Aiko and Ryo stood in the doorway, watching his parents leave. The warm afternoon sun bathed them in a gentle glow, adding to the serene atmosphere. Ryo squeezed Aiko's hand, his eyes filled with gratitude.
"I can't thank you enough, Aiko," he said softly. "You were amazing."
Aiko smiled, her heart still fluttering from the successful meeting. "I'm just glad it went well. Your parents are really nice."
"They liked you a lot," Ryo said, his voice tinged with relief. "I knew they would."
They walked back inside, the warmth of the encounter still enveloping them. Aiko glanced around the apartment, noting how tidy Ryo had made it for his parents' visit. She chuckled softly. "You did a great job cleaning up."
Ryo laughed, scratching the back of his head. "I had to make a good impression."
Aiko's eyes sparkled with amusement. "Well, you did. Now, what should we do for the rest of the day?"
Ryo's face lit up with a mischievous grin. "I have an idea. How about we take a walk and enjoy the rest of this beautiful day?"
Aiko nodded eagerly. "Sounds perfect."
They headed out, strolling hand in hand through the quiet streets of their neighborhood. The air was fresh and filled with the scent of blooming flowers. As they walked, Ryo glanced at Aiko, a thoughtful expression on his face.
"Aiko, there's something I need to tell you," he said, his tone serious.
Aiko's heart skipped a beat, her curiosity piqued. "What is it, Ryo?"
Ryo took a deep breath, looking into her eyes. "My parents didn't just come here to meet you. They came to discuss something important."
Aiko's mind raced with possibilities. "What is it? Is everything okay?"
Ryo nodded. "Everything is fine. It's just that...they want me to take over the family business after graduation."
Aiko's eyes widened in surprise. "The family business? What kind of business?"
"It's a traditional inn in the countryside," Ryo explained. "It's been in our family for generations. My parents have been running it, but they want to retire soon."
Aiko processed the information, feeling a mix of emotions. "Wow, that's a big responsibility. How do you feel about it?"
Ryo sighed, looking out at the horizon. "I'm not sure. I mean, it's an important part of our family, but it's not something I've ever considered seriously. I always thought I'd pursue a different career."
Aiko squeezed his hand reassuringly. "Whatever you decide, I'll support you. This is a big decision, and you need to do what's right for you."
Ryo smiled, his eyes filled with gratitude. "Thank you, Aiko. That means a lot to me."
They continued walking, the weight of the conversation lingering between them. Aiko felt a deep sense of connection to Ryo, knowing that they were facing a significant turning point in their lives together. She glanced at him, her heart swelling with love.
"No matter what happens, we'll face it together," she said softly.
Ryo nodded, his eyes reflecting the same sentiment. "Together."
As they walked back home, hand in hand, Aiko felt a renewed sense of purpose. Their journey was far from over, and she was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead with Ryo by her side. They had each other, and that was all they needed.
With the sun setting behind them, casting a golden glow over the landscape, Aiko and Ryo embraced the uncertainties of the future with unwavering hope and love. Their story was still unfolding, filled with romance, teasing, and the promise of a bright tomorrow.