Proposal

Time passed quickly, and the day of Emi's graduation finally arrived. The weather was clear, and the ceremony hall was filled with laughter, applause, and the proud faces of families watching their children complete one chapter and step into the next. Emi stood tall in her gown and cap, her graduation certificate in hand, eyes shining as she scanned the crowd. She found Ren standing among the attendees, dressed in a sharp suit that made him stand out despite his effort to remain discreet. Beside him were Daiki and Sora, the two smiling proudly as they waved at her, and Emi couldn't help but smile back with warmth filling her chest.

After the ceremony, the four of them gathered just outside the campus, where students and their families mingled, took photos, and shared in each other's joy. Ren walked up to her first, placed his hand gently on her head, and said with a rare, gentle grin, "You did it. Congratulations."

"Thank you," Emi replied, her voice soft as she gazed up at him, the overwhelming emotions of the day making her eyes misty.

Daiki came next, giving Emi a cheerful thumbs-up. "Looks like someone's officially a grown-up now," he said with a teasing tone.

"Not like you ever acted grown-up," Sora added, nudging Daiki. He gave her a mock-offended look and pulled her closer by the waist. Sora adjusted Daiki's collar when it was slightly off and blushed when he kissed her on the temple in front of everyone. Emi saw it and smiled.

That evening, the celebration moved to the Kazama Residence, where Granny Chiyo had prepared a special dinner to mark the occasion. The table was filled with dishes, laughter, and the soft clinking of glasses. Emi's father was present, seated quietly and occasionally offering a few sincere words. He raised his glass and congratulated Emi.

As the dinner progressed, Ren stood from his seat at the head of the table, cleared his throat gently, and gained everyone's attention. Emi, seated beside him, turned to look at him curiously.

"I have something I want to say," Ren began, his voice steady as he looked directly at Emi. "Years ago, I didn't believe someone like you could exist in my life. And yet, you appeared. Your presence saved me more than once, even before you realized it. I had lived in a world where pain, betrayal, and violence were common, but when you came in, everything changed. You reminded me what it felt like to be human again."

He paused and turned slightly, reaching into the inside pocket of his suit. As soon as the velvet box came into view, Emi's breath caught.

"I don't want to just protect you from the sidelines anymore. I want to live beside you, every day, through whatever comes. I want you as my wife, not just in spirit, not just in the eyes of those around us, but officially, fully, completely." Ren slowly opened the box to reveal a ring that glinted under the lights. "Emi Fujimoto, will you marry me and become Mrs Kazama?"

Emi's hand flew to her mouth, and her eyes welled up instantly. She nodded quickly, unable to speak through the tears, then managed to whisper, "Yes, yes, of course I will."

Ren slipped the ring onto her finger gently and stood, only for Emi to leap into his arms without thinking, holding him tightly as her tears continued to fall. The room filled with cheers and applause. Granny Chiyo wiped her eyes discreetly. Sora clapped with a wide smile, and Daiki let out a satisfied whistle.

The rest of the night continued with laughter, toasts, and joy that lingered long after the food was gone. It was a new chapter, not just for Emi, but for the life she and Ren would now build together.

*****

Ren was unusually cheerful that night, his mood lifted by the celebration and the joy of finally making Emi his fiancée. He drank more than usual, his laughter louder, his gaze softer every time it landed on her. After the gathering ended and their guests had left, Emi helped him back to his bedroom. His steps were slightly unsteady, but the smile on his face hadn't faded.

"Do you want to have a quick wash up?" Emi asked gently as she guided him into the room. His shirt was slightly wrinkled and still the same one he had worn since morning.

Ren didn't answer immediately. Instead, he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close, holding her tightly against him. "I'm really very happy," he murmured. "I've waited so long to propose to you."

Emi smiled and reached up to hold his face in her hands. "I can't wait to be Mrs. Kazama officially," she said softly, her eyes never leaving his.

Ren kissed her then, a firm and affectionate kiss that made her heart race. "I'll use my life and power to protect you," he said against her lips.

"Let's wash up together," Ren said suddenly with a grin, lifting her into his arms before she could react.

"Ren!" Emi's face turned red as her arms quickly wrapped around his shoulders. "You're drunk."

"Only a little," he said. "But I'm not too drunk to carry my future wife."

Ren brought Emi to the bathroom.

Ren reached for the hem of Emi's shirt, his dark eyes locked onto hers. When she nodded, he pulled the fabric over her head, letting it fall to the floor. His hands traced her collarbones, down her shoulders.

Emi shivered. Ren removed his own clothes quickly, until they were both bare under the dim bathroom light.

He turned on the shower, and water cascaded down, soaking them. Droplets clung to Emi's lashes and lips. Ren cupped her face and kissed her.

His hands moved over her waist, her hips, her spine. Emi arched into his touch, her fingers in his wet hair as his lips trailed down her throat.

She felt the hard press of his arousal against her. A gasp escaped her, her nails lightly digging into his shoulders.

"Ren—" His name was a plea.

He groaned, his hands tightening on her hips. "I want you Emi," he murmured.

Ren lifted Emi against the wall, her legs wrapping around his waist. The tiles were cool against her back as he pressed into her, slow and steady. She gasped, clinging to him as he set a deep, relentless rhythm.

Water poured over them, muffling their ragged breaths and the slick sounds of skin on skin. Emi's fingers tangled in his hair, her body arching with each thrust. Ren buried his face in her neck, his grip tight on her hips as the steam swirled around them.

Emi's thighs locked around Ren as he thrust deeper, his breath scorching her wet skin. She felt the tension in his shoulders, every movement controlled and deliberate.

A moan slipped from her lips when he adjusted his angle, hitting that perfect spot. Ren answered with a rough groan, hands gripping her thighs as his pace turned urgent and desperate.

"Emi." Her name was a command, ragged and low.

She opened her eyes to Ren's dark gaze an instant before he released himself fully inside her. The sudden fullness made her back bow off the tiles, a wave of pleasure crackling through her nerves.