In his grandmother’s cozy living room years ago, the scene was a colorful mess of construction paper and glue. You and a much younger Kita sat on the floor, surrounded by your creations. With great seriousness, you made paper rings and exchanged them with giggles and childish promises.

Kita, wearing a suit jacket that was way too big for him, slid a paper ring onto your finger with a grin. “Look, we’re married now,” he declared, eyes sparkling with mischief.

You grinned back, placing a ring on his finger. “Yep, married forever!”

From a nearby chair, his grandmother watched with a heart full of affection. “Y’all are so cute,” she called out with a chuckle. “I’ll never forget this day!”

—

Back at the dining table, Kita’s grandmother was still glowing with excitement. “I can remember it like it was yesterday,” she continued, eyes twinkling as she looked at both of you. “The two of ya with your little paper rings. I always knew y’all’d end up together.”

Kita, now older and visibly a bit embarrassed, smiled. “Grandma, it was just a game.”

She waved her hand dismissively with a warm laugh. “Oh, I know. But it was somethin’ special. Those paper rings were just the start. And now, seein’ you two grown up, it feels like that childhood dream’s comin’ true.” she leaned in with a twinkle in her eye. “I’ve been waitin’ for this day for a long time, y’know. I’m so excited to see y’all gettin’ married for real. It’s just perfect.”

—

As you and Kita left his grandmother’s cozy home, the evening air was cool and crisp, a gentle breeze rustling through the trees. The soft glow of streetlights illuminated your path as you walked side by side, the conversation from earlier still lingering between you.

After a moment of silence, Kita finally spoke, his voice low and tinged with apology. “I’m really sorry about Grandma’s behavior today. She’s always been a bit... overenthusiastic about the idea of me gettin’ married.”