The darkness was absolute—a silence so profound it devoured time itself. I drifted in it, weightless, thoughtless, suspended in a void that felt like the afterthought of a forgotten dream. Then, without warning, a searing flash of white light tore through the black—a brilliance so pure it felt like revelation.
My eyes flew open.
I stood in a vast, unfamiliar hall, the air dense with the mingled scent of aged wood and sacred incense. Every breath felt borrowed, reverent. Towering pillars rose like silent sentinels into a shadowed, vaulted ceiling etched with intricate carvings—testaments to a forgotten artistry. Light streamed through stained glass windows, painting the polished stone floor with fractured hues of crimson, gold, and sapphire. Rows of pews stretched in solemn symmetry, guiding the eye—and the heart—toward an ornate altar that shimmered like a dream at the edge of memory.
A deep, sonorous bell tolled—one long, aching note that rippled through the chamber like a heartbeat echoing in eternity.
I turned toward the great doors at the far end of the aisle as they creaked open with aching slowness.
She appeared.
Clad in a flowing gown as pale as moonlight, her face veiled in gossamer, she stepped forward, cradling a bouquet of white lilies in her delicate hands. Each of her movements was measured, ethereal—like a memory walking into being. As she moved, a choir's voices rose in haunting harmony, wrapping the space in sound so beautiful it hurt.
And I... I couldn't breathe.
I stood rooted to the spot, my heart thunderously loud, as if trying to claw its way out of my chest. A wedding? Here? Now?
Before I could take a step, a calm, measured voice echoed from behind me.
"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to witness the union of these two souls in holy matrimony."
I turned, startled. A priest had appeared—dressed in ceremonial robes, hands folded, his expression tranquil, almost too serene. Like he knew something I didn't.
"Do you, Haruki Aizawa, take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife?" he asked, his voice resonating through the cavernous hall.
My lips parted, but no words came. My thoughts were a storm—confusion, disbelief, panic. The woman in white had reached me now, standing so close I could smell the soft fragrance of lilies and something sweeter—familiar.
With a slow, deliberate motion, she lifted her veil.
And time stopped.
Takamura Reina.
My breath hitched. My pulse spiked. Her eyes locked with mine—playful, wicked, shimmering with the kind of mischief that set nerves ablaze. That teasing smile played on her lips like she'd orchestrated all of this, like I was just now catching up.
"Well?" she purred, tilting her head. "Aren't you going to kiss your bride?"
She leaned in.
Panic surged. My mouth moved before my brain could catch up.
"NOOOOOO!"
My scream tore through the hall like a lightning strike—echoing, warping, distorting—until everything shattered like glass.
I jolted awake, drenched in sweat, lungs gasping like I'd been drowning. My heart thundered against my ribs, the scream still echoing in my head.
"What the heck is wrong with you?!"
Nanami's voice pierced through the haze as she barged into my room, launching a pillow straight at my face. It hit with a satisfying thwump.
"Sorry! Bad dream!" I croaked, rubbing my eyes with a groan.
"You scared me half to death, idiot!" she snapped, hands on her hips, glaring like a tiny, furious storm cloud.
It took a second for the world to steady itself. Sunlight poured through the window, and the sounds of activity downstairs reminded me—weekend.
I stumbled into the living room, still half-conscious, to find Hinata, Daichi, Sayaka, and Nanami bustling about with bags, towels, and sunscreen.
"Good morning!" Hinata beamed at me, radiating energy. "You better get dressed—we're going to the beach!"
"Our first manly bonding trip!" Daichi announced with a grin that could split the sky, slinging his arm around my shoulders with exaggerated enthusiasm. "Just you and me, future son-in-law!"
"Dad!" Hinata squeaked, her cheeks exploding in color as she delivered a lightning-fast chop to his head.
"Ow! A father can dream!" he whined, clutching his scalp.
Sayaka chuckled softly, handing Nanami a folded towel. "Sorry for the sudden plan. It's such a hot day, we thought a beach trip would be nice for everyone."
Nanami tugged on my shirt sleeve, frowning. "Just don't do anything weird around Hinata, got it?"
I laughed awkwardly, raising my hands. "Got it, got it."
---
The beach was alive with the hum of summer—waves rolling gently ashore, kids laughing, the salty breeze tousling hair and hearts alike. Daichi and I ended up in an overly competitive beach volleyball match, where he spiked with all the elegance of a rampaging rhino. Nanami insisted on giving me "emergency swimming lessons" (which mostly involved dunking me under repeatedly), while Sayaka set up a shaded blanket with snacks and ice-cold drinks like a picnic goddess.
Later, the cooler ran empty. I stood, brushing off sand. "I'll go grab more drinks."
"I'll come with!" Hinata chirped, rising beside me.
"Ohoho!" Daichi wiggled his eyebrows. "Don't be long, lovebirds!"
"DAD!!"
---
The small beachside shop was cool and quiet, a welcome break from the heat. We picked out cold drinks—cider, melon soda, some bottled water—until Hinata gasped.
"Oh no, I forgot my coin purse! I'll be right back!"
She dashed off, her sandals slapping the wooden deck. I waited by the shop's entrance, sipping a can of iced coffee and watching the waves glitter like scattered stars.
Then, just as I turned, I bumped into someone.
Hard.
"Ouch!"
The figure stumbled back, landing with a surprised yelp.
"I'm so sorry!" I said quickly, bending to help them up.
Fingers brushed mine. Eyes locked.
And my heart sank.
Takamura Reina.
Standing there, brushing sand from her skirt, her eyes wide with recognition—and that familiar, dangerous glint.
"Well, well… fancy running into you here."
---
To be continued…