"You've done it now, haven't you!"

What a stupid girl! To compromise everything over the heat of the moment.

"No. It's not like that. My feelings are definitely real."

They may be real, that is true. But are my actions ? How do I know that this love I feel is reciprocated?

I made an abrupt halt. Looking at the nervous wreck of a girl in the mirror made me feel annoyed. Why am I torturing myself?

"It has to be reciprocated. He wouldn't just kiss me without any feelings... would he?" I asked myself with uncertainty.

Outstretching a hand to my reflection, I tried to reassure myself. I'm overthinking things. I'm putting unneeded stress on myself. I don't need this kind of baggage!

"The more I pace around in my bedroom, the more I start to overthink things. I just need clarification. I need to know what Haruto makes of us."

I just need him to tell me those three words.

Dusting my skirt off, I march out of the room and down the corridor. If I want answers, I must get them myself! I expect Haruto to be patrolling one of these corridors. I'll find him an I'll-

"HARUTO!" I shout commandingly.

Turning around anxiously, we make direct eye contact. As I storm down the end of the corridor, he opens his mouth to protest against me calling him by his name so openly. It doesn't matter to me. Before he can even get a word out, I shove him into one of the storage rooms.

"MISS UCHIDA-"

"That's Aiko to you!"

"... You know I cannot be personal with you. Formalities are a must, what would your Father say?"

"Ha! You want to start talking about formalities ? I'm sure my Father would have something far more important to criticize if he knew about that kiss yesterday." I say mockingly.

Haruto shifts, visibly uncomfortable. He tries to explain himself. "I didn't want to upset you."

"That's not convincing. I know you feel something for me. You held my hand and we even danced together afterwards. That's far from platonic. I want to hear your true feelings from your own mouth!"

Haruto defied my expectations. I originally predicted him to stubbornly continue with this uncooperative charade. But he didn't. Instead, he engulfed me in a hug and nestled his face into the crook of my neck. I was initially taken aback by his actions. I could feel my pale face heat up.

"I love you. I really, love you. I've loved you for a long time. But I know it's wrong."

"It's not wrong. I feel the same way too!" I attempted to reassure him.

"It's not wrong to us. But to anyone else? It isn't allowed. Your Father would never give us his blessing."

I pulled away from Haruto and cupped his face. Looking him straight in the eye, I confidently argued back with him. "I don't care what my Father has to say. I never have!"

Haruto looked at me hopefully, before hiding it with sad disappointment. "It's also not acceptable socially. You come from an elite socialite background and I'm just some orphan boy assigned to you as a bodyguard. My low status won't allow us to stay together."

Haruto sadly gave me a peck on the cheek before leaving.

I wasn't done. I'm far from done. As if I'm going to stand for this kind of outcome! I will not have another tragic romance, I refuse to do so!

I stormed into the study, while simultaneously startling Sanada-san. He dropped today's lesson plans among other teaching supplies, all over the ground. My initial reaction was to go and help him pick it up. But then I reminded myself of how awful he was to me.

"I see you're preparing today's lesson." I monotonously stated.

"Was preparing. Until you came in. It's not even time for it yet. Why are you so early?"

Looking around, I set my eyes on the large and extensive bookcase to my left. I briskly made my way towards it while answering Sanada-san's question. "Oh, you know. Just doing some research."

Trailing my fingers across the book spines, I lingered my touch on a particularly thick and red book. 'Marriage by law'. It looked promising. Perhaps I could find all the necessary information in here.

Flicking through the thin pages, I took a closer look at the content of the book. There were countless blocks of text detailing legal jargon I was unfamiliar with. I'd probably have an easier time trying to read a book in Latin.

Creeping up behind me, Sanada-san took a quick peek of the book. "I see someone has taken an interest in law. Trying to learn your marriage rights?"

I contemplated what I should say in response. I couldn't exactly be hostile with him. But I was definitely not going to tell him what my plans were.

"I just... I just want to be more informed. I'd like to know what criteria has to be met when looking for eligible suitors."

Sanada-san nodded. He looked up and pulled another book out. I didn't know he was familiar with the stock. He was like a librarian knowing what book it was that I needed.

"I believe you'll have more luck with this book."

I looked to Sanada-san, momentarily puzzled by his help. I was hesitant, but I decided to accept it.

"I think you'll find chapter five particularly helpful. It talks about instances of marrying the lower-class."

"How did you- Uh, I mean thanks."

I quickly walked over to one of the tables, I felt unnerved by Sanada-san's smug grin. Is he aware of Haruto and me? How could he possibly know?

Taking what little time I had until today's lesson would start, I read through the first few chapters of the book. Not long after I was done reading, Haruto arrived on time as expected. But he came with a guest.

"K-Kaoru?"

The sore expression Kaoru had previously directed at Haruto, melted away upon seeing me. He perked up with a toothy smile. Running over towards me, Kaoru lifted me into the air and started spinning me around.

"AIKO MY LOVE! I have excellent news for us!"

"Uh...huh. P-Please put me down first." I say shakily.

When Kaoru didn't immediately adhere to my wishes, Haruto gently placed a hand on Kaoru's arm. The second he felt Haruto's touch, he snapped his head towards him. He had venom in his eyes and looked as if he was about to attack him for interrupting us.

Trying to deflect, I ask "What news do you have Kaoru?"

Bringing him back to his senses, Kaoru gently lowered me to the ground. He didn't ease up on his grip as he pulled my back towards his waist as he rested his chin on my head happily.

"I was able to convince our Father's to move the engagement up to next Friday."

This is bad! I can't marry Kaoru before Haruto! We'll never be together if I do!

"I-Is that so?"

Kaoru closes his eyes and hugs me tighter as he takes a deep breath of my hair in. "Mm-hm!"

I couldn't focus. How could I focus? This new development just threw off my original plan. I just wanted to cry in Haruto's arms. But of course, I couldn't. We had our lesson right after Kaoru's sudden arrival. It was a wonder he wasn't insistent on asking Sanada-san if he could stay and watch.

By the time it was over, I morosely returned to my room. Haruto who escorted me back could also sense my anguish. He was at a loss for words. He wasn't sure how to console me. I myself wasn't so sure about what I wanted to hear, in order to cheer up.

I sat on the bed and lowered my head in defeat. "I found a way for us to be together... but it's pointless now. It won't work anymore."

"What was it if you don't mind me asking?"

Looking up to Haruto, I hopelessly answered him. "Once a Woman marries her first husband, he becomes the primary husband. He holds the most power and authority over her other husbands."

Haruto took everything I said in. He looked deep in thought as I could tell he was probably trying to think up some sort of plan. Typical Haruto.

"If we got married first your wealth and status wouldn't matter. But if I marry Kaoru first, he has the right to deny you for my hand in marriage over the basis of your status." I explained.

Not long after the silence, Haruto bent down to the floor. What on earth was he doing?

"If you are willing to be with me, we still have an alternative option," Haruto said.

"What is it?"

"We run away together."

"Wait. So, you mean..."

"We're going to elope."