Rei’s cheeks dusted with a slight color of pink, as Taiki whisper ‘love’ into her ears. She was such a cheeky thing who could get away with anything. Something that annoys her and yet loves her at the same time. Unable to respond. She bashfully thanked her and wished her goodnight once more.
Returning to her room to sleep. She couldn’t catch a single wink of sleep, as her thoughts revolve around her guilt. She felt awful for behaving so coldly towards Taiki. She didn’t deserve that kind of treatment. Some of the Inner Senshi have spoken their thoughts about it as well. Coming from a good place. It concerns them when Rei tends to close her heart to the people around her. Sighing. The Miko noted to herself to reflect on it. Reminding herself to be kinder to Taiki tomorrow.
As dawn arrived, she slept in and skipped her Miko duty for a day, as she returned late last night. To her surprise, she was greeted by her family members, her father, and grandfather. Both men were waiting for her patiently in the living room. “Good morning, Father…” Bowing her head to greet him. Noticing her grandfather wasn’t too please by her father’s presence. After a short moment of silence between the family members, her father cleared his throat to break the ice.
Preparing breakfast. Rei’s thoughts seem to be lost in space as her memories recall the discussion with her family.
Once her father spoke, her grandfather slams his fist hard on the tatami mat while she was in disbelief.
“Takashi! Are you insane? She’s only 18!”
“Father, please calm down.” The Miko’s father spoke. “Rei is in a marrying age, in 2 years. The man I have picked for her is a good match.” His hand press against the hardcover. That contains a picture of Rei’s suitor. While ignoring his father’s angry glare, he pushed it over to his daughter and father.
“I refused! Besides, doesn’t your daughter have a saying in this?” As the elderly turn to his granddaughter.
“Father, you must have already known. How I’m not too keen on the topic of marriage?” Her words didn’t need an explanation and the family knew the story too well. A story about how her father has been so neglectful to his partner. Causing his wife’s death. Creating a rift between the father and daughter.
Turning away. “I will admit. I was never a good role model. But this man, who wishes for your hand in marriage, is quite fond of you. I hope you give this man some thoughts and consideration…."
The starlight had awoken that next morning to hear other people in the home. She did not intrude and instead kept withdrawn for a time. Deciding to step out, she walked the shrine to stretch out her legs and to properly awaken. Somethings played out in her mind from the last evening and she could not fault Rei for being withdrawn from her a bit. She understood the history and didn't push too hard. Patience was a better course of action, that was until she noted a different vehicle nearby the shrine.
One that was recognizable to those higher up. The thought of Rei's father made Taiki's blood grow a bit colder. She returned to the shrine after the discussions had taken place only to keep her tongue in check as she noted Rei's father was indeed present. The woman decided to move through after giving a good morning to Rei's grandfather. Her manners for him would always remain.
Passing the men, she moved on to the kitchen to prepare some tea for herself having done so before. Spotting Rei, Taiki cleared her throat to make certain she didn't just startle the miko from whatever thoughts were going through her head.
Something was changing in the air. Tension was an obvious thing she had sensed since returning from her morning walk.
