By Zephyria “Gett-ing married?”
Ariel repeated the words loudly. Koi nodded firmly, though still shy.
“We like each other, don’t we? We’ve confirmed our feelings, so marriage is the next logical step. I’m a Beta, but there’s no law saying an Alpha can’t marry a Beta.”
Koi’s mind was made up. Ariel, caught completely off guard, couldn’t think straight.
“Just because you like each other doesn’t necessarily mean you have to get married, Koi.”
Koi remained unfazed by Ariel’s feeble attempt.
“I know. But we’re going to get married.”
He added with an uncharacteristic firmness. Ariel momentarily flinched at Koi’s intensity.
Koi had that kind of confidence?
Ariel blinked, dumbfounded. She felt a mix of pride and pity. And, of course, anger towards Ashley. Clenching her fists so hard her knuckles popped under the table, Ariel counted to herself as she looked at Koi’s happy face. Fortunately, her reason returned before she reached 1,000.
I can’t ruin Koi’s happiness.
Talking about Ashley now would only be for her own satisfaction. If she exposed his past, Koi would undoubtedly be hurt. The thought of Ashley getting his comeuppance was satisfying, but what would be the point if it made Koi suffer?
But she couldn’t just let it go either. She had to at least stop the proposal. If Ashley really did stab Koi in the back, Koi would feel even more self-loathing. Ariel swallowed her rising anger and tried to sound casual.
“I understand what you mean. But shouldn’t you postpone the proposal?”
“Why?”
Anticipating the question, Ariel calmly reasoned.
“You were the one who confessed your feelings first, right? So you took away Ash’s chance to confess. How about you let him propose?”
“Uh…”
Koi blinked. Seeing him waver, Ariel added in a more gentle tone.
“Ash might be planning to propose to you. He said he liked you, didn’t he? If he said you’re the only one for him, he’s probably thinking about marriage too, right? You both feel the same way.”
It made sense. Koi was already completely swayed by her words. Ariel asked again with conviction.
“So let him propose. If you propose before he even gets to confess, he’ll be really disappointed. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, isn’t it?”
She didn’t even need to mentally beg him to agree. Seeing Koi’s face of understanding, Ariel relaxed her shoulders and smiled sincerely. Koi smiled back and said,
“Thanks, Al. I didn’t think of that.”
“It happens. I’m glad you talked to me before buying the ring, right?”
Ariel said softly, taking Koi’s hand on the table, and Koi nodded.
“Um, I still think I should get a part-time job.”
Koi continued, looking sheepish.
“I can’t keep living off Ash forever… I need to contribute something. Not much, but…”
“How about you save that money and then buy Ash a gift after he proposes to you?”
Ariel quickly came up with an idea.
“It’s just pocket change to Ash anyway, and it won’t really help with the rent. Wouldn’t it be better to save that money and buy him a gift instead? As a reward for letting Ash have the chance to propose.”
“Ah…”
Koi’s eyes sparkled. He was genuinely impressed and said with a bright face,
“Al, you’re so smart. That’s a really good idea. I’ll do that. Thank you.”
“Right?”
Wow, I’m pretty quick-witted.
Ariel was impressed with her own improvisation and felt a little smug. Koi’s admiring gaze made her even more confident.
“Okay, then. You were just about to start looking for a part-time job, right? You haven’t looked yet?”
Ariel asked, and Koi nodded.
“I think I’ve gotten too used to doing nothing. I’ve never taken such a long break before…”
Seeing Koi blush and look down at his teacup, Ariel asked again.
“Ash hasn’t said anything?”
“No, but I can’t just keep doing nothing.”
It was a natural thought for Koi, but Ashley might have a different opinion. Ariel thought for a moment before speaking.
“So what do you do all day?”
It was strange that she was only thinking about this now. Taking a break was fine, of course, but Ariel felt like there was another reason. As expected, Koi momentarily panicked and began to stammer.
“Well, um… I wake up and it’s almost lunchtime… I call for cleaning, and while they’re here, I eat, and then the afternoon is gone in a flash. I’m just sort of… order dinner… and when Ash comes home… so… um…”
Koi’s face flushed. Unable to bear it any longer, Ariel finished his sentence for him.
“Ash starts having sex as soon as he gets home? Without even eating dinner?”
Seeing Koi’s wide-eyed and flustered expression, Ariel clicked her tongue. What kind of beast is he?
Ariel stared at Koi with a frown. Even for an extreme Alpha, is that too much? It didn’t seem like that before.
She didn’t remember well because it had been so long, but Ashley was just a normal boy of that age and not that kind of pervert. She couldn’t imagine him rushing in like that as soon as he got off work.
But if she excluded Ashley, there were cases like that. Ariel frowned, recalling the cases of several of her friends.
Are they newlyweds or something?
It was something that would only happen between newlyweds, but Koi’s red face and embarrassed fluster was an undeniable reality. Sighing, Ariel spoke.
“You’re both adults, so it’s your own business, but you’re a Beta. You can’t let him overwhelm you like that. You have to think about your health.”
That was the best advice Ariel could give. She couldn’t stop him every step of the way, and she shouldn’t. It was their business, after all.
“Make sure you use condoms too. He’s an extreme Alpha, but you’re not. You’ll get sick.”
It’s okay, Ash only does it with me. He said he’s only ever loved me.
Koi thought, but there was no need to deny Ariel’s concern for him.
“Yeah, thanks. I will.”
Ariel stared at Koi, who nodded and said that, then crossed her arms and leaned against the table.
“Koi.”
“Yeah.”
Koi answered, inwardly nervous at the serious tone, and she looked directly into Koi’s eyes and spoke.
“Don’t forget that I’m always on your side.”
She continued in a calm voice.
“I’ll support you no matter what. If you’re having a hard time or something painful happens, please tell me.”
“Okay?” she added as if to confirm, and Koi couldn’t answer immediately. A lump rose in his chest, making it difficult to speak.
“Yeah.”
Koi barely nodded, took a deep breath, and added in a firm tone.
“I won’t forget. Um, me too. I’m always on your side. You too, if you’re having a hard time, tell me, okay?”
“Okay.”
Ariel smiled and held out her pinky finger. She hadn’t done it since high school, but Koi smiled back and hooked his pinky finger with hers.
“I promise.”
“You too, you promised.”
After confirming that they would be each other’s strong supporters, they released their fingers.
* * *
“Welcome, Mr. Niles.”
The doorman opened the door and greeted him. Koi felt a little embarrassed by the way he was welcomed as if he were a resident of this place, so he returned the greeting quietly and hurried away.
Huh?
He was about to get on the elevator when he stopped absentmindedly, seeing that it was on the top floor. It seemed Ashley was already back. As soon as he checked the clock in the lobby, he exclaimed to himself. He had spent too much time with Ariel after so long. Thinking of Ashley, who always came back at the same time, he became anxious.
Koi hurriedly took the elevator up and stepped out as soon as the doors opened, only to be startled. Ashley was standing beyond the front door, looking at him.
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