Chapter 20 – The Wedding That Had to Happen

The train had barely crossed the next town when Haruto’s phone began to ring.

He stared at the screen for a second.

Masato.

Kenji leaned over. “Answer it. Or he’ll keep calling until your phone dies from stress.”

Haruto picked up. “Masato?”

On the other end, Masato sounded restless. “Where are you?”

“On the train.”

“Good,” Masato said quickly. “Because if you don’t come back by evening… I’m calling off the wedding.”

Haruto blinked. “What?”

Kenji nearly jumped out of his seat. “Put it on speaker! I want to hear this madness!”

Haruto ignored him. “Masato, don’t joke about that.”

“I’m not joking,” Masato replied. “You’re my best friend. I can’t get married while knowing you walked away like that. It doesn’t feel right.”

Haruto rubbed his forehead. “Masato, this is your day. Don’t drag me into it.”

“I already did,” Masato said simply. “So come back. Eat, drink, pretend you’re fine. That’s enough.”

The call ended before Haruto could argue further.

Kenji stared at him. “Did he just emotionally blackmail you?”

Satoshi laughed. “Sounds like a good friend.”

Haruto looked out the window again. “We’re going back.”

Kenji clapped once. “I knew it. Drama attracts more drama.”

By evening, the three of them reached the venue.

The place was already glowing with lights. Staff moved around quickly, carrying decorations, arranging flowers, setting tables. Music played softly in the background.

Masato spotted them first.

“You actually came,” he said, relief clear on his face.

Kenji crossed his arms. “Of course. You threatened to destroy your own wedding.”

Masato laughed and pulled Haruto into a quick hug. “Thanks for coming back.”

Haruto nodded. “You didn’t need to say all that.”

“I did,” Masato replied. “Now everything feels right.”

Haruto stepped aside. “This is Satoshi Kazuma. We met earlier during… a marriage meeting.”

Masato immediately bowed. “Thank you for coming.”

Satoshi smiled warmly. “I heard there was going to be good food and emotional chaos. I couldn’t miss it.”

Kenji pointed at him. “See? He understands life.”

They all laughed, and for the first time since leaving the station, the heaviness inside Haruto’s chest eased a little.

The next morning arrived quickly.

Wedding day.

Guests filled the venue. The hall was decorated with soft flowers and warm lights. Families greeted each other, laughter mixing with nervous excitement.

Haruto stood quietly near the back, dressed neatly, hands in his pockets.

Kenji nudged him. “You clean up well for a man who almost ran away.”

Haruto gave him a tired smile. “I’m just here for Masato.”

Satoshi stood beside them, watching the crowd. “Sometimes that’s enough.”

Then the music began.

Everyone turned.

Aiko walked slowly down the aisle, beautiful and calm, her eyes fixed on Masato. He stood there waiting, nervous but happy.

For a moment, the world felt peaceful.

The ceremony was simple. Warm. Honest.

Masato’s voice shook slightly during his vows. Aiko laughed through her tears. Families clapped. Kenji sniffed loudly and pretended something got in his eye.

“Dust,” he said. “Very emotional dust.”

Haruto smiled faintly.

The wedding happened.

Just like that.

No chaos. No disasters. Just two people choosing each other.

And Haruto felt glad he had come back.

The celebration began soon after. Music grew louder. Guests started talking, laughing, eating. Masato looked lighter, happier, like a weight had been lifted off his shoulders.

Haruto stepped outside for some air.

The evening sky was quiet. Cool wind brushed past him.

“You always disappear when things get loud.”

He turned.

Sakura stood a few steps away.

She looked different. Softer. Less guarded. The silver earrings he had given her caught the light again.

He hadn’t noticed before.

“I didn’t want to disturb anything,” he said.

“You never disturb,” she replied. “You just… leave.”

He didn’t answer.

She took a step closer. “Can we talk? Alone?”

His heart beat faster, though his face stayed calm.

“Okay,” he said.

They walked away from the crowd, toward a quieter corner near the garden.

For a few seconds, neither of them spoke.

Then Sakura exhaled slowly.

“You came back,” she said.

“Masato threatened to cancel the wedding,” Haruto replied.

She laughed softly. “That sounds like him.”

Silence returned, but this time it felt different. Not tense. Just heavy with things that needed to be said.

Sakura looked down at her hands. “I thought you’d really leave.”

“I almost did.”

“And now?”

“I don’t know,” he admitted.

She nodded slowly.

Then she looked up at him, eyes serious for once.

“I need to talk to you,” she said quietly.

Haruto waited.

And for the first time since they met…

Sakura didn’t joke.