Romance Fan Fiction / Original Stories Fan Fiction ❯ High Fever ❯ Volume Three, Chapter Ten: Christmas Love ( Chapter 10 )

Christmas Love

Yumi wasn't going to give up. She proposed to Toshiki. Now to get him to say yes. So far, the evening hadn't gone how she wanted. But it was still Christmas. She had time to make it work.

“Take me to dinner,” Yumi said.

“Um… okay…” Toshiki said. She cuddled up next to him. She smiled to herself. Why him? Why him indeed? Still, she had to have him.

“I don't understand,” Toshiki said.

“Understand what?” Yumi asked.

“Why do you like me so much?” the veteran asked. Yumi shrugged.

“I don't know,” she said. She sounded so serious. Toshiki frowned. Still, why doesn't he just walk away? Nothing was keeping him there. He could just leave. But, no. Toshiki stayed. He couldn't figure out why.

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Fast forward to dinnertime. Toshiki had on a nice suit. It felt weird to be wearing this. He borrowed it from Poppa. Momma fixed his tie.

“You look great,” she said. Toshiki nervously laughed.

“Thanks,” he said. Momma was okay with this. How?

Dinner was awkward for him. Yumi sat across from him, smiling.

“How was work?” she asked.

“Good,” he said. “It's pretty good.” She had her eyes locked on him. She looked like she was waiting.

“What?” he asked. Yumi giggled. She's trying not to push him. The answer has to come naturally.

“Look, you're just a kid,” Toshiki said. Yumi still eyed him.

“Don't you want someone your age?” he asked. No answer. He sighed and dropped his shoulders. Nothing he says gets to her. She really wants to marry him. Still, there was something about her. Why did he think about her? Such a thing couldn't be real. Could it?

“Hey, Yumi,” Toshiki said.

“Hm?” she asked. The veteran shifted in his seat.

“Do you believe in reincarnation?” he asked.

“Reincarnation?” she asked.

“Yeah,” Toshiki said. Yumi thought about that for a moment.

“I don't know. I've never thought about that,” she said. “Why?” Toshiki didn't know how to proceed. He shrugged and reached for his glass. Yumi still stared at him. A waiter walked up to the table.

“Are you ready to order?” he asked. Yumi looked up, smiling. She placed her order. Toshiki did the same thing. The waiter wrote down their orders.

“Okay,” he said. “I'll be right back.” Yumi turned back to her date.

“So,” she said.

“So?” Toshiki asked. There was a pause. The girl held up her hands. She grinned as she waited. Toshiki had an awkward look on his face.

“Why?” he asked.

“Why what?” Yumi asked.

“Why do you want to marry me?” Toshiki asked. “You barely know me and you're too young.” She smiled. Part of him wanted to tell her to stop smiling. What was with her? He couldn't figure it out.

“Does there have to be an answer?” she asked.

“Yes!” Toshiki insisted.

“Fine,” the girl said. She shrugged.

“Fine,” she said. “I don't really know.” The man frowned.

“But that doesn't make sense!” he said.

“I know,” Yumi said. The waiter came back with their food. She picked up her chopsticks and started eating. Toshiki did likewise confused. Still, he doesn't walk away. Something wouldn't let him.

“Can I at least think about my answer?” Toshiki asked.

“Uh-huh,” Yumi said. She popped more sushi in her mouth. They didn't talk during dinner anymore.

Awkward Love