2:15 p.m. The pews were alive with the sounds of family members and friends speaking to each other in whispers as they made their way to their seats.
A top on slightly elevated platform stood Masayuki Hori, nervously picking at his tie and observing the surroundings. He couldn't help but check his watch, thinking it should have started already. He jumped as someone tapped his shoulder, turning around to see Nozaki and Sakura, both in their groomsman and bridesmaid attire.
"Exciting, isn't it?" Sakura mused in the same hushed tone as the guests, holding her hands close to her chest.
Hori scratched the back of his neck, looking up at Nozaki, seeking some kind of support. "Was it this nerve-wracking for you two?"
Nozaki and Sakura nodded in unison. "Of course," Nozaki gave a curt reply. "But you'll be fine." Giving him one final pat on the shoulder, he and Sakura dashed to get into position.
The stirring in the seats became nearly nonexistent, signaling the start was only seconds away. Hori continued to fidget with his suit and comb through his hair until he was snapped back into the reality at the sound of the pipe organ blaring the familiar wedding march.
The doors opened painfully slow, light pouring in so brilliantly it engulfed the person coming in. Hori swore at that moment his heart stopped beating. At the end of the long aisle stood Kashima, grinning from ear to ear. A long veil adorned her head, which matched perfectly with her dress. It was one that was short and obnoxiously frilly in the front with a long train that glided along the floor behind her, accompanied by a pair of heels that accentuated those beautifully sculpted legs of hers Hori often praised. He found himself mesmerized. Each step she took closer made his heart race faster and eyes grow wider. Was he perhaps crying?
She gradually climbed up the steps to the altar, a small rumble of laughs coming from the audience as they watched her struggle to make it up in the unfamiliar footwear. She couldn't help but look back and laugh. A flash from someone's camera captured the moment.
She made her way beside Hori, unable to hide her giddiness. "Oh?" she said aloud as Hori tried to slyly raise his hand up to his face to wipe his eyes. As the music was coming to a close, Kashima leaned in, raising a finger to Hori's face to wipe away a stray tear of his. "I have to say, that suit looks rather dashing on you. Though, wouldn't you prefer to have on this dress of mine?" she teased in a voice soft enough to be heard by him but not by the people watching.
Hori's brows furrowed slightly, and he shut his eyes, facing downwards. "Let's make it through one day where I don't want to bash your head in."
A soft laugh from Kashima instantly replaced Hori's agitated expression with a soft, affectionate one. He looked up, deep brown eyes locking with beaming green ones. Were they always that bright? He wondered to himself.
"You really are stunning, Yuu," he murmured, cheeks becoming flushed as he looked her up and down.
She returned his comment with a giggle, her name sounding oh-so-much sweeter than ever before. "Thank you!"
Kashima stood up straight once again, the heels giving her another three or so inches on top of their already noticeable height difference. He inwardly chuckled at the thought. I'm never going to catch up to her, am I? The guests seemed to catch on to Hori's gawking and another wave of controlled laughter could be heard.
The music stopped, and the audience took their seats once again. The two turned to face away from the audience as the ceremony promptly began
Hori sighed, taking Kashima's hand in his. Surprised, yet content, she looked down and smiled at their clasped hands before facing ahead.
Yuu Kashima, from today on, I am now your prince.