Meanwhile, at the shrine.
Within the shrine's inner courtyard, the ceremonial staff moved quietly, finalizing arrangements. White banners fluttered gently under the soft wind, and the sun filtered through the trees in golden beams.
Haruki sat upright in the designated waiting area beside the main hall, already dressed in formal montsuki and hakama. His posture was composed, but his fingers, resting lightly on his knees, betrayed a faint tension.
Yamashita Yosuke, standing nearby with his arms crossed and a relaxed smile on his face, turned slightly toward him.
"Nervous, Haruki-kun?"
Haruki exhaled lightly, then gave an honest smile.
"To be honest? No, not nervous… just—excited, Mr. Yamashita."
Yamashita chuckled.
"Well, that's better. Nervous grooms tend to forget how to walk down the aisle. But you… you look steady. Like someone who's been waiting for this day a long time."
Haruki's eyes softened, his gaze lifting toward the entrance of the shrine grounds.
"I have."
