Chapter 36 A Thorn Among Promises

Five years after Tsukiko left for Scotland, she was finally home. 

The moment she stepped off the plane, she saw Kai standing in the crowd, holding a bouquet of her favorite flowers. His heart leaped the second he spotted her, and when their eyes met, the distance between them vanished.

Tsukiko's smile lit up her face, and when she reached him, Kai wasted no time pulling her into a tight embrace. "I missed you," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion.

"I missed you too," Tsukiko replied, squeezing him back, feeling a profound sense of peace. Being with him again felt like home, like the place she had always been meant to return to.

The next few months were a whirlwind of adjustment, but to their surprise, it was effortless. The four years apart had only strengthened their bond. Every conversation, every shared laugh, and every quiet moment felt richer, like they had gained a deeper appreciation for each other. They spoke of the years they had missed. 

Kai telling her about the moments that had passed at home, and Tsukiko sharing her experiences in the lab, the challenges she had faced, and the dreams she had brought to life. Through it all, they rediscovered how perfectly they fit into each other's lives.

It was Tsukiko's birthday.

Kai had something truly special planned. The evening began with a playful mystery, as he blindfolded Tsukiko before guiding her through his house. She laughed, a mix of confusion and curiosity in her voice as she tried to take careful steps, unsure of where Kai was leading her.

"What are you preparing, Kai? You're making me have high hopes here," she teased, a soft smile playing on her lips.

Kai chuckled softly, his hand warm on her arm. "Something special. Hang tight, my princess." His voice was low and filled with affection, and Tsukiko could feel her heart flutter a little at the sweetness of his words.

As he guided her toward the balcony, he purposely made her steps difficult, adding a playful challenge to the moment. "Hey, walk me properly," she said, trying to regain her balance as her foot hit a small obstacle.

"Oops, sorry," Kai said, his voice teasing. "I'm doing my best, princess."

"Are you trying to sell me off?" Tsukiko said with a laugh, feeling Kai's playful tug on her arm.

"Oops," Kai pretended to speak into a walkie-talkie. "Mission abort, mission abort." His tone was ridiculously serious, which only made Tsukiko laugh harder.

She smacked his head lightly, still giggling. "You're impossible."

Kai gasped, pretending to be wounded. "Huh? You can smack me like that?" He gave her a mischievous grin. "You're a wild one."

After what felt like an eternity of playful banter, they finally reached the balcony. Kai gently removed the blindfold, his voice filled with excitement. "Surprise!"

Tsukiko blinked, taking in the sight. She looked around... but there was nothing there. Just Kai, standing with a proud grin on his face. "Umm…" Tsukiko's confusion was clear, her brow furrowed in surprise. "What's this?"

Kai pouted slightly, a playful glint in his eyes. "Why don't you look happy? I'm your most special gift, right?"

Tsukiko's smile slowly spread, realizing what he meant. "Ohhh…"

Kai, feigning disappointment, turned as if to walk away. "Wahhh, I thought you said I was enough for you... I guess I'm not then. Wahhh…"

Tsukiko quickly caught up with him, laughing as she wrapped her arms around his waist from behind, pulling him close. "Hahaha nooo, don't take back my present!"

Kai grinned, but he teased her in return. "Nope, too late now…"

Tsukiko's voice softened, sweet and pleading. "Please... darling?"

Kai's heart skipped a beat at the word. He stopped, his body tensing slightly as he turned his head toward her. "What did you say?"

Tsukiko's voice was light, but there was something in her tone that made Kai feel like everything had shifted. "Darling…"

He took a breath, his lips curling into a grin. "Once more."

Tsukiko hesitated, but the warmth between them was undeniable. She whispered it again, "Darl—" Just as she was about to finish, Kai turned around swiftly, his hand reaching to gently grip her head, pulling her in to kiss her.

The kiss was sudden, a spark of raw emotion between them. Tsukiko's heart raced, and she found herself caught off guard by the intensity. It was their first kiss. The moment was so much more than she had ever imagined.

But then, she started to feel breathless, her chest tightening. With a tiny hand, she tried to stop him, her voice almost a whisper. "K–Kai… "

Kai pulled back, his eyes darkened with something that resembled hunger. He noticed Tsukiko's flushed face, and he immediately regretted his impulsiveness. His breath came in sharp, shaky bursts.

"I'm sorry," he said softly, his voice filled with remorse.

Tsukiko, still flustered, nodded. "It's… it's okay."

They stood in silence for a moment, both of them unsure of what to say next, avoiding each other's gaze. Finally, Tsukiko cleared her throat. "I'm thirsty," she said, eager for a distraction, and she turned away to look for something to drink.

But as she stepped forward, her eyes widened in shock. The floor was covered in rose petals, and there, in the middle of it all, was a cake. A small, elegant box sat on the table, and as she got closer, she saw… a ring. 

A sparkling diamond ring. 

Her breath hitched in surprise.

She turned back to Kai, "Kai…" her eyes full of question and wonder. "… what is this?"

Kai met her gaze, his face softening into a smile that could only belong to a man deeply in love. "Tsukiko Takamura" His voice was sincere and warm as he spoke, "Will you marry me?"