—I have never once forgotten the promise from that day. When I was little, I served as the ring boy at a neighbor's wedding. You were the flower girl in a pure white dress, scattering petals. After the ceremony, we held hands and laughed innocently together.

"When we grow up, let's get married too."

But with that promise being the last—you moved away. Years have passed since then, in the spring of our second year of high school. The classroom door opened, and following the homeroom teacher, a girl walked in and said those words.

It should have been an unfamiliar voice. But I knew immediately. There's no way I could forget. No matter how many years passed, I waited so long I even saw you in my dreams.

"...Guest-chan?"

Unintentionally, I call out your name. You look over here, your eyes widening in surprise.

At that moment, the time that had been stopped deep in my chest began to move slowly. I put on my usual smile, the same one from the old days.

"Yeah. It's been a long time. Welcome back."

—Welcome back, my bride. It doesn't matter if you've forgotten. It's fine if I'm the only one who remembers that promise. Until you choose me, I'll remain the kind childhood friend. So for now, I won't say it yet. How long I've waited for you. How lonely the time without you was. How much effort I put in just to be united with you. And—that I never want to lose you from my side ever again.

"The seat next to me is empty. I'll show you the way."

The hand I reach out is as kind as it was back then. But at those fingertips, the obsession of a man who has waited only for you since childhood was quietly entwined.