KAWASHIMA EITO
I smiled the moment Keyon faced us, a broad grin spreading across his face. "I'm getting married!" he announced, his eyes sparkling with joy.
It had been a whirlwind month since he proposed to Rin. Nayumi and I had also tied the knot that same month, though we chose a quiet ceremony in America, which meant our friends couldn't attend. We had to settle for calls and video chats, but it was still special. And of course, Naoya and Rika had been the first among our group to marry.
And now, it was Keyon's turn.
We had all thought that Ryu and Kairi would be next, but their relationship had hit some rough patches. Life has its ups and downs, after all. Keyon had invited Kei to the wedding, but it seemed like he wasn't going to make it. The ceremony was about to start, and he still hadn't arrived.
"I am so happy for you, Keyon," I said, my smile widening.
"Thank you, Eito," he replied, his voice filled with emotion. "I think we need to go; it's almost nine."
"Let's go then," Naoya said, grabbing his coat and standing up.
"Wait for me!" Haruto yelled, rushing to catch up.
"Are we all here?" Noel asked, glancing around. "Where's Ryu?"
Ryu, busy setting up his camera, stood up. "We can't leave without a group photo..."
We laughed and gathered for a picture, all dressed in grey tuxedos except for Keyon, who wore a striking blue suit. Five of us piled into a van while Keyon drove a sleek white sports car. After an hour-long drive, we arrived at the chapel, beautifully decorated in shades of blue.
Within half an hour, the ceremony began. We all stood, waiting in anticipation as the chapel doors slowly opened. Rin stepped in, resplendent in a white wedding gown accented with blue. I glanced at Keyon and saw tears of joy streaming down his face as he watched his bride walk down the aisle.
"I do," Keyon said, holding Akira's hand, his smile so wide it seemed his face might split.
"I do," Akira echoed, her eyes shimmering with happiness.
"You may now kiss the bride," the minister announced.
Keyon gently lifted her veil and, with a smile, leaned in to kiss her. We all stood and applauded, cheering, "Congratulations!"
We moved to the altar for more photos, and that's when Kei finally arrived, slightly out of breath. "Gomenasai, I'm late," he said with a sheepish chuckle.
"Come on, let's take pictures!" Keyon exclaimed, pulling Kei into the group.
After a flurry of photos, it was time for the traditional partner carry. Kei and Hinata were about to leave, but Keyon insisted Kei should carry her.
Reluctantly, they complied. "Shall we head to the reception?" Keyon asked.
"Congratulations again, bud!" Noel shouted.
"Thank you!" Rin waved, climbing into the car.
"Arigatou gozaimasu!" Keyon smiled, following her.
"They're so lucky to have each other," Kairi remarked, watching them.
"And we are also lucky to have each other," Ryu said, planting a kiss on her forehead, a gesture that made Kei bristle.
"Shall we go?" Haruto asked suddenly, sensing the tension.
"Yeah, let's go," I said, forcing a smile as I turned to Nayumi. "Boo, Yumi, let's go."
