The Red String Between Us: Part III Eternal Thread

第15章 Love's Question

Kenji 

      The salty Pacific breeze drifted through the open windows of Claire's beach house, carrying the soft hum of waves and seagulls. I leaned casually against the railing, scanning the courtyard, the ocean glinting behind the manicured gardens. Today felt surreal—a rare moment where both of our worlds would collide.

Claire's parents were moving gracefully among the small crowd of relatives, offering drinks and laughter. Eden's brother, Ethan, stood near the kitchen doorway, crisp Navy posture and sharp eyes scanning the scene. I spotted  my family already mingling: my parents chatting quietly near the living room, my younger siblings laughing over an inside joke, and Mia, and my sister Ayria, adjusting a tray of refreshments with their usual effortless charm.

Claire's mom approached first, her warm smile immediately easing some of the tension in my chest. "Kenji, it's wonderful to finally meet you," she said. "We've been hearing a lot about you."

"Thank you, ma'am," I replied with a bow, making sure my tone conveyed both respect and sincerity. Her father, tall and steady, stepped up next. "We're glad to have you here. Claire's been excited for this visit."

"I appreciate that, sir," I said, shaking his hand firmly.

Ethan stepped forward, his gaze sharp and assessing, his Navy-trained posture radiating both authority and careful caution. I extended my hand, keeping my expression calm. "Kenji. It's good to meet you."

He shook my hand firmly, but instead of immediately letting go, he held my gaze. "Kenji... I need to know something," he said, his voice steady, measured. "Why Eden? What is it about my sister that makes you think, She's the one? —because she deserves more than words."

I met his eyes without hesitation. "Because she's real," I said simply. "She's smart, she's strong, and she sees the world in ways I don't. Being with her doesn't feel like a status or an advantage—it feels like she's part of my life in a way I can't imagine living without. I care about her more than I can put into words."

Ethan studied me for a long beat, the weight of his scrutiny pressing but fair. Then, slowly, he released my hand, his stern expression softening into a nod. "Eden comes from a world of protection. She's got me, our dad, and a lot of family back home in Chicago. I know with your lifestyle you can continue that protection but she's going to need more than just hired teams, she's going to need you." Ethan said. "I can assure you, she will get that." Kenji Replied, reaching out to shack Ethan's hand again. He hesitated but shock Kenji's hand eventually saying "Alright, I trust you man, If she's crazy about you, like I've heard, I've got no choice but to trust you" Ethan Replied. 

Relief and gratitude surged through me, but more than that, a quiet sense of responsibility settled in my chest. Ethan's approval wasn't just permission—it was a promise I intended to honor.

Ethan smiled faintly and stepped back, letting the introductions flow naturally. My parents were busy exchanging pleasantries with Claire's, while Mia slipped past me to help serve drinks to some of the guests, her sharp eyes taking in every detail as always. My younger siblings joked and laughed, immediately engaging with Claire's family, and I watched it all, feeling a rare, quiet pride.

Claire herself appeared in the courtyard, her easy presence smoothing the edges of the small chaos. I could see Eden approaching soon, the sunlight catching her hair, her smile already forming as she spotted me. I straightened slightly, taking a calming breath.

This moment felt like more than just a casual visit—it was a merging of worlds, families, and futures. Ethan's approval echoed in my mind, a quiet reassurance that I had earned the trust of someone who mattered to Eden. My parents gave subtle nods of approval to the arrangements, and Mia offered me a small, conspiratorial smile, a silent "you got this" before stepping back into her tasks.

And then I saw Eden. She was walking toward me, radiant in the morning sun, the breeze teasing strands of hair around her face. My hand instinctively went out, and as she took it, the nerves and anticipation of the morning melted into something steady and certain.

Ethan gave me one last approving glance. Claire's parents beamed. My own family mirrored the same warmth. And as Eden reached me, I reminded myself silently: this was the moment where the past and future intersected—and I had every intention of making it right.