Maki pov

"Ready to go?" Takuro leaned against the wall a bit off from the door. He was dressed nicely in a grey suit matched with a black silk tie and polished brown shoes.

"Yah. Just a minute." I replied placing the papers into a folder. I got up and removed my coat, hanging it in the corner behind me. I've already changed to a sleeveless black skin tight dress which reached my ankles matched with a pair of sliver stiletto. I was wearing the coat as a form of warmth.

"Let's go." He exclaimed happily as the two of us exited the room.

We walked down to his car in silence and even when we were strapped in, I looked out of the window.

He landed a hand gently on the one resting on my lap.

"You okay?"

I nodded without turning my gaze "Just a little tired, I guess."

"We can head home if you want." He sounded quite disappointed but would gladly change course if it was for me.

I sighed softly, turned and smiled at him "Not need. I'll just take a little nap. Wake me when we reach?"

He smiled and nodded, giving my hand a small squeeze.

The smile on my face faded as I returned to the window. I wasn't planning  on really sleeping but I found myself being shaken gently by him.

"We are here."

I rubbed my eyes slightly and we both exited the car.

Of course it was no surprise that we were in front of a 5 star restaurant with front lights so bright you need a pair of sunglasses unless you want to go blind.

He came over to my side and held out a hand for me which I took.

"Shall we?"

I nodded and the two of us made our way into the high ceiling air conditioned room. A 4 layer crystal chandelier hung from the center of the room surrounded by pale peach covered lamps. The table  we were lead to was next to the floor to ceiling window. I took a glance out and was amaze to see the city below us with the lights being the only thing clearly visible, I didn't even realise that we were on a hill.

Menus were set gently in front of us as the waiter pulled out his notepad. "Would you like me to go through our daily specials?"

Takuro didn't even flip the menu open before he answered "That won't be necessary. I'll take the steak and the lady will have a salad." He glanced over as if seeking for permission which I had no choice but to nod.

"You food will arrive shortly." The waiter bowed with the menu in his hands and left us.

I sipped on my glass of champagne, trying to ignore the deafening silence between us.

"So, how are you parents?" He asked after clearing his throat.

"They are fine." 

"I heard they were working on something big?"

I nodded, entwining my fingers under the table "Yah but I don't know anything about it. They are keeping it a big secret until it's finished."

He nodded, pausing as if to think.

"What about your parents? Haven't heard from them in a while." I quickly added keeping the silence away.

"Oh they are doing fine. Although I believe they have gotten very busy lately. I hardly see them."

I forced a chuckle "Not that you see them a lot to begin with."

"I guess you are right." A smile cracked on his lips.

"Sorry for the wait. Here are your orders." A waiter, different from the one who took our order, came and gently removed the plates  from the tray and placing it in front of us respectively. 

"Let's eat then." He smiled as we picked up our utensils. 

"Thank you for the meal." 

Luckily, the silence was slightly better for the fact that we were both busy with our meals. My mind started to wonder off.

It landed on a memory I have with Nico. The both of us went to the nearby fast food chains often since we could afford it. We would talk and laugh as we ate, exchanging bites also Nico always gave me the tomatoes she didn't want.

My eyes landed on the plate opposite mine there was a small bunch of vegetables at the side and  he had eaten everything but the tomatoes, not mentioning how good the piece of meat he had looked.

I was already done with the salad that obviously isn't filling enough to be called dinner. I sighed silently to myself, I found myself wishing that it was Nico I was with instead.

"How was your day? Any patient you couldn't handle?" He broke me out of my trance. I looked up and took a moment before I registered his question.

I shook my head "Not that I can remember of."

"I didn't think so.. You are, after all, known for being able to put up with any kind of patient."

"Is that so? Known by who?"

"Everyone in the hospital." He chuckled as if he couldn't believe I didn't know.

Forcing yet another laughter "I guess I should pay more attention then."

"You should."

Again, silence fell.

"Ne, Maki."

"Hmmm..?"

"Do you really want to marry me or are you just doing this because our parents said so?"

I looked at him with widen eyes, gulping "Of course.."

"Save your breath. We both know the truth." 

We both sighed and look away.

"I'm not going to lie to you either. I'm only doing this because my parents think it would benefit both hospitals."

"Me too."

"Do you think.." He paused and surveyed the surrounding, lowering his voice "We can do something to get out of this?"

I leaned in closer, an actual smile broke out  "I'm open to whatever ideas you have."

A/N: Sorry for the wait the first draft was actually accidentally deleted XP so I had to rewrite. I hope you enjoyed it though. We are nearing the end of this story. Thanks for being with me on this journey.

I hope all of you had a wonderful holiday and I wish to see all of you next year as well :)

So for the last time in 2016

luv u all,

amateur-writer