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As the sky painted a vibrant scene of oranges and reds in the sky, Rantaro Amami was stood with his feet in the water with his eyes focused on the setting sun. Today was a long day. Kaede, a few weeks ago, had suggested that their class went out somewhere to celebrate Rantaro finally finding his last missing sister. Naturally, the ex-students were quick to agree, and gave the final choice to Rantaro. In the end, they all agreed to travel on the adventurer's boat to Santa Monica (at least the students still living in Japan, whilst people like Korekiyo had to use their own forms of transport) for a week or so before they went back to their own lives.
And to say Rantaro hasn't enjoyed his day would be a lie. He hasn't had so much fun in his life. Sure, he has thoroughly enjoyed all the time he has spent with his boyfriend, Kokichi Ouma. However, he was always just that little bit depressed, his missing sister(s) always in the back of his mind. But now that they were safe and sound, it was like all the worries he had washed away with the oceans current. Like each time a wave hit his legs, that was it grabbing his pain, and then was dragged out into the open for him to never feel again. It was truly amazing.
Naturally, things could never be that easy. There was still one lingering thought in his mind. One that couldn't be pulled away by the ocean waves. One that he had buried in his pocket, hidden from the world. Hidden from his friends. And most importantly, hidden from his boyfriend.
Rantaro had bought the ring a while ago. It was whilst he was out in the UK looking for his second to last missing sister. He had seen it, and his eyes almost lit up at the thought of proposing to Kokichi. It was a silver ring, laces with so many pretty little jewels. But the main reason why Rantaro couldn't pass up the opportunity was not only the option to get something engraved into it-
(He wasn't sure why but some of the rings he's come across don't allow that option? Which was crazy to think about, seeming as it was an engagement ring, but at the same time that just made his life a whole lot easier when he'd sit there contemplating whether he should purchase it or not.)
-but the fact that the main gem itself was a purple sapphire and diamond ring. It was practically perfect. The price tag didn't bother him, although he did have to explain why he had spent just over £5000 pounds to his dad. He just knew it was the one. The one he needed. Rantaro had mentally thanked the fact that Kokichi had wanted some rings in the past. It made obtaining his ring size a lot easier.
And still, after all that preparation, Rantaro was scared. More scared than he had ever been in his life. He wanted to ask someone for help, like Kaede of Kaito, or even Shuichi, but his heart couldn't bring him to it. And once he had learned about this trip they were planning via the group chat messages, he wanted this to be a surprise for everyone. He didn't even tell his sister, Haruka, who he had just dumped the bag on, making her swear she'd never open it. So due to his own stupidity and closed nature, he was kinda having an internal crisis that no-one else understood right now.
"Yo Rantaro! Are you ever coming back here? We're almost done packing!" Kaito called from the top of the beach, but all he greenette done was give him a half smile before turning his attention back towards the horizon. Yeah. They would all be leaving soon. They still had another week in America.. and Rantaro had even picked out a venue for them to get married at whilst they were still here, as they weren't legally allowed to in Japan. He would blame his impulsiveness on that, and he could always cancel it, but..
Rantaro was pulled out of his thoughts at the sound of footsteps hitting the variety of stones behind him, twisting his torso to see who had come over to check up on him. He shouldn't have even had any doubt in his mind who it would've been. Of course it was him.
"Hey Taro!" Kokichi was as enthusiastic as ever. His voice was always full of so much joy. They had been together for so long now, it was so easy for Rantaro to tell the difference between true joy, and the fake tone he'd use when he was trying to hide his emotions. But, right now, the taller male had nothing to worry about. He was being pure, genuine. And that was the side of Kokichi he loved the most. Perhaps he should add that into his improv speech that he hopes he needs to make.
"Hey Kokichi. Here to drag me back to the boat?" And that was Rantaro's first slip up. Using 'Kokichi' instead of 'Kichi', especially when the Supreme Leader had used his nickname. Kokichi had cocked his head to the side, his smile faltering a little. Clearly he had realised that too.
"Mmm, not right now! I wanted to give my beloved some of my attention! And that's hard to get, so you better appreciate the time I'm making for you~" Kokichi declared, wrapping his arms around Rantaro's neck. What that translated to was 'I know there's something wrong, and we're not moving until you tell me.' That's what that meant.
"Ah, it's getting late. Maybe we should-"
"No." Kokichi interrupted, his once smiley face turning into something more serious.
"I think, actually, we should have a chat about what's on my boyfriend's mind right now." He continued, pushing himself up with his toes, giving Rantaro a small but heart fluttering kiss.
The Adventurer knew that there probably wasn't a way out of this. He would have to confess sooner or later. That was a fact. So, with a little sigh, Rantaro took a few steps up the beach until they were out of the cool water, his gaze focusing out towards the sky again.
"Rantaro, what's wrong?"
Kokichi asked again after a few minutes of silence, thumb rubbing his boyfriend's cheekbone. And as the greenette opened his mouth to speak, all that came out was a choking sound. He wasn't even sure how he should start this. This is why he really should've planned this out before he made all of the arrangements. So, he took a deep breath, lightly getting Kokichi off of his shoes. After all, he wouldn't be able to get on one knee if Kokichi was standing on his feet. And whilst the smaller of the two gave him a frown at first, Rantaro grabbing his hands and smiling down at him was enough to bring a mirrored expression onto his face.
"I.." Rantaro began, shaking his head like he was trying to find the right words in his brain. He didn't know how to start this. He didn't know what he should say. Did he give him a cheesy heart-to-heart? Did he just get to the point? He almost flinched when Kokichi spoke again, he was so lost in his thoughts.
"Take your time, Taro. I'm.. here for you." Even after these years of them being together, it was always still funny to hear Kokichi struggle with comfort. Of course, he did comfort Rantaro, but it was usually laced within lies and jokes. But when he spoke all serious like he had, Rantaro knew, in his heart, that Kokichi really meant whatever it was he said. And so, Rantaro decided that the best approach would be to show off the ring, and then make his speech. So, that's exactly what he did.
The man dug his hand into his pocket after letting one of Kokichi's hands drop down besides him, getting down onto one knee, closed box on show in the palm of his hand. The hand he had just let go of almost immediately shot up to the leader's mouth, his eyes widening. And with how authentic the reaction looked, Rantaro assumed that his boyfriend really did have no idea he was planning this. There was some commotion happening up by where his friends were, an audible "oh my god-!" being produced by Kaede (and an "HOLY FUCK" from Miu), whilst others gasped. Some were even clapping, which gave Rantaro some hope that the answers would be a yes.
With one more deep and shaky breath, Rantaro finally began his speech. It was being made up on the spot, but he had faith he'd be able to get everything he needs out.
"Kokichi, I.. I've been thinking about this for a while. From the moment I met you, I knew that you would be someone special. Even though you have an.. interesting way of expressing yourself, it's one of the many things I truly do love about you. And I'm just so glad, so glad, that I- that you were willing to let your guard down slowly, and that you accepted me as- fuck, I can't speak." The boy laughed, looking up to meet Kokichi's eyes, seeing a teary gaze staring right back at him. His cheeks were wet with tears, his hand still covering his mouth. Even still, he could see the way it shook. Rantaro wasn't quite sure what from, but he really hoped it was happiness.
"There's so many things I want to say to you, but my voice is getting stuck in my throat. That's what you do to me. You make me forget everything. Anything bad happening, everything around us. Whenever I see you, my brain is incapable of doing anything other than giving you my full attention. There could be a.. a.. a war happening right next to us, and yet you would still be the only thing on my mind. I'd- I-" Rantaro takes a short breath, hoping that would stabilize his shaky voice (it didn't). "-I love you. So much. More than anything in the world. And I could never imagine my life without you in it. Without you helping me along the way, and, I.."
The greenette gently grabs the lid of the box with the Supreme leaders hand, revealing the ring he had bought. He could've sworn he had heard a gasp coming from Kokichi, but perhaps that was understandable. Looking at it now, the ring just screamed "expensive."
"Will you marry me, Kokichi Ouma?"
It was silent after that. Kokichi moved his hand off his mouth to rub his eyes with his arm, sniffling a little as he grabbed the ring, almost checking to see if it was real. The leader nodded his head, and Rantaro couldn't help but smile brightly, slipping the ring onto Kokichi's finger. It looked beautiful on him. It really did. Rantaro didn't even get the chance to stand up, Kokichi practically collapsing onto him. With the way the boy shook in, the sudden wet feeling on Rantaro's neck indicated that the boy was crying. Cheering emitted from his friends as he wrapped his arms around his boyfriend.. no, fiancé.
"I- I love you too, T-Taro." Kokichi quietly whispered against his neck, and Rantaro pressed his lips to the top of his head. They would go up to their friends eventually. But for now, Rantaro wanted nothing more than to hold Kokichi in his arms, as they both accepted the reality of this situation. He would talk about the potential wedding tomorrow. For now, he just wanted to savour the moment. This was a once in a lifetime opportunity, and Rantaro has never been so happy to spend it with someone like Kokichi. He loved him. And that would never change. He was his life, forever.