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Ashito paced back and forth, filled with anxiety. He ran a hand through his hair and straightened his clothes, before glancing at the clock once more.
“Where is this girl? How much delay!"
He stopped to look at his phone and scratched his head a little.
"Is she really going to like this? I didn't really trust Togashi and Ohtomo's suggestion. So I hope Tachibana is right and that she likes the surprise. Although I think it was a bit over the top..."
Suddenly, he heard someone call him:
"Hey, Ashito! I'm ready!"
When he looked to the side, his gaze met Hana, who was wearing a beautiful red dress. Ashito was stunned for a few moments.
"Wow!"
"What is it, Ashito?"
"It's just… You look beautiful, Hana!"
The girl opened a wide smile and said:
"Thanks. You are very handsome too."
"Thanks!" He was a little embarrassed and straightened the black suit he was wearing. "Well, let's go! Otherwise, we will lose our reservation!"
"Right!"
They started walking side by side. Ashito glanced at Hana several times, as he was anxious to see her expression when she saw the surprise.
"Is something wrong with you today, Ashito?" It's weird!
"Nothing! It's nothing at all!"
They reached the car, Ashito opened the door for her as usual and after a few minutes, they arrived at a restaurant, which was already decorated with the Christmas vibe. They stayed outside, where they had a good view of the city and the night's moonlit sky.
“Wow, Ashito, this place must be a little expensive…"
“Well, now that I get paid as a professional player, I guess I can throw in some perks every now and then and also… tonight is a special night.
"Special? Why?" She looked at him with an expression of surprise.
"It's just... Ahem... In dessert, you'll find out!"
"Uh... How mysterious..."
"So, how was your day at university today?"
"Well, the usual! Good classes, bad classes, lots to study, and lots of work to do."
“It sounds exhausting, but I know you can handle it. Being a doctor is what you always wanted."
"It's true! And I'll do my best!
"I know you will..." Ashito brought his hand to hers and Hana returned it.
"What about you? Was everything ok at training today?"
"Oh, it was pretty heavy! I had no idea that the coach was such an executioner! He almost killed me!"
"Hahahaha. Well, that's what a professional player's life demands!"
"I think I need your professional massage now..." Ashito rubbed his nose with Hana's, who kissed him back.
"Only if I get my foot massage!" she joked.
"Count on it!" Ashito smiled and they kissed lovingly.
"Your request, sir." said the waiter, who appears with a tray in his hands.
"Excellent! I'm starving! Let's eat!"
" Wait a minute! This is not on your semester meal plan!"
" Oh, but today I can!"
"Uh?! Why?
"Oh, you'll know by now!"
"Hmph! Hana squeezed one of Ashito's cheeks "What a mystery, huh?"
"Ouch! I can't tell you! It's a surprise! Don't be so curious!"
"Well…" Hana was irritated with all that secrecy, but she decided to concentrate on her dinner.
When they finished their meal, Ashito started to look at his watch and shake his leg as a sign of nervousness.
"What's taking so long?" he murmured.
“Ashito. Enough now! Are you going to tell me what's going on or not? Why so much mystery?"
"It's just that..." Suddenly, they heard some voices, who were singing a Christmas carol. The group of people, who wore Santa's hats, approached the table.
Hana was so enthralled by the performance that she didn't notice Ashito get up and kneel in front of her. One of the people in the group left a pie on the table and when Hana read what was written on it, she raised her hands to her lips.
"Marry me?! Oh, my! Ashito, what the… Ashito!!" She finally realized that he was showing her a ring.
“Hana, if I made it this far, it's thanks to your help. Without you, maybe I would still be a long way from my dream or would have abandoned it for good. It was you who showed me several paths and who supported me in the decisive moments of my life. I am so grateful to you for existing and for loving me and letting me love you. So, since we live together, I think it's time to make our relationship official. Would you marry me, Hana Ichijo?"
Hana was very emotional and several tears ran down her cheeks. She had a big smile and said:
"Yes, Ashito Aoi! I want to marry you!"
He smiled broadly, put the ring on Hana's finger, picked her up, and spun her around while she giggled. They two kissed passionately and then hugged.
“Did I surprise you?"
"You sure did it!" — They hugged tightly.
" I'm so happy! Well, we need to celebrate this moment! So let's eat pie!"
"Stop right there, young man! You've already crossed all the limits of your diet! Humph!"
"Oh, Hana! It's Christmas, dammit! Let me be happy a little bit!"
"Humpf... Okay, okay! Just for today, are you listening?"
"Nice!" Ashito cheered.
"Oh, Ashito! I remembered one thing."
"What's it?"
"Here, your Christmas present!" Hana took a small box out of her purse and handed it to him.
"Can I open it?"
"Sure!"
Ashito opened the box and found two very small socks.
"Socks? Aren't they too small for my size?"
"It's because they're not for you, silly!"
"And who would it be for?"
"How slow you are, Ashito! I'm Pregnant! We're going to have a baby!"
"Whaaaaaat?!"
Ashito was in shock for a while and then some tears started to run down his cheeks.
"Is it true? Really? You really?"
"Yes! We're going to start our family! Let's go to the next phase of our lives!"
"I'm so happy Hana! I love you!
"I love you, Ashito!"
They hugged affectionately and even with Hana's complaint, the two were delighted with the chocolate pie. A Christmas night that would be recorded in their memories forever.