Love after Marriage - Chapter 5
Title: Love after Marriage
Pairing: Akame
Side characters: Toma, Yamapi, Horikita Maki
Rating: PG13
Genre: Angst, Fluff, Drama
Summary: Kamenashi Kazuya, a 20 year old university student who was forced to marry Akanishi Jin, her senior of two years, after their alleged scandal. The marriage to Kazuya was just pretence, the wedding ring didn’t mean anything to her. Meanwhile, Jin have been in love with Kazuya the first time he met her, and now living a marriage without love from both sides truly hurts. He wished that one day Kazuya would come to love him. Would his love be returned by the stubborn and arrogant Kazuya? Or would she still refuse to listen to the voices of her heart?
Note: A multi-chaptered version of my one-shot ‘Love after Marriage’. Read that one-shot first if you have not. This version will be written in a more detailed way.
-
The class just ended, the lecture hall soon emptied but Kazuya remained rooted to her seat, not having the energy to get up. Her head felt heavy, eyes tired, suddenly feeling cold out of a sudden. Maki who noticed Kazuya’s weird actions, nudged her on the arm lightly, concerned.
“Kazuya, are you alright?”
“I don’t know. I feel so weak.” Kazuya answered, laying her head on the desk and closed her eyes.
Placing her hand on Kazuya’s forehead, Maki retracted her hand and blurted out, “You’re burning up!”
“Hm?” Kazuya’s eyes remained shut.
“Wait for me here, Kazuya! I’ll be back shortly!” Maki rushed out of the exit, heading towards another department, looking for a certain someone. The person who could attend to Kazuya in that situation would of course be none other than her husband, Jin.
“Ah, where is he?” Maki searched from one class to another but to no avail, Jin was nowhere at sight. If she had Jin’s phone number, she would have just called him, she sighed.
“Maki?”
She looked up, heaving out a sigh of relief when she saw Jin walking towards her. “Jin-kun!” Maki immediately rushed towards him.
“Is something wrong?”
“Kazuya’s having a fever!” Maki quickly replied.
“Where is she now?” Jin had a worry expression on his face, as he looked at Maki.
“She’s still in the lecture hall.”
“Okay, let’s go now. You lead the way, Maki.”
“Yes.”
Maki hurried off, Jin following behind.
-
Jin sat next to Kazuya, gently patting her on the arm but received no response causing him to frown.
“What’s wrong, Jin-kun?”
“Kazuya’s fallen unconscious.” Jin replied calmly.
“What? Shall I call for an ambulance then?”
“It’s okay. I’ll take Kazuya home personally and attend to her. Don’t worry, Maki. She’ll be alright.” Jin made a move to carry his wife, carrying her bride styled. Kazuya’s so light, he realised.
“What about your classes, Jin-kun?”
“I’ll just copy the notes from Hiro. Kazuya’s more important right now.” Jin smiled.
Maki nodded, feeling assured.
-
Jin bowed to the doctor in gratitude, closing the door soon after. He took one glance at his unconscious wife before heading towards the kitchen, taking the medicine with him, wanting to cook porridge for Kazuya.
Once he was done with that task, Jin left the kitchen. He hesitantly stood by Kazuya’s bedroom door, afraid that she would get angry that he invades her privacy, knowing very well that this bedroom was off limits to him. Not caring about the consequences, Jin was more concern about Kazuya’s well-being. No matter how badly Kazuya treats him, he is still her husband, and he has a right to take care of her.
Besides Jin wants to take care of Kazuya, not because he had to but because he wants to, he loves her.
Finally feeling assured, Jin entered the bedroom. He pulled a chair next to the bed, holding Kazuya’s hand as he gazed lovingly at her. Laying his head on the bed, Jin soon fell asleep, his hold on his wife’s hand kept intact.
-
Kazuya’s eyes slowly fluttered open, her body still weak but much better than before. She blinked in surprise when she realised that she was in her bedroom. She didn’t remember going back home, the last image was that of a lecture hall. Feeling that someone was holding her hand, she turned to her right, her expression softened when she sees a sleeping Jin.
Was Jin the one who brought me home?
Kazuya tried to break the hold gently, hoping that it wouldn’t awaken Jin but that slightest touch caused her husband to stir, his eyes opened. Jin sat up, his vision unclear as he stared sleepily at Kazuya. Jin jumped to her side immediately the moment he noticed that she’s awake.
“Kazuya, you’re awake! Are you feeling alright?” Jin pressed his hand on Kazuya’s forehead, “Your temperature’s cooled down, thank god.”
“How did you know I am sick?”
“Maki searched for me, informing that you’re having a fever. I was there by your side that instant, and I brought you home. You really gave me a fright! It was such a high fever. The doctor gave you a shot so it should be okay now.” Jin flashed a reassuring smile.
Kazuya nodded.
“I’ve cooked some porridge for you. You need to have your food first before taking your medicine. I’ll be right back.”
“Jin!” Kazuya called before he had a chance to make a move.
“Yeah?”
“Why … why are you here?” Kazuya asked, seeing the hurt expression on Jin’s face, she realised that he had misunderstood her question. “I ... I mean, don’t you have classes? Instead you’re here … taking care of me. I feel bad somehow making you miss your lessons. Because of me, you’re going to lose out on a lot …”
The hurt instantly fade off replaced by a smile on Jin’s face as he sat next to her.
“Don’t you worry! My wife’s more important than anything else. I can always get the notes from other classmates but you … you’re not replaceable, Kazuya. You mean so much to me. You would come first above everything else.” Jin held Kazuya’s hand.
Kazuya looked up at Jin, touched by his words.
“I’ll go get your food now.” Jin brushed Kazuya’s cheek lovingly before leaving the bedroom.
-
Jin was feeding Kazuya another spoonful of porridge when suddenly she feels emotional, too touched by his care and concern that tears fall freely from her beautiful brown orbs. Surprised, Jin put the bowl aside as he inched closer to Kazuya, wrapping an arm around her shoulder.
“What’s wrong?” He whispered.
Kazuya shook her head, leaning against Jin as she sobbed. “Thank you … for everything, Jin.”
“I will always be there for you, Kazuya.” Jin smiled in response.
-
Kazuya woke up several hours later, noticing that Jin was gone. Getting up from the bed, she walked out of her bedroom, and headed in the direction of the living room, smiling when she saw Jin sitting on the sofa, engrossed in watching the television.
“Kazuya?” Jin sensed his wife’s presence, “Do you want to join me?”
She nodded, sitting next to Jin. “What are you watching, Jin?”
“A TBS drama that’s currently airing, it’s acted by one of Japan’s popular actors.” Jin answered. He instinctively reached for Kazuya’s hand, brushing it lightly. When Kazuya didn’t seem to mind to his action, Jin continued with it, smiling brightly.
“I seldom watch television so I’m totally oblivious to the latest of the entertainment. I’m so focused on my studies that I just forget to enjoy.”
“I used to be like you too but now that I have you in my life, it gives me something else to focus on besides studying.” Jin said, “It is okay to give your all to our studies as long as we don’t stress ourselves too much. Once in a while, we deserve a break and have fun. Am I right?”
“Hmm, you’re right.” Kazuya smiled meaningfully at Jin.
-
Kazuya looked at the breakfast she had made, feeling satisfied. She had woken up early today simply to prepare breakfast for both Jin and her, a first ever since their marriage. This was somewhat a ‘thank you’ gift to what Jin did for her yesterday but it was not only for today, Kazuya would happily make Jin his breakfast every day.
Jin, who just had his bath, stood frozen by the dining table.
“Good morning, Jin!” Kazuya greeted cheerfully.
“Go … good morning.”
“What are you standing there for? Come, and have your breakfast.” Kazuya laughed, grabbing Jin’s hand and positioned him on the chair. She sat next to him, soon tucking to the food.
“You made all these?”
Kazuya nodded. “I’m good in cooking actually. So from today onwards, I’ll be in charge of cooking!” She smiled gleefully.
“Are you still sick? You’re so high early in the morning.” Jin placed his hand on Kazuya’s forehead. “Hmm, you’ve recovered. What a speedy recovery.”
“All thanks to you.”
Jin blushed and nodded, “It’s my pleasure.”
-
The both of them stood side by side in silence as they waited for the elevator to arrive on their level. Kazuya held her bag tightly as she turned to face Jin, suddenly feeling nervous, unsure whether she should say what she wants to Jin.
“Jin.”
Her husband looked at her, the elevator door opened at the same time.
“What is it, Kazuya?” Jin gave her all the attention she wants the moment they’re inside the elevator.
“I don’t feel like taking the train to and from school today, tomorrow, the next day, and the day after …”
Jin chuckled. “Is that your way of telling me that you want a ride starting from today?”
“Well yeah.” Kazuya answered sheepishly. “If you don’t mind, that is.”
“Of course I don’t mind, you’re my wife after all.”
They reached the lobby level to which Jin pressed the ‘close’ button immediately. “Well I guess you won’t be dropping off this level anymore, just one more level down to the basement.” He smiled.
The door closed shut.
-
“Thanks, Jin!” Kazuya waved at Jin with a smile. “I’ll meet you at lunch time!”
Jin watched Kazuya’s retreating figure with a warm smile, happy that she had started to open up to him. She had changed. Kazuya was no longer cold towards him. Instead of a frown, a smile appears on her face every time she talks to him.
Previously, communication between them seemed impossible. But now, Kazuya’s on a friendly term with him, acting as if the barrier that separated them both had not existed. What had made Kazuya change this much? Jin didn’t know the answer.
Nevertheless he is glad that Kazuya’s starting to accept him in her life, not as her husband but more as a friend. This is a start for them both, a new beginning, Jin is willing to take any chances. This is a good step to know Kazuya better.
Let the love nurture between them on its own.
-
Kazuya and Maki were having their lunch when Kazuya sees her husband and Hiro walking into the cafeteria. She waited until they’ve paid for their foods before calling them over, waving her arms excitedly at them.
“Hey.” Jin placed his tray down and sat next to Kazuya.
“Your wife looks really happy, Jin. What did you do to make her this happy?” Hiro looked amused.
“Now that reminds me … it’s amazing to know that Kazuya recovered from her high fever in just a day! Was it all because of Jin-kun’s care and concern that managed to make you heal so fast, Kazuya?” Maki asked.
“Well you can say that …” Kazuya answered, smiling sweetly at Jin.
“Ah, love is so powerful.” Maki dreamily whispered causing the others to laugh at her cute action.
“Don’t worry.” Kazuya patted her friend on her shoulder lightly. “The one meant for you will eventually make his appearance. You’ll just have to wait patiently.”
“You don’t have to search for love, Maki. Love will come to you.” Jin said with a smile.
-
Kazuya browses through the book she had chosen, heading towards the study corner, hoping to find an empty spot. She notices Jin sitting alone in one booth, concentrated in reading his book. Smiling, she greeted her husband, lowering her voice.
“Kazuya.” Jin looked surprised, not expecting her at all.
“What time is your next class?”
Jin glanced at his wrist watch, “In twenty minutes time. It’ll be my last class for today.”
“I’ll wait for you then. I’m done with my classes.”
“You can go home first if you want to …”
Kazuya shook her head. “It’s okay. I can do my revision in the mean time.”
“Are you sure about this?”
Kazuya nodded, and smiled.
-
The married couple went to the supermarket one day to buy groceries and some necessities. Kazuya was the one who initiated the idea, after realising that there’s not much left in the refrigerator. At that moment, she felt bad for having made Jin cook on his own.
Kazuya placed one item after item inside the trolley, knowing very well what she is doing. Jin just smiled, pushing the trolley forward. By the time they’ve reached the cashier, their trolley was full.
Jin paid while Kazuya began placing the bags back to the trolley, waiting for Jin.
“Let’s go.”
The both of them walked side by side, trolley in front of them.
-
They were watching a movie together again, four nights in a row. After having dinner that Kazuya cooked, they would decide on a movie, sitting next to one another on the couch. Despite that, things like touching each other’s fingers or cuddling didn’t happen. They are friendly and comfortable around each other’s presence but not more than that.
Jin was contented that they could get to this stage. He didn’t want to force Kazuya any further.
The credits soon rolled, signalling the end of the movie. Feeling something on his shoulder, Jin turned, realising that Kazuya was leaning on it, fast asleep. Reaching for the remote control with his right hand, he switched off the television. Jin carried Kazuya and placed her gently on her bed, taking one last glance at her before closing the door after him.
-
Kazuya went to Jin’s department to surprise him. Her steps however froze when she sees Jin chatting happily with a group of friends, the woman next to him were too close to him that Kazuya was sure she’s flirting with her husband, Jin didn’t notice it though.
Didn’t that woman know that Jin is married?
How can she be so blind to not see the wedding ring on Jin’s finger?
Kazuya’s heart felt uneasy suddenly looking at the scene nevertheless she pushed that feeling away, knowing well that her husband wouldn’t fall to the charms of another woman. She felt like strangling the woman who tries to get Jin’s attention.
Kazuya fumed, her arms crossed as she stomped out of the exit.
-
“Maki …”
Her friend looked up from her text book, pen still on her hold as she answered, “Yeah?”
Kazuya looked hesitant, wanting to ask Maki an important question but after a moment of silence, she finally voiced out. “There’s this strange feeling, I don’t really understand … I feel frustrated and really annoyed when I see Jin talking animatedly with another female counterpart. It’s just chatting but I can’t get that scene out of my mind. It angers me even. What does this mean, Maki? Is there something wrong with me?”
Maki chuckled, “There’s nothing wrong with you, Kazuya. You don’t have to worry.”
“Are you sure? But that feeling …”
“You’re just jealous, that’s all.” Maki answered with a bright smile.
“Jealous?” Kazuya’s eyes widened. “But to be jealous, you have to be in love …”
“Silly, you are in love! That’s the reason why you married Jin-kun in the first place, right?” Maki did not notice Kazuya’s slip, thinking that her friend had just meant to joke around with her.
“Right …” Kazuya lied.
“I’ve never been in love before but from what I know jealousy means that you care for that someone. It doesn’t necessarily be a bad thing if you could sort it all out rationally. Tell Jin-kun how you feel if you think you can’t control your jealousy. Consulting one another is much better than keeping silent, Kazuya. It prevents troubles from occurring.”
Maki returned back to her revision while Kazuya stared into the empty air, not believing Maki’s answer.
Love? I can’t possibly … be in love with Jin. I hate him, right?
-
Kazuya went home late at night, the penthouse dark. She went straight to her old home after school, of course informing Jin that she would be visiting her family members as she missed them so much. It was not a lie but partly the truth though the main reason is that she needs to have some time alone.
Doing that didn’t help unfortunately the weird feeling in her heart is still there.
Glancing at the closed door of the guest room, Kazuya knew that Jin would have been asleep by now. She had a strange desire to enter that room so turning the door knob really slowly; she tiptoed inside, stopping by Jin’s bed.
Her heart starts to beats fast. Kazuya pressed her hand on her heart and grips her blouse tightly.
Kazuya stared at the sleeping figure, whispering silently, “This can’t be true. It can’t.”
Quickly, she rushed out of the room.
-
From that day onwards, Kazuya started to distance herself away from Jin once again. She practically avoided him, at home, in school; she would run away whenever she sees him. Jin was confused at Kazuya’s sudden change. Things had just gotten good between the both of them so why … this?
“Kazuya, where are you going?” Jin grasped her wrist in time, noticing that it was late at night.
“Let go of me.” Kazuya whispered, struggling.
“It’s already late. Whatever that you need to do can wait until tomorrow, am I right?” Jin said really nicely.
“I said let go of me!!!” Kazuya pulled her hand back with all her might causing Jin to take several steps backwards, looking at his wife in shock. “I told you, didn’t I, that I don’t want you interfering in what I do. Let’s stay it that way.”
“I thought you’ve changed …”
“Then you thought wrong.” Kazuya glared at Jin, her tone hurtful. “I can’t possibly love you, I hate you. After all you’re the reason I’m stuck in this hell.”
Jin bit his lips, his eyes glazing with unshed tears, his fists clenching tightly.
“I have a right to go wherever or whenever I want to. This is my life, not yours or anyone else. Remember that.” Kazuya slipped her shoes on, slamming the door after her.
Jin dropped down to the floor, emotionless.
-
Not only Jin but Kazuya started to distance herself from her true friends as time passed by, turning down their requests of meeting up, saying that she had more important things to do. Kazuya had found a new group of friends to whom she could fully enjoy her youth together, clubbing all night, not caring that she’s hurting the ones important to her.
“Kazuya!”
She stopped in her steps when her two best friends suddenly stood in front of her.
“What do you two want?”
“I can’t believe you’re talking to us that way! Aren’t we best friends?” Toma sarcastically commented, moving closer to Kazuya. “What is the matter with you? Now you find it more fun to hang with that new group of yours? Clubbing until you’re drunk, is that it? You were more than just that!”
“Toma …” Yamapi tried to calm him, pushing Toma back. “I’ll talk to her, okay? You don’t want to make a scene here, right?”
Toma crossed his arms sulkily but nodded.
“Kazuya, did we do anything wrong … to make you treat us this way? We’re best friends, I hope we still are. I don’t know why you’re avoiding us. If you have any problem, you know you could come to us anytime. We’ll try our best to solve it together.”
“Not everything can be solved …” Kazuya murmured. “So don’t act as if you’re so smart!”
Yamapi was surprised by Kazuya’s outburst but remained calm, not letting the anger take control of him.
“Let’s go, Pi. It can’t be helped if she doesn’t want our help.” Toma walked away.
“Kazuya … why did you start partying like there’s no tomorrow? Something must have happened, right … for you to act this way. I don’t believe that the Kazuya we knew is gone, she’s still somewhere, I’m sure of that.”
Kazuya remained silent, staring into the thin air.
“You can lie to everyone else but you can’t lie to yourself.”
That sentence pricks Kazuya right in the heart as she watched Yamapi heading towards Toma, their backs soon disappearing from her sight. Her heart feels the pain, such tormenting feeling.
Even if I’m not myself anymore, I don’t care.
-
Opening Kazuya’s bedroom door, Jin was met with darkness. His hand on the door knob as Jin painfully stared at the empty room. Jin purposefully stayed back in school, hoping that his wife would be back when he went home but to no avail. Where did Kazuya go?
Jin thought that Kazuya would at least respect him, he thought wrong.
It hurts. It simply hurts.
-
Author’s Note: Kazuya is in denial of her feelings to Jin.Things will certainly get better next chapter which is the last chapter. I managed to write this fic in only six chapters as estimated. There’ll be an epilogue.