Chapter 19
The sky was an endless ocean of blue, clouds painted like strokes of soft white on a heavenly canvas. Bells rang gently, echoing through the open garden as flower petals floated through the air. The breeze was warm, the kind that wrapped you in peace, not too hot, not too cold.
Naoki stood at the altar, dressed in a simple yet elegant white suit. His hair, now slightly longer than before, was brushed back neatly. He looked older, more mature, yet there was a glimmer in his eyes that hadn't dulled with time. Standing across from him, in a flowing white dress adorned with delicate lace, was the woman he loved.
Their children—two little ones, a boy and a girl—stood nearby, the girl clutching a small basket of petals, the boy holding a velvet pillow with the rings. They smiled brightly, their faces filled with innocence and joy.
Friends, family, familiar faces surrounded them, cheering, laughing, some even tearing up. Toki stood as Naoki's best man, giving him a wink and thumbs up.
"You ready?" the officiant asked with a warm smile.
Naoki nodded. "More than ever."
The officiant turned to him. "You may say your vows."
Naoki took a deep breath, looking into her eyes. His voice trembled slightly, but it was filled with sincerity.
"When I first met you, I didn't know the world could be this kind. I didn't know someone like me could smile this much. You've taught me laughter, strength, and what it means to be truly alive. With you, I found peace. With you, I became whole. I vow to protect this happiness with everything I am, for as long as I live."
Tears glistened in her eyes. She reached out, holding both of his hands.
"Naoki... you came into my life like a quiet breeze and turned it into a symphony. You taught me that love isn't about perfection, but about presence. Every smile, every word, every breath with you is a gift. I vow to stand beside you, no matter what path we walk. Together, always."
The guests clapped softly, moved by their words.
"You may now exchange rings," the officiant said.
Their children stepped forward. Naoki knelt to take the ring from his son, giving him a playful ruffle on the head. His bride took hers from their daughter, kissing her forehead.
They slid the rings on each other's fingers, hands trembling slightly from emotion.
"I now pronounce you husband and wife."
Naoki leaned in and kissed her gently. The crowd erupted in cheers, petals flying, laughter rising like the sun overhead.
As the couple turned to face their guests, Naoki's eyes briefly flicked to the crowd.
And there he was.
That figure again.
Short hair. Pale skin. Hospital gown hidden beneath a black hoodie. Bandaged arms crossed. Standing far from everyone else, at the edge of the garden.
Naoki's smile faltered for the briefest second.
His wife squeezed his hand, and he turned back to her.
"Are you okay?" she whispered.
He smiled again, shakily. "Yeah. Just nervous, I guess."
But deep inside, a whisper scratched at the edge of his consciousness.
Something is wrong.
Still, the celebration continued. Toki cracked jokes during the toast, embarrassing Naoki with old stories. Their children danced in the grass, giggling as they tried to mimic the adults.
It was a day of dreams.
And yet...
The figure never left. Watching. Waiting.
A tear rolled down his cheek.
To be continued...