9 9 WEDDING INVITATION

Renji's car kept going. Passing through the busy streets but looks like an illusion game. Everything around was blurry. The sound of the world's frenzy was distorted like the ringing of moths under a lamp.

Renji glanced at the paper placed inside the dashboard. Ginnan might not have noticed those details while here, but it was a bit tucked away.

A wedding invitation. The decoration is daisies in the corner and surrounds two names in sparkling letters.

Hera & Jean

Married on May 23, 2k18

RSVP ... ... ...

Renji Isamu's name was typed neatly at the destination of the invitation. There Renji with the title only brother. Like, three months ago his name was still a dream with Jean in the middle of a rose. But two days later, the enchanting girl was already in someone else's possession.

"You can come," Jean said a week ago. When giving the invitation, the figure is not alone. Beside her stood Hera who looked like ice. Her white dyed hair reinforces that impression. "And there's no need to give gifts either. I just want to keep it appreciative."

Renji accepted the invitation but left it hanging by the side of the body. One hand goes into his trouser pocket and hides the emotion that is starting to come out.

If Hera was a boy, Renji would have punched him in the face. But not. Whatever the situation, Renji wasn't the type to indulge in anger.

"Thank you," Renji said. Still standing as strong as a steel wall and no less tough than Hera.

They deal and leak to each other. "You don't have to worry."

"Oh okay," said Jean.

"..."

Jean turned to Hera and caught a glimpse. "But I ask one more thing," she said. Then back to focus on Renji. "From today onwards, we don't need to be in touch. Meet face-to-face, or just by phone. It would be better without the contact like before."

Renji flinched, but he only replied "Hm..." before Jean hugged him slowly.

"Goodbye, Ren," said Jean. "Hopefully you find my successor soon. And she understands everything better."

"Hmm..."

They separated at that time. Hera herself wrapped her arms around Jean going to her car with a glance at Renji before leaving. And both will hold a sacred procession in San Francisco outdoors.

Since the beginning of Jean's life is different from Renji's. As a child, maybe they were of the same nationality, but she only met him during college. Their naive life with a long journey of random relationships with no direction. And when Renji thought deep, maybe Jean had thought it was the only game so far.

"Welcome, sir..." a woman greeted when she saw Renji enter her shop. He glanced quietly at the black Audi parked next to the sidewalk. Very shiny, just like the owner though a bit messy. "Would you like to give someone a present?" he asked.

Renji just passed her. The man glanced around. Which is full of knick-knacks of an event. Starting from dolls, flower bouquets, glittering dresses, accessories, box cakes, and many others.

"Choose a doll," Renji said. Then turned to the woman. "The best is yours and as much as you can."

"Eh?" confused the woman. "That much... about how much, sir?" She asked anxiously. She honestly never thought a man like Renji would say such things. "I mean, if it will be given at a certain event, maybe I can choose according to the theme."

"No need," Renji said. "Just choose as many as you can. Like I said."

The woman's brow furrowed. "Are you sure?"

Renji approached the spot flowers. "And flowers too," he touched one of the lilies and stroked its petals gently. "Get some flowers of different colors. We'll find all my places later."

"Oh... well," the woman approached Renji with a note and pen carried by hand. "Then may I write down your address and telephone number, sir?"

"Yes."

Renji mentioned all of that before leaving. Meanwhile, the woman read the address she wrote down several times before realizing the important thing. "Jesus. Is he the writer my niece told me about?" She muttered softly. "I think I saw that face somewhere… but, dolls and flowers? What do you want to do with this much?"

Coming home, Renji took off his scarf and jacket carelessly. The objects were lying on the floor after taking off two shoes. He massaged his forehead and plopped down on his stomach carelessly on the long sofa.

"Ren?"

Haru's voice.

"Ren, are you home yet?" asked Haru. The man approached while picking up his things.

"Don't come any closer," Renji said. "I just want to sleep."

Haru was silent next to Renji and didn't touch the shoulder.

"You smell like alcohol..." he said worriedly. "So you went to the bar?"

"Hmm..."

Haru wanted to know which bar was at, but that was no longer important.

"It's 11 in the morning," Haru said. "Have you had breakfast?"

"Tsk. Just don't bother me," Renji whined. He waved a hand at Haru. "I'll eat wake up later."

Haru shook his head. "No later," he said as he walked to the bathroom. He put the things in the sink. "Anyway I prepared and you should have breakfast now."

Renji didn't answer. And while removing the bowls onto the tray, Haru turned to the man glumly. Because the more days, the more no longer listen to it. In the past, their interactions were never this bad.

"Ren, you know... next week there will be a big meeting for your project," Haru said. He placed the tray on the table and an empty spot next to Renji's head. "You and Yuki—"

"Bitch," Renji interrupted. He hissed and opened his eyes furiously. "Don't say her name in front of me."

Haru is confused. "But the two of you will work together in the future."

"Fuck."

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NB: I recommend reading the author's notes for each chapter as well. Because there are things that are quite important to know.