CHAP 19

Chapter 19: The Wedding of a Dream

The sun dipped low in the horizon, spilling gold over the hill where the chapel stood. Wind carried the soft rustle of leaves, and petals danced in the air like a slow, graceful ballet. Guests were gathered, dressed in bright, joyful colors. Laughter filled the space. There was no sign of sorrow here—only peace.

Naoki stood at the altar in a crisp white suit, fingers nervously fidgeting as he glanced over the crowd.

Rows of smiling faces. Friends. Classmates. Teachers. Even the old woman from the bakery. Toki was in the front row, grinning like a proud best man, waving enthusiastically at Naoki, mouthing, “Don’t trip, idiot!”

At the back of the aisle stood a woman, radiant in a soft cream gown. She walked with poise and lightness, like gravity couldn’t hold her. Her hair was pinned elegantly, and in her arms she held a tiny child—chubby-cheeked and dozing, wrapped in silk.

Following behind her were two more children—a little girl who clung to her skirt with curious eyes, and a boy slightly older, beaming with mischief.

The guests gasped softly at the sight of her. Not just because of her beauty, but because of the way Naoki looked at her—as if he had spent a thousand lives searching and still couldn’t believe she was real.

As she reached the altar, Toki whispered behind Naoki, “Don’t cry, man. You’ll ruin the photos.”

Naoki chuckled under his breath. Then, the world fell silent, as if even time held its breath for what was to come.

The officiant stepped forward.

“We are gathered here to witness the union of two souls who have chosen to walk the same path, to build a life filled with laughter, growth, and love.”

Naoki turned to her.

She handed their sleeping child to Toki, who gently rocked the baby with a goofy grin.

Naoki took her hands in his. He exhaled, and then began.

“I never thought I’d deserve happiness. I never thought someone like you would choose someone like me. You showed me what it means to be loved. You stood beside me when I doubted myself, when I stumbled, when I forgot how to smile. And now, standing here, I don’t just see a partner. I see my home. My forever. I vow to love you fiercely, laugh with you endlessly, protect this family we built, and never—ever—take for granted this life you’ve given me.”

Tears shimmered in her eyes as she smiled.

“Naoki… you are the light I didn’t know I needed. You make ordinary moments extraordinary. You are the father of our children, my best friend, my safe place. I vow to support you, to challenge you, to grow old with you. No matter how hard life gets, I choose you—again and again. I love you endlessly.”

The guests clapped gently, some wiping their eyes.

“You may kiss the bride.”

He did.

The world around them exploded in color. Petals rained from the sky. The children giggled. Toki lifted the baby up like Simba in The Lion King, and everyone laughed.

A live band struck up a tune. The reception began outside the chapel under hanging lights and a setting sun.

Toki made terrible jokes during his speech.

The bride danced barefoot in the grass with their daughter.

Naoki carried his son on his shoulders, spinning him until they both collapsed laughing.

It was perfect.

But from the edge of the woods… someone watched.

Dressed in a loose hospital gown, bandaged hands at his sides. His eyes were hollow, dark, reflecting the firelight of the celebration.

He watched the way Naoki held his family.

He watched the way they laughed.

And slowly… he turned away.

Walking deeper into the trees, fading with the wind.

Back at the reception, Naoki suddenly paused.

A chill ran down his spine.

He turned toward the woods.

No one was there.

“Something wrong?” his wife asked, touching his arm.

“No… I just… thought I saw someone.”

Toki appeared behind him, drunk on cider. “It’s the wedding ghost. He appears at every major life event. Ignore him.”

Naoki laughed, but deep down, something didn’t feel right.

Why did that figure feel… familiar?

Why did he feel watched?

He shook it off.

The stars began to bloom in the sky. Fireflies lit up the dark. Children ran across the field with sparklers in their hands.

And Naoki stood among them, smiling.

Loved.

Cherished.

Whole.

But somewhere, in the shadow of memory…

Someone still wandered, watching a life that could never be his.


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CHAP END

Chapter end