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The atmosphere at the Shiba House buzzed with excitement following Kaoru and Genta's engagement. It had only been a few days, but plans were already in full swing. Kaoru was brimming with anticipation for the upcoming wedding, eager to take charge of the arrangements. Takeru shared her excitement, anxious for Genta to move in as soon as possible, though he himself intended to wait until after the marriage. Yet, with his frequent visits, it felt as though Genta had already become a permanent fixture in their lives.
"Take-chan, when Kaoru-chan and I marry, who will have to give up their family name?" Genta asked curiously.
"I'm not sure. Traditionally, it's the woman who takes on the husband's surname," Takeru replied calmly.
"However, there are cases where men choose to take on their wife's surname. The most important thing is to consider which name holds greater significance," Chiaki chimed in, offering his assistance with the wedding plans and making regular visits to the Shiba House.
"Genta should consider giving up his surname. 'Shiba' carries considerable weight, and I cannot envision the Princess relinquishing her family name," Jii advised.
"Oh, I'm loving the sound of that! Just imagine my name during our roll call as Shinkenger if we ever need to battle again: Shiba Genta!" Genta exclaimed enthusiastically.
"I still can't believe this is happening," Takeru muttered despondently, reclining to hide his face. While he had accepted the engagement and was excited to have his best friend living with them, he couldn't shake off a lingering sense of unease.
"Don't be disheartened, Takeru. You'll get used to it," Chiaki attempted to reassure him, tousling his hair.
With that, they redirected their focus to the wedding preparations. After finalizing details like the guest list for the celebration, a familiar figure arrived at the house in a flurry, clearly flustered and anxious.
"Tono!" Ryuunosuke burst into the room, immediately dropping to his knees in a display of respect. It had been a while since he had visited, and his sudden appearance caught everyone off guard, his heavy panting indicating the haste with which he had arrived. "I need your help, please!"
"Ryuunosuke, how many times do I have to tell you to drop the 'Tono' act? We're not in battle anymore; just call me Takeru. It's not difficult," Takeru said, lifting his friend to his feet to signify that such formalities were no longer necessary. "What do you need help with?"
"I'm sorry, Tono—I mean, Takeru. I want to confess my love to Mako! I think it's finally time, but..." Ryuunosuke trailed off, his nervousness evident. "...I don't know how to go about it. Please help me!"
"H-how can I help you with that?" Takeru stammered, his face growing even redder. "I'm not exactly an expert on romance..."
"I think you should just be straightforward and confess your feelings, like I did with Kaoru-chan," Genta suggested, placing a reassuring hand on Ryuunosuke's shoulder.
"I'm not you, and Mako isn't the Princess," Ryuunosuke retorted, brushing off Genta's hand. "I believe Mako deserves a more thoughtful approach to understanding my feelings."
"I know just the person who can assist with this," Chiaki declared confidently, eyeing a particular wall.
Intrigued, the others followed Chiaki's gaze, eager to understand his plan.
"What do you need my help with?" Kotoha addressed the boys, her expression both confident and gentle.
Chiaki had enlisted Kotoha's aid because of her empathetic nature and close relationship with Mako, believing she could provide invaluable insight into what would make her friend happy. After Kotoha's arrival, the boys explained the situation, hoping she could offer guidance.
"How adorable! So, you want me to help Ryuunosuke confess his feelings, right?" Kotoha concluded.
"Yes, Kotoha. I have faith in your abilities," Chiaki said, kneeling before her. "Please, Kotoha, help me!"
"Of course, I will! You seem to care deeply for Mako-chan. How about writing her a heartfelt letter?" Kotoha suggested.
"A letter? That's perfect!" Ryuunosuke exclaimed, enthusiastic about the idea. With the collective effort of his friends—and some heartfelt sentiments of his own—he penned a poignant letter. The only obstacle now was Ryuunosuke's apprehension about how Mako would react to receiving it. Consequently, Kotoha was tasked with delivering the letter on his behalf.
As luck would have it, Mako was having lunch, just as Ryuunosuke had predicted. He seemed to know her routine like the back of his hand, making it the perfect opportunity for Kotoha to present the letter. Approaching her friend with a warm smile, Kotoha extended the letter.
"Mako-chan, I have something for you," she said, offering the letter. "Ryuu-san wrote it."
"Ryuunosuke wrote it?" Mako asked, surprised as she accepted the letter and began to read. However, to Kotoha's astonishment, Mako quickly handed the letter back. "Terrible."
"Terrible?" Kotoha echoed, perplexed by Mako's harsh assessment. Ryuunosuke had poured his heart into that letter. "Why did you find it terrible?"
"The problem is, I despise poetry. Why would Ryuunosuke write me a poem?" Mako queried, unimpressed.
"H-He wanted to test his skills in poetry," Kotoha improvised, not wanting to divulge the truth.
"Did she hate it?" the boys murmured in unison as Kotoha recounted the events. It was a valuable lesson for them all: not all girls appreciated poetry.
"I'm such a fool!" Ryuunosuke exclaimed, crestfallen.
"I'm sorry, Ryuu-san. It's all my fault," Kotoha apologized, sitting beside him in an attempt to console him. "I should have known if Mako-chan liked poetry before suggesting it."
"It's not too late to give up," Chiaki chimed in, lifting both Ryuunosuke and Kotoha's spirits. "I have another idea for you to confess your feelings to nee-san."
"How?" the others chorused, turning their attention to Chiaki with eager anticipation.
Chiaki produced a small piece of paper, explaining that Ryuunosuke only needed to embellish what was written on it and enact it with Mako. Ryuunosuke dedicated himself to this task, tirelessly practicing for days, receiving occasional pointers from his friends but mostly training in solitude.
Finally, the weekend arrived, and Mako had a free day. She agreed to join everyone at the Shiba House, the last to arrive. Spotting Ryuunosuke waiting at the entrance to greet her, she offered a friendly greeting.
"Hi, Ryuunosuke!" Mako smiled.
Approaching her without a word, Ryuunosuke silently led her to a spot before dropping to one knee.
O, speak again, bright angel, for thou art
As glorious to this night, being o'er my head,
As is a wingèd messenger of heaven
Unto the white-upturnèd wond'ring eyes
Of mortals that fall back to gaze on him
When he bestrides the lazy-pacing clouds
And sails upon the bosom of the air.
"Ryuunosuke, what are you doing?" Mako took a step back, bewildered by his sudden theatrics.
"Chiaki said it would work..." Ryuunosuke's voice trailed off, his disappointment palpable.
"He's just testing his acting skills," Chiaki interjected, appearing from nowhere and slightly flustered.
"But isn't that from Romeo and Juliet? Why choose that?" Mako pressed, her confusion mounting.
"I-it was just a random selection..."
"You've all been acting strangely lately..."
"I-it's nothing. Stay here; we'll be back soon," Chiaki hastily ushered Ryuunosuke inside the house, leaving everyone else to silently acknowledge the failure of their plan.
"Why did you make me practice a random scene from Romeo and Juliet?" Ryuunosuke demanded of Chiaki, a mixture of frustration and sadness in his tone.
"It wasn't random! There was meaning behind it," Chiaki insisted, his voice betraying his dejection. "But clearly, it didn't help at all. I'm sorry; I should have known better..."
"Don't say that, Chiaki. You did your best to help a friend; you should be proud," Kotoha interjected, attempting to lift his spirits.
"Thank you! Takeru, do you have any suggestions to help Ryuunosuke?" Chiaki turned to Takeru, hoping for guidance.
"M-me? I-I don't have any," Takeru stammered, his cheeks flushing crimson as he avoided eye contact.
"Tono-sama, I'm sure you have a brilliant idea to assist them," Kotoha coaxed, taking Takeru's hands with a warm smile, further deepening his blush.
"Y-you don't need to call me 'Tono-sama' anymore," Takeru muttered, attempting to deflect attention away from himself, only to be met with a swift reprimand from Kaoru's fan.
"Don't change the subject. I know you have something in mind," Kaoru's stern voice addressed Takeru directly.
"I don't know. Perhaps Ryuunosuke could sing a love song to her?" Takeru suggested, trying his utmost to control his embarrassment.
"Alright! Let's head to karaoke!" Genta exclaimed excitedly, seizing both Takeru and Kaoru by the arms.
With everyone in agreement, they informed Mako that they were going to karaoke. Initially puzzled, she eventually acquiesced, enjoying these moments spent with her friends. Upon arriving at the karaoke venue, everyone took turns singing, leaving Ryuunosuke as the final performer. Opting for a tender love song, he asked Mako to look at him while he sang. While she obliged, she couldn't comprehend the significance of his gesture. Though she enjoyed herself, she failed to grasp the deeper meaning behind the karaoke session. As the song concluded, Ryuunosuke gleaned from Mako's expression that his feelings had not reached her. He could bear it no longer; it was time for one final attempt to make her understand.
Approaching Mako directly, Ryuunosuke knelt before her, taking her hands in his own as he gazed earnestly into her eyes. His expression was one of determination, surprising Mako with his uncharacteristic resolve.
"Mako, please, I need to tell you something," Ryuunosuke began, his tone grave. "After four years, I've finally found the courage to say this: I love you, Mako! You've always been so kind to me, the first person to truly believe in me, and I'm grateful for that. I know I can be a nuisance, but I promise to bring happiness into your life. So, if you've had a change of heart about me, I'd like to make your dreams a reality. Shiraishi Mako, will you marry me?" He concluded, a mixture of hope and apprehension in his eyes.
"But...I'm hopeless in the kitchen. Why would you want to marry someone like me?" Mako countered, her uncertainty evident.
"It doesn't matter. My decision is based on more than just culinary skills. We'll figure it out together; all I need is your answer," Ryuunosuke assured her, a gentle smile gracing his lips.
"Yes. I'll marry you," Mako replied, returning his smile as he slipped the ring onto her finger, sealing their engagement with their first embrace as an engaged couple.
"At last, I've been understood—after three failed attempts," Ryuunosuke chuckled, still holding Mako close.
"All those times you tried to confess to me?" Mako realized, reflecting on the poem, the Romeo and Juliet scene, and the song—each an attempt by Ryuunosuke to convey his feelings to her, all of which had gone unnoticed by her. Despite this, he had persisted in declaring his love. "I'm sorry, Ryuunosuke. I should have paid more attention to your feelings," she confessed, tears welling in her eyes.
"It's alright. You're going to be my wife; I couldn't be happier," Ryuunosuke whispered, tenderly brushing a tear from her cheek.
"Ryuunosuke, when we get married, will you dress as the bride?" Chiaki teased, eliciting a playful response.
Before Ryuunosuke could retort, Genta appeared, linking arms with both Chiaki and Ryuunosuke. "I told you we should celebrate! Let's raise a toast to the happy couple!"
With Genta leading the charge, Takeru was coaxed into singing, his shyness melting away as he joined in the celebration. Mako beamed with joy, realizing she was about to marry someone who, despite her initial reservations, she knew could make her truly happy.