CHAPTER 11

The Wedding of Harumi and Toshiro

The day had finally arrived. The long-anticipated wedding of Harumi and Toshiro was set to be a beautiful event, yet the weight of unresolved matters loomed in the background. Just the day before, a revelation had shaken Michi to the core—the person they had been searching for over the past ten years had finally been found. The tension from this discovery threatened to overshadow the joyous occasion, but Aiyume, always the voice of reason, refused to let anything disturb the most precious day of their lives. Toshiro, torn between his responsibilities and his love, had momentarily wished to call off the wedding and join the pursuit. However, Aiyume, understanding the gravity of this day, insisted that only he and Osamu would attend the mafia meeting, ensuring that Toshiro could embrace his happiness without distraction.

The Wedding Venue

The wedding hall was a breathtaking spectacle. Crystal chandeliers illuminated the room, casting a warm glow over the elegantly decorated space. White and gold drapes cascaded from the ceiling, while floral arrangements of peonies, cherry blossoms, and white lilies adorned the aisles. A soft melody played in the background, heightening the ethereal ambiance of the evening.

The Arrival of the Guests

The guests were arriving, each dressed in their finest attire. Among them, the first to make an entrance were Rina and Kerin.

Rina wore a form-fitting mauve-colored gown that accentuated her figure, the soft fabric flowing like liquid silk as she walked. Her hair was styled in elegant waves, framing her delicate features. Kerin, standing beside her, wore a gown of the same shade but with a distinct design—its intricate embroidery shimmering under the golden lights of the hall. Both women exuded an air of sophistication and grace, drawing appreciative glances from those around them.

Following them was Kei, dressed in a sleek suit, matching the style of Yoshi, his presence radiating quiet confidence. The synergy between their outfits was a testament to their unspoken camaraderie.

The moment had begun.

The Groomsmen's Entry

The doors to the hall opened, and the groomsmen made their grand entrance. They walked in sync, exuding a dignified charm. Dressed in impeccably tailored navy-blue suits, they looked nothing short of captivating. Each of them carried an air of confidence and pride, their presence commanding attention.

And then, at the center of it all, was Toshiro.

The groom stepped in, his navy-blue suit tailored to perfection, enhancing his already striking features. His usually composed expression held a touch of nervous excitement, but there was an undeniable warmth in his gaze. Today, he was not just a leader, nor a man burdened by past decisions—he was a groom, standing at the threshold of a new life with the woman he loved.

As he took his place, a hush settled over the hall, anticipation growing.

The Bride's Grand Entrance

The music shifted, and all eyes turned toward the grand doors. The moment had arrived.

Harumi entered.

The sight of her stole the breath of everyone in the room. She was an ethereal vision in white, her wedding gown a masterpiece of lace and satin. The delicate embroidery on the bodice shimmered under the chandeliers, and the long veil trailed behind her like a whisper of dreams. Each step she took was poised and graceful, yet there was an unmistakable trembling in her hands as she clutched her bouquet of white roses and baby's breath.

Beside her, Raiden, her father, walked with quiet dignity, yet his eyes glistened with unshed tears.

A father giving his daughter away—this was the moment he had both cherished and dreaded. He had watched her grow, had held her when she was a child, had protected her through the storms of life. And now, he was leading her to a future where another man would stand by her side, vowing to love and cherish her as he had.

With every step, Raiden's emotions swirled—pride, sadness, joy, and an overwhelming sense of love. He glanced at Harumi, his little girl, now a stunning bride, and he knew he had to let go.

As they reached the altar, Harumi turned to him, sensing his turmoil. Without words, she gently squeezed his hand, offering him a soft, reassuring smile. That simple gesture, so full of love, nearly broke him. With a deep breath, he placed her hand in Toshiro's, entrusting his most precious treasure to the man who stood before him.

Toshiro, his usual composure momentarily shaken, took Harumi's hand with a reverence that spoke volumes. Their eyes met, and in that silent exchange, everything was understood—love, devotion, and the promise of forever.

The Vows and the Emotional Atmosphere

The priest began the ceremony, his voice steady and solemn. As he recited the vows, the room seemed to hold its breath.

Harumi's voice trembled as she spoke her vows, her emotions barely contained. "I promise to stand by your side, through every storm and every sunshine. To love you not just in happiness, but in every challenge that life may bring."

Toshiro, normally a man of few words, found himself at a loss. But when he spoke, his voice was filled with unwavering certainty. "You are my strength, my peace, my everything. I vow to love and protect you, to be the man you deserve, today and always."

There was a moment of profound silence, where nothing else mattered except the two souls standing before each other.

Expressions and Feelings of Those Present

Raiden's eyes shimmered with pride and nostalgia, silently thanking fate for giving his daughter such happiness.

The Final Blessing and the Beginning of Forever

The priest gave his final blessing. "You may now kiss the bride."

As Toshiro leaned in, cupping Harumi's face with gentle reverence, time seemed to pause. When their lips met, the room erupted in applause, cheers, and joyful laughter.

It was done.

A new chapter had begun.

And for this one night, love triumphed over every shadow.

The wedding hall buzzed with energy—laughter, music, and the warmth of celebration. Michi had been moving effortlessly through conversations, spreading his usual charm. But as he turned, his gaze landed on someone unexpected.

Kei.

Michi's eyes widened slightly before a bright smile tugged at his lips. That face—serious, a little tired, but somehow familiar. A memory stirred in his mind. Kyoto University. The pendant.

Without hesitation, Michi approached.

Michi & Kei's Conversation

Michi: (cheerfully) "Hey, I know you!"

Kei, caught off guard, looked up. His brows furrowed slightly as he studied Michi's bright expression.

Kei: (cautiously) "…Do you?"

Michi gasped dramatically, placing a hand over his heart.

Michi: (teasing) "Ouch! That hurts! After everything we've been through?"

Kei blinked, clearly confused.

Kei: "What?"

Michi pouted playfully before leaning in just a little.

Michi: "You really don't remember? Kyoto University. A lost pendant. A kind, handsome stranger who returned it?"

Kei's expression shifted slightly. A faint memory flickered in his mind. The pendant. A rushed exchange. He had barely looked at the person who gave it to him—he had been in too much of a hurry.

His eyes dropped to Michi, studying him again.

Kei: (slowly) "…That was you?"

Michi clapped his hands together, grinning.

Michi: "Ding ding ding! We have a winner!"

Kei exhaled through his nose, shaking his head slightly.

Kei: (muttering) "I was in a rush that day."

Michi: (giggling) "Yeah, I figured. You barely looked at me! I was starting to think I imagined the whole thing."

Kei gave him a side glance, lips pressing together as if debating whether to feel guilty.

Kei: "I… didn't mean to be rude."

Michi's smile softened.

Michi: "Don't worry, I forgive you. You can make it up to me by remembering my name this time."

Kei hesitated for a second before nodding.

Kei: "…Michi."

Michi's eyes lit up.

Michi: (teasing) "See? That wasn't so hard, was it?"

Just as Kei was about to reply, a sharp gaze locked onto them. Kerin had been watching from a distance, noting the unexpected familiarity between the two. Her expression was unreadable, but her slight shift forward made it clear—she was about to ask questions.

Before she could, a voice interrupted.

Yoshi's Mother: "Kerin! Come quickly! It's time for the bouquet toss!"

Kerin hesitated, glancing between Michi and Kei before reluctantly turning away. But the look in her eyes said it all—she wasn't letting this go.

Michi giggled, watching Kerin's reaction.

Michi: (whispering) "Your friend looks like she's plotting an investigation."

Kei sighed.

Kei: "She just overthinks things."

Michi tilted his head, his smile turning mischievous.

Michi: "Oh? Then should I give her something real to worry about?"

Kei shot him a look.

Kei: "Don't."

Michi let out a laugh, rocking on his heels.

Michi: (grinning) "Fine, fine. But I like this. You remembering me. It feels… nice."

Kei didn't respond immediately, but something in his expression softened. He gave a small nod.

Kei: (quietly) "Yeah. It does."

Michi's grin widened.

Michi: "Let's talk again soon, okay?"

With that, Michi spun on his heel and slipped back into the crowd, leaving Kei standing there—thoughtful, puzzled, but… strangely lighter.