chapter 17

Due to Chika's insistence, her family also eventually accepted Mizuki. As the days passed by swiftly, the impending final exams drew near, marking a crucial period for Chika, Mizuki, and Aina as they diligently prepared for their entrance exams. Mizuki expressed to Chika her desire to stay apart until the exams were over, emphasizing the need to focus on their studies without distractions. Chika, who had always been closely attached to Mizuki and somewhat fixated on her, felt torn but ultimately respected Mizuki's wishes. Determined to succeed, both Mizuki and Chika set their sights on attending the same university, sharing a common goal that fueled their dedication and hard work.

Finally, after the long-awaited entrance exam arrived, both of them proceeded to give it their best shot. Moments later, they emerged from the exam hall; notably, Chika was the first to step out. Shortly after, Mizuki joined Chika outside, spotting her waiting patiently. Eager to express her affection, Mizuki made a move to hug Chika, but Chika hesitated, choosing to maintain their distance even as they settled into the car. Chika claimed the front seat, while Mizuki occupied the back. Chika graciously offered to drop Mizuki off at her house, which Mizuki accepted, albeit puzzled by Chika's somewhat aloof demeanor throughout the ride.

After some minutes had slipped by, Mizuki felt a growing sense of unease as she anxiously awaited Chika's response to her message. When no reply came, her worry mounted. Acting on her concern, she decided to reach out to Aina, hoping for some information. Unfortunately, Aina was unaware of Chika's whereabouts, leaving Mizuki feeling even more unsettled. It was then that an idea struck her - she remembered Chika's brother had shared his phone number with her. Without hesitation, she dialed the number and was relieved to have Chika's brother pick up. Upon inquiring about Chika, she was taken aback to hear that Chika was staying alone in a hotel due to the sudden onset of her rut. Chika's brother gave Mizuki the address and room number of the hotel, prompting her to act swiftly. Arriving at the hotel, she made her way to Chika's room, knocking on the door in hopes of a response, to no avail. Fearing the worst, she carefully unlocked the door with the spare key provided by Chika's brother. As she entered the room, a wave of concern washed over her at the sight of Chika sleeping on the bed amidst a chaotic mess of scattered medication containers. Deciding to take matters into her own hands, Mizuki meticulously tidied up the room before settling in by Chika's side, determined to provide comfort and support in her time of need.

After a few minutes, Chika slowly began to stir from her slumber, her eyes fluttering open as she gradually regained consciousness. Mizuki, ever attentive, moved closer to offer her a glass of water in attempt to soothe her parched throat. However, due to her disoriented state, Chika refused the water and proceeded to shed her clothing, attributing her discomfort to the heat. As her gaze shifted towards Mizuki, a faint smile tugged at the corners of her lips, a blend of confusion and affection evident in her eyes. "Are you really here?" she mused softly, her hand reaching out to tenderly brush against Mizuki's cheek before planting a gentle, endearing kiss upon it. Her touch then trailed to Mizuki's eye, placing a delicate kiss there as well, before moving down to her neck in a series of tender, affectionate gestures. Each interaction was imbued with a sense of intimacy, despite Chika's cloudy state of mind, fostering a delicate moment of closeness between the two.

She slowly and tenderly removed Mizuki's clothing, her delicate touch conveying a sense of worry as if she feared hurting Mizuki. The soft, gentle kisses she placed on Mizuki's skin lingered on every inch, leaving behind marks of passion. Moving from one part of Mizuki's body to the next, her lips explored and caressed, creating a trail of affectionate hickies. As she returned to share a more intimate kiss on Mizuki's lips, the moment was shared and cherished. Feeling the warmth of Mizuki's hand on her neck, Chika reciprocated with the same level of tenderness, ensuring every action was gentle and loving, embodying a deep connection and care for Mizuki's well-being throughout.

The next morning, Mizuki gently opened her eyes to find Chika seated beside her, a gentle expression adorning her face. With a soft tone, Chika apologized, "I am sorry for attempting to mark your neck once again." Mizuki, with a hint of understanding, replied, "I didn't let you mark me because you were in the throes of your rut last night and your mind wasn't completely your own." Despite the tension simmering beneath their words, Mizuki conveyed a sense of empathy, knowing that Chika's actions were beyond her control. Their exchange, though filled with unspoken truths, bore a sense of unspoken connection that transcended mere words.

As Mizuki gracefully moved her hair to the side, she tenderly turned to Chika with a soft smile and kindly invited her to mark her. Chika, overcome with emotion and teetering on the brink of tears, approached Mizuki. With a sense of solemnity and determination, Chika then made the decision to leave a permanent mark on Mizuki, sealing the bond between them with a gesture that spoke volumes about their deep connection and unbreakable relationship.

After Chika marked Mizuki permanently with a symbol, which they both understood as a symbol of commitment and affection, she proceeded to open the drawers on Mizuki's bedside table. Initially, Chika had envisioned proposing to Mizuki after they had completed their entrance exams, as a way to solidify their bond further. However,due to the sudden rut she was taken a back. This hesitation stemmed from Chika's fear of unintentionally causing hurt or confusion to Mizuki. Consequently, Chika found herself avoiding Mizuki and maintaining a distance that she hoped would protect both of them from her rut . Despite her deep-rooted feelings for Mizuki, Chika grappled with her own internal struggles, which caused her to delay the romantic gesture she had initially intended to make. The complex intertwining of love, doubt, and fear played out against the backdrop of their shared journey, adding layers of complexity to their relationship dynamics.

After Mizuki happily accepted Chika's proposal, she joyfully wore the sparkling ring on her delicate ring finger, symbolizing their deep love and commitment. The couple's excitement was palpable as they made their way to Mizuki's parent's quaint countryside home the following day. Welcomed by Mizuki's warm and open-minded parents, Chika was showered with blessings and encouragement to always keep Mizuki happy. The unwavering support from her parents further solidified the bond between Mizuki and Chika leading up to their impending marriage. Days later, the couple excitedly visited Chika's family to share the wonderful news of their upcoming wedding. The atmosphere was filled with love and acceptance as both families embraced the idea of the young couple tying the knot. To add to their happiness, it was revealed the two would be attending the same university, setting the stage for a promising future filled with shared experiences and mutual growth.

Both Chika and Mizuki were absorbed in the meticulous preparations for their upcoming weddings, meticulously selecting decorations, finalizing guest lists, and coordinating the tiniest details to ensure their special day went off without a hitch. Eventually, the long-awaited day arrived, and the couple was filled with excitement and nerves as they exchanged vows and sealed their love in a beautiful ceremony. Mizuki looked stunning in a flowing gown, while Chika was dapper in a sharp suit, radiating joy and love. Surrounded by the warmth and well-wishes of their close-knit families, including Nozomi and her partner, Aina, and a group of supportive friends, the newlyweds were engulfed in a sea of love and support. After the festivities, Chika and Mizuki embarked on their romantic honeymoon, eager to start this new chapter of their life together with cherished memories and endless possibilities.

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