I thought to finally end my story, I would write one last chapter. Remember when Satoru and Kayo went to the Christmas Tree and Satoru promised Kayo to come back in the summer? That's exactly what happens. Sit back, relax, and enjoy.

The Final Chapter: A Promise Fulfilled

"Come on Kayo!", I exclaimed. It is now mid-July, almost four months since Gaku Yashiro was arrested. Kayo and I are running up the hill to see the Christmas tree that we saw many months ago. I suggested coming back in the summer, and that is exactly what we plan to do.

"Satoru, wait up!", Kayo shouted. I looked behind me to see Kayo about ten feet away. I ran back down to her. "Sorry Kayo, I get so excited sometimes.", I chuckled. "It's ok.", she answered. I held out my hand and smiled, "Come on.". She smiled and took my hand.

We continued to go up the hill until we reached the Christmas Tree. About five months ago, there were no leaves; however, it was now big and beautiful in the warm sun. "It's as beautiful as I remember.". Kayo's eyes sparkled as she gazed at the tree. I shrugged off my backpack and pulled out my lunchbox. "Kayo, let's eat.", I happily suggested. She smiled and shook her head.

Kayo and I sat against the tree as we ate our sandwiches. It was hot today, probably somewhere in the 80s. We were mostly silent, but it was nice to take in the scenery. Out of nowhere, Kayo spoke.

"Satoru, thank you for bringing me back. I'm really enjoying this.", Kayo told me while smiling. "No problem Kayo, I'm enjoying this as well.", I happily responded. "Kayo, I was worried that I wouldn't make it here today. Four months ago…". Kayo cut me off. "Satoru, you don't need to talk about it. We've moved on.". "I'm sorry, it scarred me. I can't stop thinking about it.", I responded. "Speaking of scars, that scar on your forehead is pretty cool.", she informed me. I chuckled, I remembered Kenya telling me that it's fine to have it because Kayo will probably like it. I honestly didn't think it for a second, but alas, she liked it.

I tried to change the subject. "I can't believe fifth grade is over, it passed so quickly.". "I know.", Kayo replied. "The thing with Yashiro, it was a shame. Regardless, Mr. Hamada was a great replacement.". I remember Mr. Hamada telling me that all he wanted was to continue the legacy of Yashiro and make new memories and relationships along the way. He did a great job, and I'm very thankful that he taught us. "Kayo, I'm glad that you can stay at our school next year; I don't want to say that I should be thankful for Yashiro, but I am.". "Satoru, you're doing it again.", Kayo kindly pointed out. "Sorry…", I quietly replied. I waited a second before talking again, "Thing is, we only have one more year together in school. Kayo, I don't want you to leave.". "You're an idiot. Didn't Mr. Hamada tell you?", Kayo chuckled. "Tell me what?", I asked her. "He wanted to repay us for what we did. He asked the town to keep me in the same middle school as you.". Kayo joyfully replied.

I started to grin, I couldn't believe it. "He...he did? You're serious?". I was so ecstatic, I couldn't wrap my head around it. "Of course. Why would I lie?", Kayo answered. "Mr. Hamada, thank you wherever you are.", I told myself. I paused before continuing, "But, nothing is guaranteed right?". "Sadly not.", she answered. I held Kayo's hand and assured her, "Don't worry Kayo, no matter what happens, I'll always be here. I won't leave, never again.". "Thank you Satoru, for everything. Without you, I would've never had been freed from my mother's abuse. I would've never learned about true friendship.". My eyes started to tear, "Kayo...you're welcome.".

And so, the two continued to hold hands, sit by the tree, and admire the scenery. Satoru's life would continue as normal, as well as everyone else's. This ends the journey of Satoru Fujinuma, to stop a killer and save his friends. Through courage and hardship, Satoru had accomplished what seemed impossible; he could now live happily and have the childhood he always wanted to have. Where will his life go now? Guess that's up to you.

The End.

Wow, that's really it for this story. A whole month of planning followed by a whole month of writing, it's been quite the journey. I only wrote this because of how I cringed at the Satoru and Yashiro car scene in the anime(when Satoru literally does nothing). The coma was also lazy in my opinion, and I wanted to create an excuse for Kayo x Satoru to be a possibility. I can confidently say that this did turn out well for what it's worth, and I definitely like this ending better than the original. Regardless, thank you so much for reading the whole story, and have a fantastic day.