The stars from the wedding night were still fresh in their memories as Yuto and Noa boarded the sleek white carriage that would take them to the port.
They were heading for a small, beautiful island — a hidden paradise that Mr. Kanzaki had secretly arranged for them as a wedding gift.
Noa leaned against Yuto, her fingers intertwined with his.
"I can't believe we're really married," she whispered, a dreamy smile on her lips.
Yuto squeezed her hand.
"Neither can I. But now I get to call you my wife forever."
Noa giggled, her cheeks flushing pink.
The carriage ride through the countryside was peaceful. Fields of golden wheat swayed gently in the breeze, and colorful wildflowers painted the hillsides.
Occasionally, villagers waved at the newlyweds, showering them with blessings.
At the port, a small, elegant ship awaited them.
The captain — an old friend of Mr. Kanzaki's — welcomed them aboard with a warm grin.
The voyage was short but beautiful. The sea sparkled under the bright sun, and seagulls danced in the sky.
Yuto and Noa stood at the bow, the wind in their hair, feeling like they were sailing straight into their future.
When the island came into view, they gasped.
It was breathtaking.
White beaches stretched endlessly, lush forests crowned the hills, and a waterfall sparkled like silver from a distant cliff.
"This is like something out of a dream," Noa whispered.
"No," Yuto said, pulling her close. "This is our dream."
The island villa was perched on a cliff, offering a perfect view of the ocean.
It was cozy but elegant — a place built for peace and romance.
Inside, the walls were decorated with soft, calming colors. The bed was covered in petals, and a bottle of sparkling cider waited for them on a nearby table.
Noa twirled around the room, her dress floating like a cloud.
"I feel like a queen," she laughed.
"You are my queen," Yuto said, lifting her into his arms.
Noa squealed and wrapped her arms around his neck.
Their first night in the villa was full of laughter, whispered secrets, and soft kisses.
They fell asleep wrapped around each other, the sound of the waves singing them to sleep.
The next few days were pure magic.
They explored the island together, hand in hand, discovering hidden caves, secret beaches, and wild gardens where rare, colorful flowers bloomed.
Noa loved swimming in the crystal-clear lagoons, her laughter echoing against the cliffs.
Yuto loved watching her — how free, how beautiful, how alive she looked.
One afternoon, they hiked to the waterfall they had seen from the ship.
The climb was steep, and halfway up, Noa slipped.
Yuto caught her instantly, holding her tightly against his chest.
"Careful," he said, his voice low and serious. "I can't lose you."
Noa looked up at him, her eyes shining.
"You never will."
They made it to the top, breathless and exhilarated.
The waterfall roared down into a deep, shimmering pool, and a rainbow arched across the spray.
Noa and Yuto stood at the edge, feeling the mist on their faces, feeling alive.
Suddenly, Noa turned and kissed Yuto, fierce and full of joy.
"I love you," she said against his lips.
"I love you more," Yuto whispered back.
They laughed and jumped into the pool, splashing and shouting like children, making memories that would live forever in their hearts.
One evening, as the sun set in a blaze of gold and crimson, Yuto and Noa sat on the beach, wrapped in a single blanket.
Yuto drew patterns in the sand with his fingers.
"Noa," he said softly, "do you ever wonder what's next for us?"
Noa leaned her head on his shoulder.
"Wherever we go," she said, "as long as we're together, that's enough."
Yuto smiled, but a thought had been weighing on his mind — a dream he hadn't dared to speak aloud until now.
"I… I want to build a new life with you," he said. "Maybe a small home by a river. Maybe a family someday."
Noa's heart skipped.
"I want that too," she said, her voice thick with emotion. "More than anything."
They watched the waves roll in, their dreams merging with the endless ocean.
The honeymoon days slipped by like golden sand through their fingers.
Before they knew it, it was time to leave the island.
As they sailed back to the mainland, Noa stood at the railing, her hair whipping around her face.
"I don't want this to end," she said quietly.
Yuto came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist.
"It's not ending," he said. "It's just beginning."
Noa turned in his arms and kissed him deeply, tasting the salt of the sea and the sweetness of their love.
Together, they faced the horizon, ready to build a future more beautiful than any paradise.