The faint sound of a temple bell echoed over the Japanese wooden house. The atmosphere of late spring transitioning into summer crept in slowly. The hum of cicadas blended with the rhythmic clack-clack of a bamboo water pipe hitting stone.
Inside an ancient Japanese room, the night was peaceful for two. A young woman sat in a Shiromuku—a pure white wedding kimono—her head covered by a traditional hood. She knelt before the current successor of the Shigure Soen Style: Yamamoto Takeshi.
The young man, with the faint scar on his chin, gently lowered her hood. Saya looked up with a soft smile, her voice sweet and clear like a silver bell. Yamamoto's heart raced; looking at her, he wondered if an angel had truly descended before him.
"I'm sorry I chose this, Yamamoto-kun. I was too selfish to accept the proposal..." she whispered. "Perhaps I should have refused, but if I had, I might not be alive today."
Snap out of his daze by her beauty, Yamamoto shook his head quickly. "I'm the one who proposed it to you, Saya-chan. It's just... a result. I'm happy this way. No matter what happens next, please don't overthink it."
Saya went silent as he gave her a gentle smile.
"You don't have to be tied to me. Go live your own life, find your own love. This is just a ceremony. Though I don't want a divorce, if you find someone else in the future... I can't help that." He scratched his cheek awkwardly, looking away. "As for your heart and your love... give them to me when you're ready. When that day comes, I'll take them with all the greed I possess."
Saya was stunned. She knew he was kind and easygoing, but she didn't expect this. "I see... Takeshi-kun. Since we are husband and wife now, what would you like me to call you?"
"Takeshi," he said, leaning in to kiss her cheek softly. His eyes held a mysterious depth. "Just Takeshi is enough. And you, Saya-chan? What do you want me to call you?"
"What would you like to call me?" she countered. A small smirk played on his lips.
"My beloved." He leaned in closer until his lips pressed against hers in a touch as delicate as fragile glass. "My beloved wife."
His large hands slowly parted the layers of her kimono, revealing the undergarments beneath. Yamamoto swallowed hard before beginning to remove his own ceremonial robes. Saya's face flushed a soft pink, a sight that seemed to please him greatly.
His eyes were filled with longing as he kissed her again and again, whispering sweet words. "I love you, Saya-chan. I love you." He lowered her onto the futon and placed a gentle kiss on the curve of her neck.
That night, Yamamoto shared a world of tender, sweet happiness with Saya until dawn.
Saya opened her eyes slowly. She saw Yamamoto sleeping beside her, his hand still firmly holding hers. Looking around, she realized she was in her hospital room. Usually, Jinnai, Lussuria, Dino, or Fon would be nearby, but today the room was quiet.
Thinking back to her dream, her face burned with heat. How could I dream something like that?! She didn't know where to hide her face. As she moved, Yamamoto's eyes fluttered open.
"Are you awake, Saya-chan?" he asked groggily. "Need anything?"
Saya chuckled at his sleepy face. "Takeshi... why don't you go wash your face first?"
The boy yawned and nodded, heading to the bathroom. As he washed, he noticed Rain Flames beginning to seep from her. He quickly ignited his Vongola Gear to balance her energy.
"Do you have a match today?" she asked.
"Well... yeah," he scratched his head, looking at her.
"Are you worried about Squalo-san?"
Seeing she had caught him, his expression turned sheepish. Saya smiled. "Go on. It's an important match—the semi-finals for the Kanto region!"
He sighed. "I'm just worried. Your Rain Flames are acting up, Shamal hasn't cleared you to leave, and Squalo is... well, being Squalo."
"If I'm his 'mission,' he'll definitely come back for me. Shamal, Gokudera, and Lussuria-san are all here. I'll be fine." Yamamoto paused until his phone rang—it was Ryohei calling to pick him up.
"Alright, I get it," Yamamoto said. "Saya-chan... can you give me a blessing?"
"Of course. I hope you win, Takeshi-kun!"
"If I win, I want you to come see me in the finals," he promised. Saya nodded as he rushed out, waving to her from the courtyard.
A short while later, Tsuna video-called her so she could watch the livestream of the match. Saya cheered loudly alongside Lussuria, who was knitting but shouting just as enthusiastically. Meanwhile, outside in the garden, the sound of an explosion—BOOM!—rang out. Squalo and Hibari were clashing again, but Saya and Lussuria had grown so used to it they didn't even look up.
Two hours later, Namimori Middle won! They were heading to the finals.
"I'm going for a walk, dear," Lussuria said. He had spent the morning beautifully braiding Saya's hair into a new style.
Saya liked Lussuria; despite his tall, masculine frame, he felt like a fussy but kind older sister. He often told her stories about the Varia—the money-obsessed guardian, the prince who loved knives, and the most difficult boss in the world whom Squalo had to cater to every hour. Lately, Squalo had even been bringing her rings of every element, though he was grumpy about it.
As Lussuria left, Storm Flames began to swirl. Gokudera was called in immediately. This time, the flames manifested as a gentle breeze in the room. Gokudera ignited his belt flame and touched her; the wind vanished instantly.
"I'll leave her to you," Lussuria waved.
Another BOOM! sounded from outside. Gokudera shouted out the window, "Keep it down, you idiots!" He turned back to Saya with a sigh. "Saya-chan, sorry. We have to cancel the movie theater trip. We'll have to watch in here instead."
"No problem. Dr. Shamal hasn't cleared me anyway."
Gokudera brushed back his hair. "Well, since we're here... what do you want to watch? You choose."
Saya thought for a moment. "Inception, Tenet, and Mad Max."
Gokudera's eyes lit up. "Sci-fi? I'd better order a lot of popcorn and Coke then!"
They spent the evening immersed in movies, arguing over plot points and laughing together. Suddenly, the Storm Flames flared up again. Gokudera gripped her hand gently to balance it.
The scene before her shifted. She was in a vast open field with targets in the distance—a shooting range. A man with light red hair and a tattoo on the right side of his face looked at her. His shirt was messy, his tie loosened. Though she didn't know him, he didn't feel like a stranger.
"Lela," he said warmly. "So, you're in trouble, aren't you?"
"You are..." Saya stared. He looked just like Gokudera, but calmer, more mature.
"G," he said with a small smile. "I am the First Generation Storm Guardian of the Vongola Family." He stepped closer and touched her cheek. "I'm relieved to see you're doing well."
"Everyone in Vongola is very kind," Saya smiled sincerely.
At those words, G's hand flinched. A look of deep regret crossed his eyes. "...Lela, if I... if I ever did anything wrong to you, if you ever want to hit me or slap me, do it with all your might." He spoke awkwardly. "The situation back then... I did things I shouldn't have. So, vent all your sadness on me. I'll bear it for you."
"Huh?" Saya was confused.
"That Giotto... how will he feel when he meets you again?" G murmured with a sad smile. He then recited the ritual words.
In my name, G, the First Generation Storm Guardian... I grant the temporary right to wear the Storm Belt to Lela Starfield for the purpose of healing and saving this honored guest...
G leaned down and kissed her forehead and then her cheek—a blessing. He held her other hand and kissed it softly. "Stay safe, Lela. Keep that bright smile of yours forever..." His smile turned sorrowful. "And watch out for Daemon Spade, just as you must watch out for that boy, Mukuro."
He seemed to have more to say, but he closed his eyes and let go. As Saya felt herself drifting back to reality, she heard his final whisper:
"I'm sorry... for everything in the past, Lela. And... look after that kid, Gokudera, for me."
"Oh, did you fall asleep?" Gokudera looked over to find Saya's head resting on his shoulder. He lowered the volume of the movie and let her sleep. He put his arm around her to make her comfortable and pulled up the blanket.
His heart hammered in his chest. The faint scent of her shampoo made him dizzy. He didn't want to be this close, yet he couldn't bear to be far away.
"Damn it... why do you do this to me?" Gokudera whispered, his face turning bright red.
"Mmm... Gokudera-kun?" Saya murmured in her sleep, snuggling closer into his shoulder.
"You really are...!" Gokudera looked at her beautiful, princess-like face so close to his. He wasn't exactly a 'gentleman,' and he knew it. He was just a boy who loved a girl, and she was too close to not reach for.
"...Sorry. But next time, don't trust me so much," Gokudera whispered. He leaned down and pressed a light, fleeting kiss to her lips.
Their lips were cool, but their breath was warm. Gokudera pulled away, carefully laid her down on the sofa with a pillow, and tucked her in. He turned off the TV, sat behind the sofa, and reached for a cigarette—before deciding against it and putting it back.