CHAPTER TWENTY NINE:
(Flashback FR: Chp 27)
The evening of the graduation ceremony found Kyojuro in a state of frantic search.
His heart raced as he scoured the area, his gaze scanning the crowd in the hopes of catching a glimpse of the one person he had fallen deeply in love with-(Y/N).
Clutching the small box in his hand, his intention to give her a special gift added an element of urgency to his quest.
Despite the bustling atmosphere of the ceremony, Kyojuro's focus remained unwavering as he continued his determined search.
His determination to find (Y/N) was palpable, his steps purposeful as he navigated through the crowd, eyes searching for that familiar face.
'Where is she? It's their graduation party- Don't tell me they left early or something.'
However, amidst his efforts, a moment of comedic realization dawned upon him.
A memory flashed through his mind-an encounter with Mitsuri, the elder sister of the very person he was seeking.
A wry smile touched his lips as he chuckled to himself.
The thought that he could have simply asked Mitsuri for (Y/N)'s whereabouts struck him as both amusing and slightly embarrassing.
'I literally passed by Mitsuri earlier. Why didn't I think of asking her? Being in love makes me delulu.'
Amidst the lively atmosphere of the graduation ceremony, Kyojuro's determined steps led him to where Mitsuri was dancing with effortless grace.
Her movements were captivating, a testament to her vibrant spirit that seemed to radiate joy and energy.
Obanai's watchful gaze was a stark contrast to Mitsuri's carefree dancing, his vigilance reminiscent of a protective hawk.
Upon noticing Kyojuro's approach, he nudged Mitsuri gently, a silent signal that someone was seeking her attention.
Mitsuri's gaze shifted, her smile never faltering as she turned to face Kyojuro.
His presence seemed to be a welcomed interruption to her dance, and her greeting was warm and genuine.
"Kyojuro! How lovely to see you here again." she exclaimed, her words carrying a sense of familiarity and warmth.
"Hiya, Mitsuri." Returning her greeting, Kyojuro's tone was equally friendly as he exchanged pleasantries.
However, the reason for his inquiry lay just beneath the surface. With a mix of curiosity and hope, he then asked, "By any chance, have you seen (Y/N) anywhere?"
Mitsuri's response was given in the midst of her continued dancing, her cheerful demeanor remaining intact.
"Ah, (Y/N) and her friends actually left early to celebrate," she explained, her words carrying a sense of understanding. "I believe they're probably at home by now."
Kyojuro's demeanor held a tinge of sadness, his hopes of finding (Y/N) dashed for the moment.
Despite this, he remained courteous and grateful as he thanked Mitsuri for the information.
Nodding to both her and Obanai, he excused himself from their presence, seeking a moment of solitude.
Settling into an empty seat, Kyojuro's gaze wandered across the scene of celebration.
The joy of the graduates and faculty members unfolded before him, a vibrant tableau of shared experiences and bonds forged over time.
Lost in his thoughts, Kyojuro's reverie was interrupted by a playful and unexpected intrusion.
Tengen, ever the extravagant and charismatic figure, covered Kyojuro's eyes with a sense of mischievousness.
"Guess who's behind you," Tengen's voice teased, his tone playful as he engaged in the game.
Kyojuro's chuckle resonated with recognition, his response hinting at the unique traits that set Tengen apart.
"I know it's you, Tengen," he remarked, his words carrying a mixture of amusement. "No one else I know wears extravagant and textured rings quite like you do."
Tengen's melodious laughter danced through the air as he uncovered Kyojuro's eyes, his words carrying a light-hearted undertone.
"You know me so well, boo~" he remarked, his vibrant personality shining through.
Settling onto the seat beside Kyojuro, Tengen's eyes took on a mischievous gleam as he stared at his friend with an intensity that bordered on the dramatic.
A playful grin curved his lips, his actions reminiscent of a hawk fixating its gaze on its target.
The tension of the moment began to weave a comedic thread, as Kyojuro's growing unease was juxtaposed against Tengen's deliberate theatrics.
As the silence stretched, Kyojuro's nerves finally got the better of him, and he couldn't resist voicing his curiosity.
"What do you want?" he inquired, a mixture of resignation and amusement lacing his words.
Tengen's perceptive gaze held a knowing glint as he addressed Kyojuro, his words weaving a tapestry of familiarity and understanding.
"I know that look, my friend," Tengen began, his tone both playful and observant.
Kyojuro's brows furrowed, a mixture of confusion and curiosity etching his features. "What look?" he questioned, his tone betraying his uncertainty.
Tengen's grin widened, a playful challenge in his eyes as he continued.
"The look in your eyes-it's unmistakable," he declared, his voice holding a touch of assurance. Kyojuro's expression remained puzzled, prompting Tengen to offer a pointed explanation.
"You're thinking about (Y/N) again, aren't you?"
"I-I... What-No! Well, Maybe-"
Kyojuro's attempt at feigning ignorance was met with a knowing chuckle from Tengen.
"Oh, come now, Kyojuro. You can't deceive me with that longing expression," Tengen teased, his tone light and amused.
And then, Tengen's observation veered towards something more specific. "I saw the small box in your hand earlier. I know what you're up to." he added, his voice holding a tinge of mischief.
Caught off guard by Tengen's perceptiveness, Kyojuro's cheeks tinged with a light blush.
His curiosity piqued, he questioned Tengen further. "What do you think I'm going to do?" he asked, a mixture of interest and hesitance in his voice.
Tengen's response was swift and laced with his trademark charm. "You're totally going to propose right now-Oh my goodness," he stated matter-of-factly, his words carrying a touch of dramatic flair.
Kyojuro's blush deepened, and he was quick to deny the claim, his voice tinged with embarrassment. "W-What the hell- Why is everyone thinking about marriage, dear jebesus." he protested, attempting to downplay the notion.
Tengen's dramatic wail echoed through the air, carrying a hint of theatrics that defined his personality.
"It's too early for you to be getting married, Kyojuro!" he lamented, his words punctuated with an exaggerated tone.
He continued his playful performance, complete with comedic flair, expressing his aversion to the idea of becoming an uncle anytime soon.
Kyojuro responded with a playful punch to Tengen's arm, a display of camaraderie that showcased their comfortable rapport.
"Relax, Tengen. I'm not getting married," he reassured, his voice carrying a light-hearted undertone that matched Tengen's theatrics.
However, their moment was interrupted by a new voice that entered the scene, drawing their attention.
The unexpected voice belonged to Vivian, who posed a simple question that instantly surprised Kyojuro and shifted the dynamic of their conversation.
"Who's getting married?" Vivian inquired, her tone curious and innocently unaware of the context that had been unfolding between Kyojuro and Tengen.
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