Hello :p So…I've been really hesitant to continue this story. I was discouraged by some of the reviews that said I was delving into a harem, which I had been hoping to AVOID. I've been contemplating uprooting the whole story and starting over, but it's hard to delete this piece since I've spent lots of time and effort writing it. As I said before though, I'm very fickle and often write based on my whims. The fact of the matter is that if I want to continue, I think I may HAVE to start over. I know many of you have been patient, and I am so grateful and appreciative in your time and faith. I write this chapter in gratitude of you readers, and I apologize since I KNOW it's not good enough to be posted here, but I felt awful not updating anything for so long. I will not ask you to continue to wait for me or this piece because that is unfair. I myself do not know when I will continue it (although I promise that I will unless I expressly say that I am ending it.) I do hope though that if you have time and remember this story, you will read it again and enjoy it as much as you initially did or more so each time you do. If I do end up completely re-writing the piece, I may end up writing it as a separate document as a reboot and will inform you of this change later. Thank you.

Edit: Sorry, when I say discouraged, I meant about myself, not the reviews. I welcome criticisms as much as compliments because I previously asked for them in previous chapters.

This was inspired by (but does not follow) the dream Usaida has in a recent chapter where the characters ages are all switched. I had it where Ryoko dreams of a possible future instead. It's basically a fluff piece to help me stretch my writing fingers again.

The tree outside my window blooms with a multitude of peach-colored plum blossoms that are dotted with late-blooming buds in between the branches. A bench with velvet padding across the top has been placed underneath it for Ryoko to sit on as she waits. Her lacey veil has been drawn back to allow her to see the blossoms more clearly. Raising a gloved arm, she pushes the window out slightly, reaching her other hand out to try and catch some of the falling petals from the tree.

"Ryoko-chan, be careful! What if you soil your dress or gloves with dirt from the window?" Yuki-chan's worried tone and nervous fretting would have seemed endearing if she hadn't been clucking and tittering over everything I touched or did since we finished my bridal preparations.

"Pfftt~. Don't worry Yuki-chan. I just wanted some fresh air before the ceremony. I didn't realize how long it would take for everyone to arrive at the chapel."

"I'd advise you to stop blowing any more of those 'raspberries' with your mouth unless you'd like to redo the make-up session we finished only two hours ago." Biting the inside of my cheek, I stare down Inomata-san for a while before conceding defeat. I fold my hands in my lap and let Yuki-chan close the window for me. Inomata-san also walks over and adjusts my veil to be positioned around my hair more naturally while I offer her a small smile to show that I was only teasing, and she returns it with a smile of her own.

"There's the beautiful bride! Oh my gosh! Don't move from there! That gaze, that posture- it's a perfect photo opportunity!" Katsu-san, my old babysitter, starts snapping photos using her digital camera as my friends and I chuckle over her dramatic posing as she looks for the best angle.

Obaa-san and Kotarou were already downstairs greeting the guests as they arrive at the chapel, only briefly coming upstairs to peek in the room earlier when I was still getting ready. I was hoping to snag a picture with Kotarou later in the day since he was wearing the new tuxedo Obaa-san had gotten him for my wedding day. I also promised Kirin-chan that I would take a picture with all of the kids that had attended Gakuen Academy's daycare at the end of the ceremony since they were going to prepare for the following day's exams and wouldn't be able to attend the reception. I had hoped that Midori would at least be able to attend and keep Kotarou company during the party. She politely declined before pouting to me over the phone two months ago that she was getting ready for her middle school entrance exams, so she'd be leaving early as well. Obaa-san had only let Kotarou stay for the reception after making sure that he studied every night for the whole week before the day of the wedding, and was still somewhat reluctant to let him attend it. But it's my wedding day, and even if she won't say it, I know she's trying to look out for me by letting us stay together as long as possible. I looked out at the plum blossoms again, ignoring the shutter noises that were coming from Katsu-san's camera.

How did all the time pass by?

"Rii-chan, we need to touch up your blush. It's starting to fade slightly." I start to pout at Yuki-chan, unwilling at having to sit in front of the mirror for another thirty minutes. The foundation already felt somewhat cakey and uncomfortable since I didn't usually wear make-up.

"But the people in the chapel won't see my face until afterwards anyway. I'm wearing a veil!"

Inomata-san, as usual, comes to Yuki-san's aid. Placing her finger against her cheek, she gave me her signature pointed look as she said

"You won't have time to fix it after the ceremony. You won't care that your future husband and everyone else will see you when the make-up fades?"

"...That's not fair. You know that I'm already nervous about how I look right now anyways..."

"Tough luck. It's traditional for the bride to put on make-up in order to better accentuate their facial features and soften their bone structure. You hardly have much of it on anyways."

"You're just trying to make yourself sound more fancy and smart to convince me that you're right!" She shrugs her shoulders before approaching the window and reaching out her hand, gesturing for me to stand up.

"Maybe. But I am right."

As I walked down the aisle, thinking about my approaching future happiness, I no longer worry about whether I would trip on my dress or that I have no one to walk me down the aisle, I feel beautiful. I no longer lament over the fact that my parents couldn't be here, for I already know that they are watching over me from far away. I no longer feel upset that my Uncle Saburou refused to acknowledge me and Kotarou, yet had the audacity to ask for an invitation to my wedding. It was his loss anyway. My brain let go of all these past worries as I instead choose to focus on my present and future. The sight of Kotarou in his fitted suit was heartwarming. He was becoming so handsome, and I worried over the many girls that have started to take notice of him, pitying them because all he thinks about outside of school is caring for the school rooster and his old pet chick, Pii-chan. I look over at Obaa-san, too old to stand without a cane now, smiling at me from the pews, a sight so rare that I'm sure it will be etched into my brain even as I breathe my dying breath. Then I stare at the groom, my groom…my husband, waiting for me at the front of the church. As I begin to climb the steps towards the altar, a large hand reaches down to offer me assistance. I allow myself a small smile as I accept the help, comforted that no one but him and possibly the priest will be able to see me as I do so. Obaa-san made it clear that I was to look elegant and proper at all times, and that smiling before I said my vows would be somehow "inappropriate".

When we had first started rehearsing for the ceremony two days earlier, I was smiling at Kotarou, pretending he was the groom since the actual person was too busy working that afternoon. Kotarou reached out for my hand in the same way this person does today, but at the rehearsal, after smiling towards him, I tripped on the steps and had to reach for his other hand to catch myself. Obaa-san leaped up towards the altar, and looked as if she might strike me across the face.

"Do you want others to think you're some fool, too clumsy to attend her own wedding? Or worse, cooking up shenanigans with that boy when you're supposed to be taking your holy vows?! Don't smile!" The fear of facing God would have been less frightening than having to face her at dinner that night.

Regardless of the fact that I smiled at him, I make it up the steps to the pew without incident. He continues to firmly hold unto my hand until I climb all the steps and finish positioning myself across from him before reluctantly releasing my arm so that we could face the priest. As the priest began the same sermon that he had given during our rehearsals of how precious marriage is, and other such things, I sneak a glance towards my right side, hoping to catch a better glimpse at his face, still in awe over how handsome he looks, and that this was really happening. To my surprise, he is also staring at me, his piercing gaze causing me to blush from the unrestrained adoration in his eyes. As I look away and try to return my focus to the priest, I feel him reach over and squeeze my hand. From behind me, I can hear Obaa-san let out a restrained "Hmph!", and further back, I hear high-pitched giggles and deep chuckles echoing up from the pews. I feebly try to remove my hand from his grip, but he holds on firmly. Although he usually tried to keep any show of public affection minimal while we were dating, here he was, brazenly holding hands in front of all our friends and family! I shiver in fear of their anticipatory scolding I'd get from Obaa-san at the reception, but still couldn't help from squeezing his hand back.

..I can't really say that I want to let go anyways.

"Now then, if you would be so kind as to recite your vows? We will start with the bride." We turn to face one another, our hands still interlaced from when the priest had first started his sermon. Using his free hand, he lifts the veil, and I can feel my face begin to get warm as I finally obtain an unobscured view of his face. We hadn't given our vows before, so I hadn't really been able to prepare aside from rehearsing it in my head and in front of the mirror. I open my mouth to begin, but then someone, either Katsu-san or Aoi-kun probably, lets out a loud wolf-whistle. My blush deepens, but he gives my hand a reassuring squeeze as encouragement to continue. Taking in a deep breath, I try again.

"I-In these past months, and even really, these past years, I have come to the realization that I need you. Before we met, I felt broken. My parents had passed away when I was still in middle school, and I wondered how Kotarou and I would be able to survive without our parents to help guide us. I was fortunate enough to be taken in by Obaa-, no, sorry, Morinomiya-san. Through her goodwill and charity, we were able to build another family at the Gakuen Academy. We were able to not only survive, but thrive in a community and environment that has and continues to support us. It was also due to Morinomiya-san's actions and my connections to the community at Gakuen that I was able to meet you. I was clumsy, ignorant, and unaware of how important you would become to me. You continued to stay by me, despite the long wait you had to endure before we could finally get to this point. I want to love you and be loved by you as the person most cherished in your life...Please accept this vow and let me be your bride." I pause at the end of my speech, trying to gauge his response when suddenly cheers abrupt from behind me as all our old friends stand up to clap and scream encouragements. I can't help but chuckle as I see the frustrated glare from Obaa-san and the bewildering look on the priest's face at how rambunctious the attendees are. Still, as I glance at his face across from me, my stomach undergoes a flip-flopping sensation as I try to understand the blank expression on his face. Looking for some sign that he heard me, I notice the small upturn of his lips at the corner of his mouth. It's not a no, but it can't really count as a yes... He gives a meaningful look out towards the crowd, who immediately die down from this. All except for Aoi-kun, still hooting and hollering congratulations. Obaa-san finally shoots him a withering look, and after some awkward coughing, he sits back down in the pews before receiving a silent beating by the rest of our friends. Now that the church is quiet again, he starts to speak, and a sudden drumming noise thunders in my ear as I feel my pulse start to pick up in anticipation of his words. Just as he's about to speak-

I feel a hand smack my forehead.

"Nee-cha, wake up! Wake up!"

"Up!Up!Up!"

"Abu!" Another sharp slap to my temple makes me sit up, and I look around the Daycare Room, eyes swimming from the sudden motion.

"Ung." Kotarou places his outstretched arms in front of me to protect me from being hit again by Kirn-chan or Taka-chan.

"Nee-cha, you were sweeping wike Usaida. Ish not good to be wike him, Mommy said so." I vigorously rub at my face before peeking between my fingers to confirm that the children were still, well, children, and that I really was still wearing my high school uniform. The toddlers continued to watch me expectantly, so I let out a deep breath and ruffle my hair to chase away anything I felt leftover from the dream.

"You're right Kirin-chan. I shouldn't be sleeping in the Daycare Room. After all, my job is to take care of you guys." I try to give them a reassuring smile despite still feeling disoriented, and they return it with their own smiles. Seemingly content that they had done a job well done, Taka and Kirin take hold of Kotarou's hands and drag him and the other toddlers to the far side of the room, near the play kitchen. Midori continues to sit beside me, faithfully waiting for Usaida-san to return from his errand.

"Abu!" She reaches a hand out to pat my knee as if to reassure me that everything is fine. I reach my own hand out to catch her shaking fist before gently enveloping her tiny fingers in my palm. Moving my other arm towards her face, I use my forefinger to poke the center of her temple, causing her to pout.

I guess it really was a dream…It's kind of embarassing to imagine myself getting married though, especially to him.

"I must really reallllyyy be tired to have imagined getting married to him already." We only just started dating... Letting go of her hands, Midori crawls away in protest of my poking, and I start to stretch my body in an effort to feel more awake, reaching my arms over my head.

It was just a dream.

I take in a deep breath and stretch my arms up even higher, then exhale as I release the tension. Just as I'm about to let my arms drop down to fall at my sides, a different pair of hands grab them, and a familiar voice whispers right into my ear.

"I'm not sure who you had in mind, but if it's a proposal you want, I could offer you one right now." Although initially startled, I quickly laugh as I turn around, expecting him to say "Just Kidding" due to how ridiculous his words seemed. The kids don't seem to notice his arrival since they're too focused on their game, so only I am alerted to his presence. To my surprise, when I turn to face him, his face looks completely serious, his eyes intense and focused on gauging my reaction. My mouth opens and closes.

I think he was joking, but...should I answer honestly anyways?

I stare back at him, nervous and even a little afraid that I may not answer him in the right way. His face softens at my confused look, and he releases my arms, sliding one hand up to grasp mine. Slowly, I lower my arms, still wary if the possibility that he may still be waiting for me to respond. When he continues to just gently stare at me, holding onto my hand, I let myself relax and smile at him, the tension dissipating around me.

Then he closes his eyes and presses a kiss against my temple.

It's ok, I can wait." He straightens himself back up again, glancing around the room a bit to be sure no one else had seen us before walking out the entrance. As he rounds the corner, he has the audacity to smirk at me before disappearing completely. It seemed that he was enjoyed leaving me confused and frustrated over his surprisingly sweet gesture and teasing. Midori, conveniently finished with her pouting, strode back over to me and placed herself in my lap as she attempted to grasp my attention. Suddenly, it dawns on me what just happened, and I begin to squeeze the poor child tightly in an attempt to try (and fail) at calming my nerves as my head explodes, specifically erupting from the spot where he had kissed me. Once my brain had officially finished frying and turning into goop, I look out the window towards the far-off trees that were just beginning to have plum blossoms appear.

"Midori-chan, do yourself a favor. Don't EVER get start dating or get married."

"Abu." With that advice firmly stated, I let myself fall back unto the Daycare floor as Midori crawls all over me in her haste to escape my death grip. I continue to lie there even as Kotarou and the others walk over, hoping to wake up and realize this had all just been a dream.

Yeah, this is cheesy, but I felt bad making you all wait, and I needed to stretch these writing fingers anyway. I thought about writing a different piece where the toddlers grow up, but since I really like that idea, I want to write it more eloquently and be more thoughtful before putting it online. Also, I contemplated having Saikawa walk her down the aisle in this piece, but I already said I would make it open to all the male characters having a possible chance at a relationship with Ryoko (since I hadn't decided on one person when I began writing this) so I didn't put him in it. Besides, Ryoko doesn't need no man! She's an independent woman!