He holds her hand and it feels heavy. But she leans into it—closed, hot, messy—because it's become home.
A slow song fills the air. All eyes are on the newlyweds, getting ready for their first dance, and she's sitting on a chair and holding his hand.
"Don't you think Celica's dress is gorgeous?" she whispers. "Her train looks like a cape."
"Yes," he says. "They call it a watteau."
"And she's always beautiful. In the way she walks, talks. Is. Must be why people love her—because she's like this."
"...Do you still love Alm?"
She laughs. "No. But you never forget your first love, you know?" Another laugh, more nervous than the last. "Isn't it embarrassing? Thinking I ever had a chance?"
"Of course not. That's just how the world works."
She nods.
"Have you settled," he says quietly, "for someone you can have a chance with?"
"Why settle when I can find someone who loves me as much as I love them?"
His eyes search hers. Earnest and true. He smiles. "To be quite honest, I think the most beautiful girl in the room is holding my hand."
She smiles back. "Then don't let her go."
