Chapter 39
The car glided smoothly through the moonlit streets, the interior cabin filled with a soft hum of classical music, the gentle notes weaving a soothing melody that seemed to match the rhythm of their hearts.
As they reached Kokoro’s residence, the luxurious vehicle gradually slowed to a stop, the silence that followed a stark contrast to the music that had filled the air moments before.
Mika, still hugging her beloved Koro-chan plushie and blubby, turned toward Kokoro with a smug yet satisfied smile curving her lips, her eyes sparkling with a quiet contentment that spoke volumes about the evening they had shared.
"Tonight was perfect," she said, then giggled mischievously. "Maybe I should start preparing our marriage certificate already?"
Kokoro’s eyes widened slightly, his expression a mix of surprise and exasperation. "P-Please don’t say that so easily," he stammered, scratching his cheek and avoiding her teasing gaze. "At least... wait until we’re of the right age, then maybe we can start thinking about it."
Mika winked, stepping out of the car with grace, her silhouette bathed under the streetlight. "I’ll hold you to that," she called back before the car drove off, leaving a flustered Kokoro standing at the front steps of his home.
Upon entering, he was immediately swarmed.
"Big bro! Did you kiss her?! Did you hold hands?! How come you skiped the friendship process?!" Yui blurted, her eyes sparkling with curiosity and a mischievous grin plastered across her face.
His mother, Katsuragi Eniko, emerged from the living room with a knowing smile, arms crossed and one brow arched. "So, how was the date?"
Even his normally elusive father, freshly returned from work for over a month, peeked out from the study. "She must be something special to get you home this late."
And from the kitchen, his uncle—Eniko’s younger brother—chimed in while munching on chips, "When’s the wedding? I need to prep a toast."