After meeting Yamato's parents, I sensed tension lingering between us. His father's disapproval and mother's hesitation stung, but I tried to stay strong.
As we walked hand-in-hand through Tokyo's neon-lit streets, Yamato's grip tightened. "I'm sorry, Nia. I didn't expect it to be this hard."
I offered a reassuring smile. "We knew it wouldn't be easy, Yamato. But we'll overcome this, together. Your parents will see how much we love each other."
Yamato's eyes sparkled with gratitude. "You're my rock, Nia."
The next day, Yamato visited his parents alone. I waited anxiously, wondering what would unfold.
When he returned, his expression mixed, I asked, "How did it go?"
Yamato took a deep breath. "They're still hesitant, but I stood firm. I told them you're the one I want to spend my life with."
My heart swelled with pride. "I'm proud of you, Yamato."
He wrapped his arms around me. "I'll always fight for us, Nia."
I rested my head on his shoulder, feeling a sense of belonging. "I know, Yamato. We'll face this together."
But doubts lingered. Would his parents ever accept me? And what would happen if they didn't?
Days passed, and Yamato's parents remained hesitant. I tried to focus on my studies, but the weight of their disapproval lingered.
One evening, as I prepared dinner, Yamato arrived with a somber expression. "Nia, I need to tell you something."
My heart skipped a beat. "What is it?"
Yamato took a deep breath. "My parents... they're not just worried about our cultural differences. There's something more."
I sensed a storm brewing. "What do you mean?"
Yamato's voice dropped to a whisper. "My family has a long-standing business partnership with a traditional Japanese family. They want me to marry their daughter, Emiko, to secure the deal."
My world spun. "An arranged marriage?"
Yamato's eyes locked onto mine. "I refused, Nia. I told them I'd never marry anyone but you."
But doubts crept in. Was Yamato's family capable of more drastic measures?
Suddenly, the doorbell rang. Yamato's eyes narrowed. "That's unexpected."
He opened the door to reveal a poised Japanese woman, her eyes fixed intently on Yamato.
"Emiko," Yamato said, his tone neutral.
Emiko's gaze shifted to me, her expression cold. "You must be Nia. I've heard so much about you."
I stood frozen, sensing the storm's arrival.
----
