KNOCK.
"Hey, Haru. Can I—"
Before Sakura Suzuki had a chance to finish her sentence, the door opened instantly. The groom, Haru Soma, stood before her, looking dashing in his white suit. His black hair was neatly combed back, and his sharp gray eyes lingered on Sakura, taking her in. Haru had always thought Sakura was beautiful, but tonight—tonight she looked stunning in her long pastel blue dress.
"Wow, look at you!" Sakura exclaimed.
Haru spun her around, his voice low and sincere. "Look at you. You look…gorgeous."
Sakura's lips parted slightly, as if considering how to respond. Haru loved when she did that—when she hesitated, it was like she was giving him an unspoken invitation to slide his tongue down her throat. He had dreamed countless times of tasting her, of having that moment in real life.
Sakura always thought Haru was strikingly handsome, but tonight, he seemed distant in a way that made her uneasy. He looked composed, yet his smile didn't quite reach his eyes, and there was an air of sadness about him that she couldn't ignore.
"Just wait till you see your bride tonight. She's definitely more beautiful than me." Sakura smiled softly.
"I highly doubt that," Haru mumbled, more to himself than anything else.
"What?" Sakura asked, her brow furrowing.
"Nevermind. Come in." Haru stepped aside, gesturing for her to enter.
"Are you sure it's okay for the maid of honour and the groom to see each other? Won't it bring bad luck?" Sakura whispered jokingly.
Haru didn't laugh. The question just reminded him that tonight wasn't just a celebration—it was a performance, one where he would stand beside a woman he wasn't in love with. He hid his sadness with a smile.
"I'm sure it's fine," he whispered back, his voice calm.
"Just let me check on Mia first."
"And leave me here all alone?" Haru teased, wanting more than anything to keep her near.
"I am the maid of honour," Sakura said lightly, her voice a mix of amusement and careful consideration. Haru loved that about her—how thoughtful she was, always putting others before herself. It was one of the many things he both adored and despised about her.
"I'm sure she's fine. Hair, makeup, and all. You know women?"
"If you're so bored, why don't you play with your big brother?"
Aoi Soma chuckled across the room at her comment.
Haru pouted, pleading her to stay.
"Five minutes. Got that? Five minutes," Sakura said with a smile.
"That's more than enough time," Haru said pleased.
…
"I'm guessing you don't like my suit?" Haru asked once they were alone again.
Sakura lifted her chin slightly, her gaze steady. "Of course I like it. It suits you very well."
Haru smiled, leaning in slightly. "Sakura Suzuki, I've known you for nine years. And I know that when you're lying, you raise your head a little bit—like you have to muster up some courage. It's cute."
Aoi's frown deepened at the compliment, though Sakura didn't notice. She was trying too hard not to admit she was lying.
"Three minutes left," Sakura said quickly, changing the conversation.
"If you don't like it, just say it," Haru replied with a playful grin. He was clearly enjoying himself. Sakura knew he wouldn't let this go.
"Fine, I hate it. I think the colour doesn't suit you, and you should've gone with black. Are you happy now?"
Haru's grin widened as he leaned back in his chair. "No, I'm just proud. You should be more honest, Sakura."
She shifted uncomfortably, knowing he saw through her better than anyone. Only Haru truly understood her, the real her—the part she kept hidden from everyone else.
"Five minutes are up!" Sakura declared, standing. "Bye, Haru. Bye, Aoi."
"Bye." Aoi said.
Aoi waited until she left the room completely before turning back to his brother.
"You need to stop this, Haru."
"Stop what?" Haru said innocently, though his smirk betrayed his pretense.
"You know exactly what I mean," Aoi said, his voice tinged with frustration. "You're about to marry a woman you do not love."
"I've been dating Mia for six years," Haru argued.
"But you've been in love with Sakura for nine, including the six years you dated Mia."
"I proposed to Mia. For the sake of the Soma family's reputation, I must go through with it."
"If you truly care about protecting the Soma family name, I suggest you cancel the wedding. It's not fair to the Yoshino family to marry their daughter when your heart belongs to another woman."
Haru's gaze hardened slightly, his smile slipping. Aoi's words weighed on him more than he wanted to admit.