Sunday 19 December 1996.
Ayumi was in her bedroom, pacing back and forth in her pajamas, completely unable to sleep. Her heart raced with a mix of nerves and excitement—tomorrow wasn't just any day, it was her wedding day... and her birthday, too. The realization made her cheeks flush again and again.
Although Zaboru was insanely rich and successful, they had both agreed on keeping things simple. No flashy celebrity venue, no hundreds of guests, no media circus. Instead, their wedding would be small, quiet, and meaningful—just close family and friends. The kind of ceremony where everyone mattered, and no one was there for appearances. Cameras weren't even allowed, by mutual decision. This was their moment, not a spectacle.
Ayumi sat down on her bed, hugging a pillow tightly. "Uuu... finally, Zabo and I will marry," she whispered to herself, her voice trembling with joy. She buried her face in the pillow, kicking her feet slightly like an excited child. She had dreamed of this day for years, but now that it was here, it felt even more magical than she imagined.
She glanced at the small gift box on her desk—the one she'd prepared for Zaboru. Nothing extravagant, just something thoughtful from the heart. The way he liked things. Then she looked at her wedding dress hanging nearby, the soft fabric glowing gently under the warm light. Everything was ready.
She flopped onto the bed again, cheeks still burning pink. "Tomorrow… I become Ayumi Renkonan," she whispered with a wide smile. Her heart thumped in her chest. Sleep would not come easy tonight—but she didn't mind. She was too happy to care.
Meanwhile, at the Renkonan household, Zaboru was sitting in his room with his sketchbook open, quietly working on a new piece of art. The pages were filled with loose concepts—game characters, future project ideas, and abstract shapes. Drawing helped him calm down, especially when his thoughts were spinning.
As he focused on a new sketch, the door creaked open. His mother, Keiko, peeked in with a mischievous grin.
"Hehehe... there's about to be a newlywed couple in this house," she teased as she walked in, her eyes twinkling with warmth.
Zaboru chuckled and shook his head. "You're enjoying this way too much, Mom."
Just then, his father Zanichi's voice echoed from the hallway. "Are you nervous, son?"
Zaboru let out a breath and nodded, setting down his pencil. "Honestly... yeah, Dad. I thought I'd be calm, but now that it's really happening... I'm kind of a mess inside."
Zanichi entered the room, nodding with a knowing smile. "That's completely normal. You're about to get married. But keep your head clear, especially during the ceremony. You'll want to take it all in, not black out from nerves."
Keiko laughed and elbowed him gently. "You're one to talk! Remember our wedding at the temple? You were shaking so hard, you almost dropped the rings into the koi pond!"
Zanichi cleared his throat, trying to maintain his composure. "I don't recall that," he replied coolly.
Zaboru laughed out loud, the tension easing a bit. The warmth and humor in the room made everything feel real—and safe.
Then he paused, looking down at his sketchbook again. His thoughts wandered.
'I can't believe I'm getting married tomorrow,' he thought. 'It still doesn't feel real. But it excites me in a way nothing else ever has.'
He picked up his pencil again and started sketching—not because he needed to, but because it helped him center himself. The lines he drew didn't matter. What mattered was that he was about to start a new chapter—with Ayumi by his side.
Monday 20 December 1996
The next morning, Zaboru arrived at the hotel he had rented for the wedding ceremony. The venue was sleek and modern, but the couple had made a deliberate decision to embrace tradition for their special day. Despite the contemporary setting, Zaboru and Ayumi had both agreed to wear traditional Japanese wedding attire to honor their heritage and families.
Zaboru stood tall at the podium, dressed in a formal black and white kimono known as a Montsuki paired with Hakama trousers. He looked elegant and dignified, but his heart pounded as he waited. A soft hush fell over the guests.
Then, the room seemed to glow as Ayumi appeared.
She stepped in wearing a radiant white Shiromuku kimono—the classic bridal attire symbolizing purity and new beginnings. Her hair was styled perfectly beneath a traditional tsunokakushi headpiece, and her graceful steps made her seem like she was floating. Zaboru's eyes widened in awe; he had seen Ayumi in many ways over the years, but never like this. She was stunning. Absolutely breathtaking.
A collective gasp came from the guests, followed by whispers of admiration. Zaboru swallowed hard, unable to stop smiling.
The wedding ceremony proceeded with the dignity and grace of a traditional Shinto-style ritual. Family members from both sides watched with emotion as Zaboru and Ayumi exchanged vows and slipped simple, elegant rings onto each other's fingers. The officiant spoke solemnly, guiding them through each step of the ritual with reverence.
When the ceremony reached its final moment, the room fell silent.
"I now pronounce you husband and wife."
The crowd erupted into applause. Tears welled up in Keiko's eyes. Zanichi gave a proud nod. Ayumi's father quietly wiped his face with a handkerchief.
Zaboru and Ayumi turned to face their loved ones, hands gently intertwined. A new chapter had begun.
They were now officially husband and wife.
The hall filled with clapping, joyful voices, and the warmth of shared celebration. And in that moment, nothing else mattered.
Then everyone came forward to congratulate the newlyweds, offering warm hugs, heartfelt words, and cheerful energy. Family members, childhood friends, and close colleagues all took turns greeting the couple, snapping group photos and capturing candid memories. The hotel staff moved smoothly, offering refreshments and guiding the guests with quiet precision while a soft instrumental melody played in the background.
As the festivities carried on, it was time for the traditional cake moment. Ayumi gently picked up a small piece and, smiling sweetly, turned to feed Zaboru. But just as he leaned in—splat! She pressed the cake lightly onto his face, smearing frosting on his cheek.
Gasps and laughter echoed through the room as Ayumi burst out giggling, covering her mouth with both hands. Zaboru stood frozen for a second, eyes wide, then let out a chuckle of his own. He calmly wiped the frosting off his face with a napkin, still smiling, and reached out to gently pat Ayumi on the head.
He clearly wasn't upset—in fact, his relaxed reaction only made the moment sweeter. Ayumi chuckled again but looked a little sheepish. "Sorry, sorry... I couldn't resist," she murmured.
Zaboru just smiled and leaned forward. "Try again—properly this time."
This time, she fed him the cake carefully, and everyone clapped again, charmed by their playful chemistry. The moment perfectly captured who they were: not just husband and wife, but best friends having the time of their lives.
Meanwhile, in the Hamazou family, everyone was dressed in elegant traditional kimono, their attire adding a sense of deep-rooted pride and cultural beauty to the occasion. Ayumi's father, Akira Hamazou, stood near the back of the ceremonial hall, dabbing his eyes with a handkerchief. His shoulders trembled slightly, and his eyes were red from crying.
Asumi, Ayumi's older sister, sighed softly beside him. "Dad, you don't need to cry so much, you know. You're embarrassing yourself," she muttered, trying to keep her composure.
But Akira wasn't bothered. "You don't understand, Asumi!" he said, voice thick with emotion. "I'm just so glad Ayumi can be happy! I'm so proud of her. She's found someone who truly loves her for who she is!"
Asumi rolled her eyes a little, but deep down, her father's words struck something inside her. She folded her arms and turned slightly away, trying to mask her own swirling feelings.
'And honestly,' she thought to herself, 'I'm really jealous of Ayumi. I mean... I've had multiple boyfriends, sure. But none of them were ever like Zaboru. He doesn't just date Ayumi—he respects her, supports her, loves her unconditionally. It's like he sees all of her and loves every part.' Asumi sighs.
'And on top of that, Zaboru is ridiculously handsome, athletic, wealthy, famous, and successful—seriously, damn, Ayumi. She really hit the jackpot.'
Her gaze drifted toward the stage where Zaboru and Ayumi were still smiling hand-in-hand. 'Maybe I've been chasing the wrong kind of guys this whole time... Maybe it's time I stop settling and actually find someone who sees me the way Zaboru sees her.'
Asumi sighed quietly, brushing a loose strand of hair from her face. A strange mixture of envy, admiration, and newfound resolve settled in her chest. She wasn't bitter—just... inspired, and maybe a little heartbroken that she hadn't found her own version of happiness yet.
Meanwhile, Akechi—Ayumi's older brother—stood off to the side, grinning ear to ear. He was genuinely overjoyed that Ayumi had finally married Zaboru. Not only was Zaboru perfect for his little sister, but he also happened to be Akechi's favorite game developer. It was a surreal moment—like seeing two worlds he loved come together in the best possible way. As he watched the couple bask in their post-ceremony glow, he couldn't help but feel proud and a little amused.
Akechi thought to himself, 'Now he's officially my little brother. That's right. And there's nothing wrong with asking for some game design advice for my company, Akaishidan, right? Just a little creative consultation between family.' He chuckled quietly at the idea.
Then another thought crossed his mind, more protective and fierce. 'And now if anyone dares to hurt or mess with Zaboru... it's gonna be personal. Because no one gets to bully my little bro—not on my watch.' Akechi nodded firmly, a serious look briefly crossing his usually stoic face. This wedding wasn't just a celebration—it was the start of new alliances, new dreams, and new responsibilities.
He took out his camera and snapped a picture of Zaboru and Ayumi laughing together, saving it instantly to his favorites. Man, I've got to frame this. My sister and my hero, finally married. Life's wild sometimes, he thought, grinning like a madman.
What Akechi didn't notice, however, was the ripple of unease spreading among the guests near him. His grin—broad, sharp, and full of teeth—was unlike anything they were used to. Usually stoic and composed, Akechi only smiled like that when he was about to interrogate someone or demolish an opponent in a chamber. Today, though, he had grinned at least six times—and every time, someone flinched.
His mother, Kyoko, gave him a side glance and tilted her head. "Akechi, my son... are you really that excited?"
Snapping out of his moment, Akechi noticed the wary stares. His expression instantly shifted back to his neutral, unreadable poker face.
"Yes," he replied flatly, voice cool as ever.
And just like that, the scary energy vanished—but deep inside, Akechi was still beaming.
Meanwhile, the Renkonan family was absolutely overjoyed. Zaboru's mother, Keiko, had tears of happiness in her eyes as she mingled with the guests, visibly proud of her son and the life he had built. His father, Zanichi, wore a rare but warm smile, a sense of fulfillment written all over his face. Their youngest, Sanika—Zaboru's little sister—was having the time of her life. She was dressed in a pastel-colored kimono and happily devouring her second plate of sweets from the dessert table, her cheeks puffed like a chipmunk.
It was a day none of them would forget.
After the ceremony, talk shifted to Zaboru's upcoming leave. He had initially planned to return to work almost immediately, even considering skipping time off altogether. "There's too much to do," he had argued.
But that plan didn't last long.
Zanichi, who rarely raised his voice, had immediately scolded him. "Don't you dare skip your time off after your wedding! Take four days off. That's an order."
Zaboru had sighed in defeat, knowing full well that when his father spoke like that, there was no room for negotiation. Zanichi wasn't one to discipline often, but when he did, it was always for something that mattered.
"Alright, alright… four days," Zaboru had replied, rubbing the back of his neck.
And now, with his family glowing with pride and his new wife smiling beside him, he was starting to realize—maybe a break wasn't such a bad idea after all. In fact, it felt like the perfect time to hit pause and soak in the joy of everything that had just begun.
And now, after the beautiful and heartfelt marriage ceremony, Zaboru and Ayumi were finally alone in their hotel suite, the soft glow of the setting sun casting golden streaks through the curtains. The energy of the day still lingered in the air, but now, a calm intimacy settled over them.
They lay on the bed, still partly in their ceremonial layers, their bodies tired but their hearts overflowing with joy.
Zaboru let out a long, content sigh and gently pulled Ayumi into his arms. "So... how do you feel, my wife?" he asked, his voice low and affectionate, a teasing smile on his lips.
Ayumi blushed instantly, cheeks warm with happiness. "Very good, husband," she whispered, then nestled her face against his chest. She could hear the steady beat of his heart, and it made her feel safe. "My husband, I love you so much... thank you, Zabo. Thank you for marrying me."
Zaboru chuckled and held her tighter. "Me too, my wife. I love you very much. Today was perfect. You were perfect."
They lay in silence for a while, wrapped in each other's warmth, the moment feeling both surreal and sacred. Then Zaboru broke the silence with a playful glint in his eyes. "So... how many kids do you want, my wife?"
Ayumi sat up slightly, her face turning even redder. "I... I want five!" she blurted out with surprising firmness.
Zaboru raised an eyebrow, eyes widening. "Huh? Isn't that a bit too much...?"
Ayumi shook her head, her expression turning serious. "No. I want five children. It's always been my dream to have a big, happy family. A house full of noise and warmth. I want us to raise them together, Zabo. I want that future."
Zaboru looked into her eyes and saw the sincerity glowing there. After a moment, he smiled and nodded. "Fine then," he said, reaching up to tuck a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "Let's start now... Mrs. Renkonan."
He leaned in and kissed her, gently at first, then with a growing passion as their arms wrapped around each other. The night stretched ahead of them—quiet, private, and full of love—as they embraced the beginning of their new life together.
To be continue
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