VIII.
pink skies

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.

As dark as night could get, the sun would still come up in the morning.

Transferring to Shironeri was not a swift process considering the administration and notice period, but at least it was running smoothly. Despite the fact that Casie often frustrated her, Sora was still blessed with a supportive manager and caring teammates that it was still hard to leave them just like that. Yoshino even cried on her last day, making it difficult for Sora to end the night without being sentimental.

On her first day at Shironeri, Sora immediately found out that Menoa wasn't lying when she warned her how tough the job was. They wanted them to be involved in an ongoing project in which she had to catch up rapidly. The working hours could also be quite hectic depending on the projects, in which Sora ironically had become accustomed to as it was not really different with Casie. However, all the employees had the privilege of using any of the atelier's facilities for their personal projects, such as making a special kimono for their children's Shichi-go-san. Alternately, they will also be trusted to handle clients personally instead of as a group, which was a great channel to hone their skills and exposure.

A lot of things could happen in three years. Iori had graduated from law school. Jyou officially became a doctor after finishing the residency program. Miyako and Ken were expecting their second child, while Mimi and Yamato would have their first. Mimi also opened a new cafe where Daisuke assisted her if he was not working in the ramen shop. He was saving up as he aimed to open a ramen bar someday. On the other side of the world, Takeru was engaged with Catherine and on his way to publishing his first novel.

However, the most shocking one was probably when she received a wedding invitation from Hikari and Koushiro, now the CEO of his growing company.

"Oh my God," Sora gasped as the couple broke the news. It was still quite early in the morning—a Sunday where the sun hung lazily even though it was summer—yet= Koushiro and Hikari had already paid a visit to her apartment, so Sora had to make an extra two cups of tea. "Congratulations! I'm so happy for you two now!"

"We can't thank you enough for your support, really," Hikari went all out again with her modesty. "Actually, this is our first visit today because we want you to be the first person to know."

Sora batted an eye at Koushiro in humour. "Mimi's going to kill you for that, you know?"

"In my defence, you were one of the first people to know about us, so we're just being fair," Koushiro shrugged.

"Uh-huh," Hikari chimed in. "And you know Mimi-san would never accept that or any of your reason, right?"

Koushiro and Sora exchanged a gaze before shaking their heads.

"Nope."

"No way."

Hikari closed with a chortle.

Sora put down her mug after sipping her tea for a bit. "So when's the date anyway?"

"The second Saturday in September," Hikari explained. "We will make the registration on Friday, and then it will be a simple gathering. I found this small shrine when I went with my friends for a weekend ikebana workshop…."

As if knowing the reaction that would arise, Hikari started to drag her words, carefully watching Sora's expression. Of course the word ikebana would trigger Sora, and it was only natural for her to think why Hikari didn't come to learn with her instead. However, she was merely a daughter, not the actual grandmaster, and she knew her busy schedule would be another barrier.

Sora pretended a hurtful look just for fun. Hikari took the jest and winced before they laughed it all together.

"Anyway, they had this nice multifunction room that we could utilise for the reception after the ceremony," Hikari continued. "So we can avoid the hassle of moving to a restaurant or a ballroom. We also plan to ask Mimi-san and Daisuke-kun to cater. I think that's a good 'peace offering' for her, don't you think?"

"Yeah, I think Mimi will be delighted," Sora agreed as Koushiro too nodded. "Is there anything I can help, then?"

"Well, you know we will hold the ceremony on a shrine, so it's going to be the standard montsuki and shiromuku of course," Hikari stated the obvious. "But for the reception, we would like custom kimonos for the both of us."

Sora blinked, a little taken aback. "Wait, both of you?" Hikari answered with a nod. "Koushiro, you don't want to keep wearing kuro montsuki?"

"I mean, it's already a very typical Japanese-styled wedding, and we're not aiming for an extravagant reception like Yamato-san and Mimi-san's—a private, small gathering with close friends and family will suffice. That's why Hikari-san thought maybe we could make one difference by having a photograph that will stand out… you know, with a different dress and such, because we want our fathers to also wear kimonos instead of tuxedos, and both of them most undoubtedly will wear dark-coloured ones." Koushiro elaborated. "…but do you think it'll be too weird?"

"It's not weird. It's a great idea," Sora avowed, but her tone still sounded hesitant somehow. "It's just… I don't make male kimonos that often, so I'm not sure if I can do it well…."

"A, ah, sorry!" Hikari instantly turned restless. "We don't want this to be a burden for you. If you're not okay, we can just go on with the irouchikake only—"

"No, no, no." It was a room filled with three people who tended to feel awful easily once they made someone else uncomfortable. That was why Sora immediately prompted in before Hikari started to blame herself. "I would be honoured to receive your trust and take this opportunity. I feel like this will be a great chance to challenge myself. I just hope that I won't do this incorrectly and let you guys down."

It was probably just a sheer coincidence, but Sora thought she witnessed Hikari and Koushiro smile at the exact same time like they were in sync.

"We believe you're the right person for this, Sora-san," Hikari assured. "Let's work hard together."

And the moment Hikari and Koushiro left her apartment, Sora started taking the context of 'work hard' literally by spending the rest of her day off reading wedding kimonos references and sketching a few designs. The following day, Sora talked with Meiko, one of her closest workmates, who had the same age and joined Shironeri not long after Sora. Despite being more rookie, Meiko was a skilful young seamstress from a local tailor in her hometown Tottori, and she was more experienced handling male clients. Meiko gave her a lot of input, and Onodera-san happened to pass by when they were discussing. She said they should take the project together, which they happily obliged with a squeal.

Hikari came to the atelier somewhere in the middle of the week, being introduced to Meiko before they started the work meeting. It wasn't hard to think about Hikari's kimono; Sora knew pink would be her colour, and Hikari confirmed the bet by saying that she would like a nadeshiko-inspired kimono since it was her favourite flower. Sora thought this was a fitting concept for Hikari as she was, in Sora's point of view, an epitome of yamato nadeshiko with her benignity and alluring beauty—but of course Hikari would reject this opinion outright if Sora told her so.

When they moved on to talk about Koushiro's, Sora handed two coloured sketches above the table. "I was thinking about a deep blue or orange."

Hikari's reaction was too mild for Sora to catch. "Orange?"

"Mm-hmm. I was inspired by the colours of autumn since you're going to hold the wedding in September," Sora tucked her hair to the back of her ear. "But if that doesn't work out, I also thought of blue. Not as deep as indigo, but probably more like sapphire or lapis lazuli."

Hikari murmured in understanding, observing the two sketches closely in silence, making Sora worry. Compared to the seven design proposals for Hikari's kimono, two was a tiny number. Maybe she should try harder and create more choices.

"Hikari, I apologise if these don't match your expectation," Sora muttered. "I will discuss again with Meiko, and we will come up with some new—"

"Actually, orange is good," Hikari interrupted. "Let's try with this design, shall we?"

With the agreement in hand, they proceed to scale Hikari's body. Although Koushiro was absent, Hikari brought a piece of paper with his measurement. "I know kimono's size can be different, but maybe this can be a little help for now," she said. "Good thing my boyfriend buys his clothes online way too often."

There was a burst of warm laughter before Hikari left that afternoon. However, the atmosphere was not as pleasant the moment Sora finished the kimonos and Hikari returned to Shironeri, now with Koushiro present.

As Hikari stepped out of the fitting room with her nadeshiko kimono, both Sora and Meiko were in awe, while Koushiro tried so hard not to blush. With the way her dress waved as she moved, she was like an angel sauntering on heaven's pavement—an epitome of celestial beauty. Compliments were flooding endlessly, although Hikari tried to divert the attention to Sora and Meiko as the dressmakers.

The situation only descended when it was Koushiro's turn to try on his kimono. No praise, but no criticism either. It was a total, awkward silence that Koushiro had to perforce a smile to make it less embarrassing.

"U, uh…" Meiko tried to break the silence. "It's a good kimono, nonetheless, but—"

"It doesn't suit him," Sora finally professed after worrying that it was only her perfectionist thought telling herself how offbeat it was. "The kimono clashes with his hair colour somehow. I don't think we can go on with this design. I'm very sorry, Koushiro, Hikari."

Hikari sighed, but it sounded like she had expected this to come. "Okay," she whispered. "What other colours are available?"

"Do you want to go with a more neutral tone like brown or grey?" Sora pitched.

"…I don't think so, sorry."

Meiko approached them after taking a swatch. "How about green? I think this one is nice, with a little touch of a white gradient."

"Yeah, that can work too," Sora hummed. "But let's see the other options first…."

The three women shifted their focus instantly on the fabric samples, too absorbed in judging the colours and touching the materials. Their attention snapped back only when they suddenly heard someone call out loudly, "A, ano!"

They turned to see Koushiro still standing on where he was, although he started to fidget now, probably because he was being ignored for a hot minute and the fact that his supposed kimono caused the commotion.

"I, uh… I think I have an idea," he said as he cleared his throat. "How about purple?"

Sora raised her brow curiously. "Purple?"

"Yeah—or maybe deep purple with a lighter gradient, I don't know. It's just… we went to a park last weekend and sat by a bed of violets. It was as if Hikari-san was surrounded by those violets, protecting her from every harm, and it was…"

Koushiro gazed at his lover ever so endearingly.

"…beautiful. She was beautiful."

There was a pause that should only ensue in that room, yet it was as if the world was stopped to give Hikari and Koushiro a moment to indulge themselves in each other's feelings. Sora was a mere bystander in that scene, but even she was blessed with such a warm sight that made her heart fluttered.

"B, but! Do you think it would be too weird?" Koushiro finally corrected himself once he realised the silence was too long, unaware he repeated the same question as he inquired back at Sora's apartment. "Sorry. It doesn't make any sense, right? Is purple too flashy?"

"No. Not at all. That's actually a very wonderful idea, Koushiro," Sora quickly responded. "Do you know what's better? If you're looking at the meaning, nadeshiko means pure love, while violet means little happiness. If you take the western side, it even means faithfulness, so it's a perfect match."

"The colours are a great combination too, Izumi-san," Meiko nodded. "You both will surely look like spring flowers among the autumn leaves. I hope your marriage will also continue to bloom even if everything around you is falling."

Koushiro exhaled, smiling in relief—only to be disturbed by the loud ring of his phone. "Oh, sorry," he said after he glanced at the caller, his tone was still rather bashful. "I really should take this."

He excused himself out of the room, notwithstanding that peculiar orange kimono on him, but that was not the reason why both Sora and Hikari's eyes still followed his direction even after Koushiro went missing behind the closed door.

"Isn't he great?" Hikari said with her lips curling into a dreamlike smile.

"He's amazing," Sora reaffirmed. "You're both amazing."

Hikari chuckled. "Remember when he told the story about us 'meeting' at Mimi and Yamato's wedding? He didn't talk about how we really got together, right? I was actually getting depressed seeing Takeru with his new girl, and he probably could tell by my face. That was why when he came to me before the ceremony, he said, 'Hikari-san, you're brighter than the flowers in your hand.'"

The chuckle now turned into a laugh, and even Sora joined in.

"I mean… Takeru gave me a lot of cheesy words when we were dating, but I've never heard words so cheesy that I couldn't help it. He's not cool at all," Hikari continued. "In conclusion, we're not that amazing. We're just two awkward people happen to be bounded by destiny."

"But the awkwardness itself is an art, right? I envy you both for being so reserved yet so romantic."

"I wish he could be more open, though," Hikari confessed. "We've been together for three years, and he still can't drop the honorific every time he calls me. I don't mind the subtlety—I like him the way he is—but to be honest, don't you think sometimes it's also nice to be loved blatantly?"

She didn't expect such answers to come out of Hikari's mouth, as Sora always perceived her as a person who liked to keep everything down low. Looking at Hikari and Koushiro, Sora was a bit reminded of her parents—her role model when it came to relationships. The way they always used 'we' instead of 'I' for every conversation, how Hikari always stopped by Koushiro's office after she finished teaching only to make sure he had eaten….

The further she thought about it, the more she realised that maybe her past relationship with Yamato could already fulfil her definition of lowkey. Sora was not that fangirl who screamed Yamato's name or even made a sign to show how much she loved his band, but she always made sure to attend each of his gigs. It was the same way Yamato would pick up the bamboo shoots on Sora's ramen because she hated the taste.

Wasn't that ironic? She had the relationship she dreamt of once, yet she still failed it.

In that case, maybe she would have a better chance on a more forthright relationship. But when she thought about 'forthright', how come the first name that popped up on her mind—

"It was Oniichan, right?"

The way Hikari disturbed her contemplation like she could read her mind made Sora flabbergasted. "P, pardon?"

"You thought of him when you made that kimono," Hikari reckoned. "It was all his colours, from blue to orange."

It was not entirely wrong. The blue she proposed some weeks ago was similar to the jersey of their childhood soccer club. The orange was the more obvious one; it was the colour of the sun, the colour of courage—all the things that could be associated with his traits. But did she really unconsciously think of him while making the kimonos?

"How do you…?"

"I'm his sister. I know which ones suit my brother the best."

Sighing in defeat, Sora peered down in an effort to hide her face. She knew it was stupid to ask, but she said it anyway. "Will he come to the wedding?"

"Sora-san. You know I will kill him for not attending my wedding and he will kill me for having a wedding without him. It's going to be bad blood either way if he doesn't come."

Three years had unexpectedly passed since Taichi moved abroad for his job. He never showed up again on the group chat, confirming her theory of him changing his number. The group without him was like a party without a cake—and it got worse because everyone was also forced to grow apart thanks to the busy everyday adult life. To add the misfortune, Taichi had minimised the use of social media after his professor reprimanded him for a post he thought was, quoted, 'inappropriate' a few years ago when Taichi started the job at the Japanese UN office.

Aside from Hikari and Koushiro, Sora got a hunch that both Daisuke and Yamato were still in touch with him through a more private channel. Mimi never said anything about it in every available moment, probably out of respect towards Sora, but it also left Sora utterly clueless about how he was now.

Her curiosity was deceiving her as it gave a push to pry further. "Is he doing well?"

"He's okay. He initially lived in a city called Bonn, but now he's staying in Berlin. They decided to transfer him to another subsidiary which allows him to travel to other countries. We're a bit worried because he's out and about too often, but he said this gives him very good exposure to boost his career. Okaasan is still annoyed, though, because he went anywhere but Japan."

Her motherly side jumped into the betrayal's club, starting to ask questions inwardly as she got worried about him. Was he eating well? Did he get enough sleep between his tight schedule? Was there anyone taking care of him if he fell ill?

Noticing the silence, Hikari motioned closer. "Are you alright? You're still coming, right?"

Sora cast a smile, trying not to get it too wryly. "Wha—hey, this isn't about me. This is about you and Koushiro. Of course I will support you until the very day."

And again, she was never a liar when it came to supporting her friends. She managed to complete the kimonos Hikari and Koushiro had wished for just in time. However, just because she finished her primary duty, that didn't mean she stopped being a helping hand. For the remaining weekends, Mimi always called and asked Sora to come to the café to give some input about the wedding dishes. In secret, Yamato also texted her simultaneously, stressing that he needed a sidekick to warn Mimi if she was overdoing it. Her pregnancy might be in the early stage, but it was understandable for Yamato to be worried.

With the dresses done and the menu set, they finally greeted September with open arms.

Sora marched across the courtyard; her wooden sandals created a susurrating sound every time she stepped on the fallen leaves. She entered the building, passed the main hall where some staff prepared the decoration and the dishes for reception, supervised by Daisuke and Mimi (with Yamato as her supervisor, of course). Sora carried on, stopping in front of another sliding door and lowly announcing herself.

The first thing she saw as she opened the door was Hikari, sitting in front of the vanity already with a shiromuku enveloping her stature. A beautician was helping to wrap the hood on her head while Yuuko and Miyako—sitting on the back of the room—started to tear up. For the latter lady, it certainly wasn't caused by the hormonal change.

"You look so beautiful, my dear Hikari," Yuuko sobbed, wiping the corner of her eyes with a handkerchief. "You really are."

Miyako nodded. "I can't believe this day has finally come."

Considering they had said the things she wanted to say, Sora only curled her lips in approval. Hikari was one of the youngest among them, so it was natural for her to be regarded as everyone's little sister despite her age. To witness her in the wedding dress was a rather surreal sight, yet it was so moving no wonder the room was filled with happy tears.

The beautician stepped back after finishing her task, giving the room for Miyako to charge in and hug her best friend. She repeatedly said how much she loved Hikari and how she looked so enthralling. With some nods and affirmation, Miyako passed the opportunity to Sora, who came closer and lowered herself to level Hikari's position.

"Do you need me to assist with the kimono later?" Sora started with the formality.

Hikari shook her head slowly. "You have been a great help already. Kawada-san will assist with the reception outfit too, so you can just sit down and relax." She propped her chin to the beautician, who bowed politely once her name was mentioned.

Sighing in relief, Sora finally placed her hands on Hikari's lap. "Then I sincerely hope you're going to be happy, Hikari-chan."

Hikari held Sora's hand in return; her red-stained lips beamed in earnest.

"I also wish you the very best, Sora-san. Your happiness could already be just around the corner, waiting for the right time to show itself."

Praying for someone else during her big day. That really sounded like Hikari.

Yuuko escorted her daughter to meet the groom and the priests. Knowing that the ceremony would start shortly, Sora tried to look for her friends. She quickly spotted Mimi, already outside the building with Yamato and Jyou. They seemed to be discussing something, but the distance made the conversation inaudible for her.

"—Taichi come?"

She abruptly stopped midway once she recognised what the subject was. Maybe she was too loud with her steps because the three of them were now looking at her. Their expression changed in a second; shock and guilt combined as one.

Feeling the sudden change of atmosphere, Sora insisted on a laugh. "Hey, come on now. We're adults, not fifth graders," she said, finishing her approach as casual as possible. "We can talk about him. Is he coming?"

"Not yet, but that's the problem," Yamato fixed his necktie. "How could he be late for his sister's wedding?"

"Maybe it's the jetlag?" Jyou guessed. "I mean Takeru-kun and his fiancée look good, but they're obviously tired." Sora followed Jyou's eyes in the direction of Takeru and Catherine, who were currently chatting with Iori. To think that he was willing to come so far for his ex's wedding; a feeling that Sora knew too well. She made a mental note to talk with him later on.

"Well, he may be the type of person who won't miss his sister's wedding for the world, but knowing Taichi, it is possible for him to overslept," Mimi shrugged. "Should we call to check on him, Yama? You said he just arrived yesterday, right?"

Yamato didn't say a word and obeyed his wife's idea, pulling his phone out of the pocket. However, before he could do anything with it, Daisuke gave a signal that the ceremony was about to begin. They had no choice but to go to the main gate, where the line was being assembled. Being the groom and the bride's friends, they were sent to the back of the pack since the front row was exclusive for the priests, the couple, and the family. It was not difficult to differentiate the relatives and the other guests, as they were wearing kimonos instead of suits and ties like Yamato, Jyou, and the others did. Mimi and Miyako also took a more modern route with their dresses—leaving Sora alone with her blue-sky kimono—but it was more because they needed a looser outfit due to the pregnancy.

Still and all, there was no big hair to be found in sight among the male relatives.

Once the line was in order, the priests began the ceremony by leading the group to the main hall, accompanied by the gentle sound of the flute and the rhythmic beat of the drum. It was a small shrine compared to the Meiji Jingu, but the good thing about it was no crowds with curious eyes or random tourists disturbing their privacy with the camera.

"Coming through!"

But maybe because the place was so small, you could spot easily if someone suddenly showed up, like the short-haired guy who just rushed beside as if he was a speedster, cutting through the line and aligning himself at the fore just behind the parents.

—or perhaps it was his kimono that attracted her most. Not only because it was the only orange among the dark colours, but it was the kimono she initially designed for Koushiro.

Looking over the lane of shoulders, Sora could see Hikari's grandmother turning towards the guy. She slapped his arm and started mouthing grumpily. The guy tilted his head as a reaction, and that was a chance where they could finally see his face better, causing low gasps among them at the rear end.

"That's Taichi just now?" Jyou squeaked beside Sora, squinting his eyes in disbelief while Mimi gripped Yamato's arm a bit tighter.

"His hair!" she exclaimed of all things. "Oh my God, he cut his hair!"

There was so much to take in that Sora could barely say anything. Him changing within the course of three years was something she had expected, but he looked notably different from the person she used to know for more than twenty years. The trim gave a mature complexion—even she could tell only by seeing his back—making him look even more like his father. With such a built figure, he was very dashing in the kimono—her kimono—that it was hard for her to glance away.

The ceremony went along in a breeze; Koushiro recited the vow without a hint of nervousness, no sake was spilt even though Hikari was not really a fan of the taste, and the dance from the shrine maidens was enchanting. After the photo session, the guests proceeded to the multifunction room, sitting around the table as they waited for Koushiro and Hikari to change their attire. Of course Mimi utilised the interval to gush all over Taichi even though Sora was beside her.

"See that? I told him a millionth time to cut his chicken-butt hair and now look at him. He's far more handsome, right?" Mimi only glanced a second at Yamato as an apology before shifting her gaze again to Taichi, who sat at the other end with his family. "Do you think he has someone taking care of him in Germany?"

"Mimi—"

"But he comes without a plus one, so it's a good sign, no?"

"Mimi, cut if off—"

She did cut it off, but it was because the door was sliding and the newlyweds entered, wearing the kimonos Sora had designed. Applauses were roaring even though there were less than fifty persons inside. As Koushiro and Hikari stepped in, Sora was reminded of what Meiko said during the fitting; how they could be two spring flowers among the autumn leaves.

She was wrong. They could be flowers wherever and whenever they went. There was no need to wait for the autumn because their elegance was timeless.

Koushiro started the speech to welcome and thank every attendee. By every attendee, they literally almost said everyone's name, including Sora who designed the kimono, Mimi and Daisuke with the catering, even Yamato for 'giving them a chance as the bridesmaid and groomsman on his wedding, so they could walk together and now having their own wedding.' They might as well thank the members of the shrine congregation for allowing them to borrow the place for their wedding venue. However, since Koushiro disliked talking in general, he concluded his speech by wishing everyone a great day.

The meal was delicious as expected from their proud chefs, but it was hard to focus on the food when Sora's eyes couldn't stop looking towards Taichi. She wasn't sure if she should be relieved or anxious since he had never looked at her during the entire event and was always busy with his family, who too was trying to catch up, considering he never came home for three summers already.

Had only she known it was a good thing; because the moment their eyes met, her rationality almost snapped and collapsed.

"I need to go," she hastily stood up, dropping the chopstick a bit too loud. Before someone misunderstood, she quickly added, "—to the toilet. I… I'll be back."

She didn't, in fact, head to the restroom. She exited the building, running across the courtyard once again before stopping at the big ginkgo tree on the western side of the shrine complex. Sora tried to rearrange her breath, one palm resting at the rough surface of the trunk while another clutching her chest. Suddenly she wished she was wearing a loose dress and flats instead of close-fitting kimono and wooden sandals.

"Wouldn't Mimi be offended if you left without finishing her food?"

With one hand still in her chest, she swore she thought her heart there stopped beating for a split second. Everything might change, but not his voice.

Sora nervously looked up. Taichi was standing there, close enough for her to observe his every detail—the gleaming brown eyes, the crooked smile, and even a slight scar on his clean-shaven jawline. Her decision to cancel the orange kimono was a good call because it was saturated with the colour of autumn leaves around him. He probably wouldn't look picturesque on the camera, and Hikari's inner photographer side might hate him for that, but he looked mighty nonetheless.

As Sora managed to stand straight, her heartstrings were retaliating. Did you know the feeling of seeing someone for the first time after being apart for a long time? How there were a lot of things you wanted to say but you didn't sure where to start, so somehow you had to pick the most trivial one such as,

"You cut your hair."

Taichi cackled. "Diplomats don't like big hair."

Sora could only respond with a faint upward curve on her lips. "Why did you wear that kimono?"

"Because I heard someone's been thinking of me when making it."

She tried her best not to blush. "But how could it fit you?"

"Hikari brought me to your colleague, Mochizuki. She kindly altered the size for me behind your back. Not really a good friend of yours, I suppose?"

"But Yamato said you just arrived yesterday, so how…"

"Ah, yes. Apparently, he's getting better at keeping secrets from his wife. Don't tell Mimi, though—she'd definitely kill us. Also, you really think I will allow Koushiro and Hikari to register their marriage without my supervision?"

They talked and joked like they were two good friends without any woeful history, and Sora really hoped that was the case—except it wasn't.

"Why are you here, Taichi?"

"It's my sister's wedding, you dumb."

"No," she didn't bite the gag. "Why are you here?" Why not be with his sister and chase her instead? She couldn't help but get fret as this was too good to be true. They had reached their own conclusion three years ago, and it had been dictating them to go in separate ways. She had closed the chapter after one melancholic blue hour and zero effort to keep in touch. That was why he should be like the autumn leaves that were meant to fall and go away with the wind.

So why was he returning?

Taichi exhaled a deep one, taking a few steps until they were close enough to hear each other's breath. "Sora," he said, no longer lacing his tone with humour. "First of all, I want you to know that I actually received your voice messages."

She tried her best to maintain her composure, although it was evident that she was surprised. Her mind started to replay what she said over the phone, and she suddenly got embarrassed.

"The reason why I didn't respond is because I still believed I was making the right decision to leave," he continued. "But the more I listened to your message, the more I blamed myself for not trusting your feelings because I finally realised your love is genuine. And I thought I was the one being honest to myself when I let you go, but apparently it was the biggest lie I've ever made—and trust me: I've made a lot of life in my life."

He reached out for her hands, holding them into a tight clasp. Sora could feel her arms trembling in disbelief, and maybe Taichi could see it too because his thumbs started to caress the back of her hands. She was once again welcomed by the familiar comfort she had been missing; the warmth that reminded her of the sun and a cup of tea, and now she would also probably associate with the lingering heat of autumn.

"Say it again," he smiled. "The quotes you gave me before sending your voice message."

As Sora recalled the exact words, she also remembered what Hikari said before the wedding. Could this be the happiness that finally decided to come up?

"If you love someone… let it go…" she drawled. "If it comes back to you… it's yours… forever…"

She couldn't finish the sentence, but Taichi's smile already grew wider.

"This is me coming back to you, then. I'm yours forever if you let me, Sora."

The overflowing emotion could not be contained any longer. She broke forward to embrace him, and he hugged her back while lifting her slightly off the ground. Their eyes met once again then, and perhaps her rationality was already collapsed because she drew her face closer as he too inclined himself for a kiss. His lips were as warm as his touch in her nape, and she found herself wanting more and more.

They pulled away once Taichi placed her back to her feet, yet their arms were still circling each other's neck and their forehead still remained connected. She then asked him, "Are you staying?"

"I can't bear Germany," he joked again, only to correct himself quickly. "The MOFA wants me to join them, so yes, I'm staying. Been sleeping at my parents', but I think I need to search for a new place now that Hikari is definitely taking over my old apartment with Koushiro."

"Then move in with me."

"Why should I?"

"The rent was too much for me."

"How about Mimi?"

"It's been three years and she never came to crash. I ditched her a long time ago."

Taichi snorted. "You know what? I have a better idea," the crook smile now turned to a smug. "Let's just get married too. Let's beat Hikari and Koushiro and register our marriage right now."

Sora smacked his left cheek playfully. "The ward is closed on Saturdays, baka," she giggled. "And you have to talk to my parents first."

"Your mother hates me."

"That's because she thought you brainwashed me with the whole soccer thing. Now that I'm no longer playing, maybe there's a bigger chance to obtain her permission."

"Gee, I can't see what's wrong with you playing soccer. I like the boyish Sora."

"So you don't like me now?"

Taichi hummed as if he was thinking. "I think I love all the sides of you, just as I love all different colours of the sky," he grinned. "How do you like your sky today, anyway?"

Her smile was as certain as her answer that followed.

"Pink." Like someone in love. "And you're sending me to cloud nine."

.

.

the end

reference:

(1) The opening sentence is taken from an interview with the frontman of my favourite band, The Script.

(2) Shichi-go-san is a celebration held every November 15 where parents whose children are three, five, and seven years old celebrate their child's growth.

(3) To be officially married in Japan, all you have to do is only register your marriage at the municipal office. That's that. If you're only doing a ceremony, be it in a shrine or church, you won't be considered married at all.

(4) Montsuki is the traditional groom attire—kuro montsuki is only an emphasise because it has black colour (kuro). Shiromuku is the traditional bride attire; you have probably seen the image of white hooded dress worn by Japanese ladies at their wedding. In the reception, some brides may change to a more colourful kimono called irouchikake, or even the less formal one called hikifurisode.

(5) Yamato nadeshiko is a term used for women with good traits. It was believed to be the personification of an idealised Japanese woman.

(6) Meiji Jingu is one of the most famous shrines in the heart of Tokyo. I had a chance to witness a wedding ceremony there a few years ago, and… yes, I was that tourist with the annoying camera. I'm guilty as charged.

(7) MOFA is the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

notes: 20 February 2022.

I did it. I finished the first English multichapter ever in my life. Yahoo!

If this chapter was too hard to read, I suggest you go to Youtube and watch the Japanese wedding ceremony—it was divine! Perhaps it was also difficult for some to imagine the kimonos and the dresses, so I'm planning to make a separate post about the details of this story, including what the kimonos look like. Stay tune on earlgreymon at Tumblr.

The mention of "colours of autumn" was a homage to my dear friend Noct. Without her fic, Colors In Autumn, I wouldn't even think about writing this fic.

Many thanks to all the reviewers, both on FFN and AO3, and those who give kudos/faves these past two years. I KNOW I am not a good person when it comes to replying your kind words, but you don't know how much I cherished them and how they motivate me to keep on writing instead of dropping this unfinished.

I've edited all the previous chapters for grammatical errors in case anyone wants to re-read the whole thing. Also, if you're asking about an epilogue/sequel, tbh I haven't thought about it. But if you have ideas or the things you want to see, let me know!

In the meantime, thank you so much and stay safe! Until next time :)