Author's Note: The last chapter, I wouldn't say anything about it other then assuring any readers that they will have a happy ending!!! And be prepared for a very long author's note.
Once again, he stood underneath the sakura tree in front of her grave with a bunch of flowers. But the difference was that he was finally free of almost all of his regret and guilt.
Guilt would always be present but it was no longer dominating. He finally understood that this was not his fault. After many more talks with his family and Aizuki, as well as many late night ponderings without the help of a cigarette and or a bottle of wine nearby, he finally ceased to be guilty about Sakunoko and Aizuki's parents.
He would probably still see these images now and then, but he was able to put it behind him without sinking into the past once again.
There was also an ever more important realisation.
"Sakurako, I still love you but I also love Aizuki." He finally admitted out as he placed the flowers onto her grave, kneeling down at the same time. "I think you will understand that I do still love you even if I love her. I believe you will understand... I can only hope that you will understand because I cannot alter my feelings for her any more then I can stop loving you."
Closing his eyes he reached out to trace the familiar name, what he almost always did whenever he came here. He allowed himself to recollect about his past with her once more, starting from their very first meeting.
"I won't be thinking of you that much from now on because it will be too unfair for Aizuki. But believe me, I will continue treasuring each one of our memories- I will never forget any."
He would no longer spend that much time with her as another woman would occupy him more, and this was natural because they were in different worlds now. To continue only thinking of her was to ignore the world he was still in.
It was well into the middle of the raining night when he was finally ready to leave. But before he even stood up, he saw the sakura he brought for her disintegrated with the petals gently brushing across his face despite the hard drops of rain.
"Let me try and feel your face so I can remember every detail about you when you are not here."
This was a good enough sign to him, he was sure that this was her telling him that she understands, as well as being able to bear his absence.
Sunday was usually the day he slept in, even though he was no longer using it to recover from a hang over as he stopped his severe drinking. Hence he was slightly shocked by the alarm clock that woke him and he almost failed to recollect why he set the thing in the first place.
He had something very important that he had to do before he could tell Aizuki what he was sure...what he hoped that she wanted to hear. Contrary to what he initially believed, it was not just enough for him to say good bye to Sakurako.
But that was certainly a very important thing.
He picked up the precious photo of the two of them beside the ash tray and stared at it for a long time. Despite this frame being placed right beside the ash tray, it was still very tidy because he would carefully wipe it every time he stood up, as well as when he woke up and went to sleep.
"I know you understand." He whispered softly as he pulled open the first drawer in the near by cabin, revealing many other images of his past- some were photos that were carefully labelled at the back while others were news clipping that his proud parents had cut and send to him before the fall out, and there was even stuff like his reports from England.
Even though he has decided to do this, he still found his hand resting on the drawer instead of pushing it close.
Because this was not an easy thing to do.
"I know you understand." He repeated again as he finally pushed the drawer back. It was not as if he would ignore that photo forever, because he would still look at it often enough as well as dusting it, but that procedure would no longer be a ritual.
"I am ready to do the second part." He said firmly as he walked to the familiar route to the flower shop that he went to whenever he wanted to buy Sakurako any flowers. The florist was an old woman who had seen them before he even went to England all these years ago and since more then a decade has passed, she knew him quite well now.
"The usual?" she asked him professionally after her show of surprise at seeing him today as he just brought some flowers the day before.
"No, I...I am buying them for someone else." He said softly.
"Some one else?"
"Is that wrong?" he asked rather angrily, feeling that her tone was sharper then it should be.
"Of course not," she interrupted him very quickly, "I was just a bit astonished at this as I thought that you would mourn for her forever."
"Is this a bad thing then?" he said cynically as he placed the poppies onto the counter. He chose this flower because this was the flower that Aizuki seem to like the best.
"No." The florist said softly, carefully wrapping the flowers up, "I think it is probably a good thing because you almost look the way you did when you first came here.
"I still remember that day quite well, when I saw you two first enter my shop. I thought that you two were a rather loving couple and I hoped that you two would be able to remain together when I accidentally heard about how you would be leaving her for two years. I was actually quite happy when you did return with her."
The slightly sad and bitter smile betrayed her as having been in a similar situation when the man she was waiting for did not come back with the words that they had once vowed.
"People come and go all the time, many of the people who said how much they love my shop never returns so I was even more surprised when I saw you once again…"
"But by myself." He interrupted her, not wishing to dwell on all these past incidents now that he was finally able to continue on with his life.
"And you would come and buy flowers every week saved for a few times."
One of the only times he brought flowers from somewhere else was the day that Aizuki came with him to visit Sakurako and brought flowers as well. He naturally didn't want the florist to see them together in case he was accused of something that was not true at that time.
"I noticed that you would stop smiling when you believe that no one is looking at you, and then I noticed that your smile seemed empty. It was really something you were putting on for a show. I don't know when but all of a sudden I start to realise that you were almost looking the way you were the first two times I saw you.
"I remember your expression really well because I thought that if someone wants to know what being happy look like, then all they had to do is to look at you and her."
"I don't think I will ever look like that again though." Watanabe commented out softly as she finally allowed him to take the finished flowers. "I am not unhappy anymore, but I will never be as happy as I was because the one who did that is not here."
He would not try and work out who made him happier because Aizuki and Sakurako were two different people.
The florist muttered something that sound remarkably like a good wish, as well as hinting that she hoped to not see him coming here by himself next time. The hidden bond between the florist and one of her most frequent customers was rather strange. He didn't even know when and how she found out about Sakurako's incident and then death, but she knew and knew that he was now aware of it.
He never talked to her about any of this, yet the knowledge seemed enough.
"But this flower is not for Aizuki." He said to himself as he waited for that bus. "This is for her parents."
He would go to these grave and placed this bunch of poppies onto it before he started to explain to them about his new found peace that their elder daughter was directly responsible for, as well as his hope that she would remain by his side.
Then he would go and see Aizuki. Because he was occupied the whole of Saturday, he deliberately asked Aizuki to meet him on Sunday night. Their meeting place was naturally still that bar, but so much has changed since their very first encounter.
Maybe it was fate because he usually didn't go to that bar, there was one much nearer his home. He went there that day because it had been very close to the graveyard and he was filled with a deep longing to drink in order to be free from his pain: finally losing her.
Aizuki told him that she needed a drink due to what she just discovered at the funeral: that he was the driver who caused her parent's death. She did not blame him, but it was still quite a shock to face with the man who did this, especially when she sort of knew him.
"That was why I wanted to help you so much." She had told him.
Much to his surprise, she was standing outside- the first time she did this as they usually waited for the other inside, often already drinking something. He automatically smiled in return when he saw how happy she was at seeing him.
This was not a really idealistic or a romantic relationship as he did not suddenly see her in a new perspective, she did not suddenly become extremely beautiful or enchanting, she appeared as she always did.
"I am trying to find a new place to live." Was the first thing Aizuki said once they took their usual seats. "Akio has accepted a job offer at this school in Kyoto, and I think he will be marrying soon. Ashita has finished senior high school and got a job near the University of Osaka campus in Toyonaka because Kuranosuke is going there. She will be boarding with some other girls."
"I've heard about that from Shiraishi and Kenya when they visited me the other day. They've both got accepted into the university with very high grades and they have also been pestered by the University's tennis club." Watanabe said with quite a bit of pride in his voice. "But is your sister not going to university?"
"She decided to not go, so she won't have to. But since I'm the only one left in Osaka, I decided to find a new apartment, a new place to live even though our home is small enough.
She then took out numerous booklets along with many clippings and laid it onto the narrow space in front of them. "Much to my disappointments they are either too far from the place I want, or much too big for a single woman. I was hoping that you would offer some advice and maybe come with me since school has finished..."
"Aizuki," he interrupted her by putting his hand over her's, preventing her from opening any more of these documents in front. "What about living with me?"
She did not turn pale or do anything dramatic, but she was clearly shocked because she didn't even bother to withdraw her hand.
His words was partly due to impulse because he would not have asked her this if she did not mention about her moving, but he was sure that he would have said them soon enough.
As he realised, his love for Azuki was different because he had loved Sakurako when he was only a boy, that became the one area in his life where he did not grew up in. The man he ended up then loved Aizuki, so what he felt for Sakurako was different, yet he still loved her because he was still that boy.
He was now in love with Aizuki, but it was not the same intense love- he did not need to be with her every single moment of his life, yet he desired her by wanting to know that she would be there at the end of the day, he needed her to be there.
"I love you, Tanako Aizuki." He finally said these words, his hand still pressing over her's. "And I need you in my life. If you are gone…I wouldn't be drinking obsessively or resume chain smoking, but I would always feel a slight pain because you are not beside me.
"I can still smile and laugh without pretending, but I will be missing you. I don't know how to explain this to you but…"
"I understand." Aizuki interrupted him as she leant a bit closer. "Will you feel bad if I continue?"
Upon his shook of head, she kissed him on the lips. This was naturally the first kiss he had ever since Sakurako's death and he actually saw her there once again, which made him pull back.
"Aizuki, I do not wish to lie to you so I will admit that I will still occasionally think of Sakurako even when you are beside me. Because I do still love her, I would wish that she was with me and be sad at the fact that she isn't."
"I will be disappointed if you don't, because that means you will not simply forget me when I am gone, as well as showing me that you really do love me."
This answer was enough for him to kiss her back, it was not a passionate kiss because they were not trying to experiment about the physical aspects of love, nor were they trying to forget about everything else just by being with each other.
Their first kiss was more of a sign of commitment- the token of their willingness to be one another's lover.
This was an accurate reflection of their love for one another, it was not one of great passion and excitement, but one of a quiet happiness as the two of them were glad just knowing that they would be together at the end of a day, what they most wanted from the other was their presence, not any sweet words.
"What about my offer?" Watanabe asked when he pulled away, although his hand was still intertwined with her.
"Surely you know of my attitude to this." Aizuki pointed out. "To live with a man and not sleep with him is impossible, and even if you could do this I doubt anyone else would believe us."
"I know, so I am asking you to marry me."
"Osamu, we have been friends, not lovers for the past three years…"
"But our relationship has long ceased being a friendship, it is just that we are finally kissing each other and holding hands." Watanabe said. "I know that I want you to be there for the rest of my life…I need this."
He stopped speaking because he didn't know what else he should say, how he could make her realise what he feel.
Much to his surprise, Aizuki nodded.
"I will because I understand." She was sure that she would be able to be happy spending the rest of her life with him. She did love him, she has actually loved him for quite sometime, and she also knew him well enough in these three years to say that she would be able to be happy living with him.
It was quite late when she got home and even though her policy had been to do everything in the dark in order to not disturb either of her siblings, she still decided to open the light in the bathroom in order to examine her new ring - the proof that all this had happened. She was of a rather practical nature, but she still needed a reassurance that Watanabe did ask her to marry him because she wasn't even sure that he would love her.
The two of them had left the bar in order to purchase a ring before they went to a café and discussed their marriage plans along with their new living arrangement.
They decided that they would marry on the day both Ashita and Akio headed off to their new home, so that Aizuki could move in with him without sacrificing what might be the last time she will live with both of her siblings.
He naturally had to take her to meet his parents, who discovered her presence almost a year ago as she was really dominating in his life, but he told her that they would break the news to her family first.
"After all, they might still be wondering about whether that worthless man is still hurting you." He had told her simply. "Beside, I already intended to visit you tomorrow no matter what."
So she was engaged, strangely enough it didn't make that much a difference to her, she did not suddenly feel very self conscious as she would still wear a yukata that she had thrown onto the ground. She never once especially dressed up for him because there was no need to do so for a friend, then it was because she was convinced that he was still only thinking of Sakurako when she realised that she loved him, and now it was knowing that he would not care about such things.
Her lips curled into a smile as she looked at her ring again, recollecting how they had spent such a long time in selecting it. It was a rather plain silver ring with only a few moonstones. It was, to be honest, not a very expensive ring, but she loved it for the mere sake of what it meant.
He had been very protective of her the whole of last evening, he was clearly afraid that she would be snatched away as suddenly as Sakurako was. She would need to talk to him about this, it was alright to be treated like this once in a while but too many protection would make her feel too restrained.
"Tomorrow will be very interesting." She whispered to herself as she prepared to sleep.
When she woke up, she could hear both of her sibling's voice along with Shiraishi's the moment she got up. Her sister's boy friend was a common visitor now that school had finished and Aizuki was glad that he was here today, because she felt it was quite fitting for him to learn about her news, as he was probably Watanabe's closet pupil.
Ashita immediately got up to give her the breakfast she made as soon as Aizuki went to their living room, while Shiraishi bowed to her politely. Her twin was watching the news as well as talking to his girlfriend so he only greeted her by a jerk of his chin.
"I have something very important to tell." She began, her voice still very calm despite the suddenness and gravity of her news.
"Aizuki-oneesan, I can go outside if you wish." Shiraishi suggested courteously, but she halted him by a quick shake of her head. "I think you should stay, as this will sort of concern you."
"Well, this is my news: I am engaged."
A long silence elapsed before it was interrupted by Akio apologising to his girlfriend in order to hang up. This then inspired Ashtia to congratulate her by throwing her arms around her beloved sister.
"I am so happy for you, neechan."
"Congratulations." Shiraishi added sincerely. "But I do not understand what you meant by…"
"It is because you know this man." She said simply. "My fiancé is Watanabe Osamu."
"Watanabe-sensei from our junior high school?" the two teenagers immediately yelled out, while Akio examined out: "Watanabe-buchou?"
"When Akio and I went to Shitenhouji chuu and joined the tennis club, Watanabe Osamu was our buchou," Aizuki explained to the younger two before she turned to her brother. "He then became a teacher in Shitenhouji chuu, he was Shiraishi's coach. We met three years ago at a bar and we then just kept on meeting up. Now he loves me."
The two teenagers naturally thought that he had merely been getting over the loss of a previous girl friend. Akio could remember the girl that their buchou had loved so passionately, but he knew that one's relationship in school did not necessary last from the hard way. Like his sister, he did not know who the driver that caused their parents death indirectly was.
"In case you don't believe me." Aizuki got up and opened the door to reveal Watanabe, who was holding a large bundle of something in his hand.
"Shiraishi, you are here!" He examined out in surprise to his formal student before he turned to his formal club mate. "Tanako-kun."
"Watanabe-senpai, congratulations." Akio said as he shook the other's hand. "I am so sorry but I really don't know what I should say. As far as I know, Aizuki hasn't gone on a date for ages and now she suddenly tells us that she is engaged."
"I really did think that I would be the last one to get married," Aizuki admitted as she placed her arm around her fiancé, much to her relief and happiness, he responded by pressing his free hand over her's.
"Oh, I'll go and get something for sensei…" Ashita began, only to be halted by a slight shake of head from Watanabe.
"I need to give something to your sister first." he told her as he handed the thing he was carrying to his fiancée in order to clear the table before he could place it down with the help of Ashita and Shiraishi. "This is actually not a gift from me, but my aunt- who loves me as if I was her own son. She gave this to me in order to hand it to you when she first learnt about you and what you have done for me. I hope you will wear it at our wedding."
Judging by the feel of it, she was sure that it was a bundle of fabric if not a piece of clothing. Whatever it was, she was determined to do what he desired.
The two of them decided to have a very simple wedding, they would register their wedding certificate in the municipal government before they celebrate in the nearby restaurant. Of course, speeches would be made and they would exchange some sort of vows. They did not want any elaborate planning because that was not important, although they did want some public display to let their family know that they were in love.
She almost gasped when she saw the fine fabric, and when she realised what type of clothing it was- she did chock out aloud. There was no doubt that this would be the most expensive piece of clothing that she has ever own. Even more costly then her furisode.
"I've want to see you wear it for quite sometime but I think I can wait till the day of the wedding." He whispered teasingly as he placed his arm around her waist- his touch was very comforting to her.
The last few weeks before her wedding was both chaotic and emotional as the three of them were finally going toward separate ways. Every one of them wanted someone else to take the furniture due to the sentimental attachment on it even though they themselves secretly desired it.
Ashita pointed out that she was going to live in a small room in an apartment while Aizuki argued that Watanabe's home contained all the furniture she would need. Akio then said that he was going the furthest so giving him so much would cost him a lot.
They only managed to spilt everything up after much difficulties. The two sisters also had to sort out their clothing and it was very hard because for as long as they could remember, their clothing were mingled up even though they rarely wore each other's clothing. They had to force themselves to separate the clothing into two piles before they put it away with their share of the furniture.
Her siblings would head off to their new houses after her wedding, just as she would move in with Watanabe instead of going on any honeymoon. They talked about this and both decided against any immediate things as they planned to both settle in with the idea of living together.
"I will miss neechan so much." Ashita had whispered sadly as she looked at their empty room, which she had shared with her elder sister throughout her whole life. It was very hard for her to face this now empty house that was no longer their home because she was still seeing it as what it used to be like. "It is not that I don't love niichan but neechan has always been in my life so much more."
"I know. But Toyonaka is not that far from Osaka, unlike Kyoto." Aizuki reminded Ashita as she carefully examined her sister's hair one last time, she insisted on dressing her hair as it would be a very long time before she get to do such a thing again. Her younger sister was also wearing the furisode that Aizuki gave to her at the same day she announced her engagement. "Beside, we will always gather together at Christmas and new year, which is not that far away and don't forget that both Akio and I will attend your seijin shiki.
"And there is also Akio's soon enough wedding." She added teasingly. "Although Ashita's one might be next."
"Neechan!" her protest was muffled as her sister laughed and enfolded her into a tight embrace.
"I will miss Ashita a lot too but that is the way it has to be." She said simply. "One marries and leaves one's family. But at least we were always close before we part."
Unlike her and their parents, she added inside her head.
"It's kind of funny for neechan to marry someone who I just see as a teacher in my old school. But Kuranosuke told me that he really is a very kind person although most people don't see that as he jokes around a lot."
"He wears a mask to hide what he really is like." She whispered, thinking of their first meeting. "He really is a very kind and sensitive person. One that will make me very happy."
"Are you two ready?" Akio yelled out from the living room.
He had asked his girl friend to wait for him at the municipal government office, because there was something the family of three had to do alone first.
"Let's go," Aizuki whispered to her younger sister, pressing her hand.
There were so many memories in this house, especially in that room as she had lived in that room the longest. That used to be her and Akio's room, where they would listen and observe their parent's fighting. Then Ashita came and she used to sleep in the same futon as Aizuki. Feeling her little sister clinging onto her for security, Aizuki finally felt that she was needed by someone, that her presence made a difference in the world.
When Ashita reached the age of going to school, Aizuki would be the one to help her with her uniform as well as brushing her hair before Akio and her walked to the elementary school first, holding onto one of their little sister's hand each.
It was not easy saying good bye to her house, but the most difficult part was saying goodbye to her sister, there was nothing but fund memoires with Ashita. Like all older siblings and parents, she was worried about the danger her sister would be facing as she was finally going to be out of their protection.
She would also miss her twin brother greatly, because he had simply always been there. There were times when his nagging greatly angered her, and his observation after the night Watanabe first kissed her all these years ago even made her slap him, but they did have a very deep bond.
Ever since the night they were woken up by polices who informed them that their parents were dead, she and Akio took on the role of being the ones in charge of the household, which made them grew even closer as they had to constantly interact.
"So, are you guys ready?" Akio asked once more.
Ashita gave a slight nod as she finally turned her eyes away, while Aizuki was doing a similar thing. She might have been absent from here for a large enough time in her teen years, but this was her home, and this house contained the memoires of her parents.
It seemed so strange when the door finally closed. There was nothing that stopped them from opening it again, but they knew that they could not do so.
"Let's go," Aizuki said firmly, although her voice was a bit sad. "We mustn't keep everyone waiting."
People who were responsible for causing the new directions in their lives.
As befitted, the groom was already present along with his immediate family in the municipal government office, including his aunt- who especially came all the way from Tokyo despite not really feeing well. Akio's long time girl friend was also there, while Shiraishi was present along with both Kenya and Kintaoru.
Watanabe burst out laughing upon seeing Kintarou because the young boy was actually wearing a yukata like his two senpai and most other and he was clearly very uncomfortable due to the way he kept on tugging at the sleeves. Even though it was not compulsory to wear traditional Japanese clothing, most people must have heard that the bridal couple and the bride' family would wear so and decided to follow suit.
"At times like this I wish I still have that." Shiraishi said as he gestured with his left hand, free from any bandages since the sleeves of his clothing was long enough.
"But thanks to sensei I didn't have that much problem with him last year." Kenya butted in.
With the absence of Shiraishi in the tennis team, Kenya easily gained the position of the buchou, although he was very reluctant in taking what he once greatly desired. He simply believed that he should not be the one to be in this position. Although he and Shiraishi has managed to become very close friends in their senior high school years.
This made their formal coach very happy as he was sure that the two boys would already have been very good friends in junior high school if it hasn't been for the rivalry that he could have prevented.
But he had been too occupied with his own problems, so he didn't try to work out what these boys really need, he simply took what they want for granted.
Watanabe had no doubt that these three boys who had all possessed the title of buchou at some point of their life would be able to make a name for themselves in the tennis world very soon.
Which was what had been expected of him, especially when he won that scholarship to England. There were times when he asked himself why he ended up like this, especially when he saw some of his formal team mates on boarcasts. He did not wish to be a professional tennis player anymore but he was still wistful at giving up the life style he had once longed for.
But he didn't mind it that much now, he was very content with his life. Companionship was probably the most important thing to him right now as he realised how lonely his life had been in these years of isolating, even when he played tennis.
His own attitude had changed, he was no longer bothered by what if so much, what his life would be like if that accident had not happened. He was just grateful for being happy right now.
Having Aizuki beside him is good enough.
"Are you happy with this, Osamu?" his aunt asked him once again.
He, his brother and both of his parents unanimously agreed that his aunt should be one of the two witnesses who would add their signature. Aizuki wished for her brother to be a witness and it then seemed only fair to letting him choose the other one. It was his aunt because she was the one that helped him out through this whole period the most, as well as being responsible for the reconciliation.
Despite her protest, the family was sure that some of them might not be able to stand here because they would still be in the process of trying to forgive one another.
"I do love her, oba. I love her in an equally strong fashion, but it is not the same love because they are two different people. That is why I never stopped loving either of them." He quoted out. "Thank you, oba, for everything."
"I am just glad that you are happy. I quite like the girl, she is a bit different from her younger sister but I do like her." Emika said. "I am sure that she will make you happy."
Ashita had stayed in her house during the nationals when she and Shiraishi were in their third year of junior high school. He took Aizuki to see his parents and brother the very night her family finally know about him, and she actually took Saturday off in order to go to Tokyo and meet his dear aunt.
"I will be." He said simply.
"She is here," his aunt said softly, gently turning him. "Your bride."
Watanabe immediately smiled and this was a true sincere smile.
The wedding actually ended in the train station, with Aizuki saying good bye to her two beloved siblings along with the promise of writing and ringing very often. As she embraced them a final time he used this time to talk to his two formal students that were heading off now in order to adjust to their new campuses.
While his farewells were naturally not as emotional as Aizuki's, he did felt a very deep sadness because it would be quite hard to continue seeing these two, who actually visited him quite a lot of time in their senior high school years.
It was like being in a graduation ceremony once again, although he couldn't really say that because he didn't feel that that upset. He was sad at leaving many of his friends whom he actually knew since his junior high school days but he was idealistic and hopeful at that time and Sakurako was beside him.
But it was not bad this time, because he knew that he would not be returning to an empty apartment, there would now always be some one who would beside him. She might not be there immediately when he needed her, but it was enough that she would turn up.
The two of them returned to their apartment with a small pile of presents that surprised both of them. It was not modesty that made them think of such thing, it was simply the fact that neither of them thought about this.
"Why didn't you be a gentleman by letting me rest while you run up and down?" Aizuki teased him slightly as the two of them finally carried up the last of their present.
"Weren't you the one who refused my brother's help?" he reminded her.
Aizuki was just about to push the door open when she suddenly felt her arm being grabbed by her husband.
"Aizuki…in England it is custom for the husband to carry the wife he just married over the threshold." He said softly. "I know that our wedding was not really traditional or Westernised but I would like to do this."
She gave a simple nod, even though she initially did not favour the idea as it would probably reminded him of the wedding he and Sakurako were meant to have, but then she saw that this was not really the case, he just simply wanted to do so as he seem to see it as a custom.
Upon her nod, he did so.
"Surely I am not too heavy for you." She teased him gently when he placed her on their sofa, almost out of breath.
"It is harder then it looks." He said before he went to shove all of their presents in. Upon seeing her outstretched hands, he took the one that was in a quilt like bag due to the way it was made by sewing numerous fabrics together: Ashita' s present.
"This is beautiful." She muttered out as soon as she took the yukata out. "I saw her making this and I really had no idea that this was for me. I was really dense because I wonder why it was a bit bigger then it should be." She continued with a slight laugh as she spread the yukata out. "This can be my bridal gown."
A yukata that was clearly meant to be wore in private because the obi was a very slender belt.
Aizuki was slouching on the sofa and he happened to place her in the position he usually laid, with his hand at a very close distance to the ash tray and the photo.
"It is not there anymore." She commented out softly.
"No," he answered her simply as he moved to sat beside her and circled his arm around her waist. "I admit that I might still look at it now and then but I don't need to look it at everyday."
"Will you let me put a photo of us there then?" upon his nod she let out a sigh of relief and huddled closer to him. "I must ask you this one more time but are you happy?"
"Why wouldn't I be? I am at peace." He whispered.
Most of all he had a home now, because she would be there. He could return to it knowing that someone would comfort him if he was upset, as well as having someone who would be waiting for him there.
Aizuki once said that he was wearing a smiling mask because his outer appearance was not giving any reflection of what he really was like. Later on, when they were engaged, she would often touch his face and ask him whether this was what he was truly feeling.
As he looked at her smile, he couldn't help but to wonder whether she had wore a similar mask, as that might be another reason of why she was able to help him.
It was clear that she was really happy right now, but he wouldn't be surprised if her smile was as false as his in the past. After all, she did not exactly live free from pain the way a princess in her castle did.
But they were married now, and he believe that he could make her happy as well as helping her.
"Everyone asks me that question but have anyone asked you that? If they have then how will you answer it?"
She laughed softly as she did so: "I can tell you about how sad I am that Ashita, Akio and I are finally heading off to separate ways, but is consoled by the fact that I know they will both be happy in their new surroundings, as well as being able to contact them very frequently. Or I can talk to you about how I really enjoy my job because I love the feel of fabric, then the sense of achievement I feel whenever I managed to make a piece of clothing. But I know that these thigns are not what you mean.
"You want to know whether I will be happy with you, I don't know how to explain but I am and I will.
"I suppose I can only say this," she whispered as she leant against him even more. "I am very happy because I love you and is loved back."
Author's Note I must say, I did have quite a sense of achievement when I finished this story. As always I tend to have a really long author's note when I am doing my final author's note in a story so bear with me, beside you can just skip it if you don't want to read it anymore because the story is finished.
As I said before, this story was my random project, but yet it ended up quite long. Likewise this chapter, I think my editing made it increase by 1/2 of its original length. This chapter is meant to be a happy chapter because this is the end, Watanabe realizes that he love Aizuki as well and they get marry and I think they will be happy. However, writing the bit about Aizuki and her family saying good bye really made me sad, I think because this issue is something that most of us will have to deal with. As for the marriage proposal, I don't know how to explain about the suddenness of it all but that is how I always intended for this story to end, perhaps it is because they do just understand one another.
The appearance of the florist was not something that I thought about, that did just suddenly come. I think she reminds the audience that he was happy with Sakurako and it would be good if they could stay together- but they didn't, and one must pardon him for moving on with his life.
To get married in Japan, you must marry by signing a certificate of marriage, a registration of marriage from the municipal government which register the marriage, for more details please go to think Kenya is a very good tennis player so I believe that he can become a professional tennis player, which I think will be what happens to Shiraishi. I don't know if they will go to university but somehow I think they might, then start their professional career properly. For some reason I don't see Ashita going to university and this is not because I am sexist or anything, I just don't see her going to university.
According to wikipedia Osaka university- Osaka daigaku hondai is the sixth oldest university in Japan and despite it's name, it is actually in the city Suita and Toyonaka. I really though that it was in Osaka as soon as I first heard it. Suita is where the main campus of the university where the tennis facilities are, so the university's' tennis clubs is actually concentrated in the Suita campus. However, all first years attend the Toyonaka campus.
Aizuki actually plays tennis and she was even good enough to make it into the regulars, this is a bit funny and ironic considering that I don't really like to read prince of tennis stories where the OC can play tennis, even if badly and all of a sudden I realized that I have actually done a similar thing. Well, Aizuki first came out in 'Sacrifice' and I needed her and Akio to play tennis for the sake of the plot, Ashita was looking at the tennis courts and met Shiraishi because her siblings used to play tennis. Then I had the idea for this story and since the age fit I thought it would be really good for Aizuki and Watanabe to have this connection although I hardly mentions this fact, and to defend myself- they actually never talks about playing tennis.
Last of all, I had been poundering about how people would actually address one another so I asked my friend- who is Japanese. She told me that Shiraishi would be calling Aizuki something along the lines of Aizuki-oneesan, while Aizuki would probably call him just by his first name.
Well, I know that not many people read this story, because Watanabe is not that a popular character and he is not even included on the filter list, I asked the site to include him but it seems that they haven't got my e-mail or just choose to ignore me. But no matter what I wanted to write this story, even if it might be out of character, even if few read it. I am glad that I finished it.
