The day of the wedding—
Yuzuru picked Arisa up from her house and headed straight to city hall.
They were there to submit their marriage registration.
Since everything had already been filled out, all they had to do was hand it in at the counter.
The process went smoothly.
“So… we’re officially married now.”
“…We are, but—what’s wrong?”
Yuzuru asked, noticing Arisa’s somewhat complex expression.
For a moment, he wondered if it was pre-wedding nerves.
“No, it’s just… it feels surprisingly simple.”
“Yeah, well… we’ve already been living together, after all.”
It wasn’t like their lives would suddenly change.
Of course, after this, Yuzuru would start working and Arisa would begin her doctoral studies—
but that wasn’t because of the marriage itself.
“But starting today, I’m Takasegawa Arisa… I have to make sure I don’t mess that up.”
She said it herself, smiling happily.
There was no sign of dissatisfaction or anxiety.
Yuzuru felt a bit relieved.
“Shall we head to the venue? It’s still a bit early, but…”
“Yes, better early than late.”
They made their way to the wedding hall.
Yuzuru’s parents and Arisa’s adoptive parents had already arrived,
along with a few relatives handling formal roles like mediation and ceremony coordination.
“Everything submitted without trouble?”
Yuzuru’s father, Kazuya, asked.
Yuzuru nodded.
“Of course.”
“That’s good.”
Kazuya replied with a hint of relief.
There was no real chance of something going wrong—
but as a milestone, it eased his mind.
“Good morning. …Thank you for preparing everything.”
Arisa bowed to him.
The wedding arrangements had largely been handled by Yuzuru’s father.
Neither Yuzuru nor Arisa had been deeply involved.
That was by instruction—
focus on work and studies first—
but Arisa still felt a bit apologetic.
“No, don’t worry about it. …If anything, I’m sorry for interfering so much.”
Kazuya smiled wryly.
From his perspective, he had dragged Arisa into the Takasegawa family’s circumstances,
unable to fully prioritize her wishes.
“Not at all. Starting today… I’m part of the Takasegawa family too.”
When she said that modestly,
Kazuya softened his gaze.
“Yes… you are. Thank you.”
After greetings were finished, they held a final briefing.
It was simply a confirmation of the day’s schedule.
Once that ended, preparations began.
Yuzuru changed into his groom’s attire,
and Arisa into her bridal gown.
And as always—
the bride took far longer.
Having finished early, Yuzuru began greeting guests who had already arrived.
“Big brother, Arisa-san’s ready.”
His sister—now with neatly black-dyed hair and an elegant dress—called out to him.
“I see.”
Yuzuru headed to the waiting room.
He already knew the design of her dress—they had chosen it together—
but still, his heart swelled with anticipation.
He knocked lightly.
“It’s Yuzuru. Can I come in?”
“Of course.”
With her permission, he entered.
“Well… how do I look?”
Arisa asked shyly.
“…”
She was breathtaking.
The pure white dress blended seamlessly with her pale skin,
making her flaxen hair shine all the more.
The corseted bodice accentuated her figure,
and the long skirt, flowing to the floor,
only made one imagine the beauty hidden beneath.
“Um… Yuzuru-san?”
“Ah—sorry. …I was completely captivated.”
“Honestly… you’re too good with flattery.”
She said that—
but she looked delighted.
“You look wonderful too.”
“Thank you. …Though honestly, it’s a bit embarrassing.”
Yuzuru was wearing a white tuxedo.
Black or grey had been options—
but for a wedding, he chose white.
Still, it was his first time wearing one.
He felt a bit self-conscious.
“Have some confidence. You look handsome.”
“Do I? Well… I think I’m just here to make you shine even more.”
“Honestly… you and your flattery…”
Her cheeks flushed again.
Clearly, she didn’t mind.
“You’re the star too, you know. So stand tall.”
“Of course. …Now then, may I have your hand?”
“Yes.”
Arisa placed her hand gently in his.
