Jay's POV:
I got ready on time and checked my phone to see the location of the boutique Yuri sent me. After that, I took a cab and went there.
When I reached the boutique, I looked up at the building. It was very big and fancy. I walked inside slowly.
The boutique was beautiful. There were many big mirrors on the walls. Bright lights were shining on different wedding dresses. Some dresses were simple and some were very heavy with shiny stones. The floor was clean and shiny, and soft music was playing in the background. Everything looked very expensive.
I looked around and then I saw Yuri's mother, Mrs. Hanamitchi. I walked toward her.
She saw me and gave me a smile, but it looked more fake than real.
Mrs. Hanamitchi : Hi Jayjay, how are you?
She asked and I replied.
Jay : I'm fine, Mrs. Hanamitchi. Yuri told me you wanted to select the wedding dress.
Mrs. Hanamitchi : Yes Jayjay, because the wedding will be held within one week after you turn eighteen.
What? My birthday is just three or four months away. I didn't even graduate yet and they are already planning my marriage.
"But…" I tried to say something.
She stopped me before I could finish. She said.
Mrs. Hanamitchi : I know it is early, but Yuri is going to Japan for his college studies. So we want him to marry you before he goes. That way you can go with him.
I said with disappointment.
Jay : Yuri never told me that I have to leave everyone.
She replied calmly.
Mrs. Hanamitchi : It's a tradition that the heir of the Hanamitchi clan must complete his college studies at Kyoto University.
I never even heard about that university.
And I'm not going to some Kyoto whatever university.
Jay : But I wanted to go to my dream college.
Mrs. Hanamitchi looked at me like it was not a big thing and said proudly.
Mrs. Hanamitchi : We are Hanamitchis...jayjay. We have everything-mansions, malls, cars, islands and many luxuries. You don't need to study. You will get everything without doing anything. You just need to learn Japanese culture and language.
I froze. What does she mean I don't need to study? Do they want me to become a housewife? Are they trying to trap me in a house with that rooster?
Unbelievable.
I want a life where I can breathe without asking permission. I want freedom and equality. I want to work to become an independent woman. Even if I don't like studying that much, I still want to study for my career.
But arguing here was useless, because I already knew something. I'm not going to marry him. So I just nodded.
She started looking at dresses again. After some time she suddenly turned to me. She said coldly.
Mrs. Hanamitchi : Honestly speaking.....I don't like you. I'm only doing this for my son. And don't ever try to cheat on Yuri. He loves you with all his heart.
Is she threatening me? Whatever. I didn't have the energy to argue because I was already hungry, so I just nodded again.
Then she said something that made my heart stop.
Mrs. Hanamitchi : I saw you with Keifer on the rooftop of Hanamitchi Hotel on New Year's Eve. I saw you two kissing. I didn't tell Yuri because I know he will get hurt.
My soul almost left my body. She saw us. Kissing. But thank God she didn't tell Yuri. If he finds out, he will definitely get hurt. And I don't want that.
I said quietly while looking down.
Jay : I'm sorry.
She continued speaking.
Mrs. Hanamitchi : He loves you a lot, Jayjay. He even begged his grandfather and father to cause problems in Fernandez Corporation so they could send a marriage proposal and help your company. He did everything for this engagement. You mean a lot to him. Don't let his efforts go to waste.
I was completely shocked. Yuri did all that? He was my good friend. How could he do this to me?
And to Keifer? Keifer will be heartbroken if he knows this. Yuri and Keifer were childhood best friends.
No… this can't be true. Yuri knew that I loved Keifer. He knew Keifer loved me too. Then how could he trap me in this fucking engagement?
My thoughts stopped when Mrs. Hanamitchi called me.
Mrs. Hanamitchi : Jayjay? What happened?
I replied quietly.
Jay : Nothing.....I understood everything.
She smiled and continued looking at dresses.
After some time she selected one gown and told me to try it. A salesgirl took me to the trial room.
I went inside and changed into the gown.
The gown was very heavy. It was covered with many shiny stones and crystals that were sparkling under the lights. The skirt was big and long, spreading around like a cloud. The top part was tight and a little revealing, showing more skin than I was comfortable with.
It looked very beautiful. But I didn't like it. I prefer simple dresses. This one was too heavy and too revealing for me.
Mrs. Hanamitchi came to see it. She looked satisfied. She took a picture of me and sent it to Yuri.
After that I changed back into my normal clothes. She asked if I liked the dress.
I simply said yes because I didn't want to stay there longer.
After that I left the boutique. I took a cab and stopped at a convenience store because I was very hungry.
I ordered my food and ate alone. Then I took another cab and went home.
I went straight to my room, changed into my most comfortable pajamas, hugged my Snorlax plushie, and slowly fell asleep thinking about the truth Mrs. Hanamitchi told me about her son without even realizing.
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