Chapter Text
"Ryuko-chan, let's get married!"
Four words, that's all it took. These four words dimmed the lights, silenced all noise, and nearly stopped my breath. I never thought she'd ask me, at least not now. She's squeezing my hands, with eyes wide and starry, waiting for my response. Her whole family is holding back cheers. And I'm trembling.
It's not that I don't want to marry her. I love Mako, I really do. We've been together through thick and thin, for almost eight years. She stayed by me at my lowest, helping me through every obstacle I've faced. I can't imagine what I would have become without her.
So I say "Sure."
I'm smothered with kisses, hugs, and tears. Mako jumps up on me, Mataro punches me in the arm, Sukuyo grabs me around the waist, and Barazou picks us all up in one big hug.
"We'll be one big happy family!" Mako sniffs and kisses my nose.
"Yeah... I kinda thought we already were..."
The whole family bursts into tears and nearly squishes me. I've never felt more loved.
Or more scared.
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I can't sleep. I've been sitting at the kitchen table for about three hours. Mako sleeps too soundly to notice when I get up.
Part of me can't believe it. It feels like only yesterday we met at Honnouji. We just went on our first date. Time has flown since we started renting this apartment. But it feels like an eternity ago that she asked me to marry her.
I didn't think anything was off at dinner. I mean, we eat at her parents' house all the time, it's not a big deal. They didn't act differently. Mako seemed nervous, but I just thought she had to pee or something. She was fidgeting, it made sense at the time.
I pour myself some milk and sit back down at the table. All these years... I should've expected this to happen eventually. She's so sweet and loving, how could I say no? But at the same time, do I really want this?
I promised myself I'd never wear a wedding dress again.
But I also promised Mako I'll be with her forever.
I brush my hair out of my face and look out the window. The stars are barely peeking through the city lights, but they're still shining.
Can you see me?
I know I can't rely on you anymore.
Can you at least hear me?
You'd know what to do.