"Kanade, why did you choose to get married on Tanabata?"
From behind, a delicate pair of arms encircled his neck, and a soft, sweet voice brushed his ear. The young woman rested her chin on his shoulder, her petite frame pressing gently against his back, her chest's tender softness separated by a single layer of fabric.
This was their bedroom. Sunlight streamed through the thin, gauzy curtains, dappling the girl's fair skin, making her appear even more gentle and ethereal.
Kanade Natsukawa turned his head, effortlessly scooping up the petite woman—despite being 22 years old, she still retained a youthful charm—into his arms.
"We discussed this for so long and made our decision. Why the sudden question?" he murmured softly into her small ear as he leaned closer.
"I just… suddenly felt anxious, thinking about how we're really getting married tomorrow," Mahiru Shiina pouted, pressing her head to his chest. Her tone was tinged with a hint of grievance but carried the sweetness of honey.
She had become more and more fond of acting spoiled, though her innocence and charm made it impossible for him to harbor any ill thoughts.
"Shouldn't you be happy instead?"
"Of course, I'm happy… but… it feels like time flew by so fast. One moment we were in high school, and now we're getting married. Even Kei hasn't found a boyfriend yet…"
"She's only 21. There's no rush," Kanade chuckled as he sat on the edge of the bed, cradling her petite frame. She tried to pry his arm from around her but quickly gave up, muttering under her breath, "Kanade, you're teasing me again…"
"Weren't you saying something completely different seven hours ago?"
"Don't bring that up!" Mahiru's cheeks flushed, her expression a mix of shame and annoyance.
Kanade shrugged nonchalantly, then seemed to remember something. "Speaking of which, starting tomorrow, I'll have to call you something else, won't I? Miss Shiina, any thoughts on being called Mrs. Natsukawa?"
"Hm, not really… but calling you 'husband' feels weird. Can I just keep calling you Kanade?"
"Whatever makes you happy."
"Then… what will you call me?"
"Angel-sama?"
"Ugh! I told you to stop calling me that!" Mahiru puffed up her cheeks, feigning anger.
"Fine, how about I just stick with Mahiru?" Kanade relented, pulling her closer into his arms.
"By the way, Kei's coming tomorrow to be my bridesmaid."
"Well, of course. And Hachiman will be my best man. I'll make sure he handles all the heavy lifting—he won't complain."
Seeing her still slightly worried, Kanade leaned in, touching his forehead to hers.
"Everything's set. What are you even worried about?"
"It's not worry… It's just nostalgia. I keep thinking about that day when you told me, 'If you hadn't confessed first, I might've ended up asking Kato out.'"
"Well, we were kids back then," Kanade said, scratching his head as he tried to bury those embarrassing memories of youth.
Mahiru's eyes glinted with suspicion, but she kept her lips pursed and didn't press the issue.
"It's true! Even now, just thinking about your confession makes me want to jump for joy. And besides, under your wise guidance, I've fully grasped the irresistible charm of a 'loli'—especially one as angelic as you…"
Mahiru's face turned red as she indignantly smacked him on the chest. "I'm not a loli! You're just too tall!"
At under 160cm, she did seem loli-like next to his 180cm frame. But even if it was objectively true, she couldn't help but be annoyed. After all, she drank milk every day, but it never seemed to work in the right areas.
Suddenly, she felt his hand on her waist starting to misbehave. Her cheeks flushed with a faint pink.
"Let go."
"Nope."
"You're just using this as a distraction! Be honest—have you ever thought about Kato in all these years?"
"Come on, my head's been filled with thoughts of you every day. Where would I find the time to think about anyone else?" Kanade released her, his fingertips lightly trailing along her slender waist, only to have his hand caught by Mahiru.
She wriggled free from his embrace, then climbed onto his chest, straddling him.
She wasn't heavy. Even with her perched there, Kanade didn't feel the slightest discomfort. Instead, he laced his hands behind his head, his teasing eyes locking onto hers.
"As cute as you are when you're shy, I still prefer the bolder Mahiru…"
"That time…" Her mind flashed back to seven hours ago.
Her cheeks turned crimson, and she couldn't stand being teased anymore. Gathering her courage, she leaned down, her loose strands of hair brushing against Kanade's face.
She moved closer, her soft, pink tongue lightly brushing the corner of his lips.
In an instant, Kanade flipped them over, pinning her beneath him.
"No way!"
"Hmm?"
"This time, I want to be on top! I don't want to lose to you again!" Mahiru puffed up her cheeks, her big eyes shimmering. Though clearly embarrassed, she was no longer as flustered as she once might have been.
"Oh?" Kanade raised an eyebrow, his lips curving into a playful smirk. "Then don't expect to leave the bed before tomorrow…"
"I'm not scared of you!"
The next day marked not only their university graduation but also Tanabata.
Kanade and Mahiru chose a traditional Chinese-style wedding held at sunset.
It was both a tribute to Kanade's past life and a way to bid farewell to his former self.
Since they had eloped years ago, there was no formal procession. They had met in high school seven years ago and had been together ever since—ten years now.
As university drew to a close, Kanade had become a successful writer, penning short stories for various publishers and earning a decent income. Mahiru, on the other hand, ran a bakery, her skillful hands making it a thriving business. Whenever things got busy, Kanade would lend her a hand.
Their lives were steady, their hearts inseparably intertwined.
Life hadn't been without its struggles—occasional storms and stumbles—but they had overcome those challenges, and now, they had truly achieved their happily ever after.
Kanade Natsukawa had invited former classmates, university friends, and people from his professional circles. Though Mahiru Shiina's social circle was smaller, she still managed to gather a few close friends.
Dressed in a flowing red robe with a red flower pinned to his chest, Kanade cut a figure both celebratory and amusing.
The two had long since left the bustling city of Tokyo, seeking to escape the shadow of their parents' pasts. They now lived in a quiet, remote town. The Chinese-style wedding they chose garnered considerable attention in the community. The couple had become moderately well-known locally, and the unique ceremony naturally sparked curiosity and discussion.
But that didn't bother them. This was a once-in-a-lifetime event, and no amount of pomp or ritual would feel excessive. If anyone they didn't want to see dared show up, Kanade was prepared to whisk Mahiru away again—just as he had years before.
As Kato helped her down the aisle, Mahiru's petite, doll-like figure emerged before Kanade's eyes. A crimson veil concealed her face, her gleaming hair tied elegantly behind her. She wore a traditional red Chinese gown adorned with cloud-like embroidery.
Kanade stepped forward, extending his hand, which gently enveloped her small, delicate fingers.
"I can't see anything… so I'll leave everything to you," Mahiru whispered softly.
"Of course, leave it all to me—your entire life included."
With that, he led her down the red carpet toward the grand hall where the ceremony would take place.
As the officiant spoke, Kanade kept his gentle gaze on the petite girl beside him. Mahiru held his hand tightly, her fingertips playfully tracing patterns in his palm.
The hall was filled with their guests, whispering amongst themselves. Some were curious about the unconventional ceremony, while others offered their heartfelt blessings to the couple.
Kanade glanced around the room, taking in the scene. His eyes landed on Kato seated at a banquet table. She noticed his gaze and smiled at him, her expression as warm as ever.
Yet, for reasons he couldn't quite explain, he felt as though there was a faint sadness in her eyes, even a tinge of loss. Was it just his imagination?
He couldn't help but recall his younger self, who had once entertained the idea of confessing to Kato. But the day before he had planned to do so, the timid, petite angel before him had opened his door and uttered those life-changing words.
"Kanade, I like you… Can you like me, even just a little?"
The always elegant and composed Mahiru had been so nervous she seemed on the verge of tears.
Kanade had never been good at rejecting people, especially in such a situation. Hearing her tearful voice, his mind had gone blank. He had said yes, not entirely understanding his own feelings, just wanting to stop her from crying.
But over time, he grew to understand the depth of his feelings. He couldn't imagine letting go of Mahiru's hand.
As for Kato… The "like" he had once felt for her vanished when he realized his love for Mahiru. His youthful infatuation had been shallow, stemming from a desire for recognition and understanding.
Love, after all, is often immature, but that's what makes it an essential fuel for navigating life's mundane moments.
The officiant's voice broke his reverie.
"Bow to Heaven and Earth!"
The two turned and bowed deeply.
"Bow to each other as husband and wife!"
Both turned to face each other. Mahiru leaned forward, her forehead gently touching his.
At that moment, the hall erupted into applause, laughter, and cheers. The joyous atmosphere was as lively as a bustling night market.
Instead of heading straight to the bridal chamber, Kanade gently lifted the veil covering Mahiru's face. Taking her hand, he gazed at her intently.
The always graceful and composed Mahiru, who could handle anything with ease, now stood before him blushing fiercely. Her hands nervously fidgeted with her gown, her cheeks painted with the hues of a fiery sunset.
"Time for the kiss," Kanade teased with a wink.
Mahiru's eyes welled up as she stood on her tiptoes, wrapping her arms tightly around him.
Kanade embraced her slender waist, leaning down to kiss her.
At the banquet, Kanade made his rounds, a cup of watered-down liquor in hand as he toasted each table.
His first stop was his best friend, Hachiman Hikigaya. Hikigaya's expression was as peculiar as ever—a mix of genuinely congratulating Kanade's happiness and silently cursing him with a "damn normie, go explode already" vibe.
"Can't you smile a bit more?" Kanade teased. "What happened to those glasses I gave you? They'd boost your charm by at least 1000%."
"It's your big day. Why would I need to look good?" Hikigaya retorted, his sarcasm intact after all these years.
"Suit yourself," Kanade shrugged, thinking his friend likely still hadn't gotten used to standing out. He probably never wore the glasses much after receiving them.
"But don't even think about chasing after other people's daughters, you creepy old man."
"!!! Be serious, will you!" Hikigaya tried to snap back, but Kanade had already moved on, leaving him muttering complaints under his breath.
"Damn it. If I hadn't met this guy back then… No, forget it—it wouldn't have been as good as now."
"Be happy, you jerk…"
After making the rounds to greet others like Miyuki Shirogane and Tsubasa Tanuma, Kanade finally noticed Kato sitting alone at an unoccupied table. She held a slice of cake in one hand, a glass of liquor beside her.
Mahiru had stepped out to the restroom, so Kanade took the chance to approach her with his cup.
"Congratulations to you and Mahiru. You two must stay happy," Kato said, rising from her seat. Holding her glass with both hands, she gently clinked it against his.
Then, without hesitation, she tilted her head back and drained her glass of liquor in one go.
Kanade Natsukawa was taken aback. He distinctly remembered Kato being someone who'd topple over after just one beer.
"Happy occasion, right? Seven years, Kanade-kun. It's about time it all came together." Kato wiped the corner of her mouth gently. Her bright eyes glistened, perhaps from the sting of the alcohol. Her reddened eyes shimmered as if she might cry at any moment.
As Mahiru returned from the restroom, she spotted Kato and rushed over, her petite figure practically bouncing with excitement. She hugged Kato and stood on tiptoes.
"A kiss!"
Kato bent down and pecked Mahiru on the cheek. Mahiru returned the gesture with a quick peck of her own.
"Mahiru, you and Kanade-kun have to be happy, okay? Wishing you a lifetime of love," Kato said softly.
"Mm-hmm!" Mahiru's smile in that moment was perhaps the brightest Kanade had ever seen.
After a bit more chatting, Kato made her excuses and left. Kanade, meanwhile, took Mahiru's hand and led her to a quieter spot to sit down. Taking a tissue, he gently dabbed her face, his voice soft but full of contentment and joy.
"Wife?"
"Hm…? Say it again!" Her eyes sparkled with joy and anticipation.
"Wife!"
"Husband!"
Mahiru leaped into his arms, hugging him tightly. Kanade lifted her onto his lap, where she obediently sat.
"From now on, even when our hair turns white, you'll stay by my side, right, Mahiru?"
"You too, Kanade. You have to stay with me just like this."
"Deal."
"Mm-hmm!"
Suddenly, tears welled up in Mahiru's eyes and trickled down her cheeks—tears of joy, shimmering like diamonds in the light.
EXTRA- KATO's side story
When Kanade opened his eyes, he was greeted by an unfamiliar ceiling.
Sitting up, he rubbed his eyes and stretched, yawning several times before finally shaking off his drowsiness. After getting dressed, he made his way to the living room, where the familiar figure of his girlfriend came into view.
Ever since they decided to move in together, Kanade and Kato had been living in this apartment for almost two weeks now, enjoying a sweet and lovey-dovey routine.
"What kind of bento should I make today?"
As Kato spoke, Kanade's arms slid around her waist, and he rested his head against her hair, taking in the faint, sweet scent she always carried.
"Fried chicken cutlets and omelets," she replied softly, turning her head slightly to look at him. Her bright brown eyes sparkled like stars. "Shouldn't you rest a bit more? You were up so late last night…"
Instead of answering, Kanade's hand on her waist began to wander.
"…!"
Even his lips, which should have been forming words, seemed to have developed mischievous intentions of their own.
"Stop that! Knives are dangerous!" Kato protested gently, turning her head in mock resistance. Her faint pushback only made Kanade's expression more pitiful, as though she had broken his heart.
"You don't love me anymore! Even though you loved me to death just last night…"
"Go rinse your mouth. Breakfast will be ready soon," Kato interrupted, her usually calm face now tinged with an endearing shyness.
Though she was getting more accustomed to his antics after these days together, she still found them a little embarrassing.
"You're just brushing me off, aren't you?"
"…"
For some reason, it felt like Kanade had become even more clingy after moving in together. Not that she disliked it—on the contrary, she found it rather sweet. With a faint shake of her head, she silently acknowledged him.
"I don't believe you unless you kiss me first."
"…"
With no other option, Kato leaned in to give him a light peck on the lips. However, Kanade seized the opportunity to deepen the kiss, his tongue deftly invading, leaving her unable to resist.
"Mmph…"
"…"
"Kanade-kun…"
"What?"
"Your hand…"
"Oh, this hand?" Kanade smirked, catching onto her meaning instantly.
Without missing a beat, he began to demonstrate the skills he had diligently practiced over the past few days.
"…!"
Finally, after much effort, he elicited a soft, barely audible sound from her lips, accompanied by a delicate tremble in her body and the silky sensation beneath his palm.
Perfect, Kanade thought smugly. I know exactly what Kato wants.
The proof? She wasn't angry. Instead, she rested her head against his chest, mumbling sweet nothings between lovers.
"Kanade-kun…"
"What is it?"
"The bento…"
Following her gaze, Kanade turned to see the frying pan on the stove. The golden-brown chicken cutlets were now edged with an ominous black char, and the once-mouthwatering aroma had turned into an acrid, burnt smell.
"…"
This was bad.
He glanced back at Kato, whose cheeks were still flushed, her gaze downcast. She had mostly regained her composure, but her lingering shyness made her all the more irresistible.
Well, since the food was already ruined… might as well enjoy another meal instead.
Leaning in again, Kanade captured her lips, savoring their sweetness.
The taste? Absolutely divine.
After an indulgent breakfast, their plans to go out were delayed much longer than expected.
Later that day, Kanade Natsukawa rushed home after wrapping up his errands. It was Saturday, and he had promised his girlfriend Kato Megumi they'd spend the day cleaning the apartment together. On his way back, he stopped by a shop to pick up some of her favorite snacks.
"I'm home!"
"Welcome back."
As if they were in sync, the moment Kanade opened the door, there she was, standing at the entryway with a sweet, welcoming smile, looking like the perfect image of a domestic goddess.
"Don't tell me you've been standing here waiting for me again?" Kanade feigned a stern tone, pretending to scold his girlfriend for her overly attentive nature.
"I just happened to hear the sound of the lock turning," she replied with a playful wink, stepping closer to greet him.
Kanade wasn't entirely convinced, but her gentle demeanor quickly dissolved any pretense of being upset.
"Maybe I should message you next time to let you know when I'll be home," he sighed, giving up on his attempt to act stern. He gently pulled her into an embrace before taking her hand and leading her into the apartment.
"People might think you've lost your status in the household," Kato teased.
"Who cares about that?" Kanade said dismissively, his voice tinged with pride. "They're just jealous. After all, I've got the most caring and gentle girlfriend in the whole world!"
"You're exaggerating," Kato muttered, though her heart warmed at the sentiment. Deep down, she felt the opposite was just as true—she was the luckiest woman alive to have such a handsome and perfect boyfriend.
"It must've been hot outside. Have some water," she said, dabbing his forehead with a handkerchief to wipe away the sweat. "You should rest a bit more, Kanade. I can handle the cleaning myself."
"No way. We agreed to do it together, and I'm part of this household too," Kanade insisted firmly. "It wouldn't feel right to leave it all to you. Don't worry—I won't slow you down. I used to live alone, remember?"
"That's not what I meant…" Kato sighed, her tone carrying a hint of exasperation.
Kanade's perspective on life—the rituals of shared chores and the essence of family happiness—was something she understood in theory but could never quite embrace as naturally as he did. Still, one thing she was sure of was how deeply they loved each other.
Both Kanade and Kato often felt that the love they gave couldn't compare to what they received from the other. This mutual underestimation of their worth led to small but frequent disputes over seemingly trivial matters, like housework.
Kato believed she should handle the chores entirely, reasoning that after a day of work, Kanade shouldn't have to lift a finger at home. Kanade, however, thought responsibilities should be shared equally, refusing to relent on this point.
Through countless compromises, they'd established a system that worked for both of them, making their cohabitation increasingly smooth and harmonious.
"Alright, I'm all set!" Kanade declared after changing into his loungewear and downing a refreshing drink. More importantly, after soaking in the radiant presence of his girlfriend, he felt re-energized.
"Okay." Kato nodded, handing him a basket full of clothes.
"I'll take care of the cleaning. Can you hang these up to dry?"
"Eh? That's it? Shouldn't I be the one cleaning instead?"
"No way. You never clean thoroughly enough. Leave it to me," Kato replied matter-of-factly.
"…!" Kanade pouted in mock indignation.
Sure, her cleaning was more meticulous than his, but that didn't mean he wasn't capable! Still, he grudgingly accepted the task and set off to hang up the laundry.
Fortunately, their tidy habits meant there wasn't much to deal with. It didn't take long for Kanade to finish his task and return, basket in hand.
Back in the living room, he found Kato diligently vacuuming the carpet. The way she bent down and moved gracefully as she worked made her figure all the more captivating.
Kanade paused, appreciating the sight, and suddenly an idea struck him—a way to both "punish" his cheeky girlfriend and leave her utterly speechless.
"My work's done!" he announced as he walked toward her. "How's it going on your end?"
"Still a little more to do. You can rest for a bit or watch some TV if you'd like," Kato replied, glancing at him briefly before returning to her cleaning.
"Anything I want?" Kanade's heart skipped a beat, though he quickly masked his excitement.
"Sure, whatever you want," Kato replied casually, not suspecting a thing.
Perfect.
Without hesitation, Kanade set the basket aside, walked up behind her, and wrapped his arms around her waist.
"Eh? If you do this, I can't…"
"You said I could do whatever I wanted. No takebacks," he murmured mischievously.
"…"
She couldn't argue—it was her own words that had gotten her into this situation.
It's just a hug, she thought. Nothing to make a fuss over. He's just being clingy again…
But before she knew it, his actions grew bolder, and her initial dismissal quickly turned to alarm.
"Kanade…"
"What? Don't mind me. You can keep working," he replied, his tone innocent yet teasing.
Like hell I can ignore you! Idiot! Who pulls something like this while their girlfriend is doing chores?!
Determined to endure, she tried to focus on her task. But his mischief escalated, and before long, she found her clothes slipping away, piece by piece, leaving a faint trail on the carpet. A damp spot began to form beneath them, evidence of her mounting distraction.
"Kato…"
"Mmngh…"
"I love you."
"Guh… S-Saying something like that at a time like this… At least p-pull it out first…"
"Got it… Kato?"
"…Idiot… I never said I didn't believe you…"
"Heh… I love you. Forever."
"…Idiot… Me too…"