Chapter 71: A Desperate Escape

"Can we.. just go to the beach? Run together? We can return, I just.. want to go far far away with you right now.." Mitsuba's words tumbled out in a rush, his eyes sparkling with a mix of desperation and longing. Kou's heart skipped a beat as he looked at Mitsuba, his mind still reeling from the proposal. The beach? Now? It seemed like an impulsive decision, but Kou couldn't deny the appeal of getting away, of escaping the weight of their complicated situation. Without a word, Kou nodded, and Mitsuba's face lit up with a radiant smile. "Really? You'll go with me?" The excitement in his voice was infectious, and Kou found himself smiling. They quickly changed into comfortable clothes, and Mitsuba grabbed a small bag with some essentials. As they made their way to the beach, the tension between them dissipated, replaced by a sense of excitement and freedom. The drive to the beach was quiet, with Mitsuba gazing out the window, his eyes fixed on some distant point. Kou couldn't help but steal glances at him, his heart still racing from the proposal. As they arrived at the beach, the sound of the waves and the cries of seagulls filled the air. Mitsuba's eyes sparkled as he gazed out at the ocean, and Kou couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia wash over him. Without a word, Mitsuba took off, his feet pounding the sand as he ran towards the waves. Kou laughed, feeling a sense of abandon wash over him, and followed Mitsuba into the surf. The cool water enveloped their feet, and they ran, laughing and shouting, as the waves crashed against their legs. For a moment, they forgot about everything – the proposal, the complications, the uncertainty. All that mattered was the thrill of being together, of feeling alive. As they ran, the distance between them grew, and Kou found himself chasing after Mitsuba, his heart pounding with excitement. They were two figures, silhouetted against the sun, their laughter carrying on the wind. Eventually, they collapsed onto the sand, exhausted and exhilarated. Mitsuba turned to Kou, his eyes sparkling with mirth, and Kou's heart skipped a beat as he saw the joy and freedom in Mitsuba's gaze. For a moment, they just lay there, the sound of the waves washing over them, and Kou felt a sense of peace settle over him. It was as if, in this moment, everything was going to be okay. But as the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the beach, Kou knew that they couldn't stay here forever. They would have to face reality eventually, and the question of elopement would still be there, waiting for an answer. As they sat up, brushing the sand off their clothes, Mitsuba turned to Kou, his eyes searching. "Was this okay? Was it what you needed?" The vulnerability in his voice tugged at Kou's heartstrings. Kou nodded, his eyes locked on Mitsuba's. "It was exactly what I needed." The words felt like a promise, and Kou knew that he would have to consider Mitsuba's proposal carefully, but for now, he just wanted to savor this moment, this feeling of freedom and joy.