Prologue
The incessant chatter of people echoed throughout the well lit chapel as they seated themselves in those long backed benches fixated in rows. Most of them were smiling and laughing while greeting each other as they shook hands or exchanged hugs. Some were crying, but I doubt those were tears of sadness, this day was hardly an event for that. It was special, a day to celebrate for. I glanced above my shoulder as I heard a batch of footsteps across the long isle. The lengthy isle, which was created by pews arranged inside the humble house of worship never looked this regal before. Its former white marbled floor was now covered in a velvet red carpet as it stretched towards two gigantic oak doors separating the pristine abode from the outside world. These doors were pulled wide open as ribbons and lilies adorned the archway, matching the foliage of white flowers on every side of each pew. My mood lightened a bit as I recognized the people entering the chapel. I smiled and nodded in their direction and they waved back in return. After taking a deep breath I lifted my wrist to take a look at my watch, it was almost time. Suddenly, I felt my pulse quicken, my heart began to beat wildly ainst my chest and my hands started to sweat.
Shit. I think I'm getting nervous.
The cravat that was around my neck was starting to feel tight and I tried to loosen them by inserting my fingers between the collar and my throat, pulling the garment away from me. I'm used to wearing suits everyday at the office, I've even slept in one when deadlines were piling up and work became a 24/7 thing, but I swear these clothes feel very constricting. I looked down on my leather shoes to check if they were clean, satisfied that they were okay I proceeded to fix my cuffs. As I was busy fiddling with my clothes, which from previous experiences was a desperate attempt to handle my nerves, I failed to notice the commotion around me. Unaware of anything else besides the creases on my jacket, the guests had already stood up. My obliviousness was put into an end as my ears picked up the keys from the piano. Canon in D by Pachabel was playing smoothly in the background. I immediately placed my attention in front of me as I waited for the entourage to begin. My sister was the first to walk the isle, her long hair, which was usually worn down, was tied into a neat bun. She looked very different today. The usual stoic teenager was nowhere to found, in place was this cheerfull vibrant girl sauntering across velevt carpet. She eyed me across the room as I smirked.
'You look nice.' I mouthed and her grin turned into a full blown smile.
'Thanks.' She mouthed in return.
The march continued on as I saw the familiar faces of relatives and old friends. They all looked happy and buoyant as they traversed the red carpet, leaving trails of confetti and petals behind them. Suddenly, the rest didn't matter at all as I caught a glimpse of a white figure approaching the threshold. I stiffened instantly. The figure started to regain a clearer form. A woman who was wearing an empire cut satin gown held into a bouquet of white roses as she emerged from the room. Her veil covered face did not divest her beauty as she strode the isle languidly. The mound of brown curled locks fell gently on the sides of her face. Her father stood at the edge of a pew and held his arm out for her. A smile graced her lips as she reached for it and placed her hand on the inner side of his arm. They walked the isle together as the melody played. I can see every bit of her as she came closer and closer towards me. Her chocolate brown eyes twinkled like precious gems as it held a promise behind them. Her full lips were pink, and God were they inviting. Our eyes met and for a second the whole world disappeared. I swallowed hard to maintain my bearings as she got nearer. She was so beautiful, truly the epithet of perfection. I felt butterflies dancing inside my stomach as she beamed at me. I smiled back and let out a nervous breath, she was a few steps in front of me. This is it. I held my breath for as long as I could as I savored the moment. I studied every detail of the woman in front of me; the smoothness of her bared shoulders, the curve of her body against her dress, the corners of her upturned lips, the faint glow in her cheeks and the luster of her brown pools. Those eyes stared back and a swell of emotions threatened to erupt inside of me. Then her eyes fluttered behind my shoulder and a man not taller than me stepped in.
"You're so beautiful," he whispered and I knew the moment was over.
The woman chuckled and she turned her head towards her father for approval. The older man saw this and kissed her on the cheeks.
"Take good care of her son," the man preached with unshed tears.
He nodded and took the woman's hand in his arm. They passed by me, hand in hand as they walked towards the platform. I smiled again, this time not out of pure happiness.
The music ended and the couple stood in front of the priest. The ceremony commenced and it took all of my energy not to shout and lunge forward. All went well and I was on autopilot, my mind flying in and out of the cathedral.
"Daiya, do you take Fuuko for your lawful wedded wife, to live in the holy estate of matrimony? Will you love, honour, comfort, and cherish her from this day forward, forsaking all others, keeping only unto her for as long as you both shall live?
Once again I was back and I directed my attention at the back of the groom.
"I do."
My hands curled into a fist as I kept my emotions at bay.
"And do you Fuuko, take Daiya to be your lawful wedded husband, to live in the holy estate of matrimony? Will you love, honour, comfort, and cherish her from this day forward, forsaking all others, keeping only unto her for as long as you both shall live?
"I do."
I felt a pang of a familiar pain searing into me. Struggling with every breath, I tried hard not to break the joyful façade that I had painstakingly built. It hurts, my chest hurts. I feel like my heart is being ripped out of its protective ribcage. My throat was closing in and I had to swallow again just to make sure there was no object lodge down in my throat blocking my airway. The pain was continuously growing and I had to bite down hard for control. I heard the people cheering as the groom lifted the hem of the bride's veil to uncover the face behind it. I can't stand this. It was too much that I had to look away. The cheering grew louder and was followed by a round of applause. I brought my eyes back in front of me and I saw her smiling, her eyes glistening with tears as the man held her hands.
She was so happy.
Damn.
What am I doing? Why am I purposely torturing myself? Am I a masochist? 'Yes you are,' a voice inside me replied and I knew it was right. Why else would I be here right?
The groom tore his gaze away from her to look at me. "We did it!" he said.
"Congratulations!" I yelled relieved that my voice sounded firm and not broken.
"Let's make way for Mr. and Mrs. Shinpo!" hollered a guy from the crowd.
The couple trotted the isle. Flashes of light drowned them as the photographer took pictures of this joyous occasion. The guests gathered together as they lined up to congratulate the newlyweds. I didn't bother to join the swarm of people as I stood faraway watching them as they pecked, hugged and shook the hands of their guests. Finally, the group disbanded and I approached them inconspicuously. The bride was busy talking to a friend and I took the opportunity to speak to the groom. I tapped his shoulder.
"Hey! I was wondering when you would show up?" he brightened at my appearance.
"You know I hate crowds," I shrugged.
"Thanks for doing this."
"No problem," I tilted my head, "I wouldn't miss this for the world. Who better to fill in the position for best man than your cousin right?"
He grinned and patted me by my shoulder.
"Ichi!" I felt my heart leap at the sound of her voice.
Her eyes were wide as she stared at me.
"I'm so glad you came!" she squealed as she wrapped her arms around my neck. I was stunned at the sudden embrace and had wasted a minute before I raised my hands to return the gesture, my heart thumping loudly beneath my waistcoat. Much to my dismay she loosened her hold and released me, the contact was lost except for a hand in my forearm.
"How's New York?"
"It's alright. It's just like here but with lots of pretty blonde girls in short skirts," I smirked.
She exaggerated a gasp and punched me lightly on the arm, "You've changed a lot. New York has turned you into a pervert."
I rolled my eyes, "And you've never changed. You're still a prude."
"Prude is better than a pervert," she teased as she poked me in the chest with her gloved finger.
"This is your first time seeing each other in years and you two are already fighting?" interrupted Daiya as he both put an arm around us.
We all laughed until a woman with jet black hair showed up. "Okay you guys, I hate to break the reunion but the bride needs to throw her bouquet now."
"Oh. I almost forgot. Thanks Aunt Hanabe." cried the Fuuko as she glanced at the bundle of delicate petals in her hand.
The woman in her late thirties quirked an eyebrow, "Call me mom you silly girl."
She blushed and threw and apologetic look at her, "Oops. Sorry mom. Anyway, I'll take it from here," she said breathlessly.
"Ladies! It's time," she announced stepping away from us into a clear open space. Smiling she turned her back to us and positioned the bouquet in front of her. A flock of excited bridesmaid assembled behind her.
"Do I really have to do this?" I heard my sister whine as our mother pushed her towards the giggling girls.
"Of course you do. Every single woman needs to participate," she said as she shoved her forward.
I snickered and she shot me a look of daggers.
"What?"
I raised my hands in front of me, "Nothing."
She eyed me suspiciously before joining the bouquet toss.
"Ready?" Fuuko shouted behind her shoulders.
"Just throw the damn thing!" hollered her sister and the girls erupted into a fit of laughter.
"Hold your horses 'neechan, It's not a contest," she managed to say in between laughs and she turned her head in front of her.
"Oooone…. "
The girls started to count and everybody joined in and chanted.
"Twoooo… "
She raised the bouquet above her head and the girls eyed the flowers with concentration.
"Threeee!"
The bouquet flew into the air and the girls raised their hands as they fought for the right to catch the falling object.
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Hi guys! I'm back with another story. Pardon me for any grammatical errors on this one. You see, this is my 1st time writing in a person's POV. I know it's kinda sucky, I felt really weird while writing it, but its nice to explore and have many options as possible.
This was supposed to be a oneshot thing but after watching the trailer of Proposal Daisakusen, I just had the motivation to continue with it and incorporate a bit of angst and fantasy to the mix. You see, I'm a sadist, and I love to torture those people that I love (kidding!). No, seriously, I wanna see them in pain. muhahahaha. And since I love Ichi so much, I wanna see him regret his decisions before.
I hope you guys would continue reading this. Let me know what you guys think. Is it okay to continue with it? Does it suck? Or do you still want more?