Chapter 3 (Last Chapter):
There was a two man sitting, facing each other having a shogi board stand between them. The game has started 5 hours and 55 minutes ago which leaves the two players only 5 minutes left to finish the game.
"Damn," Shukichi thought to himself as he intensively stares at the board, "I'm taking the lead but I must not let my guard down. I'm fighting the man who beat me two years ago, after all."
He lifts his head trying to read the current seven crowns title holder but it was no use. He was so good at doing poker face.
"For you Yumi-tan, I must win this!"
And so the two players fighting for the 7th crown played until the time have ran out.
Shukichi couldn't believe what is now happening in front of him. The crowd was clapping their hands and was cheering loudly. A hand touched his shoulder that made Shukichi gasp.
"It was a close game," said his opponent, "I must admit, you gave me a really hard time."
Shukichi stood up and offered his hand to the newly 6 crown title holder.
"It was a nice game. Thank you."
The other man smiled and shook his hand.
"I'm happy to be able to be beaten by you. Congratulations 7 crowns Taiko Meijin."
"Congratulations Taiko Meijin!" cheered Shukichi's companion as they celebrate his victory party. He blushed by the sudden pour of praises he receives from everyone.
"Thank you very much to everyone who stood beside me through thick and thin," Shukichi started, "Two years ago, I won the 7crowns but was beaten by the former 7 crown Meijin. It was a huge shock for me and I thought everything was over. I thought my dream of being with her was over but it was actually just a new beginning."
Shukichi's eyes wandered the hall until he finally saw her looking at him; smiling at him with proud eyes. He smiled to himself as he walked down the aisle, walking towards the woman of his dream and when he finally reached her, Shukichi didn't hesitate to take her right hand and kneel in front of her.
Yumi stopped breathing, knowing what Shukichi will do with so many people around but his eyes were so determined not letting a single hesitation to be seen at his eyes
"Yumi Miyamoto-sama," Shukichi smiled to her as he took a small box from the pocket of his Kimono not breaking his gaze from her, "You had always been the reason why I was so determined to win. Whenever I wanted to give up, you were always there to remind me that everything will be truly worth it if I only work hard and now I can see the price of those hard works! And now that I've regained my seventh crown, Yumi-tan…"
Yumi braced herself, ready to hear Shukichi's word.
"Will you marry me?"
The crowd became silent as if waiting for her answer.
"I, Yumi Miyamoto-sama," she swallowed as her eyes starts to water by his proposal, "am going to marry you Shukichi 'Taiko Meijin' Haneda!"
And with those words leaving her mouth, the crowd cheered loudly and congratulations filled the whole room but the both of them couldn't hear a single sound no matter how loud the people were. It is as if the world became mute and there was only the two of them, staring at each other's eyes with happiness and love.
"I love you Chuukichi."
"I love you more soon-to-be- ."
And their love was sealed with a kiss.