The Groom Chooses The Maid Of Honour

"I don't think I should interfere in Sakura's business," Haru said, his voice tinged with uncertainty.

Kei sighed, rubbing his temple in frustration. "Sakura made it your business the night she called you during her mixer."

"You should go ask Mia. You're the one who has a crush on her, right?" Haru retaliated.

"But she's the one who has a crush on you." Kei said agitated.

"Hi." A voice interrupted.

"Hey, Sakura!" Kei said cheerfully, a little caught off guard though. Haru quickly looked away, his heart skipping a beat.

"Do you mind if I sit with you guys?" Sakura asked, her voice soft but filled with a nervous energy.

"No, not at all." Kei replied, perhaps a bit too eagerly.

Sakura sat down, her face immediately turning a fiery red. She could feel the heat spreading from her cheeks down to her neck, the familiar sense of nervous excitement building in her chest. She avoided looking at Haru, the memory of their kiss still fresh in her mind. It played in loops in her head, her stomach fluttering at the thought.

The anxiety felt like a weight pressing down on her chest, and she could feel her palms sweating as she gripped her bag tightly.

The three of them sat in awkward silence, each feeling the tension thickening in the air. Sakura's heart pounded erratically in her chest. Her body felt too hot, her breath shallow. Every minute that passed made her more desperate for him to say something, anything, to break the silence. But all she could do was sit there, silently willing Haru to make a move.

Then, finally, Kei stood up. "I don't know about you, but I'm parched. I'll go get us some drinks." He added, in a hushed voice to Haru, "Ask her out. She's already fulfilled your requirements." Then Kei disappeared, leaving the two of them alone.

"So…" They both said at the same time, making the situation even more awkward.

Both of them froze, and for a moment, all they could do was stare at the table, their faces burning. The heat felt unbearable now, like steam could practically rise from their skin.

"You go first," Haru said, his voice quieter than usual, as though he was struggling to even get the words out. His hands fidgeted nervously on the table, sweat beading on his palms.

"Okay." Sakura's voice came out too softly, and her throat tightened. She swallowed hard. She didn't have the courage to speak directly about the kiss, but she had to ask. Her mind raced as she tried to figure out what to say. "About the kiss—"

"What about it?" Haru said, his voice way too quick—almost panicked—his heart hammering in his chest. His face was on fire, and his nervous energy surged through him, making him feel dizzy.

"Um—never mind." Sakura's heart sank, and she couldn't help but feel a strange disappointment wash over her. Was this really happening? Her chest felt tight, and the smile she had tried to keep up with faltered.

"Sakura."

"Yes?" They finally looked at each other, their eyes locking. Her heart nearly stopped in her chest at the intensity in his gaze. This was it. She could feel the tension building like a knot in her stomach, waiting for him to say the words she had been so eager to hear.

"I—um—" Haru's voice trailed off, his hands slightly trembling now. His mouth went dry, the words tangled in his throat.

"Yes?" Sakura asked eagerly, her heart racing wildly in anticipation. She could almost hear the pounding in her ears, drowning out everything else. All she wanted was for him to say something that would end this nervous agony.

"Never mind."

"Oh." Sakura's breath left her in a quiet sigh, and she looked down, the weight of his words hitting her. Disappointment rushed through her, heavy in her chest, like a balloon deflating. Why wasn't he saying anything? Did she make it all too difficult?

Kei, who had been watching them from a distance, shook his head, then came to their rescue. "I brought drinks!"

"Thanks, Kei." Sakura said with a sad smile. She tried to keep her disappointment hidden, but Haru noticed the subtle shift in her expression. It was enough for Haru feel a sharp pang of regret in his chest. Why had he hesitated?

…

I'm going to do it! I'm going to ask her out! Haru insisted inside his head.

As everyone started heading home, Haru grabbed Sakura's wrist, making her gasp.

"Oh, Haru. You scared me," Sakura said, catching her breath, her heart pounding in her chest.

Haru instantly let go. "Sorry." But this time, he wasn't going to back down. He was determined. This time, he was going to ask her out.

He stood tall and looked at Sakura, who was still trying to avoid his gaze, her cheeks flushed bright red. With a deep breath, Haru blurted out, "Will you go out with me?"

Sakura slowly turned her head to face him, staring at him in awe. For a moment, she didn't say anything, but then she nodded, her smile wide and bright, lighting up her whole face. "Yes."

Haru let out a deep breath, relief washing over him as he took a step closer to her, pulling her toward him to kiss her—

BEEP! BEEP!

A car honked, making them both jump.

"Get in the car, Romeo!" A voice interrupted, loud and clear.

Both of them turned to the man in the car, and without thinking, Sakura blurted out his name, "Aoi!"

"I'm sorry, have we met before?" Aoi asked, furrowing his brow as he glanced at Sakura. 

Sakura's heart sank as she realised her mistake. She had been so caught up in the moment that she hadn't thought. She had completely forgotten that she hadn't met Aoi yet in this lifetime.

Haru's eyes narrowed, his confusion mounting. "How do you know my older brother?" he asked, his voice laced with suspicion.