After a moment of silence, Rensuke breaks the stillness, "Wait, are you serious?" he asked, his expression growing serious.
"Yes I am." Haruto said with a smile.
Rensuke's eyes widened in joy before a smile spread across his face, "Congrats! but why didn't you tell me things had gotten this far?" Rensuke asked, his tone both pleased and teasing.
"Things happened so fast, I didn't even get time to understand myself," Haruto replied, smiling softly.
Rensuke's raised his eyebrow and with a hint of concern he asked, "Haruto are you sure she still loves you?"
Haruto let out a soft chuckle, "I am sure, that's why I'm taking this big step, I've even bought a ring for her" he said, his tone filled with confident warmth.
Rensuke let out a joyous excited laugh, In response Haruto smiled with his laugh.
"Alright, best of luck" Rensuke said with sincere tone "and don't worry about the car, I'll have the best one delivered at your place in an hour, and also don't worry about it's rent, it will be on me"
Haruto let out a soft chuckle, "Thank you brother, love you man." he said.
There was momentarily silence from Rensuke's end before his voice came through, teasingly, "Gay!"
Both brothers laughed together, their laughs mingling with each other.
"Alright, bye, and thank you again," Haruto said.
"No problem," Rensuke replied with a smile "Just don't forget to give me the good news."
"Sure" Haruto said with a smile before ending the call, still smiling…
At 7pm, Haruto was standing before the mirror dressed in a maroon suit, his hair styled flawlessly, and a refined wristwatch adorned on his wrist, a confident smile tugged on his lips as he admired his reflection, fully prepared for the big night.
He reached into his pocket pulling out a ring case and opening it to gaze at the ring inside, a warm smile touched his lips as he admired the jewel, then a thought struck him.
"I should get some flowers too," his smile broadened, "Roses, her favorite ones" he said to himself still smiling at the ring, when a sudden knock on his door broke his reverie, he quickly closed the case and slipped it back into his pocket, and turned to walk towards the door.
Haruto opens the door to find a young man, around 25 years old standing at his door with a smile, Haruto returns the smile, his brow furrowed slightly in confusion.
"Are you Mr. Haruto Ogawa?" the man asked. Haruto nodded in confirmation.
The man's smile widened and his reach in his pocket pulled out a set of keys from his pocket, extending them towards Haruto, "Mr. Rensuke Ogawa has sent this rental car to you" he said.
Haruto took the keys with a grateful smile, "Thank you." he replied warmly.
"It's not parked in the lot, I've parked it right in front of the building and I'll come to collect the car by tomorrow's morning" The man said, In response Haruto nodded in agreement, then the man turned around and started walking away.
Haruto closed the door and looked at the keys, murmuring to himself "I hope your choice won't disappoint me, Rensuke." A smile spread across his face…
At 7:20pm Haruto locked his apartment door and with hurried steps he made his way outside.
Walking outside the building, his steps were hurried when suddenly he stopped, his eyes widened in amazement. There, in front of him was a sleek jet-black 2022 Nissan Altima.
A broad smile spread across Haruto's face as he chuckled softly, he pulled out the keys and started approaching the car with anticipation.
As the Nissan Altima drove down the road, Haruto's phone displayed the navigation map with the destination clearly marked, his smile remained confident as he was enjoying driving the car. While driving he turned to his left where a large bouquet of roses rested on the seat beside him, their fragrance filling the car. With a satisfied smile he pressed the accelerator, picking up speed.
After a long drive, Haruto brought the car to a stop, he grabbed his phone and made a call, holding his phone up to his ear.
Kanna answered the the call with a, "Hello"
"Hey Kanna, I'm at the location," Haruto said.
"Alright wait, I'll be there" she said, ending the call, Haruto smiled and quickly stepped out of the car, leaned against it, waiting, Standing at the corner of the street he pulled out his phone and busied himself.
After ten minutes of waiting, Haruto heard the rhythmic clicks of heels approaching. His heart skipped a beat and his pulse quickened as he straightened up, Turning his head to his left, he was met with a vision that took his breath away.
Kanna, walking towards him, wearing a maroon mini dress and sleek black thigh-high boots, exuding effortless sophistication. With her black overcoat adding a touch of elegance, her long beautiful hair flowed freely down her back, her beautiful brown eyes held Haruto's with a steady gaze, a subtle smile playing on her lips.
Haruto was mesmerized, his eyes fixed on Kanna, it was as if he lost all his senses, utterly captivated by her breathtaking beauty. Coming close she was making his heart race with every step she was taking.
Kanna reached Haruto and stood facing him, their eyes locked with Kanna smiling warmly. While Haruto was clearly stunned could hardly look away.
"Hey" she said softly, her smile never wavering.
Slowly a warm smile formed on Haruto's lips as he let his gaze drift from her feet, slowly looking upwards to take in her entire appearance. Finally reaching to her eyes, he smiled and said "You are looking as beautiful as always"
Kanna's warm smile broadened in response, Haruto quickly gestured towards the car, saying "Please get in"
Kanna walks gracefully to the car, her hand reaching out to open the door.
"Wait" Haruto calles out stopping her hand mid-air, With a smile he walks across the car and stands beside her, opening the door for her.
As Kanna's gaze fell on the bouquet of flowers, her smile softened, she quickly moved ahead, cradling the bouquet, "That's so beautiful" she said, glancing at Haruto.
Haruto smiled infectiously at her, their eyes locked, "Please, take a seat." he said, gesturing towards the seat.
Kanna gave a warm nod and settled herself on the front seat, the bouquet resting gracefully on her lap, Haruto smiled affectionately at her before closing the door, he quickly walked, taking his place in the driving seat, starting the engine and looking over at her.
"Shall we?" he asked, his voice gentle.
Kanna, glancing warmly at Haruto, then nodded slightly.
Haruto then shifted his focus on the road, and the car began to move.
The car drove smoothly down the road, with Haruto driving, his gaze fixed on the road, a warm smile playing on his lips.
Kanna's gaze was on the bouquet, her fingers gently caressing the flowers as she leaned slightly inhaling their fragrance, Her smile broadened with delight, She then turned to Haruto, her gaze warm and soft, glancing at him quietly while his eyes was on the road, his own smile reflecting his calm contentment.
"You haven't changed a bit," Kanna remarked with a hint of nostalgia.
Haruto's smile broadened, "Yeah, I guess I haven't aged at all." he replied, glancing at her "But look at you." he paused, turning his gaze back on the road, "You haven't changed either."
"Yes, It seems we haven't aged at all." Kanna said with a smile "As if time has frozen for both of us."
Haruto smiled back, "True, bit I've grown up and become more responsible now."
Kanna let out a soft chuckle, "Yes, yes, I'm sure I've grown up, and become more mature than you" she said playfully.
Haruto laughed back softly, "Really? Well you were pretty strict back in the days, and now, maybe you've become super strict." he said playful.
"Well, I wasn't that strict." Kanna replied with a smile, her tone turned serious, asking, "Haruto, why didn't you attend the reunion?"
Haruto's smile slightly flattered but then he quickly put on a smile and spoke up, "I was busy that day, I was having my own reunion with someone."
"Ooh" Kanna muttered, then her expressions quickly brightened with excitement, turning to Haruto she began, "Hey Haruto do you know how much fun it was at the reunion? All of our teachers were there, and I was thrilled after meeting our Science teacher, teacher suzume, you remember her right? She also used to teach us at cram school and was your favorite."
Haruto nodded with a smile, saying "Yes I remember her."
Kanna's eyes lit up with excitement as she continued enthusiastically, "And you know what? She's married now, she also has a cutest little baby girl, she is just like our teacher" Kanna continued to recall everything with a joyful smile and an excited tone, her enthusiasm clear in her voice.
Haruto was smiling and turned to Kanna watching her with a smile, captivated by her happiness and enthusiasm, his love for her kept growing, and he unconsciously slowed the car.
"This is what I was missing in my life." Haruto thought to himself, his eyes fixed on her radiant face.
"She was the missing piece of my life" his smile grew broadened, as he vowed to himself "Now, I'll never let you slip again, I won't let you get lost, nor will I repeat the mistakes of the past. This time I'm holding on to you with everything I have."
His smile deepend as he kept looking at Kanna, her glowing with laughter and excitement as she was sharing everything that happened in the reunion. Her joy and excitement seemed to fill the car, making the moment feel even more special.