I love how no one questioned the fact that I left out the grooms name in the last chapter, guess the feels were too distracting eh?

Anyway I thank you for your patience with me, I currently am dealing with problems, mostly family and personal stuff, but everything will be okay.

A lot has happened this year, good and bad, and it's crazy to see it nearly end. Hopefully I'll get my act together. Again, thank you my wonderful readers, even those ghost readers out there. Yes, I can see the reads. ^^ And every read, vote and comment means a lot. Kind of why I continue to see this story till the end. Enough blabber, here's the new chapter.

•••

(Shino Asada)

It's hard to believe a friend of mine is getting married, but overwhelmed with joy to hear the groom was a decent man.

"And his eyes are just like honey, so sweet," Asuna rambled. I haven't met the groom yet, its been a week since she met him.

Asuna looked lovely in her gown as she was gushing about the husband to be.

Her hair was curled at the ends, her veil complimented her dress well.

"You sound smitten," I smirked teasingly. She blushed and pouted, she wore no make up, not like she needed to, her bare face was beautiful.

"Isn't that a good thing?" She asked with a pout, crossing her arms.

"Of course it is, it's wonderful," I reassured her. She stared at the mirror and I walked up beside her.

"Thanks Shino, for keeping me company," Asuna has a nervous smile, which was understandable.

"It's fine, I can understand how nervous you must be," I smiled at her reflection and she nodded.

"Don't get me wrong, Akio is a great guy, we become fast friends, but wow, marriage," Asuna paused at that word. She seems unsure.

"Think of it this way, marriage is when you find your partner, your friend. Isn't that what a husband is, a best friend? If you two make good friends," I took a friendly hold of her shaking hand, "then who's not to say he won't make a good husband?"

She seemed to calm down by my words.

"You're right, you always know what to say, don't you?" She grinned. I smiled back, and for a moment we just stared at one another, without saying a word.

"You've been a great friend, you know that right?" Asuna said with a slanted smile.

"To me and to Kazuto, you just being here is a gift in itself Shino, because of you I think I have the courage to walk down that aisle now, no regrets,"

"Asuna," I was kind of shocked, I wasn't expecting her to say something like that, on her big day.

"Take care of him, will you?" Asuna giggled.

"Of course," I smiled, fighting the urge to giggle. I take care of him? It's the other way around really.

"I don't know why I even asked, I know you will, you two always took good care of each other,"

It's as if she read my mind.

"Asuna," we heard Suguha's voice at the door behind us. We turn our heads to see her peek her head in with a gentle grin.

"It's time,"

•••

(Kazuto Kirigaya)

I was standing next to Akio as his best man, which took me at shock when he first asked me.

"Be my best man, Kazuto, please," Akio's honey brown eyes looked pleadingly at me.

"Me?" I stammered.

"I don't want it any other way, I beg of you," he spoke as he took hold of my shoulders. I had a blush on my face to how close he was, I'm not used to my personal space being invaded by a guy before. Except Tsuboi anyway.

"I'm Asuna's ex, you know that, right?" I asked in confusion, why would he want his to be bride's ex as his best man.

"Because, you mean a lot to Asuna," he murmured. I frowned.

"You're her greatest friend. You're important to her, any good friend of hers is a friend of mine," he smiled a bit sadly.

"We hardly know each other," I paused. His nervous smile seemed desperate.

"You don't have anyone to fill as your best man, do you?" I raised a brow and crossed my arms. He chuckled as a sweat drop rolled down his cheek.

"You see..." He nervously laughed. I glared at him before I gave in.

"I'll do it," I sighed, my mouth in a twist.

"Thank you," he bowed his head low. He seems like an alright guy. And to think I was flattered he'd pick me as his best man. Pfft.

"No problem," I chuckled as he looked up at me with a surprised expression. I smiled at him before he returned the smile back. He stood tall and extended his hand towards me.

"I owe you," he responded with a serious tone. I looked down at his hand and shook my head.

"I'm just doing what I should be doing, all I ask of you is to treat Asuna as she deserves to be treated," I responded. He lowered his hand and nodded in response.

Looking at him now, I know, he'll take care of her.

The music began to play and I saw his figure slightly jump. I chuckled to myself with a wry smile.

The door had opened, and a slim woman in a snow white dress with a veil flowing over her face appeared. Asuna.

And right behind her was Shino, helping her lift the train of her dress. Asuna was beautiful, not that I could see her face, but my eyes were glued on Shino.

"Wow," Akio muttered with his cheeks red with infatuated fire.

"We're lucky, Akio," I placed a hand on his shoulder. He looked back at me and nodded before he turned his attention back to Asuna, walking flawlessly down the carpet, leading to the alter, as if she were gliding on ice, not one stumble.

She reached the alter, with Shino behind her along with Suguha and as maids of honor. Akio took her hand and helped her step up, as she shyly took it, and held it for a moment.

Akio faced Asuna's covered face with the same expression I'd give Shino. I know things will be okay.

As the wedding had started, I couldn't help but pay more attention to Shino than the words being spoken.

I can invision her clothes in white, a thin veil covering her flushed face. Lifting the veil as I plant my lips on hers.

Before I knew it, I heard the words I do, as Akio lifted the veil, and slowly leaned in before Asuna met his lips halfway.

I smiled, because I saw how Shino looked at awe at the two before gazing back at me. She seemed to be in a dreamstate. It's as if, she's invisioning the same thing I am.

I don't know what the future holds, but one things for certain, I won't live in a future that is void of her presence.

Her shy smile she flashes towards me as I was thinking was like her agreeing with my very thought.

•••

Forgive me for the images, I pasted them on their quickly so I know there's bound to be some obvious mistakes.

Here is my early Christmas present from me to you. Which is also a very overdue chapter, forgive me.

Whether you celebrate Christmas or not, let me wish you the greatest wishes this December 25th. (Uh, it's the 25th... Right?)

May your smile shine bright, and your heart be full, I wish thee the greatest of holidays. \^^/

Also, save net neutrality, consider it my Christmas present. Its one of my greatest wishes. >^<

Anyway, thank you for even bothering to read this anymore, and thank you person that read up to this point. 👇

(I'd appreciate the very few who are reading this to let the rest know this book is not dead. XD Yet. It will be once the last chapter will be released. X3)

Merry (early) Christmas.

Until next time,

InGameProdigy. ✨💙