"i....i....i...." I want to answer him, I want to say I love him too but for some reason no words could come out off my mouth. "i...." I tried one last time but I still can't. My inability to relay my feelings made me look down in disappointment
Why?
Why can't I say those words?
What will I do if I don't tell him my answer?
What if he thinks that I don't like him?
w
While I was mulling over my inability to tell my feelings I suddenly heard Ryuuji chuckle.
"It's alright cat" suddenly, warmth envelops me as Ryuuji hugged me closer to him "I understand. I perfectly get it loud and clear" when I heard his soft comforting voice tinge with happiness, I reciprocated his hug.
"ng!"
While the fireworks and live band is creating noise outside our hearts are creating music inside. I listen to Ryuuji's heartbeat that is so attuned to mine and it feels like miracle.
"Cat" Ryuuji slowly losen his hug and face me. When our foreheads touch I can't help but close my eyes. "Cat I want to kiss you" I tighten my hold on his shirt when I heard him.
Opening my eyes I saw his green eyes locked into mine. The fireworks outside seems to make his eyes sparkle "is it okay?"
"don't ask m—mph!" my eyes open wide when his warm lips met mine. The fireworks behind his back made everything seems so surreal that my head just blanked out while my heartbeat seems to triple in speed.
"Do you still want to join them?" Ryuuji asked close to my ears making me blush, my ears tingling from the touch of his hot breath.
Ryuuji and I are seated on the large sofa overlooking outside where the event is currenlt on going. Arms around my waist he put his chin on top of my head as we watch night star, the party still going strong below.
Ryuuji's sudden actions took me by surprise yet for some unknown reason his moves feel more natural and at the same time, familiar. His actions are sweeter and warmer, that although it makes me feel awkward at first I find myself gradually welcoming his gestures. His awkwardly natural yet familiar gestures, just thinking about it puts an immediate smile on my lips
"you're fast" I grumbled
"hmm?"
"aren't you supposed to be the cold type, you almost had me fooled but look at this" I raise my hand that he had in his "and this" I look up to him to point out our position but he just give my forehead a peck "and that!"
"oh? But I was never cold with you Cat" I puff air, I really can't refute him because indeed what he said was true, he was cold to others and even though I thought he was cold to me he continues to prove otherwise.
"why me?" I suddenly asked "I can't remember doing anything that could've caught your attention"
"why not you?"
"Ryuuji!" he just chuckled
"I don't know, I was interested in you since our first chat, then when I saw you my interest grew into fascination and I just woke up one day and realize that I've already fallen for you. Don't ask why and how because even I don't know the reasons. All I know is that I love your cat eyes, I love your curly hair, the way you get back at me by cooking my most hated foods, the way you run away from me, everything...I just love everything about you." my face feels hot all over and it will not be an exaggeration to state that because of Ryuuji's words, I could be emitting smoke due to its effect. "then cat wha—"
"let's go home!" I immediately let go of his hand and stood. I had a feeling that if we stay here any longer I will be having a heart attack!
I could feel Ryuuji's amused gaze behind my back but I just pretend not to notice it as I went and grab my bag.
"then I'll escort you home"
"eh??" I look at him in surprised. Suddenly, my father's glaring image came into mind moreover in my image he was holding his katana!! "w-wait"
"let's go" Ryuuji hold my hand pulled me closer to him, then father came to my head again I might be overthinking things, right?
Not!!!!
"Gram get me my katana I will hack this brat to death!!! I just hate that smile on his face!!! and you! why are you holding my daughter's hand? who told you to hold her hand ha? Do you want me to chop your hand?"
Father immediately showed up when the car stopped right in front of our house. So when Ryuuji came and open the door for me and helped me from getting out of the car father just flared up. "I'm going to skin you!!!!"
"good evening uncle" Ryuuji just ignored my father's outburst and politely greeted him
"good? Hahaha yes it's a good evening to slaughter you" I face slapped when I saw father turning dark in front of him. Then suddenly out of nowhere a slim and elegant hand coils on my father's neck
"Jirou" mother's soothing voice came behind him "what are you doing going ballistic in the middle of the night hmm?" hearing mother's calm and soothing voice made me tremble in fear.
"Catalina" father with fear in his eyes look at mother who stood beside him. "I thought you were calling father" gone was father's intimidating and dark aura, in front of us, is a man who is totally afraid of his wife.
"Oh, I was talking with father but you were so loud that I had to cut our conversation short" mother take her hand off father's neck and turn to us. "Hello you two, you were a bit early I though there's still a party after the closing ceremony" mother's gaze lower down and settled on our clasped hands. She then look at us with a raised brow
"Good evening auntie"
"Good evening to you too Ryuuji, I believe there is something you want to tell us"
"Yes auntie"
"Then why don't we go inside and have some tea" while father and mother walk inside I remain standing in place.
"Hey, are you okay" I shake my head
"I suddenly feel nervous"
"Shouldn't I be the one feeling that cat, since I'm formally meeting your parents" I bit my lips, well even though were engaged, were still not considered in a relationship back then but now...
"Everything will be fine" I look at him when I felt his grip "We can take things slowly" when I saw Ryuuji's smile I nodded, finally feeling calm and at ease "Seriously cat, if you're like this when we're meeting your parents what more when you're going to meet mine" I look at him in worry when his words sink in.
"Ryuuji" he smiled and ushered me inside like it's his own home and not mine.
"Now you two I believe there's something you want to tell us"
"Auntie, uncle I want to ask your blessing to date Ca—"
"Rejected!" father immediately replied
"Catherine?" mother turn to my direction
"Mother i...." I just lowered my head
"Are the two of you going out?"
"Yes auntie" I nodded in time with Ryuuji's answer.
"Lies! My daughter looks like she's being forced. C'mon Catherine show us your face and reveal his lies" I want to keep my head bowed so as not to reveal my deep blush but with father's words, I really had no choice.
Looking up, I set my eyes to my parents and I reach for Ryuuji's hand "Father, mother, we're going out"
"I assure you auntie, uncle that I'm dating your daughter with the intention of marriage" poof! I could practically hear the sound of explosion when I heard Ryuuji's words which prompt me to bow my head in embarrassment and too much blush
"Oh dear" mother said with a smile while father is gnashing his teeth
"About my father...." Mother tried to persuade Ryuuji to stay for dinner but he had prior engagement with his family so after their talk he already send his goodbyes to my parents.
"I understand him, he's just being protective of you"
"Thank you" father might be harsh with his words but I know that he just doesn't want me to be in a relationship this early and he wants to protect me. So even though I'm going out with Ryuuji I don't want to give father more reasons to feel worried about me hence we all agreed that Ryuuji and I won't go anywhere without my bodyguards.
"I'm actually thankful to uncle and auntie's protection because if not for them I wouldn't meet you"
"Yes, it's thanks to them that I am who I am today" I might've been reincarnated as Catherine and I might have my old personality as Camille, but the me of today is all thanks to my new family and I'll be forever grateful to them. "Ngh...what gives?" with my left eyes closed I look at Ryuuji when he suddenly ruffled my hair
"Nothing you suddenly look adorable" I pouted at his words.
"Then I'll be leaving"
"En" he stopped ruffling my head and is about to turn back when I remembered something "Ryuuji!"
"Ye—" I saw his eyes widen in surprise when I took hold of his neck tie to pull him closer. Taking advantage of the situation I gave him a peck on the lips and whispered "I love you" when I let go of him he was just standing there looking at me in daze
"good night Ryuuji" I waved at him before playfully walking inside, my heart is pounding so fast and hard because of my confession but I am smiling from ear to ear. Finally, I managed to let out the words that could really describe what I am feeling. Three words, they seem pretty easy to say but it could be quite difficult to tell them to the ones you love.
"Wait Cat!" I heard Ryuuji behind me "I didn't hear that, can you say it clearer?" I faced Ryuuji with a smile while standing inside
"Goodbye Ryuuji, see you tomorrow" I said cheekily
"Cat, that was unfair" I let out my tongue before closing the door
(a/n: okay it ends here. I'll be editing it afterwards *if I got the time hehe*. For those who were asking for an ending for the other characters, there won't be an ending for them for a while. Don't worry you can still read Ryuuji and Catherine on Fujoshi charge. Yes I am shamelessly advertising the next installment of I REINCARNATED Book 2: which is about Rin. Everyone thank you for having the patience to read this full of grammar hole story)