There was only an hour left. The events that got those other two together 5 years ago were coming to a conclusion. Everything had started the day the bride and Fuutarou met, and now this ceremony would make their love as official as it gets. With no exception, the Nakano sisters accepted the couple's invitation. They had never stopped cheering them throughout the years. In fact, at every chance they got they insisted on Fuutarou proposing to the bride *this* time...
Even with such a hectic schedule, Ichika made some time of her day to be present for her sister's big day. That didn't mean she'd stop getting messages from her manager or SNS notifications. That was the life of an ever rising movie star. Another soft buzzing in her hand makes her sigh. She turns her attention to the screen, her eyes widen. A message in bold letters flashes across the screen. HELP.
Without hesitation, she closes down the messaging app, and sets on to to aid the messenger.
Ichika closes the door behind her, leaning on it, before speaking.
"The bride's gonna get some weird ideas. Calling me here all alone... Fuutarou."
The groom sits in front of a mirror. From the doorway, its reflection shows not just a well-groomed Fuutarou, but also a paler version of him. Add to that a bit of a hurt pride Fuutarou, after having asked for help.
"Ichika..." He hesitates, but finally delivers the question. "Do I look like a proper man?"
She looks flabbergasted for a second. The man with a plan being in a pinch was something to be seen. Her teasing smirk returns to her face moments later.
"I don't think you two would have lasted this long if you weren't. And we sisters have high standards, you know."
"Heh."
He shifts in his seat, driving Ichika's attention to his attire. He had gone with an all-white look, it seemed. The jacket, shirt, handkerchief and...
"Fuutarou. Your tie's a bit crooked."
He looks down, and indeed it was. He makes some attempts to rectify the angle, but it pops back to the initial position.
"Let me fix that for you." She smirks, lifting herself up from the door.
"Ah yeah, if you will."
Fuutarou stands up. Turning away from the mirror, she can get a full look at him. 5 years had passed, and still nothing feels out of place: all the sisters and their former tutor in the same place, it's like school again.
"I'm sorry you had to help, Ichika."
While Fuutarou looks up at some spot in the wall, Ichika gets to work. Rather than fixing his knot work, she unties it, and starts from the beginning.
"Hey, I'm the one that offered. You have to be in your best state for my little sister's wedding."
"Just because *she* paid, it's not my wedding too?"
"Fufu."
"You must have figured out I didn't call you just so you could fix my tie."
He moves his gaze towards her, both of them now staring eye to eye.
"I want you to be honest with me, do you think I'm enough for her? I don't mean as a bread winner, but as a partner."
"And as a father?"
"...Let's not go that far in time."
Ichika stares away for a moment, thinking.
"Do you trust her?"
"Yes, I do."
"And do you trust us, her sisters?"
"Yeah."
"Do you believe we wouldn't change our past for one where we didn't meet you?"
"Yes!"
"Fufu, what would you do without onee-san, Fuutarou-kun?"
"I wonder, Nakano-san."
Before parting ways, they make small chat. Ichika promises to share more stories of showbiz with him on LINE after the wedding, Fuutarou playfully feigns disinterest but he'll be sure to remember then for Raiha. After a while, they say their goodbyes.
"Thank you." Fuutarou says, as she reaches for the door-some of the color back on his face. She just smiles back and waves a goodbye.
"Ichika... don't forget the ring."
"I won't! See you later, Fuutarou."
She came back the way she went, back towards the inner church. All around, the atmosphere was cheerful, everyone sharing their well wishes for the marrying couple.
"I wish you were here to see how much she's grown, mom."
What did her mother use to say about sharing their happiness? She'll remember in a second. Maybe if she stopped holding back her tears.