An Empty Shell

Chapter 18: Wait for me

The cab finally pulled over in front of a huge building that looked like a luxurious hotel.
"I'm here.." She texted Shuichi. He did not reply but it was read.
Meanwhile, Shuichi was at their dinning table with his mom and stepdad and some friends, when his phone beeped. He opened his phone and read the message from Hayami. He stood up from his seat instantly and excused himself. He went to his mom and held her shoulder to lean over and whisper that Hayami was already there. His mom showed a big smile and patted his hand on her shoulder saying Go!.
Shuichi hurriedly went to the entrance.
I can sense her here, and it feels like my heart responded abruptly by her mere presence .. Hayami, I long to see you so.. Shuichi's thoughts as he rushed to where he could find her. He ran through the stairs going down the lobby near the entrance and there he found her by a bonsai tree displayed at the lounge area.
He slowed down and walked towards her.
"Hayami..." he called as he approached her.
Hayami was facing away when she heard her name from a familiar voice that seemed like she hadn't from a long time, it made her heart from what it felt like hiccup. She slowly turned around and met his eyes.
"Shuichi..." She could only say for a moment. She wanted to jump in his arms for he's now right in front of her. Her eyes grew for Shuichi's wearing a white and gray suit that made him look more stunningly attractive. Half of his hair was neatly tied up in a bun with some fringed of bangs. On the other hand, Shuichi couldn't help but glance at her striking beauty for it was a wonder to behold.
A moment later they realized they were just starring and admiring at each other. They both turned blush and simultaneously bowed to each other.
"Konbanwa!" they greeted each other.
Shuichi smiled and chuckled a little as he stood up.
"I'm glad you made it here. You made me worry there for some time." He witted to lighten up the mood.
"I'm sorry, I'm late. I have to meet up with Ayako to figure out how to dress up like this. You know I'm not used to be in these kind of occasion." she justified herself with honesty while looking down at her feet.
"It was worth it so don't worry about it... I'm glad you have Ayako to help you."
Shuichi inserted his comment to lift her up.
"You look so wonderful in your dress by the way.." he added as he looked away, blushed and scratched his cheek.
Hayami looked at him, dazed for a moment then smiled at his bashfulness. She have never seen this reaction from him for awhile and she kind of missed it somehow.
"Thank you.. and you look very handsome in that suit too." She complimented back with a bright smile.
"Thank you.. Shall we?" Shuichi felt relieved when he saw that smile, thankful of her not avoiding him this time. He then offered his arm to escort her to where the venue of the party was. Hayami obliged and held into his arm. As soon as they touched and got closer, they both felt something fluttered in their stomach.
"I really need this, you have to let me grab your arm as we walk since I'm not really steady with these heels." Hayami started to make a little pleasantry to lighten up the moment. However, she also knew she could never set aside the events from earlier at school and she knew Shuichi's too. She could tell he's a little cautious towards her, waiting for her to initiate something before he acts.
"You can hold on to me till your heart's content, I don't really mind.." he responded with a loving tone. So comforting that Hayami was tempted to dug herself in his warm embrace. She just looked away and tried to control her emotions. She didn't know Shuichi's the same, instead of looking away, he put his free hand on top of hers that was holding on to his other arm. Hayami gaped with that sudden touch and turned to him. She just met him with his captivating smile.
Then, they finally reached the dinning hall and went straight to where Shuichi's parents were. Shiori saw them approaching and she stood up from her seat to meet them.
"Our dearest Hayami, thank you so much for making it here, and you look stunningly beautiful! I'm so glad the dress fits you well. And not just the dress, you look perfect entirely!" Shiori welcomed and embraced Hayami as she complimented her.
"These are all thanks to you...Mom." Hayami paused there for a second. She almost forgot how she would call her. Shiori smiled at her proudly.
She then led them to their table and introduced Hayami to her husband, friends and guests. Hayami showed respect and bowed to them. Shuichi then, offered her seat at their table. Everyone in their table were intrigued by her, capturing them by her beauty and elegance. They asked her questions that she answered politely with quick-witted intelligence and they were all amazed by her. Shuichi was watching her so proudly. He knew that she was not used to these kinds of conversation or occasion, but she was still able to carry it through.
That's my Hayami.. he claimed her in his thoughts.
"You are very lucky to be her in laws soon Mr. and Mrs. Kazuya, she is just perfect for your son Shuichi." One of their honored guests commended.
"That's right. Although, we are not forcing them to get married right away because we know that there still a long way to go for them before they get there." Shiori acknowledged the latter's comment but with a little hint of redirection since she understood Shuichi and Hayami's plans and decision.
"That is very true. Investing yourself for your future is the first step in building your foundation to have a happy and strong marriage." Suggested another guest.
"If that is the case then why don't you guys get engaged already? Since you are already together, both families already have ties, and you already have plans in the future?" A follow up question from their guest.
"We haven't really thought much about taking a step on settling down. Right now, we just enjoy each other's company and we're getting to know each other more. We both think that is enough for now. We encourage and support one another to each one's goals as we are still both learning. I think these are most important in building a happier and stronger future together." Shuichi delivered his answers with intellectual acuity to divert the topic of marriage since he sensed Hayami's agitation about it while everyone was just in awe.
"I envy you for bringing up such brilliant kids, Mr. and Mrs. Kazuya." Complimented by a guest.
"You never know how proud I am to call him as my own, Mr. Ichigawa." Claimed Mr. Kazuya.
The main event of that evening finally commenced and Mr. Kazuya received an achievement award to their company for his extraordinary contributions and performance as the CEO. Their company has maintained high ratings in the years of his service. Shiori and his family couldn't be more proud of him, he received an up-roaring applaud from the audience.