The Groom Chooses The Maid Of Honour

Sakura scrambled for an answer.

Shit, shit, shit. What should I say?

She panicked, forcing herself to keep her expression neutral. "I saw him when I was at your apartment," she began, subconsciously lifting her chin—a telltale sign of her lying.

Haru's gaze sharpened.

I've seen that chin lift before.

Sakura continued, trying to sound casual. "I assumed he was your brother. I didn't know his name until Kei mentioned it this morning… until… until that video played in class." Her cheeks flushed at the memory. "It seemed like a classic brother joke to me."

Haru remained silent, observing her carefully, his mind piecing things together. Something wasn't right.

And then—an idea struck him.

"Aoi, get out of the car. I want to introduce you to Sakura."

Aoi jumped out, grinning. "You're Sakura? It's nice to finally meet you." He extended a hand toward her—

KAPOW!

Haru's fist connected with Aoi's face, sending his older brother stumbling back.

Sakura gasped, covering her mouth in shock. "Haru!"

Aoi rubbed his jaw, blinking in surprise. There was no blood, just a deepening bruise forming under his skin.

Haru shook out his hand, his tone firm but calm. "That's for the video. You're lucky Kei isn't here right now. He would've beat the shit out of you right now. You humiliated us in front of the entire lecture hall with that video." 

"You're the one who played it during your lecture, not me," Aoi flashed a smile.

Then, after a pause, Haru smirked, looking at Sakura. "But… it did help in some way, so thanks." He reached down, pulling Aoi back to his feet.

Aoi grinned like nothing had happened. "Damn, you've gotten stronger, baby bro." Then, without missing a beat, he turned back to Sakura. "So, you already figured out I'm Haru's older brother, huh?" He winked playfully.

Sakura hesitated before shaking his hand. "I'm Sakura, Haru's—um—"

"Girlfriend?" Aoi suggested smoothly.

Sakura's face turned an even deeper shade of crimson. "It's more like… we just started going out."

Aoi's grin widened. "That's what a girlfriend does."

Sakura swallowed hard. "Oh… then yeah, I'm his girlfriend." Her voice was barely above a whisper.

I can't believe myself. She had the mind of a twenty-eight-year-old, yet here she was, acting like a lovestruck high school girl.

"You're so cute." Aoi laughed.

"Hey! Don't go harassing her." Haru snapped, stepping slightly in front of Sakura.

Aoi lifted his hands in surrrender, amused. "Relax, baby bro." Then his eyes gleamed mischievously. "By the way, have you two kissed yet?"

Sakura let out a tiny squeak, her body going rigid as she and Haru both turned crimson.

Aoi gasped dramatically. "Ohhh, so you have! Baby bro finally had his first kiss!"

Before Haru could react, Aoi grabbed him into a headlock, ruffling his hair aggressively.

"Aoi, let go!" Haru growled, struggling.

"Nah, I gotta celebrate this moment!" Aoi teased, making sure to announce it loud enough for everyone nearby to hear—including some unwanted attention lurking around the corner.

Sakura buried her face in her hands. Was Aoi always this childish?!

The Aoi Sakura remembered was nothing like this. He had been mature, responsible, and always composed—someone who carried himself with quiet confidence. Yet, for some reason, he had never paid much attention to her.

"You were about to kiss just now, weren't you?" Aoi continued, smirking.

"Shut up, Aoi. You're making too much noise." Haru gritted his teeth, finally pushing him away.

"Okay, okay, I'm done." Aoi chuckled, ruffling his own hair. "Now get in the car."

Sakura turned to leave. "I'll see you tomorrow, Haru."

"Wait."

She paused, looking over her shoulder. "Hmm?"

Haru stepped forward, his expression gentler now, the teasing from earlier forgotten.

Then, without hesitation, he leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to her forehead.

"See you tomorrow."

Sakura froze, her heart skipping a beat. Her face burned as she quickly turned away, unable to trust herself to speak.

Aoi whistled. "Damn, bro, I didn't think you had it in you."

Haru shot him a glare, getting in the car. "Shut up and drive."