The Groom Chooses The Maid Of Honour

"So, you're switching to English Literature?" Haru asked.

"Yeah," Kei nodded. "This time, I'm going to study a subject I actually love—so I don't end up stuck in a job I hate in the future."

"This time?" Haru raised an eyebrow. "You make it sound like you've lived through this before."

Kei forced a laugh. You have no idea, he thought.

"You know why I chose this course in the first place," Kei said.

"Yeah, I know," Haru said, nodding.

"Luckily, the university let me switch since it's only been a week," Kei continued. "And since I already did a whole year studying law, they approved the transfer quickly."

Haru nodded in understanding. "Makes sense. So when do you start?"

"I was supposed to start today, but apparently, the professor in charge of the course is sick. So I'll be starting tomorrow instead."

Haru looked at him with sad eyes.

"Come on, you know why I chose this course in the first place."

Haru looked down at the table, his fingers tapping absentmindedly. "Yeah, I know. But why didn't you tell me sooner?"

"With all the drama last weekend, I didn't get the chance."

Haru exhaled, shaking his head. "I'm going to miss you." He pulled Kei into a quick hug, patting his back.

Kei chuckled. "You've got Sakura to keep you company now, buddy."

Haru's face immediately turned red, the memory of their kiss flashing in his mind.

"I… confessed to her over the weekend—"

"I figured." Kei smirked.

Haru shot him a look. "Let me finish."

"Okay, okay, sorry. Continue."

Haru sighed before continuing. "I told her that I liked her, but I also said that I wouldn't ask her out until she stops being 'Sweet Sakura' and starts being the real her—someone who actually shows how she feels."

Kei grinned. "Well, she's already succeeded, then. Twice, actually."

Haru frowned. "Twice? What do you mean?"

"Haru, her kissing you wasn't just a confession. She did it in front of the whole lecture hall on purpose, showing that she's not sweet and innocent as everyone thinks she is. She kissed you in front of everyone to express how she feels about you because she's not trying to live up to their expectations anymore."

Haru opened his mouth to respond but stopped. Kei was right.

The kiss had been bold. Uncharacteristically bold for Sakura.

Haru swallowed, still trying to process it. "Okay… so when was the second time?"

Kei's expression darkened slightly, his voice dropping. "She got in a fight with Mia."

Haru's eyes widened. "What?"

Kei nodded. "Apparently, Sakura was pissed about how Mia treated her during the mixer."

Haru's stomach twisted. "How did Mia treat her?" Concern laced his voice.

Kei didn't hold back. "According to Sakura, Mia knew exactly how she was feeling during the mixer and didn't care. Instead, she acted on it."

Haru's fist clenched.

Kei continued, "Sakura also mentioned that Mia pretended to care when she was crying in the bathroom, only to ignore her completely when she came out. Then she didn't call, didn't text—nothing for three whole days. And when she finally did talk to Sakura, it was just to tell her she had a crush on…"

Kei pointed a finger directly at him.

Haru's jaw tightened. "Me?"

Then, something came to mind.

His voice was quiet but firm. "Do you think Mia knew Sakura loved me and planned everything at the mixer because she didn't like the fact that Sakura and I had already become close?"

Kei swallowed. He hadn't expected Haru to catch on so quickly.

For a moment, Kei debated telling Haru the full truth. He'd been avoiding the topic for too long, hoping Mia would realise how wrong she was. But deep down, Kei knew he couldn't knock any sense into her. Mia was too stubborn, too wrapped up in her own feelings. Maybe Haru—someone Mia actually respected—could get through to her.

Haru continued, "I mean think about it both their drinks were spiked, but Kenji and Ryo were only after Sakura."

Kei smirked, trying to hide his discomfort. "Why don't you go and ask Mia what really happened?"