The Wedding

Thorndike had spent years working quietly at

his father's company, avoiding the public eye. He preferred it that way—staying in the background, building his father's legacy without the weight of his family name influencing people's perception of him.

One afternoon, after a long meeting, he decided to visit The Moon Restaurant, a new

and highly recommended spot in Chuchu Town. As he walked toward the entrance,

he spotted his best friend, John.

"Hey, John!"

John turned and grinned. "Thorndike! I was just thinking about you. Did you get my wedding invite?"

Thorndike nodded. "Of course. Congratulations, my friend! I'm really happy for you."

"Thanks, buddy. Sorry I couldn't deliver it

myself—Julie and I have been swamped with wedding preparations."

"I understand completely," Thorndike said.

"Honestly, I've been buried in work too. My parents keep pressuring me to get married, but I barely have time for myself."

John laughed. "Sounds like them. But hey, maybe you just haven't met the right person yet."

Thorndike scoffed but didn't reply. Marriage

had never been a priority for him.

The Wedding Day

The Watson family had always been close to

Thorndike's family, so the Dikes spared no expense in celebrating John and

Julie's union.

As the ceremony began, Thorndike stood beside John, fulfilling his role as best man. He wasn't one for grand events, but seeing the way John looked at Julie—like she was the only person in the world—made him wonder if he was missing out on something.

When the priest finally announced them as

husband and wife, the guests erupted into cheers. Music filled the air, and the reception began.

Thorndike watched as John and Julie swayed

together on the dance floor, wrapped in their own little world. He was about to excuse himself and find a quiet place when Julie approached him, tugging along a woman he didn't recognize.

"Thorndike, I want you to meet my best friend," Julie said, beaming. "This is Blue."

He turned and found himself looking into a pair of striking brown eyes. Blue wasn't overly dressed like many of the other women

at the wedding. She wore a simple, elegant gown, and her dark, curly hair framed her face perfectly. There was something effortless about her beauty—like she wasn't trying to impress anyone.

"Hello," she said warmly. "It's nice to meet

you."

Thorndike nodded, keeping his expression

neutral. "Welcome back to Chuchu Town."

Blue smiled. "Thanks. It's been a long time."

Julie nudged her playfully. "Blue just got back

from Paris. She's been studying there for years."

"Paris?" Thorndike raised an eyebrow. "That

must have been an incredible experience."

Blue shrugged. "It was, but I always knew I'd

come back home."

Before Thorndike could respond, someone called Julie away, leaving them alone. A brief silence settled between them.

"So," Blue said, glancing around. "Are you

enjoying the wedding?"

Thorndike hesitated. He wasn't used to small

talk. "It's… nice. Weddings aren't really my thing."

Blue tilted her head. "Why not?"

He smirked slightly. "Too many people. Too much attention."

Blue chuckled. "I get that. I prefer smaller

gatherings myself."

Something about her voice—calm, yet

confident—made him curious. But before he could say more, John appeared.

"Thorndike! We're planning a dinner at The Moon Restaurant tomorrow. You should join

us."

Blue's eyes lit up. "That sounds fun."

Thorndike hesitated. He usually avoided social outings, but something about Blue made him pause.

"…Alright," he finally said.

John grinned. "Great. It's a double date,

then."

Thorndike frowned. "A what?"

Julie laughed. "Come on, Thorn. Just go with

it."

Blue simply smiled, but there was a flicker of

amusement in her eyes.

Thorndike exhaled, already regretting his

decision.

But deep down, a part of him was intrigued.