165 Final Chapter: Let The Bells Ring

Two years later…

In a small dressing room, a woman was getting ready. Standing in front of a mirror attached to the top of a small table, she looked herself over. Her long, jet-black hair was completely tied up, woven together into an intricate design with a bit of volume to it, and her face had the perfect styling of makeup on it, with some mascara on her lashes and a slightly dark shade of red on her lips.

On her ears were two small, diamond-like earrings, each long enough to dangle just a bit, and around her neck was a thin, silver chain ending in a glass-like bead. All of this led into the feature of the woman's appearance, a white, strapless dress that held close to her frame and giving the appearance that it was as if it were wrapped around her. The length of the dress came down to her ankles, with the bottom half loosening and flaying out a bit to allow for better movement. Finishing the look were a pair of white heels, open on both sides and held on by a wide strap near the toes.

This woman, Haruna Endo, currently stood ready in her dressing room as she awaited the call for her wedding to begin.

With her was Chiyo, dressed in a deep blue dress that stopped just above her knees and (with a slight modification) it cut somewhat low down her chest. Contrary to her usual appearance, her hairstyle was different for the occasion, wearing it down and having given it a fair amount of volume and a bit of waviness.

"You really do look beautiful, Haru-chi," Chiyo said, sounding pleased. "And you look a little more like you're ready to go to a club than a wedding," Haruna pointed out. "Hey, you said I could wear whatever I wanted!" Chiyo protested. "And Kana-chan said it was fine too!" Hearing her defense, Haruna laughed. "It's fine. I really don't mind. It's just nice to see that in two years, your style really hasn't changed much."

"I can't believe it's already been that long," Chiyo said. "So much has happened in all of our lives." "That's true," Haruna agreed. "And nearly all of us have left Iwanai." "I forgot how nice it was to live in a city with so much convenience," Chiyo said. "If I need something, there's almost always a store for it nearby."

"But speaking of things happening," the gal continued. "I still can't believe you were the one to propose!" "W-Why is that so hard for you to believe?!" Haruna exclaimed. "Haru-chi, do ya not remember how much of a romantic wreck ya were in high school?" Chiyo pointed out, drawing an "ugh…" out of Haruna. "Besides," Chiyo went on. "Knowing the two of ya, I would've thought Kana-chan would be the one proposin'." "I found out after she said yes that she was actually thinking of doing it in the next couple of months," Haruna said. "She actually told me she had wanted to get married basically as soon as we graduated, but we both got so busy with our schooling and opening a business that we couldn't have any sort of ceremony until now anyways."

"How is that business going anyways?" Chiyo asked. "We're getting things together, but it'll probably be at least another year until we're even close to opening," Haruna sighed. "It's a lot of work." "Well, no sense in worryin' about all that right now," Chiyo said. "It's your wedding down, Haru-chi! Today's a day to party with all your friends! Ah, speaking of which."

At the same time as Chiyo was speaking, the door nearly flew open, revealing a girl in a blue dress identical to Chiyo's. Her hair was also done quite similarly, though there were two main differences. The first was that it was pink, and the second was that it was quite a bit longer than what it had been in her high school days.

"Sorry… I'm late…" Jasmine said through breaths. "What took ya so long girl?" Chiyo asked. Standing back upright, Jasmine gathered herself as she closed the door. "It was a big mess getting here. I had several last-minute clients to take care of, and then my flight got delayed, and then I almost couldn't find the venue…"

"All that matters is that you made it," Haruna said. Hearing her voice, Jasmine turned in her direction, her eyes going wide. "Wow…" she let out. "You really look beautiful, Haru-chi." "Thanks," Haruna said shyly. "Chiyo helped with a lot of it." "Sorry I couldn't be the one to do you up," Jasmine said, but Haruna shook her head. "It's fine. I know you're pretty busy being a stylist."

In the two years that had passed, Jasmine had not only managed to get through beauty school, but she even joined a well-known salon in Fujioka, quickly becoming one of the most-requested stylists there. The gal's original plan for getting to the wedding was to just take a couple of days off, but that had proved impossible, then what followed was the storm of chaos she had only recently gotten through. Luckily, the venue wasn't too far from Fujioka, so it all worked out.

"Hey, isn't there supposed to be another bridesmaid?" Jasmine asked, looking around the room. "Hinami-chan is helping Kana-chan right now," Chiyo explained. Then Jasmine got a wry look on her face. "Hey Haru-chi," she said. "Is it killin' ya to not know what Kana-chan is gonna look like?"

During the planning stages of the wedding, Kanako had insisted on the custom of not seeing each other before the start of the ceremony. In fact, she had taken it so far that Haruna didn't even know what Kanako's dress looked like (though Haruna showed her own to Kanako, which she loved). Because of this, along with the normal nerves one gets before a wedding, Haruna was even more anxious with anticipation.

She shook a little from the nerves, but then she took a deep breath then let it out. "I'm sure whatever she wears, it'll look amazing," Haruna said. "I swear Kanako's getting prettier and prettier every day." "Aw, look who's gushing about their soon-to-be-wife," Chiyo teased, but Haruna shot her a look. "Like you're one to talk. How often do you call me to tell me about something Fukuhara-san did?" "I don't call that often!" Chiyo insisted. "You literally called me twice yesterday," Haruna said flatly.

"I can't help it, okay?!" Chiyo whined. "She's just so cute, I gotta tell everyone!" "You've been dating for two years, tone it down a little!" Haruna shouted back. "Yeah, but it's not like we've been in the same place that whole time…" Chiyo said, sounding a little sad. "I'm sure you'll be back together soon," Jasmine added in.

"Fukuhara-san is here, right?" Haruna asked, to which Chiyo nodded. "Yep! She looks absolutely adorbs in her dress too!" "Remind me, who's in Kana-chan's party again?" Jasmine asked. "Mi-chan, Mayu-chan and Itsuki-chan!" Chiyo said. "Oh, and speaking of Mayu-chan, any progress Jas-chin?"

"What kind of progress?" Jasmine asked dubiously. "Ya know what I'm askin' about!" Chiyo exclaimed. "Are ya dating yet or not?" "Uh, w-well…" Jasmine said, avoiding eye contact. "It's… complicated." "You always say that…" Chiyo sighed.

"Everybody moves at their own pace," Haruna said. "There's no point in trying to rush them together." "I guess so," Chiyo said. "Do your best, Jas-chin!" "Sure…" the other gal said.

Then, the door opened again, and standing there was a girl in the same dress as Chiyo and Jasmine. Her hair, once cut in a black bob style, was now long past her shoulders, though at the moment it was done up in a tight bun. "U-Um," she said. "S-Sorry that took so long."

"No problem," Haruna said back with a smile. "Are you ready, Hinami-chan?" "Y-Yes!" the girl said louder than she meant to, causing the other three to laugh.

Shortly after that, a woman showed up. "Endo-san, are you ready? The ceremony is about to begin." "Right…" Haruna said quietly. "Here we go." Gathering herself, she followed the woman out the door, down the hall, and into a large, open space.

Walking in, there were rows of chairs on either side. The crowd wasn't huge on either, but there were still quite a few people present, both from Haruna and Kanako's high school days and from the two years since. Within that crowd were familiar faces, such as Izumi, Sara and Hayashi-san, along with ones one would expect, such as friends and family members. To Haruna's surprise, despite his reluctance and resistance, her father had also made an appearance, sitting in the front row.

As for the rest of the space, ahead of the chairs was a wide platform with many bundles of white flowers. In the center was a white, wooden arch, which was where the two brides would stand. Beyond that, there were plenty of other decorations and flower arrangements, each either white or a navy blue. Standing right in front of the main doors was a photographer, who snapped a picture just as Haruna walked up.

"We'll send in the bridesmaids first," the woman explained. "Just like in rehearsal." "Right," Haruna said with a nod. So, in went Jasmine, Chiyo and Hinami, along with Kanako's side, who had also just arrived. In pairs, they walked in as the music played, first Hinami and Itsuki, then Jasmine and Mayu, and lastly, Chiyo and Michi.

Once they were all in and standing on either side of the platform, it was Haruna's turn. Taking her first steps down the center aisle, she did her best to walk with grace and elegance as she had been shown in practice. Though really, she was mostly focused on not tripping. There was no long train on Haruna's dress, but it still came down pretty low, so it was a possibility.

As she walked, she could hear some of the murmurs of the crowd.

"Wooow, so pretty…"

"That dress is beautiful."

"She looks so elegant…"

And so on. Hearing such things made Haruna quite happy, and she couldn't help but smile more than she already was. She hadn't realized it, but she was already beaming just from it being her wedding day. With such a lovely smile, all eyes were glued to her as she soon reached the podium.

Next, and the last to enter, was Kanako. As she did, Haruna froze. Her breath caught in her throat, and her heart leapt harder than it had when she first became Kanako's girlfriend. "No… way…" she uttered. "I'm… marrying… her…?"

Her golden brown hair was tied up into an intricate design, though it was partially covered by the veil she was wearing. Even with it on however, her face could still be seen, displaying eyelashes that fluttered and a soft shade of red lipstick. For earrings, she wore ones that matched Haruna's, and around her neck was a thin, silver necklace.

The dress itself started at the neck, going for a somewhat more conservative style. From the neck to the bottom of her chest, it was a glittering silver, then below, a pure shade of white that flowed out into all sorts of waves and led out into a train. On her arms were a pair of white gloves, each going just past the elbows, and in her hands was a white bouquet.

"Aren't you a lucky girl, huh, Haru-chi?" Chiyo whispered to her. "Yeah…" Haruna breathed back. "The luckiest girl in the world…"

Once Kanako got up to the platform, she stood across from Haruna. Remembering what they had practiced, Haruna lifted the veil from Kanako's face.

"Hi," she said sweetly."

"Hi," Haruna said back with a small laugh. "You look… so beautiful…"

"You do too," Kanako smiled.

"But wait, where's the person who's supposed to officiate?" Haruna wondered aloud, looking around. Then, to her surprise, her aunt stood up. "Sorry Haruna-chan, looks like the guy can't make it," she told her. "But I'll do it for ya!"

Before anyone could say anything or stop her, Sara was up on the stage, wearing a normal suit with a navy blue tie. "Auntie Sara?!" Haruna exclaimed. "C-Can you even officiate a wedding?" "Sure can!" Sara said with pride. "Y'know, I once did a wedding for a prince and princess." "Wait, what?" Kanako let out, but before she could find out anymore, Sara moved on.

"Alright, attention everyone!" she announced. "My name's Sara Mori, and I'm here today to make these two a married couple!"

"This isn't going to be normal, is it?" Kanako whispered to Haruna. "Nope, no chance," Haruna said, shaking her head. "But at least it'll be memorable." "That's true," Kanako agreed.

"Ahem," Sara let out, getting more serious. "Family, friends, and guests. We have all gathered here today to witness the union of Haruna Endo and Kanako Nakatomi."

"Over the last couple of years, I've had the pleasure of spending a lot of time with both of these fine young women. Thanks to that, I've learned a lot about both them and their relationship. And y'know, after everything I've heard, I have to say… I don't think there are two people better suited for each other than these two. It's so clear how much they love each other, and over and over again their love has been tested. Yet with each test, they've prevailed. They're strong, but more importantly, they care deeply for one another. As a demonstration of that love, we hold this ceremony."

"Now, Haruna, Kanako, have you each prepared vows?"

""Yes.""

"Then we'll begin with Haruna."

Taking Kanako's hands into her own, Haruna looked directly into her eyes. "...As I stand here," she began. "I feel so many different emotions, but I think first and foremost, I feel regret. Regret that I couldn't see into the future, regret that I couldn't know this was what was waiting for me, and regret that I wasted so much of our youth hating you when I should've been running toward you."

"Back then, I was just so angry. I don't know if it would've been fair to say that if I had gotten past that I would've realized my feelings, but I'd like to think that these feelings I have for you have always been there. That ultimately, it was these feelings of love that brought me back to you."

"It's true that the way our reunion started was… weird, to say the least. But, it took turns in ways I never expected. I never thought, back then, that we'd become friends again. I never thought I'd fall in love with you. I never thought we'd have this day."

"There were so many things I never would've expected to happen, but they did. And sometimes I wonder, if I hadn't been so angry back then, maybe I wouldn't have these regrets now. Maybe I would've been able to see all of this coming. But, then again, maybe that's really presumptuous of me."

"So it's true I feel regret for past mistakes, but more than that, I feel love. I feel such an overwhelming and boundless love, and I have you to thank for that Kanako. Thank you for never giving up on me. Thank you for chasing after me. Thank you for giving my feelings for you a chance. Thank you for being with me. Thank you for loving me. Thank you, Kanako."

"I promise you, from now until forever, I won't ever run from you again. I'll stay by your side no matter what, to not only repay you for your kindness and love, but to show the depths of my own. I love you, Kanako. I love you."

"And next, Kanako."

After hearing Haruna's vow, Kanako was already in tears, but she did her best to gather herself anyways. Once she managed to do so, she began. "Haruna. Do you remember when we were little, when we first became friends? We thought we'd be together forever. To have a friend like that, one that was so close… it made me really happy. But, thinking back on it now, I have to wonder… Did I fall for you, even back then? I didn't yet know the idea of a girl being with another girl, so my small mind couldn't recognize it, but maybe… even then, I think that's where my feelings truly began."

"When we had our fight, I felt heartbroken. It wasn't just losing a friend, it was like losing someone precious and dear to me. It hurt every time we argued after that, and being unable to spend time with you hurt even more."

"During that time, my heart was set on someone else, and it was only thanks to those feelings that we got the chance to reconcile. But even then, it was hard. We still fought so much, and I didn't know what to do… but, eventually, we figured it out, didn't we?"

"Little did I know though that you already had more than just feelings of friendship for me. To make it worse, I kept hurting you then too. When you confessed to me, that became really clear. You said you have regrets, Haruna, and I do too. I regret not realizing how you felt sooner, because I think even then, I knew I just wanted you with me."

"We hurt each other, we ran away from each other, but eventually, we caught each other. I had spent a long time imagining what it would be like to be with someone, but never before did I think it would be as wonderful as it actually is. When we finally became a couple, I found a level of love that wasn't allowed to me before."

"This love that I feel for you… it's endless, Haruna. When I look deep down into it, I can see no bottom. All I see is you, and me, and our life together, for as long as it will possibly go. Back when we were kids, we wanted to be friends forever. Now, I want you to be my partner, forever."

"Haruna, this is my vow to you. I promise I will never, ever let you go. The love I have for you simply will not allow it. It will continue, on and on and on, never burning out. You'll always be able to feel it. When we hold hands, when we hug, when we kiss, in all instances, you'll be able to feel this love, because I'll convey it to you every chance I have. Because I love you, Haruna, with all of my heart and soul."

"Well said, both of you," Sara said. "And now, the declaration of intent."

"Do you, Haruna, take Kanako to be your wife? To have and to hold, in sickness and in health, in good times and bad, for richer or poorer, keeping yourself unto her for as long as you both shall live?"

"I do."

"And do you, Kanako, take Haruna to be your wife? To have and to hold, in sickness and in health, in good times and bad, for richer or poorer, keeping yourself unto her for as long as you both shall live?"

"I do."

"Wonderful. Now, if the ring bearers could present the rings," Sara said. At the call, Chiyo and Michi each presented a ring, handing them to Haruna and Kanako.

"Haruna, Kanako," Sara said. "These rings, from this day on, take on more meaning than just being a simple piece of jewelry. They are symbols, both of your love, and your eternal connection to one another through this bond of marriage, as well as reminders. Through the good times and the bad, no matter the challenge or circumstance, I hope that you'll be able to look at these rings you will wear and find comfort and solace in them, knowing this connection you've now gained is there for the love and support you need."

"Haruna."

"Yes."

"Please place the ring onto Kanako's ring finger, then repeat after me."

Gently, Haruna did as instructed, sliding the golden band over Kanako's gloved hand.

"I give you this ring."

"To serve as a symbol of my love."

"And as a promise."

"To love you now and forever."

Then Sara turned to Kanako.

"Kanako."

"Yes."

"Please place the ring onto Haruna's ring finger, then repeat after me."

Just as Haruna had, Kanako put the ring onto Haruna's finger, smiling as she did so.

"I give you this ring."

"To serve as a symbol of my love."

"And as a promise."

"To love you now and forever."

Once the rings were exchanged, Sara continued. "You gathered these people here today to serve as your witnesses, and now you have confirmed your bond of marriage before them. So, by the power and authority vested in me by the… uh… well, a lot of places, actually, I now pronounce you wife and wife! You may kiss your respective bride!"

And as told to do so, Haruna and Kanako came toward one another and kissed, eliciting a lot of cheers from the crowd.

*****

What followed the ceremony was the reception, a party that proved to be quite lively in no small part thanks to Chiyo. There was plenty of fun to be had, but after some time, an event many were looking forward to finally came around. Making an announcement, Kanako gathered as many other women as she could behind her as she prepared to toss her bouquet.

"C'mon, Mi-chan, get in there!" Chiyo pushed. "I-I don't want to!" Michi cried. "Do you see all of those other girls in heels?! They'll crush me when they all rush for the flowers!" "Do it for me?" Chiyo asked with puppy eyes, causing Michi to wince, then sigh. "Ugh, fine! But if I get hurt, you better take care of me!" "I'll be your own very. Special. Nurse," the gal whispered in Michi's ear, causing the girl to blush.

Fortunately for her, the toss was about to happen, so Michi ran off and worked her way into the crowd. "Okay, is everyone ready?" Kanako asked as she looked behind her. In response, she got a collective bunch of excited squeals. "Alright, here goes. Three, two, one!"

Launching the bouquet into the air, several women immediately went after it. However, as they all did so, their chaotic actions proved to be their downfall, as the bouquet simply bounced off all their hands as they tried to catch it. As the flowers sailed through the air, another girl or two made an effort, but to no avail. One even dove after it, and even still, it hit off her arm as well.

The impact was just enough for one more little bounce. Enough to be just high enough for someone rather short to catch it. Reaching down as the bouquet flew toward her, Michi's hands were able to grasp it just before it hit the ground.

"Who caught it?" Kanako asked excitedly. Looking all around, it took her a moment to find the winner. "M-Mi-chan?!" she exclaimed. "Congratulations!" "T-Thanks…" Michi said uncertainly. Turning, she spotted Chiyo, who had a huge smile on her face as she quickly came over to her.

"Look at that!" the gal said. "Guess we're next, huh?" "T-That's just superstition," Michi muttered as she stared down at the flowers in her hands. Although, it being the situation it was, she had to admit the same thought had crossed her mind as well.

*****

As the festivities began to wind down, it was time to say goodbye to the newly-married couple. Standing just outside of the main doors of the venue, Haruna and Kanako held hands as they faced the remaining crowd that had gathered.

"First, thank you all so much for coming," Kanako said with a bow. "Haruna and I both were so happy to see so many of our friends and families here today. Second, we'd like to remind anyone who drove here that ride services are available free of charge, so if you've been drinking, we'd appreciate it if you made use of those services."

Then, Haruna spoke. "Lastly, we'd like to thank all of you for your support. While some of you were more involved than others, this day would've never happened without all of you pushing us forward. From now and into the future, we'll do our best to honor that belief in us by living the best life we can together."

Looking at Kanako, Haruna smiled. "Are you ready?" she asked her. "I can't wait to see what will come next for us," Kanako said back. Turning back to the crowd, the two of them bowed, eliciting another round of applause, then got into the car waiting for them.

Four years ago, they began this journey as Haruna Endo and Kanako Nakatomi, two childhood friends who had lost their special friendship.

Now, they leave together as Haruna Endo and Kanako Endo, two girls now wives to each other, heading into their next chapter.

The End.

Author's Note: Be sure to read the afterword for some important announcements!

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