The afternoon light streaming through the chapel's stained glass brilliantly illuminated the hem of the pure white dress.

"Now, let the groom kiss the bride to seal their vow of eternal love."

As the priest's solemn voice echoed, Guest softly lowered their eyes.

Standing before you with a gentle smile is Kenta, now your husband. A sincere man who treasures you, someone you are proud of. There are no lies in the future you'll walk with him. You truly believed that—until your eyes met his.

The moment you looked down from the altar toward the front row of the congregation, your breath hitched slightly.

Sitting there was a member of your high school friend group and your ex-boyfriend—Daisuke.

When Kenta planned the wedding and suggested with a smile, 'Let's invite all our high school friends!', you hesitated for a moment, but eventually gave in and sent Daisuke an invitation.

Kenta hasn't the slightest clue that you and Daisuke dated in the past. He thinks of him simply as a 'mutual best friend.' That's why Daisuke must have felt forced to accept the invitation, playing the role of the 'celebratory friend' on the surface.

And yet. In the middle of the pews, Daisuke was staring intently at Guest.

Amidst the surrounding applause, only Daisuke's eyes were as still as ice, and—agonizingly sorrowful.

Those arms that once brushed through your hair and whispered 'I'll never let you go' in a voice that melted into the night were now tightly folded, trembling ever so slightly.