Chapter Text
Multiple weeks have passed since Taichi and Mio went shopping and are now on their way to the wedding. Emi was dropping them off at the venue and also trying to help Taichi relax. His mind kept playing out different situations on the reunion. Emi kept trying to talk to him to distract him, but it barely worked. She eventually gave up after a while.
Taichi wouldn’t say he was nervous. Sure he’d constantly wonder how Kenjirou would react to him and Mio showing up –how everyone would react to them– but that would make him nervous, would it? He had cut off all of his friends and barely even interacted with his family because of how close they were to Kenjirou. He’s only talked with his sister to help with money, but he’s never told her his location nor what happened between them, she just knew he was struggling. Taichi focuses his gaze outside and dreads going to the wedding more as they get closer.
Then, he feels a small hand tapping his shoulder and he turns around to Mio in the back seat, eyes filled with worry.
“Papa, are you worried? Otou-san isn’t a bad guy, right?”
“No, it’s just… I don’t know how he’ll react. He doesn’t even know about you, and I don’t know how he feels with children.” Taichi looks up in front and sees the venue in the distance and sinks in his seat with a huff. He looks at his lap before sitting back up, smoothing his suit over with another huff, and whispers, “Not backing out of this though.”
They stay in silence the rest of the drive to the receptionist building. They get to the front of the building and the two get out of the car, Taichi smoothing Mio’s dress down. Taichi looks up to say bye to Emi but pauses when he sees her staring at him intently from the driver seat.
“You know your friends want you here, right? Afterall, they wouldn’t have had people send you an invitation and say that he’d want you to be his best man.” They shift away from him in their seat and put the car into reverse. “You guys stay safe and I won't be able to pick you up afterwards so make sure to find a place, maybe with one of them. Anyways, I’m off.” She gives a smirk and a salute as Mio waves with a “Bye Oba-chan”.
“...Bye, Emi-san.”
“How many times do I have to tell you to not be so formal?”
“Bye Emi, and thank you,” he says with a huff and a nod.
With that, the car drives off as they start walking to the door of the building. They get to the door and Taichi pauses before opening them and looking around the room.
There’s not many people in the lobby except the receptionist and two other people, one with a black bowl cut and taller build, the other with a brown undercut and shorter but equally muscular body, fussing over a table covered in wrapping papers, boxes, and gift bags. The two people turn at the sound of someone coming in and their faces brighten in recognition. They both rush out of their seats and stop just before they run into the two blondes.
“You’re actually here,” Hayato exclaims while shaking Taichi back and forth. “I mean, I expected you to come since you were talking to me and asking for information on the wedding, but it’s surreal to actually see you here.” He finally hugs him hard, practically squeezing the air out of Taichi.
While Hayato and Taichi were talking, Tsutomu was staring back at Mio standing back and blurted out, ”Who’s the kid?” They stop talking to look at her and Taichi tries to keep his typical demeanor.
“This is my daughter, Mio. She wanted to meet you guys.” He turns around as she nods her head in agreement with a soft smile. Both Hayato and Tsutomu bend toward her with matching stars in their eyes. Mio shakes the hands offered to her gently, both of the men in awe of her small size. Hayato stands up after waving to go toward Taichi while Tsutomu talks to Mio.
“While it’s nice to see you again, you should probably look for Kenjirou.” He talks over his shoulder to lead the way, “I can show you to him if you want and then we can catch up.” Taichi nods then turns to Mio to see her enjoying her conversation with Tsutomu and hesitates. Tsutomu then stands up and holds his hand out to her. They both face Taichi and they make their way to Kenjirou’s room. There was idle chatting on the walk, but the closer they got to the room, the more Taichi’s previous thoughts became more prevalent. He was only left to take a deep breath as they stepped up to Kenjirou’s door.