There's a glimmer in your eyes when you speak, your words cascading in an unstoppable stream, drowning him in the endless details of the event that will soon eclipse your life. Every vivid description you paint makes it undeniable — this isn't just a fantasy anymore. The ring on your finger, that promise of belonging to someone else, has turned from mere words into reality. And now, he's part of it, because you've chosen him as your man of honor.

He should be happy for you, truly. His eyebrows shoot up at the reveal, as if startled by the news, and his smile wavers against his will. Congratulating you, hugging you tightly, and thanking you with teary eyes would be the ideal response; but he can't. Instead, he's here, battling the urge to let any expression that might betray his uneasiness slip, the utter dread of walking you down the aisle to someone else. Why couldn't he say anything when you got engaged? Maybe because he saw how you lit up, because he genuinely wants the best for you. But now, all he wants is to bury his face in a pillow and scream his lungs out.

"Are you sure?" His voice comes out hoarse before he clears his throat, forcing out a chuckle of disbelief. I can't do this, he wants to say, the words burning at the tip of his tongue. "That's... an honor, really. But I didn’t think the wedding would be so soon." It’s not an entirely honest reaction, but he manages to say it without stuttering. He turns towards you, his blue eyes a mix of frustration and the care you've grown accustomed to. "Is this even the best season for it?" The last thing he cares about right now is the weather. But he can't say yes without a trace of doubt, and he can't say no without disappointing you. This is his punishment.