29th July, 2023.

The day Shiina Kumine will be wedded to Kei Sakato has finally arrived.

It was already busy early in the morning. Contrary to Gin who had an ordinary sleep, it was evident on the repeatedly dropping eyelids of his brother that he did not, upon stepping out of the house while Gin had already warmed up the car for them to leave.

"Heeeyyy, hop in already, Kei."

"On the way.

Thanks for all the help up until this point. But are you sure you can drive this early?"

"I took my medicine.

I agreed to be your Best Man in the first place. I learned a lot from being one in Hiro's wedding, so stuff is much easier this time."

"Maybe we'll be switching places in the future."

"Well, working with two grooms now is a good learning experience when it's my turn.

Also, send me the location of the pavilion again. I still haven't memorized the route."

"You know… you're never one to be flustered about stuff but you used to deny things from time to time until recently. You've been a lot forward these days, I would say."

"Just reaffirmed things with Rin. But yeah, I've been very doting on her after all that has happened. She already felt a lifetime of suffering condensed in a few months so I'm doing my best not to add up to it anymore.

Come on, dude… turn your blinkers on in advance… I have a groom with me." he suddenly complained as he abruptly stepped on the brakes at a junction.

"Well… all this work will be ending once this day ends. You'll have more time to think about how you'll give Ringo an actual ring."

"How did you… Did Mato blab about this to you?"

"I don't know what you're talking about," Kei monotonously answered.

"How did you propose to Nee-san anyway? I only heard about it from when we had a talk on my roof."

"It's nothing special, really. Nothing grand; just a quiet dinner and then I asked the magic question.

I guess it runs in our blood to not make stuff flashy. Well, Anna might be an exception since she's the most expressive of the family."

"Hmm…"

"I really hope Akira's going to be the one for her."

"Now that I think about it, I was a closet scumbag in school but I somehow made damn good friends. I think he and Anna will be fine."

"Yeah, you really were a scumbag back then. But in a sense that you just hate everything."

"We should probably not talk about that further or it'll spoil the mood later."

"That's rich coming from you, Mr. Pessimistic."

"Man, just let it go."

Kei and Shiina had planned their wedding to be a small one, with only a few of friends from both sides, and similarly only select from both their families, especially with how small the Sakato family tree is. The couple chose to have a hilled garden for the ceremony with the reception hall being a pavilion that is a small walking distance from the venue, which has saved the two of them from a lot of costs.

As it is still only nigh end of the summer, the temperature has only dropped a little thus prompting them to have the ceremony ending at around sunset to not inconvenience the guests even if the venue is open air that would bring cool winds in the evening.

With everything hopefully in place, Kei began to slowly tick all the boxes in his list for final checking and confirmation as he takes calls every minute as Gin minds the wheel.

"We have our photographer confirmed, Kei."

"Thanks for giving me a ride, Gin," swiftly, Shiro entered the car with her bag of gear and the vehicle immediately moved.

"Congratulations in advance, Yuka Kei."

"I appreciate that. Thank you."

"Been a while, Shiro."

"It sure is. How's Ringo doing?"

"Better than ever. Everything else you need to know would be in our group chat."

"Then, how are you two doing?"

"…

Better than ever, actually."

"Of course, you guys would be. I wouldn't even be surprised if at this point you two are seriously thinking about marriage already, meanwhile Nagi and I can't think about anything else beyond surviving our graduating year."

"Rin and I never really talked about it but she kind of guessed right, already… Women's intuition is scary."

"Can't really say I understand the struggle, but I really hope you guys graduate without a hitch."

"Oh, right. You're a teacher now, Gin."

"It definitely is a new perspective. When I see my students working hard, it's not hard to simply cheer them on even if sometimes I have to be strict on them. So now I can say that I really mean it that I wish you guys all the best in your studies."

"How very thoughtful of you. Thank you."

"Not like I can bring any technical help, but if you need help on something, I will still have a looser schedule until next month before I juggle back with Giotto's and teaching work."

"Got it, got it. But let me focus on evaluating the venue again so that I can get the best shots."

"Gotta hand it to Gin for having the connections. Although I have to say, Shiro, your rates are already professional."

"Hehe. Out of my class I'm the one doing the most side gigs so my instructors advised me to not undervalue myself, so I'm sorry about that, Yuka.

You're targeting the Japanese art market, right, Gin? Maybe you needed to hear that advice?"

"I think I'm fine enough on that matter, but it sure is easier to get more accommodating clients in the North than here.

Crap, almost missed a turn. Let's continue the chat when we arrive at the venue."

As they did not hire a wedding organizer for this occasion, they were one of the first people to arrive at the venue along with the venue staff that is continuing on decorating the place while Shiro sets up her gear and coordinated with them. Following that, their cousin, Mochizuki showed up all the same to help on final checking and finishing touches for the place as one of the groomsmen. Slowly, the bridesmaids and other people involved in planning the wedding started to arrive until the bride herself turned up with plenty of hours to spare before the ceremony. With the presence of the two special people of the day, Shiro prepared for additional nuptial photos.

On Gin's side, however, it was not the planning itself that is the difficult thing for him. It was communicating with people he did not know that was taking a toll on him, especially as he doesn't exactly know the Kumine family much and by extension their friends, in contrast to Hiroomi's wedding where he had basically worked with people he already knew in the underground. But when things become somewhat unbearable for him, he would always look at his silver brooch and it would calm him down even if only a little at times.

After lying down on a bed and taking several deep breaths in one of the break rooms of the pavilion, he stepped outside gaining a little bit of motivation as though reassuring the memory of Eijiro inside him.

"Mochiiii, some of Giotto's staff is arriving anytime soon so can you assist them later?"

"Sure thing. You might as well leave me in charge of the catering."

"Hmm… Yeah, I probably should. Thanks for the help."

"Hahaha. You've gotten better at asking for help from others but you still don't work well with a team, huh. Well, you're looking a lot better now than when you were a teenager.

Also, I'm sorry to hear what happened to Ringo. I'm glad she's fine and healthy now."

"Don't sweat it. What's important is that she's still alive and with us."

"Glad to hear that. But would this mean you're going to be next?"

"I wonder about that."

~ ~ ~

The hours of the event suddenly began approaching fast, but everything has been given the clear thus far, especially with the weather being quite pleasant with only a few thin clouds hover over them.

Guests started to arrive one by one, and the mingling began to be heard from the break room by the groom and his closest groomsmen as they dressed up.

"Ah, man…"

The moment Kei removed his glasses, Gin and Mochizuki could only hear a few weak sobs coming from the groom himself.

"Were you like that too when you got married, Mochi?"

"Not really. I started bawling when I got drunk at the reception."

If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

"Like that's any better."

"Come on, Kei! We can't have you tearing up just before the ceremony. Think about how your soon-to-be-wife is going to react to that!"

"She'll… She'll probably laugh… and… and cry more than me…"

"Oh, wow. Didn't expect that."

"Almost time, bro. We can't have you forgetting your brooch now, so chin up." and so Kei did, as Mochizuki gently wiped away the corner of his eyes while Gin clips the silver brooch to his brother's suit, which said brooch was carefully picked between a serious discussion with the two brothers.

"Oh, you're not one to wear rings on your finger, Gin. That's a change I didn't expect," Mochizuki pointed out from Gin's right ring finger.

"It's been zero days since someone noticed this…"

"What, is that a promise ring?"

"Huh? There's actually a ring like that? Is that the same as an engagement ring or something?"

"Nah. I guess I could describe it as a symbol of commitment?"

"Oh… I didn't know there are things like that."

In Orio, its tradition follows that wearing a ring on the left ring finger generally signifies that one has tied the knot or in engagement. While there is nothing in the culture that tells anything in particular about wearing one in the right ring finger, some still consider it as something special in a personal manner.

"Anyway," Gin carefully checked if the brooch is placed well on the breast of the suit, "I think that's all good.

…

Ever since I got them from the orphanage, I've always took care of them, so I hope you will too. At this point this is like my most valuable treasure now. I guess you can consider that as my wedding gift to you, but I'll probably chime in something else later."

"Thanks, Gin."

Mochizuki could not help but be touched with the scene in front of him. While he has not visited his cousins a lot, he always had a vivid memory of the brothers sharing somewhat of a distance apart from each other as Kei has always been nonchalant, while Gin as a child felt as if he had a lot of darkness in his heart from Mochizuki's eyes. But now, they are standing side by side.

"Can't believe the three of us are all grown-ups now. You two grew up so quickly, especially you, Gin.

I'll call someone so they can take a picture of the three of us."

"Why? Sounds like a pain," the brothers complained in unison.

Nonetheless, a picture of them was taken, shoulder to shoulder, with the groom at the center of it, although with Mochizuki having the most expression of them all.

"Can you two at least smile some more?"

"Nope. That's just how we are."

"I always knew you two always force your smiles in pictures, but man, you guys are sick."

After a few minutes, the ceremony started with the entourage of the groomsmen, the bridesmaids, and the bearers one by one as the snap of a camera was heard on the side. A round of applause sounded in the garden as the groom slowly and silently walked, occasionally nodding at the guests until he shook hands and embraced on the side of the groomsmen and reaching the officiant.

Then, as though naturally expected, the beauty of the bride slowly appeared towards the center of the aisle with both her parents on each arm, taking the full attention of the attendance. The couple has always been known to be a bespectacled pair, but even for the groom's brother, he was taken aback by the pure elegance the bride gave off without the frames over her eyes.

For a moment, Gin was absorbed in his world, thinking of how happy he is for his brother, and how good it is for him to have a lovely sister-in-law.

Parting ways with her parents, Shiina greeted the bridesmaids on her side, and stood in front of the wedding officiant. The celebrant then gave out a speech reiterating the significance of marriage between partners, and then proceeded to tell a little about the couple and their experiences with the two.

As the couple exchanged vows, it was evident that the afternoon has started to become darker, and the moment the vows concluded, warms lights across the garden all at once enveloped the ceremony with illumination as the sun started to set. Promptly, the officiant let the couple give each other a few words starting with the bride.

"I… honestly don't know what to say, really. We're here… we made it.

Who knew… that a chance encounter in university would lead to eight years of a relationship, and counting towards a new chapter. I owe everything to everyone for helping us out, not just in this wedding, but from the start… and most importantly, thank you, Kei for always being with me, helping me, and letting me lean on you when I needed it the most.

This goes without saying… but I'll always love you, Kei," thus, another series of applause resounded.

"Any words from the groom?"

"You know… just before the ceremony, my brother and cousin caught me tearing up at the back… and I'm honestly trying my hardest not to cry now because I know that you will cry more than me when it happens," with a light hit on Kei's shoulder, a bout of laughter livened up the ceremony.

"But yeah… I've always seen you as someone strong, at least outwardly, but after getting to know you more, the more it made me realize that we're all equal with our own vulnerabilities.

I'm still glad that I reached out to you before succumbing to your lowest. I'm glad I saw that what you needed the most is someone that can give you the support you wished for, and I'm so glad that you chose me to be the one… as you'd call me, your hero, as cheesy as that sounds.

Nonetheless, I'll continue to be your support just like I've always done, and you'll always be the one that cheers me up with just one look from you. From here on, I guess that's what I'll always see everyday.

Likewise, I will always love you, Shiina."

After another sounding ovation, the officiant then moved to the conclusion of the ceremony as the rings have been worn on each other's fingers. The couple, hand in hand, once again stood in front of each other as their marriage has become official closing with a kiss, followed by continuous cheers from the guests.

Chasing the sunset, the now married couple walked down the aisle together with flower petals falling on them.

In a bit of a hurry, Shiro as the photographer directed the two on a part of the hill where the sunset is most visible, for her to capture the perfect image with the remaining minutes of sunlight.

As the crowd followed them, came the time for the bride to toss her bouquet of flowers. Blindly, Shiina threw the flowers up as she quickly turned around as the bouquet is still up in the air while the women are anticipating the fall of it.

However, in the midst of a constant and slight blow of cool wind, a sudden gust disturbed the trajectory of the flowers, then gently falling to the hands of the somewhat disinterested Ringo Akanami.

Cheers sounded once more, as she looked at Gin behind the groomsmen clapping with everyone as he fixed his suddenly slightly messed up hair and clothes.

…

Still on the high of celebration, the attendance then moved on to a short reception where the couple personally greeted and thanked every single one of their guests for coming to the occasion, share a meal, and take pictures with all of them while the groomsmen and bridesmaids each serenaded the couple as a group, with Gin both leading the music as he returned to the keyboard.

As the celebration was calming down, the emcee from their families gave the microphone to anyone that wants to impart a message to the couple, with Gin being the last to give his speech unprompted.

"So once again, it is a pleasant evening to each and every one of you. I hope that all of us are having a great night with our very own Mr. and Mrs. Sakato."

"Your voice sounds great!" an exclamation stood out over the noise of the applause.

"Thank you, thank you.

Anyway, it honestly took me a few years to meet Ane Shiina, or as I call her now as Nee-san, and right off the bat, she already became a big help to me, when I needed an advice the most. I'm glad that I started to get to know her, and now she's my sister-in-law. Honestly, that's awesome.

Also, I noticed that some of you pointed out the elegant brooch that our groom is wearing in this occasion. It is actually a present to us from our late uncle who wanted the accessory to be used in this specific purpose.

He is one who we did not meet much, but loved our family the most probably among any of us in the Sakato side. I share a sentiment with this uncle of ours since he personally was not able to attend his brother's, of my father's wedding, so I suppose this is my way fulfilling what he was not able to do. It is hard to explain, but for me, as a brother, this special day is very significant for me, although it goes without saying that for all of you it is the same.

Lastly, Kei and Nee-san, congratulations on your wedding, once again. I hope you have more fulfilling years to come, and that you will continue to love each other for a lifetime."

"You're next, anyway!" Kei shouted, to which was followed by another round of cheers.

"That is all, thank you and once again, I hope everyone has a great evening."

Gin then passed the mic back to the emcee as he returned to their family table and downed a glass of wine from feeling a bit of embarrassment.

"You really had to mention Eijiro, huh," his father nudged at him.

"I feel like I owe it to him. I hope my memories of him will stop bugging me about the thought from now on."

"And you really had to rig the bouquet toss earlier, huh?" Rin nudged even further.

"Ehhh, I wonder what you're talking about, Rin-chan."

A heavy arm then suddenly dropped on Gin's shoulder as he heard close to his ears the words: "So it was your doing, musuko."

"I also have no idea of what you're talking about, Uncle Shuu.

Anyway, since the reception is shortly coming to an end, Uncle and I decided we would hop to a bar so we'll be a little late at the after party at my house!"

"So it's already tradition at this point, I see," Amano chuckled, meanwhile Shuu is giving Gin a confused look.

"We didn't talk ab-"

"I have something to talk about one-on-one with you later, Uncle," Gin whispered, as Shuu's arm is still locked on his neck, and hearing the seriousness in the man's tone.

"…

If I get home drunk, I'll let someone punch me on the gut!" Shuu then piled on it.

"Oh, you're on," Gin's father chimed as he gestured closing his fist.

…

Shortly after, the festivities ended early in the night and the garden has been emptied as the liveliness has suddenly died down, and the lights that gave life to the wedding has turned off. However, as some of the guests went home, unbeknownst to them there is an after party about to occur within the second Sakato household with the closest family of the groom and bride including some of the Kumine's and the Akanami's, for them to get to know each other and strengthen their relationship from this point forward.

Similar to how it became with Hiroomi and Yuna's wedding, the lawn was used by the adults while the younger ones and Haku played with the still young Ichi, the son of Mochizuki, who just like Gin, can also communicate with the felines.

Much to the Kumine's surprise, joined in the same table is Rin who they have seen to have earlier caught the bride's bouquet, considering its meaning. Needless to say, the matter was inevitably brought up with a few more alcohol succeeding the wedding reception, and it was revealed that she was indeed the other half where Kei's "You're next," was pertained.

But not even an hour passed before parting with Gin and Shuu, who had apparently gone to another bar, the car they used arrived back with Shuu exiting the driver's door, while Gin followed behind him.

"Oh? It's rare that Gin didn't drive this time, Shuu."

"Well, your son didn't want to risk it. Trust me when I say he's absolutely fine, but he wouldn't be able to legally drive."

Most of the family uttered a "Huh?" in unison hearing such an unexpected thing to come from Shuu and he added, "He actually drank so much more than me," as Gin hurried entered his house.

"Be right back, I just need the toilet. I'll join you guys soon!"

With the bright lights around his porch's door, the table clearly saw that the man's face had turned bright red presumably from the effects of the alcohol, while still seemingly in his sound consciousness.

"Hey Shuu, just how much did my son drink?"

"Believe me when I say I'm also surprised… he had three pints and a probably got almost half a bottle of whiskey."

"I've never seen him that nervous since meeting him that he tried to take the edge off but his body said nope…"

"I didn't know he could handle that much, wow… and he's totally fine after that?"

"Honestly, the only thing preventing him from driving is BAC."

"I'm back," with a towel on his face and hair completely undone from the pomade, he walked out of the house with the redness completely gone from his face and joined the others on the long table, cracking open a can from the cooler.

"You're still going? Just how strong are you really?" his significant other asked with some hint of concern.

"I'm finding out that I still don't know. Sorry about this, Rin, I just need some more."

"That reminds me…" Kei started, "I mistakenly poured your glass in this same situation. How many years has it been since Hiro and Yuna got married again?"

"Wow… it's already four years?"

"Hah. It's been that long and you're already an alcoholic," quite tipsy himself, Kei scoffed and poked fun at Gin.

"Eh, no matter! Let's have another toast for Kei and Nee-san!"

"Yeah, cheers to that!"

Within another hour, as Rin tapped out and went home, Gin followed suit to not worry her any further. But with any and all celebrations finally coming to a close, he woke up from a nap and helped out Kei and Shiina on cleaning up.

"You should have given my phone a ring earlier. This is still my house, after all…

And you two should be resting already."

"Ah, I'm staying the night, Gin."

"Of course you're always welcome, Nee-san… Yawn~

By the way… can I give my sister-in-law a hug?"

"Aww, sure."

Thus, he did.

"You don't smell of booze anymore."

"I took a shower already."

"I hope Ringo didn't mind what happened earlier?"

"Nah, it's all fine. I was the reason why the wind changed anyway."

"That's a nice joke, ahaha."

"You would think it was," Kei thought to himself.

"Also, since when did your girlfriend begin drinking?" the brother then asked.

"When we're in Japan. She wanted to give it a try and she was fine.

I guess that's everything… Are you two going back to the venue tomorrow?"

"Yeah, their office is open on a Sunday so we'll stop by for a bit to wrap things up."

"I see. Don't worry about cleaning up here tomorrow. I'll do it myself since I don't think I won't be hungover."

"The sheer confidence…"

"I'll go back to sleep… You two better have a good rest after now that things are over… or should I say just starting?

Anyway, hooroo."

"Thanks for all the help, Gin."

"…

Get inside already. Haku will get irritated if he finds out the lights are still on."