Chapter 11 – Three Days Before the Wedding

Haruto and Kenji reached Masato’s hometown three days before the wedding, their train pulling into the station just as the sun dipped low. Both of them looked exhausted, bags slung over their shoulders, but the moment they stepped onto the platform, the fatigue felt lighter.

“Haruto! Kenji!”

Masato came running toward them like an overexcited kid, nearly tripping over his own feet. Before either of them could react, he wrapped them both in a tight hug.

“You idiots actually came,” Masato said, laughing. “I thought you’d bail at the last minute.”

Kenji scoffed. “Please. I wouldn’t miss the chance to see you get tied down.”

Haruto smiled quietly. Seeing Masato like this, loud, alive, and happy, felt strangely comforting. It reminded him of their younger days, before life had complicated everything.

That evening, Masato’s house was filled with noise. Old photos were pulled out, stories repeated, and laughter echoed through the rooms. Eventually, bottles of alcohol appeared on the table.

“This is a bad idea,” Haruto said, eyeing the drinks.

Kenji was already pouring. “Relax. It’s a wedding tradition.”

Masato raised his glass. “To old friends who still show up.”

They clinked glasses.

One drink turned into three. Three turned into far too many.

Kenji leaned back, face red, eyes unfocused. “Masato… there’s something I should tell you.”

Haruto stiffened. He knew that tone.

Masato nodded, his smile fading slightly. “Go on.”

Kenji spoke slowly at first, then faster. He talked about the misunderstandings that pulled them apart years ago. The words left unsaid. The resentment that grew silently. He admitted his mistakes without trying to soften them.

“I was jealous,” Kenji said, staring at the floor. “And stupid. I blamed everyone except myself.”

The room grew quiet.

Masato took a long breath, then another drink. “I knew something was off back then,” he said. “But hearing it now… yeah, it hurts a bit.”

Haruto expected anger. Instead, Masato laughed softly.

“But if I held onto every stupid thing we did, I wouldn’t be getting married tomorrow,” Masato continued. “So let it go.”

Kenji’s eyes watered. “You’re really annoying when you’re mature.”

Masato grinned. “That’s called growth.”

They laughed again, the tension finally breaking.

The next morning was punishment.

Kenji lay face down on the futon, groaning. “I think my soul left my body.”

Haruto rubbed his temples. “I warned you.”

Masato, perfectly fine, sipped tea. “Weak.”

Despite their hangovers, the day moved quickly. Relatives arrived, decorations were adjusted, and the house buzzed with excitement. Haruto found himself helping wherever he could, feeling oddly useful.

Then came the moment to welcome the bride.

The atmosphere shifted as Aiko arrived with her family. She stepped out gracefully, dressed simply but elegantly, her expression calm despite the attention. When Masato saw her, he froze for a second, then smiled so openly it made Haruto look away.

Aiko met Masato halfway and bowed slightly. “I’m home.”

Masato cleared his throat. “Welcome.”

Standing beside Aiko was Sakura, her best friend, energetic as ever. The moment she spotted Haruto and Kenji, her face lit up.

“So these are the legendary friends,” Sakura said, walking over. “You look exactly as useless as Masato described.”

Kenji gasped. “That’s cruel.”

Sakura laughed. “Relax, I’m joking. Mostly.”

Haruto smiled. “Nice to meet you.”

Sakura tilted her head. “You’re quieter than I expected.”

“That’s him,” Kenji said. “Silent but judgmental.”

Haruto sighed. “I regret coming.”

Aiko watched the exchange with a gentle smile. “Thank you for coming,” she said sincerely. “Masato talks about you both a lot.”

Masato scratched his head, embarrassed. “Only good things.”

The rest of the day passed in a blur of preparation and small moments. Sakura teased Kenji nonstop. Kenji pretended to be offended while clearly enjoying it. Haruto helped Masato adjust decorations, fix a broken chair, and calm down nervous relatives.

That evening, as the noise settled, Haruto stood outside, watching the lights flicker.

Masato joined him. “You okay?”

Haruto nodded. “Yeah. Just… happy for you.”

Masato smiled softly. “I was hoping you’d come. This wouldn’t feel complete without you.”

Haruto didn’t reply right away. Then he said, “I’m glad I did.”

Inside, laughter erupted again. Kenji was probably embarrassing himself. Sakura’s voice rose above the rest, sharp and cheerful.

For the first time in years, Haruto felt like he belonged somewhere again.

Tomorrow was the wedding.

But tonight, the past finally felt at peace.