Starlit oath

When they arrived in the hall, Akihiko’s sharp gaze immediately sought out Hiroshi Harada and Emiko Harada. Aiko followed, her chest tight with a mix of curiosity and unease. She couldn’t yet understand why Akihiko was seeking her parents now, but a quiet anticipation fluttered in her chest.

Akihiko inhaled slowly, gathering every ounce of resolve. His gaze softened as he approached her parents, his posture radiating humility and sincerity. Bowing deeply, he spoke:

“Hiroshi Harada, Emiko Harada,” his voice steady yet gentle, “I ask for Aiko’s hand. I love her more than my own life. She is the one who completes me, the one whose presence makes everything worthwhile.”

Aiko froze, her eyes widening as a storm of emotions surged through her—shock, disbelief, happiness, fear, and a quiet, almost dizzying warmth that seemed to bloom in her chest. Her heartbeat thundered in her ears, yet somewhere in that chaos, a tiny spark of relief glimmered.

Hiroshi and Emiko exchanged a glance, a silent conversation passing between them. Gratitude, understanding, and quiet approval shone in their eyes. Hiroshi’s lips curved into a gentle smile as he nodded:

“Prince Akihiko… we have witnessed your actions, your care, and your devotion these past days. Your heart is sincere, and your intentions are true. If you promise to protect and cherish Aiko, you have our blessing.”

Aiko’s breath caught, a shiver of joy rippling through her. Her pulse raced, a mix of shyness and exhilaration stirring within her. Relief and happiness intertwined, filling her chest with warmth, as if the heavy weight she had carried for so long was finally lifting.

The hall, filled with guests still processing their return from the garden, fell silent. A hush of anticipation spread like a gentle tide. Akihiko held Aiko’s hand lightly, his touch firm yet comforting, a silent reassurance that he would not let her falter.

“This is a symbolic token of my love, princess Aiko,” he whispered, producing a delicate ring from his pocket. With a reverence that made Aiko’s heart flutter, he slid it onto her finger.

Aiko’s eyes widened at the sight of the ring, her fingers trembling. “Did… you plan all of this for tonight?” she asked softly, a mix of awe and disbelief in her voice.

Akihiko’s lips curved into a faint, tender smile. “Everything… except the beginning,” he replied, his blue eyes glimmering with warmth and certainty.

A blush spread across Aiko’s cheeks. “I… I couldn’t help myself,” she murmured, barely able to meet his gaze.

The king, standing tall and proud, with smile on his face, seeing his son happy again and smiling, raised his hand to address the hall. “Today, we celebrate not only the return of long-lost princess of planet Akanehara but apparently also the beginning of a new chapter. Engagement of princess Aiko and prince Akihiko.”

A wave of applause and murmurs filled the hall. Some princes watched in awe, captivated by Aiko’s elegance and Akihiko’s quiet, steadfast devotion. Others whispered, admiring the depth of emotion displayed, as if witnessing a living embodiment of love and courage.

Aiko’s gaze met Akihiko’s. In that single, fleeting look, time seemed to pause. The noise and grandeur of the hall faded into nothingness, leaving only the two of them in a delicate bubble of intimacy. Her chest swelled with a mixture of awe, love, and relief—a moment that felt suspended between heartbeats.

The soft strains of music began to weave through the hall, and Akihiko guided Aiko to the center of the dance floor. Their steps were seamless, synchronized as if their souls had been dancing together for a lifetime. Every movement spoke of trust, courage, and devotion, their bodies moving as one.

Aiko’s nerves melted in the warmth of his embrace. Their hands were interlocked, fingers entwined, communicating more than words ever could. Around them, the air shimmered with the gentle fusion of their energies—Aiko’s fiery-red spirit mingling with Akihiko’s cool white-blue aura, spiraling into a soft, radiant vortex that lit the hall with an ethereal glow.

Every turn, every sway, every careful step was a silent promise, a heartbeat shared. The audience watched in reverent silence, as if witnessing not merely a dance, but the manifestation of a bond too profound to be contained by words.

As the music swelled to its climax, Aiko rested her head lightly against Akihiko’s shoulder. The warmth of his body, the steady rhythm of his heartbeat, and the gentle security of his arms enveloped her. She felt the last remnants of fear and uncertainty dissolve in the steady glow of his presence.

The music softened, fading into gentle silence. Aiko and Akihiko remained at the center, their intertwined energies still glowing—a luminous testament to the strength of their connection. The crowd, moved by the moment, could only watch in awe.

Later, beneath the night sky on the terrace, the moonlight caressed the gardens, casting silver light over the soft flowers and glistening fountains. Aiko stood close to Akihiko, feeling the quiet serenity of their bond.

Mika and Naoru approached, smiles on their faces but voices softened in respect for the sacredness of the moment.

Mika and Naoru stepped forward to congratulate them. Mika’s eyes shimmered as she pulled Aiko into a warm embrace, holding her tightly. “I’m so happy for you… for both of you,” she whispered, her voice trembling with genuine joy.

Aiko felt her chest tighten, this time not from sorrow, but from a deep, overwhelming happiness. She returned the embrace, her lips curling into a soft smile as tears of relief welled in her eyes.

Naoru crossed his arms with a gentle grin. “Yeah… it was hard watching you two like that,” he said, his voice calm but tinged with emotion.

Mika released Aiko just enough to look at her face, her own cheeks pink with emotion. “Especially since we didn’t know what to do,” she admitted softly, almost guiltily.

Aiko laughed quietly through her tears, her gaze shifting between her two friends. “You’ve already done more than enough… just by being here.”

Akihiko stood close behind her, his hand resting reassuringly at her back, his calm presence wrapping around her like a shield. For the first time, the four of them stood together not in confusion or doubt, but in quiet understanding and shared joy.

Naoru teased lightly, his mischievous grin in place: “So, Akihiko… officially the lucky one who captured the princess’s heart.”

Akihiko’s smile was calm and serene, the faintest sparkle in his blue eyes. “I think we’ve stolen each other’s hearts,” he said softly.

Aiko leaned against him, feeling the long-awaited warmth of home settle into her chest. Above them, the stars twinkled like distant lanterns, and the soft evening breeze whispered through the gardens, carrying the faint scent of blooming flowers and the laughter of friends.

They wandered hand in hand across the soft grass, savoring each small moment. They paused at the fountain, where moonlight now reflected upon the water. Aiko sat at the edge, gazing into her reflection, while Akihiko stood beside her, taking her hand with gentle reverence.

For a long while, they simply existed together. No titles, no ceremony, no expectation—only the quiet, tender resonance of two hearts that had finally found each other.

“I never imagined it could feel like this,” Aiko whispered, her voice soft, barely audible over the rustle of leaves.

Akihiko pressed a thumb against her hand, his eyes full of warmth. “I’m sorry, Aiko… that it took so long,” he whispered, his voice heavy with regret.

Aiko pressed herself closer to him, her warmth mingling with his. “It’s not your fault. I know you struggled inside, torn between your feelings and your duties.”

Akihiko cupped her face gently, his gaze steady. “I should never have hesitated, not even for a moment. I should have known what truly mattered…”

Aiko closed her eyes, inhaling the crisp night air, feeling every tiny moment—the gentle caress of the wind, the subtle shimmer of the stars above, the quiet energy that pulsed between them. Her heart, once weighed down by uncertainty, now soared with peace and belonging.

Akihiko tightened his hand around hers ever so slightly, a soft smile gracing his lips. “I will always be here,” he whispered, the words both a promise and a shield.

In the embrace of the night, it was just the two of them. No words were needed—only glances filled with love and silent, tender hugs. The soft rustle of leaves in the garden whispered around them, carrying the faint scent of blooming flowers. Moonlight spilled over their intertwined forms, casting a gentle silver glow that seemed to cradle them in its quiet serenity.

Aiko felt the steady warmth of Akihiko’s arms, the rhythm of his heartbeat against her chest grounding her in the moment. Every small movement—the brushing of their hands, the subtle tilt of their heads—spoke volumes, conveying what words could never capture. For a fleeting eternity, the world beyond the garden ceased to exist; there was only them, wrapped in the quiet magic of the night, their hearts beating in perfect, shared harmony.