"Taiga! Let the concierge go!"

It was hours before the wedding, and Ryuuji had just stumbled upon his wife-to-be strangling the owner of the function room. While Taiga's mum had sorted the church and finances, Taiga had specifically requested if she could organize the room for the wedding reception herself. There was a place she had always passed on her way to school, so she'd decided long ago that she was going to hold her reception there if she ever got married. However, upon arriving, there seemed to be a problem.

"Sneaky mongrel has double-booked us!" Taiga exclaimed.

"I'm sorry ma'am, we just don't have any record of your booking today."

Ryuuji grabbed Taiga's hands and gently removed them from the man's throat.

"It's going to be ok. Really. How much did you pay on the deposit? If we can get it back, we might still be able to afford somewhere last minute."

Taiga looked confused for a moment.

"… what deposit?"

Ryuuji audibly sighed.

"Taiga. You didn't pay the deposit? No wonder we no longer have our booking."

"How was I supposed to know? You're usually the one who pays for everything" she mumbled.

Ryuuji glanced back to the concierge with a hint of desperation in his eyes.

"Surely you have somewhere, right?"

"I- hmm. Now that you mention it, we do have the lodge that has almost finished renovations. The paintwork isn't complete yet so we haven't rented it out, but if you don't make too much mess, we might be able to make an exception."

Ryuuji bowed his head.

"That would be perfect. Thank you."

A few hours later, everyone had started piling into the church. Minori was Taiga's maid of honor and spent most of the day trying to calm her down and make sure she was dressed in time. Minori finished the pattern of white flowers in Taiga's hair, before asking her to turn around. It was one of those moments where the sun shines at just the right angle, causing everything it touches to glow. Minori almost collapsed at how beautiful her best friend was looking, seeing her illuminated hair sparkling along with the flowers and jewellery. Taiga was still nervous, and being considerate of her friend, tried to stop Minori making too much of a fuss. But Minori knew Taiga was worth it.

"Takasu has entrusted you to me today. So, I'm to do everything in my power to make sure this day is perfect for both of you!"

As she said the words though, she couldn't help but feel a sense of sadness in her chest. Her best friend was getting married. Not only that, but her best friend deserved to be happy, and it was happening for her. Minori should have been ecstatic – but the realization of what it meant for their little group had dawned on her. Kitamura would be leaving for America very soon, so after Taiga and Ryuuji had said their vows today, she'd be on her own.

But, for Taiga's sake, she wasn't going to make today about herself. She just wanted Taiga's day to be special. And an hour later, when she saw them kneeling before the priest and the alter, Minori knew everything had worked out.

Minori had held her hand right up until their entrance, and then Taiga's stepfather had walked her the rest of the way to Ryuuji. Her long white dress almost completely concealed her, but throughout the service, Ryuuji still couldn't keep his eyes of her. It took longer than usual weddings as the two nervous lovebirds couldn't get their words out correctly. Taiga somehow dropped the ring down her dress, and Ryuuji forgot to say "I do" until Taiga whacked him in the stomach – but in the end, everyone cried as they kissed and were pronounced husband and wife.

Minori and Kitamura stood either side of them the whole time. Minori, as the maid of honour, glanced towards them both more times than she could count. At one point, she was caught by Kitamura, the surprisingly handsome best man dressed in a plain suit. There was almost a sense of acknowledgement between the two. Taiga and Ryuuji were always going to get together, regardless of how much they tried to blow it off. It had its ups and downs, almost doomed to have stayed a dream. But Kitamura and Minori, the closest friends of the newlyweds, could finally smile at that dream becoming a reality.

Taiga and Ryuuji started walking back down the aisle. However, before they had gotten halfway, Ryuuji scooped up Taiga and carried her the rest of the way. Her brief moment of embarrassment changed to pure joy as they spun around and kissed on the steps of the church.

After the ceremony, everyone traveled back to the lodge for the reception. It was an interesting sight with all the mismatching wall colours, but as the first hour was taken up with group photography and candid moments, no one really noticed. Everyone also had the chance to come and see the newlyweds, as well as leave presents and gifts. As a joke, half of their friends gave them rice cookers, with notes such as "try bringing this one to class, Takasu". At least they wouldn't have to buy another one for a while.

Formalities of the event concluded with Ryuuji giving a speech. He stood up in front of everyone, but it was clear he hadn't prepared anything to say – it was Taiga who was always good at this public speaking stuff. Preparing vows is one thing. Speaking to a crowd of people about yourself and your future is quite another.

As he stood, Taiga grabbed his hand. It was only a gentle act, but it instantly sent a pulse right through Ryuuji's body. He felt not only calm, but like he could take on the world if she were there by his side.

The whole world, he thought, and lifted his eyes to speak.

"In this world, there's… uh… this thing"

Ryuuji took a deep breath as he tried to focus his thoughts.

"This thing, no one's ever seen it. It's kind and gentle, and so very sweet. If anyone actually caught a glimpse of it, well, there'd be a whole bunch of people wanting to have it."

He continued to look around the room of people. Apart from Ami, everyone who had been on their journey was there. Kitamura had his usual face, Minori was already tearing up, and it looked like Taiga's mum was ignoring the emotional wreck Ryuuji's mum was.

"I think that's why the world has kept it hidden from everyone – because it makes it more special. And you know that, when you find it, you were the person that was supposed to find it."

Ryuuji lifted his hand to bring Taiga up to a standing position.

"Because that's the way it's meant to be"

As everyone gave their applause and whistles, Ryuuji whispered "I love you".

"I love you too" she replied.

Once the cheering had calmed down Ryuuji continued to thank everyone for coming, including mentioning a few individuals by name. Kitamura stood up next and gave a short speech, telling everyone how he was always rooting for Taiga and Ryuuji to get together. After some laughs and serving of food, everyone spent the remainder of the day enjoying themselves.

"Everything alright Kushieda?" Kitamura spotted Minori alone outside.

"Oh. Yeah. Just stepped out to get some fresh air"

"It's strange seeing our best friends up there" he said as he adjusted his glasses. "Knowing that it wasn't so long ago they were just someone you saw at class each day, to now being eternally pledged to another."

Minori nodded.

"It's been hard for you, hasn't it?" he continued.

Minori jolted into defensive mode.

"Nonsense! This is Taiga's big day! I couldn't be happier for her. She doesn't need someone like me around her anymore."

Kitamura simply gave her an understanding smile.

"Kawashima said you'd probably say that."

With her feelings exposed she dropped her smile and let a few tears trickle down.

"I want to be happy. No, I should be happy. I can see they're both going to have an amazing life together. I'm just so overwhelmed with emotions that I don't how to feel."

Suddenly, a small figure appeared out of nowhere.

"It's time for the bouquet" yelled Taiga, running up to Minori to pull her into the crowd of girls. However, Minori resisted, feigning a smile, and saying it's not something she usually did.

"Are you ok Minori?" asked Taiga as she noticed the tears in Minori's eyes.

Minori smiled and told her not to leave the girls waiting. Taiga returned her smile as she ran over to throw the flowers towards them all. She was so full of joy, and as she ran around from person to person, she was making sure no one was left out. No one. Except, Minori had only been able to speak to her twice. She hadn't even had the chance to tell her she made the selection for the state team.

"Make sure you keep your friends close Kushieda. I think you're the kind of person who needs that" said Kitamura, walking off to say goodbye to Taiga.

A few drops of water started hitting the roof of the lodge. Minori gazed up to the approaching rain, letting it trickle down her face, masking her tears.

"Kushieda!" yelled Ryuuji as he ran over to her. "Would you be able to help me bring all these presents inside?"

Minori pumped her fist. "Sure thing!"

As the evening turned to night, the rain turned into a storm, and everyone was forced back inside. After the pile of rice cookers were stacked near the door, Minori smiled towards Ryuuji. The day had been a huge success, even if this rain had caused people to start leaving.

"Minori!" said Taiga as she ran to her.

Minori gave her friend the biggest hug, asking her if she'd enjoyed her day. Taiga nodded.

She really is so happy.

After they had their chance of catching up after the huge day, Taiga turned to Ryuuji.

"We need to leave soon if we've got an hour's drive to do."

"Oh yes, of course! We'll load all… these… into the car then. Do you need a lift Kushieda?"

"Oh. No no, I'm all good. I have a lift."

And with that, everyone packed up and started leaving the lodge. Taiga and Ryuuji paid the concierge and waved goodbye, while Minori stood on the side of the road as her two best friends drove away. Even while being bucketed by torrential rain, she stood and reflected on the whole new chapter that had started for them both. She continued to rub her eyes, not sure if she was still crying or it was just the rain.

Taiga doesn't need me anymore. But she has Takasu now. And the three of us will always be friends. So, I should be happy. I… am happy.

Minori waited until they were both out of sight. She was the last to leave.