It's only been one week, since Kenji made Aoi into the happiest woman in the world. The two lovers had only known each other for about four years, around the time they started college. However, on the day of their graduation ceremony, Kenji proposed to Aoi that very night.
Aoi had met Kenji when they were freshmen at college. Their school was located right in the heart of a major city. Aoi reminisced on how shy and nervous she would get around people back then. In fact, it was Kenji who approached her the very first time they met. Though, she still could be sort of an introvert, it was amazing how much confidence she gained through her relationship with Kenji. Aoi grew up in a rural community. She didn't communicate much with people except for her family, pets, farm animals and fellow local students. Going to college, located in a metropolis, was something beyond culture shock to her.
They both had their first scheduled class of the semester, together. Of course, Aoi was too afraid to look anyone in the eye. She barely had enough courage to respond, when the professor took attendance. Luckily for her, Kenji noticed her. After class, Kenji approached Aoi in the hallway. He introduced himself with such directness and confidence that it threw her off guard. But, at the same time, she couldn't help but admire it. When Aoi gazed upon him she froze, like a deer in headlights. Her face blushed a full shade of red. She did not expect to meet a cute boy so soon; and what a handsome guy he was. He looked like a male character from one of those romantic dating sim, or anime, come to life. Messy light brown hair plopped on his head. A set of emerald green eyes that seemed to be glowing. Judging by his frame, he had a very nice muscle tone, but not in a way that was too muscular. A combination of cute facial features, with a nice manly frame, was a deadly combination that could most women swoon.
With an inviting warm smile, Kenji asked Aoi if she wanted to grab a bit to eat later. Not knowing what to do, Aoi abruptly ran off. During the rest of the day, Aoi mulled over what happened that morning. On the one hand, she was very unprepared for the situation. On the other hand, a wave of guilt was washing over her. That boy did nothing rude or mean. He introduced himself in a friendly manner and her reaction was to just rush off, without as much as a word? She had let her weakness get the best of her. How was she going to be able to make any friends if she flees from every person that says "hi." At that moment, she promised to apologize to the young man tomorrow. The next day rolled by, and sure enough, Kenji was there. She kept telling herself that she could do this. When class was over, the students were dismissed. It took Aoi all her endurance, but she managed to walked up to Kenji with a soft and very meek, "h-h-hi."
The young man turned around. "Oh, hello" he said, with another friendly smile.
"I, uh, wanted to apologize for yesterday. I w-was a little nervous and I sort of...I mean...umm" Aoi said. She was trying to muster words but was starting to fall victim to her shy personality. Thankfully, Kenji came in for the rescue.
"Hey don't worry about it. I understand. To be fair, I guess I was kind of direct wasn't I. I should have considered your feelings. If I made you uncomfortable, I promise never to make you feel that way again. Have a great day." He said and started heading the other way.
After a brief moment, Aoi spoke up, "Wait!" she said as Kenji stopped dead in his tracks. "I-I'm still willing to grab a bite to eat...you know...if you're still interested?" she said to him.
Kenji gave another million dollar smile, with a thumbs up, "Great. I know this place downtown that has this great view. Can't wait," he then gave Aoi directions and told her to met him around 5 p.m.
"Ok," Aoi said meekly. Did she just got herself a date? No way. She would have been surprised if she made a single friend, this semester, let alone a boyfriend. Boyfriend? That's ridiculous. She was going to have a nice friendly chat with a fellow student and there was nothing more to that...right?
By the time 5 o'clock came, the two met at a local restaurant that was fairly popular with students on campus. Aoi and Kenji spent the next few hours talking. Eventually, strangely enough, Aoi started to get comfortable with Kenji. She found it easier and easier to talk to him about herself, her interests, background, what she wanted to major in, and anything else the conversation took them. The meetup was going phenomenal. Aoi was quite proud of herself for talking with someone, like a normal human being, for once. To be honest, Aoi really liked Kenji's company. He seemed fun, smart, and most importantly easy to talk to. After a few hours past, Kenji invited Aoi to hang out with her on some later date. Aoi, minus the action of running away, happily agreed. However, she couldn't help but blush a little.
From that point on, one meetup turned into another meetup. One coffee shop here, another movie theater there, and some study sessions sprinkled in. Aoi noticed Kenji and her were spending a lot of time together, over the next couple weeks. She was shocked, yet ecstatic, she made a friend so quickly. However, little did she know, her friendship status with Kenji would soon evolve into something more.
After a few weeks of knowing each other, Aoi suggested they go to an art festival being hosted on campus. It was a blast. There was food, games and various art exhibits to look at. If one didn't know any better, most would assume they were already a couple. The festival lasted 'till night where it would end with the releasing of hundreds of beautiful, colorful lanterns in the sky. When the lanterns were finally released, Aoi was amazed by the colors which illuminated the sky. It was a long while before the two realized they were holding hands. When they noticed this, instead of disengaging their palms, Kenji and Aoi stared deeply into each other's eyes. The two young adults locked each other's lips, together. For some reason, Aoi's mind almost went numb when kissing Kenji. Her knees started to go weak, as though some kind of outside force was making her body go blank with bliss. When her first kiss was finished, from that moment on, Aoi and Kenji were officially boyfriend and girlfriend.