Chapter 25: Chasing Butterflies

"I'll convey my love for many years to comeIn this special place just for the two of us,I want to protect that smile that you only show to me foreverI've been searching for a way to convey my loveA confession that only the two of us can understand,find me in the world you see"雪の音 by Novelbright

❥

Takuya had reached the wedding venue and was currently in a separate room from Sho, keeping things interesting until showtime. They'd each make a grand entrance from different doors. He stayed in a different room than Sho. Earlier, Takuya's own parents and his brother, Naoya, had visited him in the room. Naoya had offered to check on Sho in the other room, and Takuya had agreed. Now, the ceremony hall was filled with excited guests awaiting the appearance of the grooms.

Manna couldn't help but let out a giggle. "Oh, look at you! Looking a little tense there, buddy!" she teased lightheartedly. Even Yuki, his trusty groomsman there with him, couldn't help but agree.

Takuya took a deep breath and let out a soft sigh. "I suppose it is," he said with a sheepish grin. "Big day and all!"

Takuya wasn't alone in the room. He was joined by Michieda Shunsuke, Sho's best friend. As part of their pre-wedding agreement, each groom had chosen one friend from the other's group to be a groomsman, alongside their own selections. Meanwhile, in the other room, Takashi was fulfilling the groomsman role for Sho, alongside Sho's other good friend, Kido Taisei.

The calm atmosphere in Takuya's waiting room shattered when Takashi burst through the door. "There's a problem!" he exclaimed with a worried expression. "Nishigaki-kun isn't here yet!"

Takuya shot up from his seat, his surprise evident. "What do you mean he's not here?" he stammered, confused. "I thought Sho had already arrived."

Takashi explained, his voice serious, "There seems to be a slight delay. Apparently, Nishigaki-kun left your house later than your family because he forgot his wedding vows. Your brother told me this."

"Has anyone reached out to Nishigaki-kun yet?" Manna asked thoughtfully.

"Yes, I called him," Takashi confirmed. "He is not answering until now."

Micchi tried to call once again, but he got the same response with Takashi. "No answer."

Manna noticed something and quickly made a call. Stepping aside for privacy, she spoke with the person on the phone. As she talked, she kept everyone updated. "There's been a traffic accident on the road, and Nishigaki-kun is stuck. He also left his phone back at Kusakawa-kun's room." she announced to the room. "They'll be sending us their location shortly."

Manna's update about the traffic jam and Sho's missing phone had just wrapped up when Kai and Ryoga happened to slip into the room unnoticed. Absorbed in the conversation, no one realized they were there. Unintentionally eavesdropping, Kai and Ryoga leaned in and asked, "Is everything okay? We heard something about trouble."

"I just found out Nishigaki-kun is stuck in heavy traffic," Manna exclaimed, her voice rising slightly to ensure Kai and Ryoga heard the news.

Takuya chuckled sadly, the air suddenly feeling heavy. "Maybe we should just reschedule the whole thing," He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, trying to compose himself. "Looks like I'll have to wait even longer to become Nishigaki Sho's husband."

Ryoga clicked his tongue in annoyance. "Come on, Takuya, what's with that?" he said. "We gave you our blessing, you left the group to be with Nishigaki-kun, so let's get this wedding done today!"

"Anyone come here on a motorbike today?" Kai asked abruptly. "I can go pick Nishigaki-kun up myself."

Micchi jumped in. "Hold on," he said, "Let me ask around and see if any of the other guests can help."

Kai watched Micchi head for the door and turned back to Takuya with a confident smile. "Don't worry," he said firmly. "We'll find a way to get Nishigaki-kun here. You'll be married today, no matter what!"

Two women, Okazaki Sae and Takahashi Hikaru, hurried in, their faces etched with concern. "Is everything alright?" one of them asked.

"Kusakawa-kun," Okazaki said with a confused frown. "We just heard someone was looking for a motorcycle. Planning a last-minute getaway before you say 'I do'?"

"No," Takuya snapped, his jaw set firmly. "Not a chance! Nishigaki Sho is the one running away!"

Okazaki threw her head back and laughed, the sound tinkling like wind chimes. "Still giving me the cold shoulder after all this time even after we became friends, Kusakawa-kun?" she teased, tilting her head playfully. "So, stuck in traffic, is he?"

"Don't ask if you already know!" he exclaimed. Before he could finish his rant, a sharp pain erupted in his arm. He flinched, the pain stealing his breath. "Ouch!"

Ryoga stepped forward, placing a hand on Takuya's shoulder. "Sorry about that. Panic mode seems to have activated." Ryoga explained. "Try to keep it together, would you?" he nudged Takuya with a playful elbow.

Micchi burst through the doorway, breathless. "There's someone here! We've got a motorcycle rider here!"

Kai and Manna wasted no time, hurrying to Micchi's side and falling into step behind him.

"Wait, Kai." Takuya's voice stopped his friend in his tracks. Kai turned, his brow furrowed in concern. Takuya met his gaze, a soft smile gracing his lips for a brief moment. "Thanks," he said quietly.

Kai rolled his eyes playfully, waving his hand dismissively. "Yeah, yeah, don't worry about it." he said. "We'll get this wedding rolling in no time, and you'll be a married man before you know it."

Manna hurried back in after sending Kai go, a worried crease between her brows. "Kusakawa-kun, this is important," she said, her voice firm. "While Kai searches for Sho, I need to stay on the line with his manager. We can't lose track of any leads. Tell me if you need anything."

Takuya fidgeted in his seat, frustration gnawing at him. This wasn't how he envisioned his wedding day. Patience had never been his strong suit. The wait felt like an eternity, each second stretching thin. A pang of sadness settled in his chest. "Is today really the right day?" he questioned himself, a wave of uncertainty washing over him. "Why does everything have to be so difficult for Sho and me?"

Ryoga raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk gracing her lips. "Here we go again," Ryoga commented. "What's got you worked up this time?"

Takuya closed his eyes, taking a deep breath. "I just want to get married," he whispered, his voice filled with longing. "Today. As soon as possible. Nothing else matters."

Okazaki sauntered over, a sly smile on her face. "Whoa, possessive much?" she teased. "Why the sudden rush to marry Nishigaki-kun? Are you worried he'll get away?"

Takuya's smirk turned into a determined look. "That's the plan," he said, his voice low and challenging. "Sho's mine, and I won't let anyone take him away."

Naoya strode into the room, his gaze fixed on Takuya. "Oh, is that so, Taku-nii? Playing the villain now?" he interjected, catching everyone's attention "You're not a bad guy, Taku-nii. That whole thing last time was just your insecurities getting the better of you."

Takuya slumped back in his chair, his voice barely a whisper. "Just... shut up, Nao."

Yuki's brow furrowed in confusion. "Hold up, that's strange," he said. "What's this? Nishigaki-kun thought he was the one holding you back? He told us he was trying not to clip your wings. So, you both have these self-esteem issues? This is wild!"

Takuya's voice cracked. "What on earth did Sho say? I don't want to be free from him. I'm all his. Completely. If he wants to keep me locked away, locked up with him, then fine! I'm okay with that. More than okay."

Naoya leaned back in his chair, a knowing glint in his eyes. "And you'd be over the moon if that happened, wouldn't you, Taku-nii?" he said with a sly grin.

"Yes!" Takuya growled, his eyes flashing with a possessive glint. "That's what I want. Sho, by my side, all the time."

A soft chuckle escaped Takahashi's lips as she listened to the conversation. Catching everyone's attention, she added, "Crazy, isn't it?" she murmured. "Love can be a real pain, you know? But watching you two so consumed by love makes me want to take a chance and fall for someone ridiculously hard."

Okazaki offered a warm smile and a sincere nod. "You said it," she said. Okazaki referred to Takuya and Sho. "Let's just say I've ever had a front-row seat to this whole love-crazed drama of yours, Kusakawa-kun, but seeing you tie the knot makes it all worth it."

Takuya smiled softly. "Thank you, Okazaki-san."

"Yeah, actually," Ryoga mumbled, a genuine smile spreading across his face. "after all the drama, the fights, the make-ups... seeing you two so determined, so in love... like Takahashi-san said, it kinda makes everyone think about finding our own crazy love story."

Micchi hurried back into the room, his face flushed with worry. "Excuse me everyone, but I need someone to assist Nishigaki-kun, a hair stylist is needed immediately!"

Takahashi's eyes lit up at the opportunity to help. "On it!" she exclaimed, jumping to her feet and following Micchi out the door.

Takuya's mind was a whirlwind. Before he could fully grasp Micchi's frantic plea about Sho's hair, Takahashi was already out the door. He was yanked back to earth with a jolt as Okazaki loomed in front of him, fussing over his collar and tie.

Okazaki's gaze softened with understanding. "Kusakawa-kun," she began, "We won't pry into your private life, but just know we're, your friends, here for you and Nishigaki-kun. We might stay quiet, but we're watching your back. If things get too much, don't be afraid to ask for help. That's what friends are for. And believe me, we know how much this wedding means to you."

Kai swung the door open with a flourish, a wide grin plastered on his face before Takuya could answer Okazaki. "He's here, Takuya. Today has just begun."

♡

Yuki patted Takuya's shoulder with a gentle smile. "Alright, are you all set? Michieda-kun will be your guide to your soon-to-be spouse,. Takashi will take care of bringing Nishigaki-kun over to meet you from the other side. Deep breaths!"

Takuya glanced down at his outfit, a worried frown forming. "Do I look okay?"

Micchi offered a reassuring smile. "This is it. You look fantastic, Kusakawa-kun. Just like the Kusakawa Takuya Nishigaki-kun hasn't stopped talking about since he arrived, and more importantly, you look happy. Nishigaki-kun deserves that - your genuine happiness. He can't wait to see you!"

The air crackled with anticipation as the MC's voice filled the room. "And now, the moment we've all been waiting for... Please welcone the grooms!" A hush fell over the gathered guests, all eyes turned towards the double doors at the back of the hall.

Yuki opened the door, and Takuya stepped out. He started walking, a nervous flutter in his stomach calming slightly as he met the warm smiles of his parents and Sho's. But halfway down the aisle, the silence from the other door grew deafening. He paused, his smile faltering. Panic clawed at his throat. Had he misunderstood something? Was Sho even coming? This wasn't funny anymore. Who, or what, was causing this delay on his wedding day?

Micchi reached out a hand to touch Takuya's arm, his voice barely a whisper. "Kusakawa-kun...?" But Takuya flinched away, his gaze fixed on the unopened door.

Takuya'a heart hammering a frantic rhythm against his ribs. The air crackled with tension, thick enough to choke on. The concerned murmurs from the audience only fueled his confusion. Then, a sound. A creak, barely audible at first, that sent a jolt through Takuya. The door on the opposite side, the one that held the answer to his mounting anxiety, began to open slowly.

The long-awaited figure emerged from the door - Sho. His hair, meticulously styled.

Takuya stood rooted in place, his gaze locked on Sho's determined stride. He watched, mesmerized, as Sho bypassed his position, his eyes locked solely on Takuya.

Sho, ignoring his designated spot, continued walking towards Takuya. Takashi, left stranded at the other end of the aisle, frantically waved his arms in a silent panic.

As Sho stood before him, his hand outstretched, a raw vulnerability etched on Takuya's face, the doubt began to fade. Here, in front of him, stood the man he loved, the reason his heart beat a little faster.

Sho's hand stretched out, a silent plea in his eyes. "Let's get married," he whispered.

Takuya stared at the hand, his own trembling slightly. Relief, confusion, and a love that transcended the uncertainty all warred within him. Like a prayer answered, a radiant smile bloomed on Takuya's face. He reached out, his hand finding Sho's. Together, they walked towards the ceremony area, Takuya choosing to trust in the love they shared, in the unexpected twist of fate that had brought them to this point.

Micchi, his heart swelling with pride for his friend, stepped back discreetly. He knew his place.

With the legalities ironed out beforehand, the officiant stood before Sho and Takuya. A warm smile graced his face as he addressed them. "Good morning, gentlemen. We've finally reached this momentous occasion - the start of your wedding ceremony! Your union will be officially registered after you sign the certificate, but following tradition, we'll begin with your heartfelt vows to one another."

Then, with a confident nod, he turned back to the officiant. "Yes please," Sho replied, his voice steady despite a tremor of emotion.

"If you would both kindly turn to face one another," the officiant requested.

Sho's eyes crinkled at the corners as he met Takuya's gaze. A playful smile tugged at his lips. "Good morning," he teased. His nervousness masked by his lighthearted tone.

A soft chuckle escaped Takuya's lips. "Good morning to you too," he replied, his eyes sparkled.

A wave of gentle chuckles washed over the assembled crowd. The guests, touched by the tender interaction between Sho and Takuya, found themselves drawn into the intimacy of the moment.

"Is that everything for your vows? Just a commitment to daily greetings?" The officiant asked with a smile. "I hope you have more plan for your married life!"

"Oh, no, sir," Takuya clarified quickly. "It was just a normal 'good morning' since we haven't seen each other since yesterday."

"Ah, a whole day apart," the officiant pretended to respond seriously with a knowing smile. "It seems a friendly greeting was necessary, I understand. Now, to continue the ceremony, Nishigaki Shoichirou-san, if you would please take the lead and read your vows."

Sho tilted his head, a confused frown etching itself onto his face. "Shouldn't the older person go first?"

"Huh? What are you even talking about?" Takuya jabbed Sho playfully in the side, barely containing his laughter.

Sho let out a soft, playful laugh. He reached into his inner pocket, and pulled out a neatly folded paper. A warm smile bloomed on his face as he cleared his throat, taking a deep breath to steady himself, and then began.

"Dear Takuya-kun,

From the moment I fell for you, it was a terrifying, exhilarating freefall. All I ever wanted was your happiness, but I worried I wouldn't be enough. So, I was prepared to let you go, to step aside and watch you find your own path, even if it didn't lead to me.

The thought of letting you go tore me apart, but then I realized, true love isn't about sacrifice. I realized that I wanted to be the one to paint your life with joy, to be the person who makes you smile brighter than anyone else ever could, to be the one who made you the happiest you could ever be.

You might think you mess up a lot, but to me, that's just your sparkle, the charming part that reminds me how alive you are. I wouldn't trade those moments for anything. I'll gladly clean up the aftermath, knowing that with every misstep, we grow stronger together.

And while I may not be your family by blood, I promise to be a constant and unwavering presence in your life. There have been times I've annoyed you or even made you cry, But through it all, we've built something special, a connection that allows for both laughter and tears.

I promise to keep working at making you happy, and I promise to spend the rest of my life proving to you that I am the one who can love you most, the one who will always be your home. I will be your partner in life, always and forever.

With love that will never fade,

Nishigaki Shoichirou."

Sho paused, lifting his gaze from the paper to meet Takuya's eyes. Tears welled up in Takuya's eyes, glistening in the light. Despite Takuya's obvious attempt to hold back tears, happiness peeked through.

"And now," the officiant said, gesturing towards Takuya. "Kusakawa Takuya-san, we would be honored to hear your vows as well."

Takuya unfolded the paper containing his vows. Before diving in, he stole a glance at Sho. The eagerness in Sho's eyes sparked a chuckle from Takuya, quickly followed by a shift to a serious expression as he prepared to begin.

"Dear Sho,

Sho, sometimes you get lost in your thoughts. You get so focused on making sure everything's perfect for me that you forget we're a team, in it together. It's one of the things I love and hate most about you.

On my end, I can be a bit of a wild card. I focus solely on what I think is best for us, or even just on myself because I want you so much. I know it can be reckless, but somehow, it seems to work out. That's because you're there to balance me out, the steady hand that guides me back on track when I get carried away.

You may not always be able to handle the chaos I create because my messes seem to multiply daily. But you, Sho, you have this unwavering faith in me, inspire me to try to be better, even if it's just by a little, even if I stumble more often than not, and even when I fall flat on my face, you're there to pick me up, dust me off, and remind me that I'm capable of anything. That's more than anyone else has ever done.

But most importantly, you've shown me what it means to have someone who goes above and beyond. You showed me what it means to have someone who loves with no bounds, who goes the extra mile just to see a smile on my face. You make me feel cherished, like a rare treasure. And for that, I will spend the rest of my life cherishing you in return.

So, Sho, on this new chapter together, I vow to be your husband. I promise to learn from you, to grow with you, and I'll work hard to be the best version of myself, all because of you.

Limitless love,

Kusakawa Takuya."

The final words of Takuya's vows echoed in the room. The man who was always a pillar of strength for him now stood with a smile, his eyes shimmering with unshed tears. A powerful desire to bridge the distance and envelop Sho in a hug surged through Takuya. However, the ceremony pressed on as the officer's voice filled the space, reminding him to hold back for a moment longer.

"If you would both step forward, we can now proceed with the signing of the marriage certificate." The officiant continued the procession.

Shaken from their emotional exchange of vows, Sho and Takuya refocused on the ceremony at hand. One after the other, they carefully signed their names on the marriage certificate and some documents laid out before them. Once they finished, Micchi and Takashi, their designated witnesses, stepped forward and signed the documents, finalizing the official process.

"Having fulfilled all the legal requirements," the officiant began, his voice ringing through the hall, "I am delighted to announce that Nishigaki Shoichirou-san and Kusakawa Takuya-san are now united in marriage. You are officially husbands!"

The announcement was met with thunderous applause as the guests rose from their seats to celebrate the newlyweds.

Overcome with emotion, Takuya couldn't wait any longer. He lunged forward and wrapped Sho in a tight embrace. The crowd erupted in even louder cheers, celebrating the newlyweds' joy. Takuya pulled back, his eyes searching Sho's face. To his surprise, he saw tears glistening on Sho's cheeks. "Sho? What's wrong?" Takuya asked, a worry creeping into his voice as he reached out to gently wipe the tears away with his thumb.

Sho took a shaky breath. While wiping a stray tear from his cheek, Sho managed a smile, "I apologize for being late. I know you must have been worried. And most importantly, I love you."

Laughter bubbled up from Takuya's chest. He squeezed Sho tighter in his embrace, then playfully ruffled his hair. "I know!"

❥