The morning sun poured through the chapel windows, casting a warm glow across the room.
Aoi stood at the center, radiant in a flowing white gown, her hair elegantly styled. Twenty years old now, grown, confident, yet still the same Aoi I had fallen in love with.
I adjusted my tie nervously, trying to calm the storm of emotions inside me. Today… today, we finally became officially one, not just in name, but in life.
---
The moment she walked down the aisle, every memory from our past flashed before me.
The teasing smiles in our childhood.
The secret kisses and late-night cuddles.
The first confession, the first date, the first time we realized we couldn't live without each other.
And now, here she was… my bride, my love, my everything.
"Aoi," I whispered under my breath as she reached the altar. Her eyes met mine, and she smiled softly, her hand slipping into mine.
"You look… perfect," I murmured.
She blushed, gripping my hand. "Haruto… you look perfect too. I can't believe this day is finally here."
---
The ceremony began. Our vows were simple, heartfelt, and full of the promises we had always made in secret—but now, openly, for everyone to witness.
"I promise to love you," Aoi said, tears glistening in her eyes, "and to always be by your side… through every laugh, every challenge, and every moment we share."
I squeezed her hands gently. "And I promise to love you… forever, Aoi. You've been my everything, my reason to smile, and I will never stop loving you."
As we exchanged rings, the world felt silent—just the two of us, bound together by a love that had grown over the years, survived secrecy, teasing, and every obstacle life threw at us.
---
When the officiant finally declared us husband and wife, we embraced tightly.
"I love you, Haruto," Aoi whispered, resting her head on my chest.
"And I love you, Aoi," I replied, holding her close. "Forever."
The crowd cheered around us, but in that moment, nothing else mattered. Not the past, not the future—just us, together at last.
As we walked out of the chapel hand in hand, ready to start our life together, I realized something simple and beautiful:
Some loves are meant to be hidden at first, tested over time, and nurtured through every challenge.
But the ones that survive… the ones that grow…
They last forever.
And ours would.