfortable spot. She did not understand his discomfort as it was a custom imposed by the company. Fortunately It took several seconds for Yuki to figure why. She quickly got back on her two feet and apologized.
Yuki: "OH MY....I AM VERY SORRY! DON'T GET ME WRONG IT'S...IT'S..IT'S JUST A CUSTOM THAT I HAVE TO PERFORM! I DID NOT MEAN ANYTHING MORE BY THIS!"
Nora: (appeased) "It's okay...it's okay..i understand now."
Yuki: "...."
Both looked at each other for some seconds. They started giggling which slowly turned into warming laughter. They laughed out how awkward they felt and the amount of events they went through in just a single day. But they knew there was more to come.
Chapter 4 End.