Even if you say, 'I've finally realized how important you are to me,' you and I are already strangers. - 4

Marriage Proposal 2

Unaware of the storm behind Tsubaki’s composed expression, her father spoke with a sense of satisfaction.

“I’ve spent so long searching, evaluating every possibility for my precious only daughter… but finally, I can rest easy. —Takano. You’ve served as Tsubaki’s personal bodyguard for seven years, as promised. Thanks to you, I can see her married off in peace.”

“I am honored by your kind words, sir.”

“Hah! Always so modest. Still, once Tsubaki is married, your burden will be lifted too. I intend to give you a handsome bonus on top of your pay. You’ve earned it—look forward to it.”

Reiji’s response was composed and unshaken, his expression unreadable.

(So in the end, I really never was anything more to him… Even now that I’m an adult, nothing’s changed.)

She had always known this, deep down. Yet the ache in her heart felt just as raw. She felt pathetic for being hurt by something she had already come to terms with.

When she cast her eyes downward, Reiji glanced at her with quiet concern.

“Sir, it seems the young lady isn’t feeling well. I apologize for interrupting such an important conversation, but may I ask your permission to escort her back to her room?”

“What? Tsubaki, are you unwell? I didn’t even notice… Forgive me.”

Her father’s brows lowered in worry, his face clouded with guilt. She wanted to smile and say she was fine—that it was nothing. But the tightness in her chest made words impossible.

“That’s all for now. Go get some rest. Takano, would you take her back to her room? Please stay with her for a while and see how she’s doing. If her condition worsens, call for the doctor immediately.”

“Understood. Now then, my lady—please excuse me for a moment.”

“Huh? —!?”

Reiji stepped forward, bent down smoothly, and without effort, slipped one arm behind her back and the other beneath her knees, lifting her into his arms.

It all happened in an instant.

Startled, Tsubaki looked up at him, only to be met with a soft, tender smile. Her father watched with a calm expression, making no objections. As they exited, a thoughtful servant opened the door, allowing the two of them to step into the hallway together.

“I’m really okay now. You can put me down—I can walk on my own.”

“Oh? That wouldn’t be wise. Just earlier, you looked like you could barely stand.”

“Well, that was—”

She couldn’t bring herself to explain her emotional turmoil, and instead pressed her lips together, swallowing her words. Reiji didn’t press further. Instead, he said gently,

“My lady, if you don’t mind, could you wrap your arms around my neck? It’ll help stabilize you and reduce the jostling as I walk. It should be more comfortable that way.”

“…!”

Her heart skipped at his unexpected suggestion. Her rational mind urged her to decline, but some part of her knew—this might be her only chance to hold him like this. She nodded faintly, hesitantly reaching out.

But the closeness was far more intimate than she had expected.

She fell silent, overwhelmed by the racing of her heart—until a quiet chuckle reached her ears. When she looked up in surprise, her gaze met Reiji’s, who now wore a teasing, boyish smile.

“My apologies. It’s just… the way you held on was so modest, so very ladylike. Could it be that you’re a bit embarrassed?”

“!! P-please don’t tease me!”

“Forgive me. You just looked so adorable, I couldn’t resist a little joke.”

“…But I must be heavy. I’m sorry for being such a bother.”

“Not at all. If anything, I consider this a privilege.”

His smile, so charming it bordered on dangerous, nearly stole her breath away. Blushing furiously, she pressed her face into his chest to hide her flustered expression.

“Um… I have a favor to ask.”

“Anything, my lady.”

“Before we go back to my room… could we stop somewhere first?”

“Where would you like to go?”

“The garden. The cherry blossoms should be in full bloom right now, shouldn’t they? I want to see them one last time… since I probably won’t be here next year.”

“Understood. Let’s change our destination.”

Without hesitation, Reiji agreed to fulfill her quiet wish.