Tracing Memories

53: C e r e m o n y

My heart sped up as I looked at myself in the mirror. I was unrecognisable even to myself in that white dress, I almost questioned if it was indeed my own reflection I was looking at.

In a couple hours everything would be so much different than I had ever known it to be. At that moment, somehow my mind continued to replay the memory of that one day back from Junior High days when we stood in the rain together. That's when I had fallen in love with you. That was so many years ago it felt like it happened in another lifetime. It was unbelievable that that little moment had led to this day.

Four months before, you took me to our special place and turned it even more precious than it ever was. I didn't think we would reach this point just yet but I was boundlessly happy. The time that followed was the most whimsical period of my life. Suddenly we were surrounded by people and we were the centre of attention. It all happened so fast as if in the blink of an eye it was fascinating but also a little intimidating.

And now I was already standing here in this too-big-for-comfort-but-beautiful dress, waiting to walk out of that room and through the aisle at the end of which you would be waiting for me.

A knock on the door broke my trance. Everyone turned to look at it in unison. Yuuka decided to go ahead and open the door. She opened it partially only to peek who it was. Next, I heard was Endou's sheepish voice,

"Uhh... Gouenji sent me to say... that... he wants to see Riye...for a second."

This caught my attention and I peeked to see what was going on but before I could say anything Natsumi replied,

"He said it and you just came here to relay this? Didn't you tell him he can't see Kira just yet?"

"So should I just tell him that?" He asked slightly intimidated.

"It's okay guys, I'll go." I slowly answered, "You know I don't believe in these things." I then appeared at the door.

"Wow, Riye you look amazing." Endou grinned in his signature style. In return, I just smiled.

I made my way out as Endou directed me where to go and then left and with each step, my heart beat faster. Finally, I stood at the door of the place I was supposed to be. Holding my breath I turned the door handle and pushed the door open.

Sunshine filtered through the windows of the small empty hall. White curtains were swaying in the breeze. I felt as if I was stepping into a dream.

You were standing near the window facing away from me and when you heard the door open you turned. My heart skipped a beat as I saw you standing there in a black tuxedo, your platinum locks occasionally flowing to your face because of the breeze. You looked so handsome it made me blush and look away.

Your eyes widened as soon as you saw me and you took a deep breath. I walked closer to you and you maintained your gaze on me the entire time which made me blush even more. I stood before you and managed to glance at you.

"You...look... beautiful." You whispered as you delicately ran your fingers along my cheek making me blush even more than I already was.

"You do too." I managed to get the words out in a barely audible voice. You remained quiet for a while afterward continuing to stare at me. Unable to hold your gaze anymore I finally asked,

"Why did you call me here? Did you want to say something?"

You slowly shook your head as you came closer, "Just wanted to see you before everyone else." You rested your forehead on mine and we closed our eyes. The serenity and bliss of that moment were unparalleled by anything I had ever felt and to this day it still lingers every time I look back to it.

A knock on the door brought us back to reality.

"Kira, it's time." I heard Natsumi's voice call. I looked at you and we exchanged a meaningful glance,

"I'll see you then." I commented with a little amusement before retracing my steps back as I came.