It was Chiaki and Hayato's wedding day, and the setting was nothing short of breathtaking. The ceremony took place in a lush garden, the air filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers and the soft rustle of leaves in the gentle breeze. Hana stood beside Sohei, marveling at the romantic atmosphere that made her heart feel impossibly light. The sunlight filtered through the canopy of trees, casting a golden glow over the scene, and the soft strains of a string quartet filled the air, adding to the magic of the moment. "You know, for all the trouble Hayato gives me, he really knows how to pull off a grand wedding," Sohei murmured, adjusting the cuffs of his suit with a casual elegance that made Hana's stomach flip.
She smiled, sneaking a glance at him. He looked undeniably handsome today, dressed in a tailored dark navy suit that hugged his frame perfectly, his hair styled just enough to look effortless yet refined. The sight of him like this—so confident, so effortlessly charming—made her heart race in ways she wasn't entirely prepared for. "Chiaki's the one with taste," Hana teased, her voice light but her gaze lingering on him a moment longer than necessary. "Your brother just follows orders."
Sohei smirked, slipping his hands into his pockets as he glanced at her, his dark eyes gleaming with amusement. "Fair. But he did well picking her," he admitted, his tone softening slightly as he looked toward the front of the aisle where Hayato stood, waiting for his bride.
Their conversation was cut short as the music shifted, signaling the arrival of Chiaki. All eyes turned toward the aisle, and Hana's breath hitched as Chiaki stepped forward, walking gracefully toward the altar in her ivory gown. The sunlight filtering through the garden's canopy cast a warm glow on her face, making her look ethereal, like something out of a dream. Her gown was simple yet elegant, the delicate lace and flowing fabric catching the light as she moved, and her bouquet of white lilies and baby's breath added the perfect touch of romance.
At the front, Hayato stood frozen, his usual composed expression breaking for just a moment as his eyes locked onto Chiaki's. His fingers flexed at his sides, his Adam's apple bobbing as he swallowed hard, the emotion in his gaze unmistakable. "He's totally in love," Hana whispered, nudging Sohei lightly as she watched the scene unfold, a warmth blooming in her chest.
Sohei chuckled softly, his gaze flickering to Hayato before returning to Chiaki. "Yeah," he murmured, his voice quieter now, more thoughtful. "He is."
Hana watched, her heart swelling as the couple exchanged vows, their voices unwavering, filled with love, devotion, and the weight of all the years they had spent apart—and the promise of never being apart again. The words were simple but profound, each one carrying the weight of their shared history and the depth of their feelings for each other. It was impossible not to feel moved by the sincerity in their voices, the way they looked at each other as if no one else in the world existed.
Sohei's fingers brushed lightly against Hana's, the touch subtle, almost unintentional, but it sent a small jolt through her. She turned to look at him, only to find him already gazing at her, his expression unreadable but his eyes filled with something that made her heart skip a beat. Before she could process the meaning behind that look, the officiant declared, "You may now kiss the bride."
Hayato wasted no time, cupping Chiaki's face as he pressed his lips to hers in a kiss that was both tender and filled with passion. The guests erupted into applause and cheers, the sound echoing through the garden as the newlyweds broke apart, their smiles radiant.
Sohei clapped along, his usual smirk in place, but Hana could tell—just for a moment—his expression softened, his gaze lingering on the couple with something that looked almost like longing.
ater that evening, as the bouquet toss commenced, the single women eagerly gathered at the front of the room, their laughter and excitement echoing through the hall. Chiaki stood with her back to the crowd, holding a bouquet of white lilies and baby's breath. With a playful glance over her shoulder and a sparkle in her eye, she tossed it high into the air—graceful, effortless.
And it landed straight into Hana's hands.
"Oh—wait, what?!" Hana blinked in disbelief, staring down at the bouquet as the crowd around her erupted in cheers and laughter. Her cheeks turned scarlet, completely caught off guard.
From beside her, Sohei burst into laughter, clapping his hands. "Looks like you're next, Hana!" he called out, grinning from ear to ear.
"D-Don't be ridiculous!" she shot back, flustered, holding the bouquet as if unsure what to do with it. "It's just a coincidence!"
Sohei stepped closer, his voice low but full of teasing warmth. "Or maybe it's fate?"
Hana tried to glare at him, but her lips betrayed her with a shy, flustered smile. Before she could say more, Sohei gently took her free hand and brought it to his lips, pressing a soft kiss to her knuckles. His eyes held hers, the mischief still there, but something softer underneath.
"You do look good holding flowers," he murmured.
Her breath caught at the unexpected tenderness. "You're not helping," she whispered, though her voice had lost all bite.
He leaned in a little more, his hand brushing her waist as he whispered in her ear, "You'll be a beautiful bride one day, you know that?"
Hana's heart skipped. She looked up at him, her flustered smile now touched with something warmer, deeper. And as the music played and the crowd buzzed around them, Sohei pulled her just slightly closer, wrapping an arm around her.
As the night carried on, the reception hall buzzed with laughter, music, and the soft clinking of glasses, the air thick with the warmth of celebration. Sohei and Hana found themselves standing at the edge of the dance floor, their eyes drawn to Hayato and Chiaki as they swayed together to the soft melody.
Sohei turned to look at Hana, he extended his hand, his lips curving into a faint smirk. "Dance with me," he said, his tone casual but his eyes gleaming with something deeper.
Hana blinked, caught off guard by the sudden request. "What?" she asked, her voice tinged with surprise.
"I said, dance with me," he repeated, his tone more playful this time, though there was a hint of challenge in his voice. "Unless you're scared?"
Hana scoffed, her cheeks flushing as she placed her hand in his. "I don't scare that easily," she retorted, though her heart was already racing.
Sohei smirked as he guided her onto the dance floor, his hands resting on her waist while hers settled on his shoulders. The music was slow and gentle, and Hana became keenly aware of everything—his warm touch through her dress, the calm rhythm of his breathing, and the way his fingers lightly pressed against her waist, like he was holding back from pulling her closer. Her heart raced, and she struggled to stay calm as her thoughts swirled.
"You're stiff," Sohei murmured, his voice low and amused as he glanced down at her. "Relax, Hana."
"I am relaxed," she lied, her voice trembling slightly as she avoided his gaze.
He chuckled, the sound warm and rich as his grip tightened just slightly, pulling her closer. "No, you're not," he said, his tone teasing but his eyes soft.
Hana bit her lip, looking away, but Sohei wasn't having it. His fingers tilted her chin back toward him, his gaze dark and filled with something dangerous as he leaned in. "Do I make you nervous?" he asked, his voice teasing, but there was a softer undertone to it now, something that made her chest ache.
Hana swallowed hard, her pulse quickening as she tried to steady her voice. "No," she said, though the word came out weaker than she intended.
He smirked, his lips brushing against her temple as he murmured, "Liar."
"Hey," he whispered, his voice softer now, more sincere.
Hana held her breath, her heart pounding as she tried to steady herself. "…What?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly.
He pressed a kiss to her hair, his fingers tracing slow, idle circles against her waist. "I like this," he admitted, his voice low and filled with something she couldn't quite name. "I like us."
Hana's heart melted, her chest tightening as his words sank in. She closed her eyes, leaning back into him, her hands covering his where they rested against her waist. "…Me too," she whispered, her voice barely audible but filled with warmth.