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The ceremony was beautiful. The shared silence as everyone watched, in awe, at Sophia walking down the aisle, was so emotionally charged at everyone’s collective care for the two girls. The vows were bewitching. Manon and Sophia’s wobbly voices filled the room as they both confessed their unwavering love toward eachother made everyone swoon. Kilig, as Sophia would call it. Right? Daniela couldn’t remember- the only thing she could remember was the excitement in her tone when talking in her native language. The arch, filled with roses- the one that the happy couple: Sophia and Manon stood under, completed the atmosphere.
Everyone shed tears. Including Daniela.
But she was crying for a different reason.
How much did she miss? How the hell did this happen?
Seeing Leon stand there would’ve hurt much less. She would’ve preferred it, actually.
But Manon? Her best friend?
“Damn! I think Daniela’s the most emotional out of all of us!” Megan snorted, her face streaked with tears- completely disarming her tease.
“Dude you’re way worse.” Lara wetly responded with a tiny sniffle and teary eyes.
The 4 of them made their way to the side of the hall as they allowed Sophia and Manon’s family to say their congratulations and take their photos.
After around 15 minutes of talking about the ceremony, and recalling their favourite parts of the vows, they turned to see the couple of the hour walking towards them. Hand in hand.
“YOU’RE MARRIED!” Lara shrieked, colliding with both of them and squeezing them tightly.
“Lara, if you get snot on my wedding dress I will KILL YOU!” Sophia shouted, cackling while trying to shove her off.
“I’M PLANNING TO FRAME THIS!”
“COME ON GUYS, GROUP HUG!” Manon called, grinning despite Sophia’s whining.
Glancing at each other, the rest of the group smirked before running into the couple at all angles.
“MANON!” Sophia screamed, giggling in spite of her previous complaints.
“Okay okay guys- piss off now, yeah? Happy wife, happy life.” Manon said, putting on her stupid British accent again.
Even regardless of her inner turmoil, Daniela couldn’t help but smile at the couple. They seemed perfect, no matter how much it hurt. These were still her friends, after all. It’s not their fault that she’s her own worst enemy.
Manon and Sophia kissed- earning a cheer from her friends, and for a moment, Daniela got transported back to the time where it was her on Sophia’s lips.
—
“I love you, my Dani. You’re my person. I love you so so much.” Sophia whispered, giving Daniela another gentle kiss.
And for some reason, no matter how much she wanted to believe it, she didn’t allow herself to indulge. She thought she’d just cause a disaster. Too much was at stake.
The group, their parents, Sophia’s reputation.
Why would Sophia want this?
It would only be so long until she saw how much of a mistake this was.
So she pushed her away. Even though she promised she wouldn’t.
It was for the better.
—
“I told y’all I’d get a girl someday.” Manon winked exaggeratedly.
“To be fair… we did crown her the one with the most rizz in that one dog interview.” Megan said thoughtfully, putting a finger to her chin in fake-thought.
“Hey! What about me?” Yoonchae pouted.
“Well, you were our baby Yoonchip! Also, we were calling you a klutz- But no boyfriend for you!” Sophia chuckled, pinching her cheek teasingly in endearment.
“Not even a skaterboy?” Lara questioned.
They all laughed, looking back at all the memories they shared together.
Daniela’s world felt muffled. She was drowning in a sea overwhelming guilt, regret, happiness, yearning, and everything in between.
No one knew. No one knew but her and Sophia- and maybe Manon if it was ever mentioned.
She was alone in this vast ocean of feelings- and there was nothing anyone, not even herself, could do.
—
“I swear that one day, I’ll marry you.” Sophia said, her eyes full of joy. Her smile gleaming.
‘But why?’ Daniela thought. She was just going to get in the way, like she always does. She wanted to believe the assurance from Sophia, there was nothing but love and truth in those eyes. How could she feel doubt- when the person with the prettiest smile and the most rambunctious, stupidly adorable laugh, would tell her all those things with a tone so full of hope?
Why wouldn’t she believe her?
—
While the others talked animatedly, Daniela wore her smile as best as she could.
Sitting in between Megan and Manon, she looked around the table, feeling a swirl of emotion deep within her chest. Then she landed on her.
Sophia looked beautiful. No, not just beautiful. Stunning? That won’t even begin to describe it.
Daniela was at a loss for words.
That could have been hers.
Then, their eyes locked.
And Sophia smiled.
There was nothing in her eyes aside from pure happiness. No regret, no sadness, no longing, not even hurt.
Sophia was truly happy.
And as Sophia turned back to Manon, staring at her with nothing but love and affection, Daniela couldn’t tell whether to feel heartbroken for herself, or overjoyed for her best friend.