Ryoma goes back upstairs and slips into his father's suit. The fabric sits heavier than his graduation one, the shoulders broader, the cut older but dignified. It smells faintly of cedar and time. He buttons it slowly, as if the motion itself demands respect.
Then his phone chimes.
Ding.
Ryoma checks it; a text message from Reika.
[Just get prepared, quick. You still have time. I can pick you up.]
Ryoma exhales and types.
[I can't. Sorry. I already made plans with someone else.]
He sends it, drops the phone onto the bed, and turns back to the mirror. The tie comes next. His hands move with careful precision, eyes focused, jaw set.
Then another chime from the phone…
Ding.
[Is it a date with that girl? Just cancel it. You have no idea what you're missing.]
Ryoma takes a look just on the screen, and ignores it. He is back to the mirror, finishes the knot, straightens the collar, and smiles. Satisfied enough.
