Today was a special day for Ashiya Mizuki. Her boyfriend, Sano Izumi, was going to graduate from UC Berkeley. Mizuki smiled when she remembered what Izumi had said during Sekime's wedding two years ago. She wasn't really worried about their future. Although their families aren't well-off, Mizuki was sure that Izumi would be able to care for them, and their kids, if any. As for herself, she was already a certified dog trainer, often helping out her father with problematic canines in her spare time. She wondered how Yujiro had been; it was a long while since she last saw it...
"Oh dear," said the lady to herself when she saw her clock. It was time to go. At least, her mother was kind enough to drive her to the school.
On the trip to the campus, Ashiya Eiko stole glances at her daughter. She had to admit: She was angry at Mizuki from hiding such a big secret from them. Still, it's already been five years since Mizuki returned to the States, and four since Sano Izumi arrived. She and Takumi could see that the boy was serious about their daughter. Mizuki herself had blossomed into a beautiful young lady...
"Mom, please keep your eyes on the road. Although there aren't many cars around..." began Mizuki.
"I heard you, young lady. And oh, aren't I doing you a favour by driving you to UC?" Mizuki winced. She didn't like her mom whenever she gets into the mood of trading barbs, albeit light-hearted ones. Eiko decided to change the subject.
"So, Sano's graduating. You must be very happy." Mizuki nodded, with a little pride. Granted, his results were average, but his high jump career never waned. She lost count of the number of times where he had won, and where she had rooted for him...
"Mizuki, before you start to daydream, did you bring the invitation?" The younger lady's face turned pale. Grinning to herself, Eiko pointed to the glove compartment.
"Luckily for you, I have put the letter inside." Taking the piece of paper out, Mizuki heaved a sigh of relief.
"Seriously, if you're still so absent-minded, I can't imagine what would happen if you got married with Sano." Mizuki focused her gaze at her mother.
"Mom, does that mean that you have no objections?"
"It's just a matter of time now, isn't it? He's a good man, Mizuki. Hold on to him, tightly," advised Eiko. Mizuki then stared at the scenery outside. She didn't need her mother to remind her on that one...
At the entrance where the guests were supposed to gather, Izumi waited anxiously. He looked at his watch. If she doesn't come soon... He was already in his graduation gown.
"Sano!" The high jumper was relieved to hear that particular voice. Mizuki ran up to him, an apologetic look on her face.
"You're almost late," scolded Izumi in a mock serious tone.
"Sorry. But, I'm here, aren't I," said Mizuki with a slight pout. Some things just don't change, thought Izumi, as he led the lady inside. She was just in time.
Throughout the speeches and handing out of awards, Mizuki was in her own world. She didn't know any of Sano's other friends. Heck, she wasn't even sure if Sano did have other friends in UC. Around her, everyone was a stranger. But, they had something in common. Their friends and relatives were going to graduate today. Already, some were dabbing the corners of their eyes. Incredibly, Mizuki's eyelids began to close. She had a late night yesterday; Takumi had an emergency case which needed her assistance, and that was after her day at the trainer's. To make matters worse, the speeches were getting horribly boring...
As Izumi had his graduation hat placed on his head, he was never more proud of himself. After four years, he had finished his formal education, and was about to embark on the next phase of his life. But, while getting off the stage, he noticed that some members of the audience were gawking and pointing at a certain girl.
After the ceremony...
"Mizuki! Wake up!" The lady felt a hand shaking her. She opened her eyes. It was Izumi, still in his gown and hat. She took a look at her surroundings. Everyone, including the graduates, were giving her strange looks.
"What did I do," asked Mizuki, while rubbing her sleepy eyes.
"You fell asleep..." Izumi tried hard not to get worked up. As it turned out, falling asleep was the least of what she did.
"Not only that, you snored," added someone in the crowd. There were some murmuring going on as well.
"Luckily, it didn't drown out the speeches," mocked another member of the audience, Mizuki's face reddened. She actually did that? She got up and tried to run. She had embarrassed herself and Sano. But, Izumi grabbed hold of her hand firmly.
"Sano..." Izumi raised a finger to his lips. He then took off his graduation hat, and knelt on one knee. In a firm, audible voice, he asked one simple question.
"Ashiya Mizuki, will you marry me?" The question silenced the chattering.
"Come on! Is this a joke or what?" Izumi paid no heed to the taunt. He tried again.
"Would you, Ashiya Mizuki, take me, Sano Izumi, as your husband?"
Looking at the man she had always loved, and at the surrounding crowd, now holding their breaths as they realised that the guy was dead serious, there was only one answer. She nodded firmly. The silence continued, then...
"Way to go, kid!"
"Well, you had better be sure that she doesn't snore like that when you guys share the bed," came the wisecrack. The crowd roared with laughter.
"I'll keep that in mind," replied Izumi as he picked up his hat and handed it to Mizuki. The crowd began to chant,"A kiss to the bride! A kiss to the bride!" Happily, the couple obliged. Izumi then cradled his bride and walked towards the entrance, to the cheers and wolf-whistles of all behind them.
"In case you're wondering, I didn't do that simply because you made a fool out of yourself back there," said Izumi. Mizuki hung her head.
"Relax. Remember that promise I made two years ago? I intend to keep it."
"Thank you..." Izumi set the lady down on her feet, and placed his hands on her shoulders.
"This is a graduation my cohort will remember for a long time to come, and it was you who made it possible." Catching him by surprise, Mizuki planted her lips on his. After the hug and an impassionate kiss, she remembered something.
"I think we'll have to inform our parents."
"Of course. How about starting with your parents," suggested Izumi. Mizuki nodded. This time, like her transfer to Osaka High, her life was about to change forever...
Afterthoughts
-My apology to those who found it cheesy.
-Please RnR!