Shiki Proposal

I met Shiki at my friends birthday party a year ago and we hit it off immediately. Her bubbly personality and warm smiles sucked me in and we spent most of the party together talking about everything from travelling and languages to the treacherous territory of philosophy and religion. I wondered where my friend had met a girl like her. It wasn't until later I found out my friend didn't know her. Shiki was invited by my friends little sister and was a second year at a prestigious high school. I couldn't believe it. she looked about our age and other than the strange way she talked she seemed so worldly for someone her age.

 

We kept in touch afterwards and by the time she was a third-year we had a shot at dating. It was supposed to be a secret at first but our constant closeness and flirting made it all too obvious to our friends and soon I was the butt of all jokes. It didn't matter she was old enough to be in a relationship with me the fact I was a dating a high school student as an alleged grown man made it hysterical to everyone. I expected Shiki to be bothered by all the teasing but whenever I talked with her privately about it she'd jokingly call me a "dirty old man" then apologise for winding me up with a warm cuddle.

 

After spending the evening together Shiki asked to come back to my place. She'd always said she didn't want to take things too far since she wanted to focus on school so it was odd that she wanted to spend the night. Shiki raced inside and made herself at home while I got us something to drink. I found her in the living room and she had a wide grin, a classic tell that she was up to something. 'Look what I found' She giggled and held up one of my old photos from high school of me and my school friends 'You looked cute.'

 

'You little sneak' I teased back 'trying to dig up some dirt?' Seeing a picture of me back then was strange. I was looking at a whole different person. The picture was taken during my senior year and I suppose I thought it was a good idea to dress like a beach bum complete with bed-hair and a surf necklace. What was I thinking?  'Let's get rid of that.' I reached out to pluck it from Shiki's hands but she squeezed the photo against her chest.

 

'No way!' Shiki protested 'This is too good.' She leaned away from me and gazed over the photograph once more. 'Didn't know you let your facial hair get out of control' Shiki giggled. I reached in for the picture again but she managed to wriggle her way free with the photograph in hand 'Oh and is that an earring? Such a rebel!'

 

'Yeah, yeah. I was into stupid, embarrassing stuff when I was your age.' I groaned and sat back in defeat 'You'll look back on photos of yourself someday and realise how much you've changed.' I made myself sound like her father. I wasn't that much older than her.

 

Shiki leaned over and rested her head against me 'Oh? You changed a lot huh? I look at the guy in this picture and well I think I still would have given him a chance.' I could tell Shiki smiled to herself even without seeing her face. 'I guess I'm just a sucker for guys like you.'

 

I wrapped my arm around her and let her curl up close. The picture made me think not just about my past but also the future. If I had changed I guess I wanted to know where I fit into Shiki's plans for the future. 'You're getting close to graduation. What do you want to do after high school?'

 

'I've got a really good job offer and I guess I wanted to travel too. I feel like I was supposed to see the world.' Shiki voice slowly trailed off as she shifted in her seat to get comfortable.

 

'How would you feel about seeing the world together?' I watched Shiki jolt up and our eyes met 'You know we've been dating for a while and I wanted know if you would like to be a real couple. We could even live together.'

 

'Living together huh?' Shiki smirked 'A little practice before marriage?'

 

I knew she was joking but that wouldn't stop me from firing back 'Well you would make a good housewife.' I grinned as Shiki stuck her tongue out and pouted. I pushed even further 'You don't think you'd make a great wife? Because I do.'

 

'Don't get too ahead of yourself' Shiki blushed and playfully elbowed me in the sides. She curled back up beside me to rest her head in my shoulder. She silently rested against me and I brushed her hair. 'I'll think about it' She mumbled.

 

'Think about what?' I tussled Shiki's hair and then neatened it with gentle strokes.

 

'You wanted to propose right?' Shiki gazed at me from under her thick eyelashes with a bashful smile. She was ready to turn it back around. 'Maybe if you told me what you like about me and that you loved me then I might accept.' Shiki stuck her tongue out 'A ring wouldn't hurt either.'

 

She couldn't be serious 'Oh and how many months salary should I spend on an engagement ring?' I asked to which Shiki simply winked.

 

We spent the rest of the evening on the couch together and talked over the TV. It got so late that Shiki stayed for the night. In the morning I managed to wake before Shiki did and I opened my eyes to see the sunlight bathe her flawless skin and turn her blonde hair golden. I ran my fingers down her body and back up to brush her hair which roused her from sleep and I watched her heavy eyes peek open. 'I could get used to waking up next to you' I smiled warmly and Shiki pushed her pillow into my face.

 

'You cornball' Shiki grumbled. I laughed off Shiki's attack and she snatched her pillow back and covered her own face. Even with her face concealed I could sense her rosy cheeks. 'Now let me have five more minutes you pervy old man' she muffled. I leaned over the pillow to sneak a kiss. Shiki kissed me back but didn't let me get away cleanly and punished my teasing with a playful kick.

 

I hopped out of bed to fix breakfast and let Shiki sleep. It wasn't long until I felt a pair of arms wrap around me from behind and a warm chest press against my back. Shiki had snuck up on me, I didn't know she could be so quiet. She rested her head against my broad back and hummed with delight 'Let's live together after I graduate' Shiki squeezed me tightly 'And travel together.' I brushed my fingers against hers as a sign of approval and Shiki spoke up once more 'And somewhere along our travels pick a romantic spot to surprise me with a flashy ring' She giggled 'I like "fiance" better than "girlfriend."'