Male!ReaderxJapan: The Bud That Blossoms Slowly

Omiai was an old tradition that you were familiar with, just you never once thought that your parents would actually do one for you. For the past two months you had protested against going through with an arranged marriage and your parents persistently pushed it upon you until you had finally agreed to it.  Needless to say, they didn't waste any time contacting the one they seemed to like to the best's parents. Actually, they had done it right after you had caved to their persistence. They wanted the two of you to meet as soon as possible, which brought you to where you were now; going to your parents' house.

They had insisted that the meeting take place there, not that it bothered you; you didn't live that far away. You decided to walk because it was such a nice and warm day out and you wanted to take the opportunity to take in the fresh spring air. You were trying to put the thoughts of dread to the back of your mind. You were still uncomfortable about this whole thing. Of course, after this meeting you could choose whether or not you wanted to marry this person.

Stopping outside of your parents' house, took in a deep breath before sliding open the door of the old fashioned house. You slid off your shoes as you shut the door behind you. You stepped up the small step before continuing the rest of the way into the house. You walked down the hallway, stopping in front of the door that had voices coming from within. You knocked lightly on it before hearing 'come in' from the other side.

Opening the door, you walked into the room causing everyone to stare at you. You raised your brow. Your (eye color) eyes scanned the room for a moment.

"You're a little late (Name)." your mother said, giving you a smile.

"Sorry." You muttered before sitting down next to your parents.

Your mother took a hold of your hand before looking at the family sitting across from you. "(Name), this is the potential bride we picked for you, Honda Kiku-san."

You looked over at them, your eyes going to Kiku's brown one. There was something a little off about this 'soon to be bride' of yours, you just couldn't quite put your finger on it. You leaned forward a bit, bowing in respect. "It's a pleasure." You said, lifting your head up before returning to your sitting position.

Kiku looked at you for a moment before looking away. He rubbed his arm before placing both of his hands in his lap, returning your bow. "The pleasure's mine, (Name)-san."

When he finally spoke you figured out what seemed a little off about Kiku. Maybe it was because of his small stature and body frame that you couldn't figure it out right away, since he did look a little feminine to you. Your parents where setting you up with another man. You turned to face your mother wanting to say something but you couldn't think of what to say.

Once the initial meeting was finished, Kiku quietly walked out of the house to the back yard. He walked up to the cherry blossom trees. They were in full bloom, waving back and forth in the light breeze. He took a deep breath of the sweet scent. "So beautiful." He said, reaching his hand up towards the tree.

Seeing Kiku leave, you had gotten up and followed behind him. You put your hands into your pockets, a smiling slowly beginning to cross your lips. You had to admit that him standing amongst the cherry blossoms, he looked pretty attractive. Slowly you made your way closer to him before speaking, "Kiku-san…"

The petite Japanese man looked at you, putting his hand back at his side. Shyly he looked away from you before making eye contact with you. "H-hai, (Name)-san?"

"I was thinking, we don't have to go through with this if it's not something you want. I'm not even certain if my parents are aware you're a man." You replied, standing next to him.

Kiku went silent for a moment, looking back at the cherry blossoms. "They may be. I did not ask them if they knew."

You titled your head to the side, looking over at him. Your eyes looked at the cherry blossom trees that he was looking at. You bent over, grabbing a hold of him, and you picked him; you left arm holding on to his legs with your right on his back.

"(Name)-san! Please, put me down." He said, putting his hand on your shoulders trying to get away from you. In truth, he didn't like close physical contact with anyone.

You moved your right hand up to one of the cherry blossom branches and took off one of blossoms. You put the blossom up to his head. "You know, Kiku-san, I think we can make this marriage work. Given that no one figures out you're a man. I'm willing to allow this relationship to bud slowly much like these cherry blossoms."

Kiku stared at you for a moment a light blush dusted his cheeks. He didn't say anything else before giving you a small smile. "A-alright."