There is a time and place for everything. There are moments that change your fate.

And it took all that she had to realize that this wasn't one of her moments.

This moment belong to someone else, no matter how much she wished it was hers.

So Hotaru took a step back, and let Mikan have her moment.

She saw the look on Natsume's face and felt a pang in her chest. She'd always wanted someone to look at her that way. His expression showed nothing but love, and his smile was far more than dazzling.

Hotaru turned her head, and faced Mikan. She had to admit, Mikan looked good in white. Her dress was elegant and simple; just like the dress Hotaru always wanted to wear. Mikan's smile was brighter than usual, which was saying something.

Hotaru always knew that Mikan and Natsume would get married. She could see it even when they were kids. They fought like a married couple at age five, and even Hotaru had to admit that it was cute. Hotaru did not like cute. But, deep inside, she wished she could be that way with someone.

Before Hotaru realized it, Natsume leaned in and kissed his bride. The wedding had happened in the blink of an eye to her, and she wished she'd been paying more attention. This was a special day for Mikan, and Hotaru should be there for her.

The reception started not to long after, and Hotaru couldn't find it in herself to let loose. She knew that Mikan would be at her side soon, pestering her to dance with some random guy. But, to be honest, Hotaru didn't want to dance with just anyone. She wanted someone special to dance with her.

To Hotaru's surprise, it wasn't Mikan who came up to her. It was Natsume.

"Hey, Imai, my best man thinks you're pretty, and he hasn't the guts to come ask you to dance," he rolled his eyes, "So, be a friend and go ask him."

And just as quickly as he'd come, he'd gone.

Hotaru tried to remember who'd been his best man. He was blond, that much she remembered. So she scanned the room for blonde hair. There was a boy in by the drinks, all alone. She walked over to him.

"Excuse me, do you want to dance?" she asked him.

He looked stunned but nodded. She grabbed his hand and lead him to the dance floor. She, somewhat awkwardly, put her left hand on his shoulder and her right hand in his. After a few moments, he started a conversation.

"I'm Ruka."

"Hotaru."

"It's nice to meet you."

"Likewise."

They continued to sway to the music, making small talk.

"I'm a journalist," he said, smiling at her.

"I'm a writer."

"I think we'll get along great."

"I think you're right."

And eventually, they talked about more serious things.

"So, Hotaru, did you enjoy the wedding?"

"To be honest, I kind of wish it'd been my own."

"Oh, so you have fiancé?"

"No, I don't. I only wish I did."

"He'd be lucky to have a girl like you."

Before they'd realized it, the reception was over.

"Hotaru?"

"Yes?"

"Can I have your number?"

She smiled and nodded, as he handed her his phone. After she typed it in, she called herself.

"Now I have your number too."

He smiled, and looked into her eyes. He looked as if he was trying to decide something, and then he hesitantly kissed her cheek.

Then she heard Mikan yell to Natsume, "I told you they'd be perfect together!"

So maybe, her friend had set this up. But it didn't matter.

She'd finally had her moment.