The Groom Chooses The Maid Of Honour

The next morning, Sakura stepped onto the grounds of Historia University, feeling a wave of nostalgia mixed with nervousness. The campus felt familiar, like an old friend welcoming her back—but it was also different now. The buildings with their sandy-coloured walls seemed timeless, elegant, and welcoming.

It was one of the most prestigious universities in the world, and it had always been a place full of memories for her. But now, stepping back into it, Sakura felt the weight of being back in time, unsure of how to act or what to do.

She adjusted her bag, trying to focus as she walked past students chatting and rushing to class. Her heart raced—this time, she wasn't just a college student, but someone who had already lived through this chapter of her life, and she needed to figure out how to make it all work.

Turning a corner near the library, she was so distracted by her thoughts that she didn't notice the person heading her way until they collided.

"Ah!" Sakura exclaimed, stumbling slightly as her books tumbled to the ground.

"I'm so sorry!" a deep, warm voice said.

She looked up, in recognition of that voice as her gaze met the boy in front of her. Dark, slightly messy hair framed his face, and his kind gray eyes locked on hers with an intensity that made her heart skip a beat.

Haru.

"It's okay," she managed to say, her voice barely above a whisper, as they both knelt to gather her things.

Their hands brushed against each other, and Sakura felt a strange jolt, like the universe itself had paused for just a moment.

"I should've been paying more attention," he said, handing her a notebook. His sheepish smile only added to his charm. "Are you alright?"

Sakura nodded, her words catching in her throat. "I'm fine. Really."

"I'm Haru," he said, standing and offering her a hand.

"Sakura," she replied, taking it. His grip was warm, his touch lingering just long enough to send a shiver through her.

"Nice to meet you, Sakura," Haru said, his voice soft yet unforgettable.

She nodded again, unsure of what else to say, her heart still racing as he turned to leave. "Hopefully, I'll see you around?"

"Yeah," Sakura murmured, remembering the kisses they shared on that stormy night.

Sakura stood there for a beat longer than necessary, watching him leave. It felt familiar. A flashback of when he left her that night appeared. Then, realisation struck like lightening.

"I wish you'd told me the truth, Sakura. Even once. Maybe then... none of this would've happened.' Haru's voice repeated in her mind."

"I wish I never helped you, Mia. I wish I could go back and fix everything. I wish I had a second chance." She recalled saying to herself.

The wishes that she and Haru said that night.

The wish she made at 11:11.

This was her chance to fix everything that happened in the future. This was her second chance.