5 The Finalization

We walk into a local coffee shop and Omari orders us some drinks and a snack. We sit a small table near the window while we wait for the barista to make our order. I look out the window nervous to look at Omari again. I didn't want to be dumbfounded by the guy's looks again.

"So Kimiko-chan, tell me a little about yourself. The email the company sent doesn't say very much, so I'm curious to know who I've been matched with" Omari says while the barista hands us our order. I glance at him as he takes a sip of his iced coffee.

"Etto...I'm a 3rd year at Shoya High School. I live with my mom, dad and little sister Kanae on the military base near by. I like to draw digital art and zone out to music." I stutter before taking a sip of my passion fruit tea. I scrunch my face at the bitter taste as I realize I forgot to put a little sugar in my tea. Omari chuckles and I start to feel embarrassed.

"I like to draw too. Though I prefer painting more than drawing",he responds with a grin. I finally get build the guts to look at him in the eyes again. His eyes lock onto mine once more. He takes my hand and holds it.

"We have something in common already. I'm glad I decided to do this program thing after all." He chuckles before taking another of coffee. I look him with confusion. What did he mean after all?

"I guess you're confused by my words. I joined the program, I think, a month ago. I didn't join when I turned 16 for multiple reasons", Omari informs me. I guess that made sense why I all of a sudden got a match that is older than me. Normally when somebody hasn't received a match, it's because there's not a person who is compatible that is of age yet.

"So what made you join the program now?", I ponder taking a bite of my chocolate croissant. Omari chuckles and lowers his head.

"I was tired of dating around the same few girls on my campus. Everyone is matched these days, so I thought why not." Omari shrugs. He takes another sip of coffee as I study his face.

"Oh okay, I guess. I've been in the program since I was 16. I actually thought I would never get matched because I'm already almost 18 now," I laugh nervously, taking another bite of croissant to stop myself from divulging anymore embarrassing information.

"In that case, I'm sorry to keep you waiting Kimiko-chan," Omari says in a rich deep tone. The sound of his voice saying my name sends chills all over my body.

"So, what are you studying in university? I saw you go to Meiji University. That's one of the schools I'm aiming for", I squeak before realizing I raised the pitch of my voice. What other embarrassing things was I going to do in the presence of this man?

"I'm studying urban architectural design. I hope to, one day, design skyscrapers and city apartments and stuff," he responds. My eyes widen. Seems like Omari-san's got his future figured out. Meanwhile, I was still deciding what degree program to do.

"Do you know what program you want to go in yet?" he asks making direct eye contact. Crap. Can he read my mind or something?

"Etto...I'm still making a decision. I definitely want to do something with art though", I reply before quickly looking away from his entrancing eyes.

"Well, in that case, you're better off not coming to Meiji. The university doesn't have those kinds of art degrees", Omari says between sips. He then stands up and holds out his hand.

"How about we go do something fun? I'm sure we'll have plenty of time to talk later", he says flashing a smile at me. Another wave of chills hit me. I take his hand and he leads me out of the coffee shop. We walk for a bit before I realize I have no idea where we are.

"Omari-san, where are we going?" I question cautiously, looking at our surroundings.

"To the local Soulmates company office, so we can accept the match. Also, you don't need to add the honorifics. You can just call me Oppa", he winks and continues walking. He wants to accept the match right away? Just like that?

"Oppa? What does that even mean?" I puzzle, confused by everything he said. Omari laughs and keeps walking.

"I'll tell you after we accept the match" he grins, pulling me along to the office up ahead. Was I even ready for all this?