His heart stops.
The three words that he wanted to hear for years, the words that ended the one-sided love, the words that...
She cautiously looks up, gripping the nostalgic cup and was blushing furiously- He wasn't in the place to say anything though, his face was probably red too. The word resonates through his mind as his face turns from confusion to shock as he promptly turns his head towards the girl for confirmation. The firm look on her face assures he hasn't heard wrong. He was beyond happy, no doubt, and he did not regret neglecting the bullet train one bit.
All those years of talking through the cup, it never occurred to him that it looked childish and whatnot. Her gentle voice washed away all his worries, and he treasured all the talks they've had. No, he treasured her as a whole. The only thing that had disheartened him was how his childhood friend never showed any signs of affection. The love that harbored from their deep bond since kids, bloomed further when she approached him in that uniform, the cherry blossoms dancing beside her. She looked breathtaking, despite the simple uniform.
He can't complain about anything right now, as the awkward silence beckons them. He looks to the side, unsure of what to do, but the flashbacks of the past fills his mind. He stiffens at the scene where the first time she informs him she's walking with her friends, but the memories... he was glad to be part of hers, even if it was just a fraction.
Filled with emotions that cannot be expressed into words, he steadily takes a step towards her as she flinches, looking left and right. He stops for another second, before dashing towards her and envelopes her in an embrace. She stiffens at the sudden contact but soon the crystalline tears streak down her face, and hugs him back, clutching on his shirt desperately.
"M...Mochizou!"