The Silhouette on the Threshold

The appointed date had arrived. It wasn't just a wedding; it was a national event.

All of Japan had stopped what it was doing to watch the screens. At the Shibuya crossings, in the offices of Osaka, and in the homes of Hokkaido, millions of eyes were fixed on the broadcast. The Minamoto Corporation had spared no expense. The chapel chosen was not that of the rival hotel, but a modern cathedral of glass and steel in the heart of Tokyo, decorated with thousands of white and pink roses.

Outside, chaos was under control. Hundreds of reporters, cameramen, and interviewers gathered outside, trying to capture an image, a movement, anything.

However, elite bodyguards hired by Kaguya blocked their way, keeping the sanctuary safe from the wolves.

Inside, in the groom's waiting room, the atmosphere was much more somber. Tomoki stood in front of a full-length mirror. He wore an impeccable white tuxedo that made him look like a true fairy-tale prince. Tanaka adjusted his tie knot, though his hands trembled imperceptibly.

“ The plan worked, Tanaka. ” said Tomoki, breaking the silence, looking at his own reflection without recognizing himself. “ The insults have stopped. No one calls her that vulgar name anymore. Now she is the princess of Japan. She will be safe with me. ” Tanaka adjusted the last fold. “ You have done something very noble, Young Master. You have secured her future. ” Tomoki smiled, but the smile did not reach his eyes. “ Yes... she is safe. But I saw her a moment ago, Tanaka. There is no happiness in her eyes. That spark... that light she had when she talked about her dreams... it has gone out. ” Tomoki lowered his gaze. “ I am saving her life, but I think I am killing her soul. ”

Tanaka didn't know how to respond. He just bowed deeply, hiding his own sadness. “It's time, sir.”

In the central nave of the cathedral, the guests were already seated.

In the front rows were Sara and Kenji. Kenji tugged at the collar of his borrowed shirt, uncomfortable. Sara, on the other hand, had tears in her eyes and was holding a handkerchief.
“ Our girl... ” Sara sobbed. “ Look at her, Kenji. She's come so far. ” “ Yes ” Kenji murmured, though he was looking around. “ I just hope that boy makes her happy. If not, I'll show him the true power of a kitchen spatula. ”

The music began to play. A solemn hymn silenced the murmurs. The large doors opened.

Mio made her entrance. A sigh rippled through the church and, via the cameras, across the country.

She was radiant. The pale pink dress moved with her like a cloud of her own. The diamonds around her neck sparkled, but not as brightly as her natural beauty. She walked with the elegance she had learned by force, her head held high. But if you looked closely, beyond the makeup and jewelry, in her eyes, you could see something more than happiness. Sadness.

Kaguya, sitting in the front row as the mother of the bride, put her hand to her mouth, proud and guilty at the same time.

Mio reached the altar. Tomoki welcomed her. He took her hand. Her fingers were cold. “ You look beautiful. ” he whispered. “ Thank you, Tomoki. ” she replied, her voice barely audible.

The ceremony began. The priest spoke of love, union, and destiny. Beautiful words floated in the air.

It was time for the vows. Both said “I do” automatically. It was time for the rings. The gold sparkled.

“ By the power vested in me by law... ” said the priest, looking up at the couple and the cameras broadcasting to the world. “You may kiss the bride.”

Tomoki turned to Mio. She closed her eyes, resigned, lifting her face. He leaned in. They were inches apart. Tomoki's lips brushed Mio's breath. The world held its breath.

But before they could come together, a loud noise shattered the sanctity of the moment. It wasn't a knock on the door. It was the door itself being kicked open with such violence that both heavy wooden panels slammed against the stone walls, creating an echo that reverberated throughout the cathedral.

The kiss was interrupted. Mio jumped back in fright, clutching her chest. Tomoki spun around, stepping in front of her to protect her, his fists clenched. The guests turned in their seats, murmuring, some shouting in surprise. Security guards rushed toward the entrance, but stopped instantly, uncertain of what they were seeing.

At the door, there was a silhouette.

It wasn't a late guest. The figure was panting. Its breathing was heavy, ragged, and loud, the only sound in the silence of the church. Although the light prevented a clear view of its face, its condition was obvious: it was a disaster.

The silhouette took a step forward, slowly and menacingly, stepping out of the backlight but still not revealing its features completely. A gust of wind came in behind it, blowing the rose petals from the center aisle.

Mio felt her heart, which had been dormant for weeks, suddenly come back to life. She didn't know who it was, but that posture... that desperate energy... was terrifyingly familiar.

No one moved. No one said a word. Only the mysterious silhouette remained, standing at the entrance, defying all of Japan with its mere presence.