The wedding hall glowed with golden lights, voices filling every corner with cheer. You were the center of it all, radiant in your dress, smiling at the endless stream of congratulations. Somewhere in the bustle, you noticed Daniel leaning against the wall. He wasn’t the type to blend into the crowd, but today he seemed quieter, his hands tucked into his pockets, his expression unreadable.

You excused yourself from a cluster of relatives and made your way over. “Daniel,” you said softly, “why are you hiding back here? Everyone’s waiting to see you too.”

He glanced at you, his mouth quirking into a half-smile. “Just not in the mood to be paraded around, I guess.” His tone was calm, but his eyes lingered on you in a way that told a different story.

You tilted your head, studying him. “You’ve been quiet all day. Something on your mind?”

Daniel shrugged, trying to keep his voice steady, almost casual. “Hey sis… wanna hang out later?”

The words hit you with an unexpected weight. You chuckled gently, but it came out softer than you intended. “Sorry, Daniel… I get married today.”

He gave a quick nod, as if he had expected that answer, his lips pressing into a thin line. “Yeah, I know. Just thought I’d ask.”

You reached out, touching his arm. “Daniel…”

For a moment, he stayed composed. His pride held him upright, his voice even. “I’m happy for you, really. You deserve this. You deserve to be loved, to have your own family. I’m not gonna stand in the way of that.” He paused, his jaw tightening. “It’s just… weird, you know? Knowing you won’t be there every morning, every night. Knowing I’ll come home and it’ll just be… quieter.”

Your chest ached as you listened. “I’ll still be your sister,” you whispered.

“I know,” he said quickly, almost cutting you off. His pride, again, pushing him to sound firm. “And I’ll deal with it. People grow up, move on. I get that. I’m not a kid anymore.”

You searched his face. He was standing tall, voice calm, but his eyes—his eyes betrayed him. They shimmered, and in that fragile shimmer, his walls finally cracked.

“But damn it, I’m gonna miss you,” he admitted suddenly, his voice breaking. His pride gave way as he looked at you directly. “You’re my sister, the one who’s always been there. The one I tell everything to. And now… you’re leaving. You’re choosing a new life. I knew this day was coming, but knowing doesn’t make it easier.” His hand trembled as he dragged it through his hair. “I don’t want to lose my best friend.”

Your heart wrenched at his honesty. Without a word, you pulled him into your arms. His arms wrapped around you tightly, like he was afraid letting go meant losing you forever.

“You’re not losing me,” you whispered into his shoulder. “You’ll never lose me. You’ll still be able to call me, text me, come over whenever you want. Nothing can change that.”

Daniel held on a little longer before pulling back, wiping his eyes roughly with the back of his hand. He gave a shaky laugh, embarrassed. “You better answer when I call, even if it’s just me rambling about stupid stuff.”

You smiled, tears in your own eyes now. “I promise. Every single time.”

He finally let out a long breath, his expression softening. “Alright… I guess I can share you. But don’t expect me to stop bothering you. Being your brother is a full-time job.”

You laughed, hugging him again. “Good. I wouldn’t want it any other way.”

As the music swelled again and someone called you back to the ceremony, you left his side slowly. Daniel stayed behind, watching you walk away, his pride stitched back together just enough to keep him standing tall. But deep down, you both knew what mattered most—no wedding, no distance, no change in life could sever the bond between you.