Chereads / Why Not Just Marry Me? / Chapter 2 - The Announcement

Chapter 2 - The Announcement

[Scene: Ryo's House – Dinner Time]

Ryo sat at the dining table, nervously tapping his fingers against his knee. Across from him, his father, Takashi Asakura, a stern businessman with sharp eyes, sipped his tea. His mother, Sayuri Asakura, a refined woman who always had a gentle yet firm demeanor, watched him expectantly.

"So, Ryo." His father set his cup down. "Have you thought about what we discussed?"

Ryo cleared his throat. "Yeah. And, uh… I actually have someone I like."

His mother's eyes sparkled. "Oh? A girl you like?"

Ryo hesitated for a second, then nodded. "Yeah. In fact… we decided to get engaged."

Silence.

Then—

Cough! His father nearly choked on his tea. His mother gasped, her hand covering her mouth.

"Engaged?!" Takashi barked. "To whom?"

"…Aoi Minami."

More silence.

Then his mother broke into a delighted smile. "Oh my! Aoi-chan? That sweet girl from next door? Well, I suppose she's very responsible, but—"

"She's the one who suggested it," Ryo quickly added. "She said we've known each other forever, so it just makes sense."

Takashi folded his arms, skeptical. "You're telling me you two just decided to get engaged? Just like that?"

Ryo forced a grin. "Pretty much."

Takashi narrowed his eyes. "This isn't a joke, is it?"

"Of course not!" Ryo lied smoothly.

His mother clapped her hands together. "This is wonderful! Aoi-chan is such a dependable girl! But have you told her parents yet?"

Ryo stiffened. "Uh… I was gonna do that next."

Takashi sighed. "Fine. If you're serious, then bring her over this weekend. We'll have a proper discussion."

Ryo swallowed hard. Oh crap. This is really happening.

---

[Scene: Aoi's House – The Next Day]

Aoi sat across from her parents, Hiroshi and Megumi Minami, in their cozy living room.

"Engaged?" Megumi repeated, looking both amused and surprised.

Aoi nodded. "Yup. It's not a big deal, really."

Her father, Hiroshi, scratched his head. "Not a big deal? Aoi, marriage isn't something you just casually decide on."

Aoi waved a hand. "We're best friends. We know each other better than anyone. Besides, it solves Ryo's problem, and it's not like we have to rush into anything."

Her mother chuckled. "Well, I always did think you two would end up together."

Aoi blinked. "You did?"

Megumi smiled knowingly. "You've been attached at the hip since kindergarten. It's obvious you two care about each other."

Aoi scoffed, crossing her arms. "It's not like that."

Her father sighed, rubbing his temples. "I don't know… This seems a little reckless."

"But you're not against it, right?" Aoi pressed.

Hiroshi groaned. "Well… if it makes you happy, I guess I can't say no. But don't expect me to help when this blows up in your face."

Aoi smirked. "It won't. I've got it all under control."

---

[Scene: School – The Next Morning]

Ryo met Aoi by the lockers, his face full of dread. "We're doomed."

Aoi raised an eyebrow. "What happened?"

"My parents want to have a proper discussion this weekend."

Aoi blinked. "So?"

"So?! That means we actually have to act like a couple!"

Aoi shrugged. "Yeah, obviously."

Ryo groaned. "What if they ask us stuff like how we fell in love? What if they make us hold hands? What if—"

Aoi rolled her eyes. "Relax. Just follow my lead, and everything will be fine."

Ryo sighed. "You say that, but I have a really bad feeling about this."

Aoi grinned mischievously. "Come on, what's the worst that could happen?"