After the reception ended—
a grand after-party was held by the Takasegawa and Amagi families.
The venue was a traditional inn near the ceremony hall.
With formalities set aside, the after-party quickly turned into a lively, uninhibited affair of drinking and singing.
“…They’re still going, aren’t they?”
Fresh from the bath,
Arisa returned to their room with a wry smile.
Their assigned room was some distance from the banquet hall, yet the noise still carried.
No complaints had been made, likely because the entire floor had been reserved.
“Well, the ceremony and reception were pretty formal. People probably want to let loose. Opportunities like this don’t come often.”
Yuzuru shrugged in response.
They had only attended the after-party for thirty minutes.
After that, they slipped away to spend time alone in their room.
Though they were the guests of honour,
no one stopped them.
It was out of consideration—
that the wedding night should be theirs.
…Though, truthfully, the party didn’t need them there to continue.
“Well, at least tonight, let’s drink quietly together.”
Yuzuru said, holding up a bottle of sake he’d “borrowed” from the party—
the most expensive one available.
He poured it into Arisa’s masu.
“Thank you. Then, for you as well.”
Arisa filled his in return.
“Alright—cheers.”
“Yes, cheers.”
They clinked and drank.
The sake was smooth, easy to go down.
For Arisa, who was drinking for the first time that day,
it seemed especially delightful—she looked almost entranced.
“So, how was the wedding?”
“Hmm… I was a bit nervous. I’m just relieved it went well.”
Leaning back in her chair, legs crossed, she spoke with a faint sigh.
Her yukata had loosened slightly, revealing her pale, smooth legs.
Normally, Arisa wouldn’t behave like that unintentionally—
but the tension of the day had finally melted away.
“You handled it well, Yuzuru-san.”
“No, I was nervous too. …Especially during the ceremony.”
“Really?”
“I was worried I’d mess up my lines.”
“Ah… I understand.”
Wanting it to go perfectly—
not wanting to fail—
only made the nerves worse.
A bit of a dilemma.
“But even so… it became a wonderful memory.”
“I’m glad.”
As they continued drinking, Arisa’s cheeks grew flushed.
Despite its smoothness, the alcohol was strong.
She was quickly becoming tipsy.
“Now we’re officially husband and wife.”
She said it softly, taking his hand.
Their fingers intertwined.
She leaned closer, pressing herself against him.
“Yeah… we are.”
Yuzuru gently stroked her hair.
She closed her eyes, resting her weight against his chest.
“How many children do you want?”
She asked, gazing up at him.
“Hmm… maybe two?”
“Why two?”
“Well, there were two of us—me and Ayumi. …I think being alone might feel lonely.”
He’d argued with his sister before—
but he couldn’t imagine life without her.
There were times he would’ve felt lonely otherwise.
So he wanted his own children to have siblings.
Perhaps a selfish thought—but one he held onto.
“What about you?”
“If it’s what you want… as many as you like.”
“That’s not fair. Be more specific.”
He traced his hand along her back.
She shivered slightly, her expression softening further.
“…I want lots.”
“I see. Then… we’ll have to work hard.”
“Yes…”
She nodded, tilting her chin up slightly—
like a chick asking to be fed.
Yuzuru leaned in and kissed her.
His hand moved to her waist, loosening her obi.
Her yukata slipped away, falling onto the tatami.
In the blink of an eye, Arisa was fully exposed.
It seemed she hadn’t been wearing anything underneath.
The soft orange glow of the lantern illuminated her pale skin.
“Yuzuru-san… what should we do? Shall we make a baby?”
She asked as she helped remove his yukata.
Yuzuru lightly brushed his hand over her hip.
“I’d love that idea… but you’re still a student, aren’t you?”
He would start working next year—
but she still had her doctoral studies.
And they’d both be living in America for a while.
It would be difficult for her.
“…That’s true.”
She seemed to sober slightly, shoulders drooping—
but soon, her expression turned soft again as she traced a finger along his chest.
“Then… make tonight something we’ll never forget.”
“…Alright.”
Yuzuru nodded and lifted her into his arms.
Cradled like a princess, she looked up at him with anticipation.
He gently laid her down on the futon.
“You won’t be sleeping tonight.”
“…Be gentle with me.”
And so—
the two of them spent a long, sweet night together.
