"Rijichou."

Nokoru stiffened, but he forced himself to relax and smile to himself. The voice had come from his back, and he was loathed to turn around and face him now when he still wasn't composed enough...

"Rijichou...Nokoru."

A hand was laid on his shoulder and he stiffened again. Yet he turned now and smiled at his friend, the mask already in place and ready. "Suoh, I'm glad you're here. Listen, I'm thinking of a way to make the hall a little more decorative, so it'll open up when you go through--"

"Nokoru."

He stopped his babbling and stared ahead at the serious black eyes that pierced into his soul. He continued to smile. "Congratulations, Suoh."

Suoh looked at him strangely. "Rijichou...are you alright?"

Nokoru gave a laugh, a sign of relief that Suoh was not using his name. "Of course, Suoh, why wouldn't I be?"

"Nokoru--" It came out as a strangled plea before Suoh stepped forward and claimed Nokoru's lips with his own.

It did not take long for Nokoru to melt in his embrace. His arms wound around Suoh's neck, pulling him closer until it seemed nothing can wrench them apart. Their lips, still locked in a passionate kiss, opened and explored each other as they had done before--

Then, with a sudden burst of dismay, the blond man pushed away from Suoh. "Suoh!" he gasped out. "Everyone's--"

"It's alright." Suoh grabbed his hand, looking desperate for a contact. "It's alright. Akira and Utako will keep them company until she arrives."

Nokoru smiled through his trembling lips and glanced at his gold watch. "She's due in a few minutes."

They were silent for a while, staring down at their tuxedos. Both wore the immaculate white jackets and shirts. It was appropriate, and Nokoru must be happy for his friend. But he couldn't. Because Suoh was not only his friend, but also had been his lover. And this was the day Suoh chose. This was the day Nagisa grew up.

This was the day they were to be married.

"Be happy."

Suoh smiled grimly. "You think it's easy?"

Nokoru shook his head. "I never thought it would be." He smiled. "But it's easier to let go if you know the other's to be happy."

"Not fully," the blue-haired man replied, pressing the palm he held to his own chest. "Nokoru, I told you once--"

"--you love me and Nagisa," Nokoru finished. "And I don't blame you." He fell silent before continuing fondly, "Nagisa is a lovely and lucky woman."

"I love her so much," Suoh said, a smile lighting his lips at the mention of her name.

Nokoru noticed this and his smile widened. "And you are a lucky, lucky man."

"Not lucky enough to have you." Suoh sighed and pulled him again in his arms. "When we first became lovers, it was only because I loved you so much that I couldn't let go. And the love I have for you equals that of Nagisa's. But Nagisa was just a child. And you...you were there for me.

"But that time has gone. There is nothing more." There was another silence. Then, he went on: "I'm worried about you."

Nokoru punched him lightly. "I don't care for that."

"But," Suoh told him quietly, "you will be lonely."

The blond man fell silent.

"Will you?"

"Yes," he whispered brokenly.

"And still, a part of me will always yearn for you," Suoh told him sadly. "I love you two so much, but I have to choose."

"And I'm glad," Nokoru returned. "I'm glad you chose Nagisa, and I'm glad I had even a small time with you. I don't regret anything."

"Neither do I," Suoh declared softly. He tipped his lover's chin so their eyes met.

Nokoru wrapped his arms around his neck once more. "Love, kiss me goodbye," he said quietly.

And silently, Suoh leaned forward and pressed his lips on Nokoru's their flesh mingling and breaths escaping into a silent sob. When they pulled away, Suoh let his fingers linger with Nokoru's, and they held before a loud buzz was heard behind the thick doors, indicating the excitement. The blue-haired man smiled. "Love, goodbye."

They parted, Nokoru left inside the dressing room of the church, to go out later as the best man of the groom.

And Suoh opened the doors, a wide smile on his lips as he met the people who greeted him, his family who welcomed him, and his bride, who was waiting for him.