Chapter 5 The Proposal

The tea house buzzed softly with life, the gentle clink of teacups and murmured conversations creating a serene ambiance. Emily stood behind the counter, meticulously arranging a tray of wagashi for a waiting customer. Her movements were precise, almost meditative, but her thoughts were anything but calm.

She glanced toward the corner table, where Kaito was seated, his dark hair catching the golden afternoon light. His usual confident posture seemed slightly more rigid today, his attention fixed on his laptop screen.

Emily sighed, turning back to her work. For days, they had been working together to build a case for the tea house's preservation. Despite their awkward partnership, she had to admit Kaito was more invested than she'd expected.

"Emily," Kaito's voice interrupted her thoughts.

She looked up to see him standing by the counter, his sharp black suit a stark contrast to the cozy, traditional setting.

"I need to talk to you," he said, his tone unusually serious.

Emily frowned, wiping her hands on her apron. "What is it?"

Kaito hesitated, his gaze flickering to the other customers before he gestured toward the back room. "In private."

Her heart skipped a beat as she followed him into the quiet space behind the kitchen. Once they were alone, Kaito turned to face her, his expression unreadable.

"I spoke to my father this morning," he began.

Emily's stomach twisted. "And?"

"He's still determined to proceed with the modernization project," Kaito said, his voice tight. "But I made a counterproposal."

Emily's eyes widened. "You what?"

"I suggested that instead of overhauling the tea house, we focus on enhancing its existing strengths," Kaito explained. "Preserve the traditional elements while introducing subtle improvements—things that would attract more visitors without compromising its character."

Emily blinked, stunned. "You really did that?"

Kaito nodded, his jaw tense. "It wasn't easy. My father's not the type to change his mind, but he agreed to consider the idea—on one condition."

Her chest tightened. "What condition?"

"He wants to see proof," Kaito said. "Proof that the tea house can succeed on its own terms, without needing a complete overhaul."

Emily let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding. "And how are we supposed to do that?"

Kaito's lips curved into a faint smile. "By hosting a special event—a showcase of the tea house's history, culture, and, of course, your wagashi. If we can draw enough interest and impress him, he might agree to leave this place as it is."

Emily's mind raced. The idea was daunting, but it also sparked a flicker of hope. "When?"

"Next weekend," Kaito said.

Her eyes widened. "That's barely any time to prepare!"

"I know," he said, his voice calm but firm. "But it's our best chance. Will you do it?"

Emily hesitated, the weight of the decision pressing down on her. She looked into Kaito's eyes and saw something she hadn't expected: sincerity, and maybe even a hint of vulnerability.

Finally, she nodded. "Okay. Let's do it."

---

The following days were a whirlwind of activity. Emily worked tirelessly in the kitchen, experimenting with new recipes that would showcase the artistry of wagashi. Kaito, meanwhile, used his connections to secure sponsorships and spread word about the event.

Despite their different approaches, they began to rely on each other more than either of them had anticipated.

One evening, as they sat at a cluttered table in the tea house, reviewing the event schedule, Emily glanced at Kaito. He looked exhausted, his tie loosened and his sleeves rolled up, but there was a spark of determination in his dark eyes.

"You're really putting a lot into this," she said softly.

Kaito glanced at her, his expression softening. "I told you I'd help. And I don't go back on my word."

Emily felt her heart flutter, and she quickly looked away. "Well, let's hope it's enough."

"It will be," Kaito said, his voice steady. "We'll make it work."

As they returned to their work, Emily couldn't help but feel a growing sense of connection with the man she had once considered her rival. And for the first time, she began to wonder if this fragile alliance might lead to something more.