I’m marrying the little sister of my childhood friend, whom I once deeply loved.
Even though Ranko herself says there’s no need for formalities or notifications since she’s cut ties with her family after running away from home, that’s not something I can simply skip.
With a stifling necktie practically choking me and a suit I’m not used to wearing, I returned home after a long absence and visited the neighboring house.
“I'm back, Dad. How have you been?”
“Oh, it’s been a while, Uncle. I’m Ranko. From today, I’ll be calling you Father-in-law.”
“Ah, Satoshi! Welcome home! And this is Ranko-chan from the neighboring Sakaue family? I honestly thought you’d end up marrying their eldest daughter, Sayuri-chan. But as long as you two are happy, that’s all that matters.”
Even though I hadn’t made a single phone call, Dad greeted me with a huge smile. Meeting him after three years, I noticed his hair had more gray, and the lines on his face had deepened.
“I’ll hear all your stories later. For now, go greet the Sakaue family. I hear Sayuri-chan is also back home. The sisters probably have a lot to talk about.”
“Alright, I’ll head over.”
With Dad seeing me off, I walked to the house next door.
When I rang the doorbell, Mrs. Sakaue was the one who answered.
“It’s been a while. I’m Satoshi Ichijo. I’ve come to formally announce my marriage.”
“Well, well! You’ve grown so much I barely recognized you. Come on in. Ranko, stop standing there and come inside too.”
“Excuse us.”
Mrs. Sakaue ushered us inside, with Ranko following behind me.
As we waited in a back room, Sayuri appeared, holding a newborn in her arms. Even after three years, there was no mistaking her.
“So, I heard you’re getting married? Congratulations! I never would’ve imagined you two as a couple—it’s such a surprise.”
“Thank you. And congratulations to you too on your baby.”
I had worried that the atmosphere might turn tense, but it seemed my fears were unfounded. Sayuri was the one who had inadvertently set me on the path to dating Ranko. When she rejected my confession, Ranko had comforted me, which ultimately led to our relationship.
As kids, the three of us often played together: Sayuri and I, the same age, and Ranko, two years younger. Wherever we went, we were always together.
Sayuri and I had even made a childish promise to marry one day. I truly believed it would happen when we grew up, but in the end, it was just a child’s vow.
I mustered my courage and confessed to her in middle school and high school, but she always turned me down.
After injuring my leg in elementary school, I developed a limp and became hesitant to act decisively. This cautiousness carried over into my attempts to approach Sayuri. While I regret not being more assertive, I have no lingering regrets.
Now, standing beside me is the woman I love most, Ranko.
* * *
Reflections from Sayuri:
Meeting my childhood friend again after so long, I was surprised to see his little sister by his side.
As kids, the three of us always played together, but Ranko usually trailed behind me.
Satoshi used to be a bold, older-brother figure who confidently led the way. But after injuring his leg, he became a shadow of his former self—hesitant, unclear in his words, and slow to act. Compared to his past self, one could even call him introverted.
It surprised me that my little sister chose such a man.
“Thanks. When did you two start dating?”
“Three years ago. After I ran away from home, I barged into Satoshi’s apartment. We ended up living together after that.”
“Oh my? So Satoshi went after a high school girl?”
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