𝐄𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐍𝐀𝐋 𝐄𝐂𝐇𝐎𝐒

〶

Toku had no clue what Tsireya was on about as they followed her through the cluster of Maruis and out to Kiri's home, where a group of worried people and a guilty-looking Aonung stood.

"What's going on?" Kiri asked, looking at her upset-looking family.

"Tell your brother what you told me," Neteyam spoke.

"My friends and I... sort of left Lo'ak beyond the reef alone."

"You skxawng!" Toku said, making Aonungs ears falter in shame.

The rest of the evening was spent searching for Lo'ak, and when he was finally found unharmed, he had a very angry look on his face before his dad stopped him.

"Hey, let's have a look at you," he said, checking his son for signs of damage, while Lo'ak simply glared at Aonung.

"He's fine, he's fine," he said, making Kiri sigh in relief. "Just a few scratches," Jake said before he was interrupted by his worried-sounding wife.

"Lo'ak!" she said, gasping. "I pray for the strength that I will not pluck the eyeballs out of my youngest son!" She snarled.

"No," Tonowari interrupted. "My son knows better than to take him outside the reef," he said, forcing Aonung to kneel. "The blame is his."

Jake nodded. "Okay, let's go," he said, trying to leave.

"No," Lo'ak spoke. "This is not Aonung's fault. This was my idea. Aonung tried to talk me out of it, really."

"Come on," Lo'ak's dad spoke.

"I'm sorry," Lo'ak said.

"Come on," Jake spoke again, whispering to Tonowari, "I got this."

Toku watched as Kiri waved him goodbye, leaving with her family to head back to their Marui.

"Is this true?" Tonowari asked.

"Aonung! What were you thinking?" Toku's mum said, annoyed.

"And Toku, where were you when this was happening!?" Toku's mum exclaimed.

"He was with Kiri!" Aonung suddenly spoke up, Toku's eyes widening as he said that.

"You what?" Tonowari said. "Why?"

"Because... because."

"Because he likes her." Aonung stated

A tense silence settled over the family as Tonowari processed the revelation. His eyes flickered between Toku and Aonung, a mix of surprise, concern, and disappointment etched on his face.

"Is this true?" Tonowari repeated, his voice tinged with disbelief. He searched for answers in Toku's eyes, seeking the truth behind his words.

Toku met his father's gaze, his expression resolute. "Yeah...I really do,"

Ronal's frustration boiled over, his voice laced with anger. "Toku, we've discussed this countless times! Your path is with Ayani. You cannot betray our family's expectations!"

Tonowari's stern voice cut through the tension, his eyes narrowing at Ronal. "Ronal, that is enough." He turned to Aonung, his voice firm yet laced with disappointment.

"And you, Aonung, remember the weight of your actions. It is not a matter of luck but of responsibility." Aonung's head hung low in shame as he walked off.

Tonowari sighed deeply, his gaze shifting back to Toku. "Toku, we need to talk privately. Ronal, give us some space."

Reluctantly, Ronal retreated, her disapproval still evident. Tonowari and Toku moved to a quieter corner of the beach, away from the prying eyes and judgment.

Tonowari's voice softened as he spoke, his concern evident. "Son, this is a complicated situation. Your feelings are valid, but we must consider the impact on our family, Ayani, and Kiri's family. We cannot disregard our traditions and the commitments we've made."

Toku's resolve wavered slightly, the weight of his emotions evident in his voice. "Dad, I never wanted to cause this rift or hurt anyone. But Kiri means alot to me. I can't deny what I feel."

Tonowari's words were heavy with wisdom and understanding, and Toku felt the weight of his father's love and concern. "I know, Dad," Toku replied, his voice tinged with sadness. "But I can't help how I feel about Kiri. She's...she's everything to me."

Tonowari nodded, his gaze softening. "I can see that, and it's clear that your feelings for her are genuine. But you must also consider the bigger picture. Our clan's traditions, our responsibilities...they are not to be taken lightly."

"I know, and I don't want to disappoint anyone," Toku said, his emotions conflicting within him. "But Ayani deserves someone who truly loves her, not someone who's torn between two worlds."

Tonowari sighed again, realizing the complexity of the situation. "You're right, Toku. Ayani deserves happiness just as much as you do. But before you make any decisions, talk to Kiri openly and honestly. See what she wants, too. Love is a powerful force, and sometimes it can lead us down unexpected paths."

Toku nodded, feeling a mix of gratitude and uncertainty. "I will, Dad. I just don't want to hurt anyone."

Tonowari patted Toku's shoulder reassuringly. "Sometimes, we can't avoid causing pain, but it's how we handle it that defines us. You're a good person, Toku, and I trust that you'll make the right choice for yourself and for others."

As the sun began to set, Toku and his father sat there in contemplative silence. The weight of the decision ahead of him was still heavy, but knowing he had his father's support gave him some comfort. 

With a determined spirit, he decided to talk to Kiri openly, to share his feelings, and to face the consequences of his heart's desires. Whatever the outcome, he knew that both love and sacrifice would play a role in shaping his future.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky with hues of orange and purple, Toku sat there in deep contemplation. The sound of crashing waves echoed in his ears, mirroring the turmoil within his heart. He thought about his conversations with his father, his feelings for Kiri, and the expectations placed upon him by tradition and his family.

Toku approached Kiri's family Marui, noticing them deep in discussion. Kiris father seemed to sense his presence as he turned to see Toku standing at the entrance.

"You and me are gonna talk," he said, standing up from their family huddle.

"Dad–" Kiri tried to protest, but a wide-eyed warning from her father made her roll her eyes.

Toku felt anxious as he was pulled away to a secluded area just outside of Jake's family's view.

"So...Toku, you like my daughter?" Jake asked.

"I, uh, yes sir," Toku replied, nodding.

"You gonna treat her right?"

"Of course," Toku said, nodding again, determined to show his sincerity.

"And she told you about Spider, right?" He asked.

"Who?" Toku said in confusion.

"Oh, uh, it doesn't matter. The fact is, you're a good kid, Toku. But if you ever, ever hurt Kiri, you won't see the light of day again," he said, finishing with a smile.

"We cool?" Jake said, holding out his hand.

"Yeah, yeah... we're cool," Toku said, shaking his hand firmly.

"Now go talk to my daughter, I can tell you have a lot to say," he said, getting up and patting Toku on the back.

Toku watched as Jake walked away, and Kiri took a seat by him, looking a little worried, her feet dipping into the water.

"It's all good. Besides, it was nice to talk to him," Toku reassured her.

"And what did he tell you exactly?"

"Just stuff about, you know, threatening me and... Oh, some person named Spider," he said, slightly confused.

"Oh right... Spider," Kiri nodded.

"Who's that?"

"He was, well, my friend."

"Your 'friend' or your friend?" Toku switched tones.

"My... friend," she said hesitantly.

"Well, I trust you," he said, nodding, "oh, and Kiri, I'm really sorry about this whole marriage thing."

"I know," she shrugged.

"I talked to my parents, and they really don't think this is a good idea," he said, with a sad expression.

Kiri's eyes filled with hurt. "Oh..."

"But I want you to know... I'll always choose you. Even if I have to go against my parents, I'll choose you, even if I have to defend you to this entire village. It's always gonna be you, Kiri... I see you."

Kiri smiled softly, tears glazing her eyes, as she held his hand. "You shouldn't have to fight to be with me... to be with anyone. Toku, I don't want you to disappoint everyone."

"But it doesn't matter," he said firmly. "I'll always love you..."

"Love?" Kiri said in surprise.

"I... yeah, love," he said, mirroring Kiri's smile.

"I love you too..." She said, her voice slightly breaking, as Toku gently brushed her cheek, wiping away a stray tear, and planted a kiss on her lips.

〶