"Yuiga-san. Could I borrow you for a moment in the administration office? There's someone who would like to speak to you."
The last period of the day had just ended, with Nariyuki having helped finish up leading the second half of the lesson on trigonometry for one of Mr. Tadashi's first year classes. It was at this time that Nariyuki was usually dismissed and allowed to either head home for the day, or interact with the students as he pleased, but today, his lead instructor had approached him at the ring of the bell with a request for him to meet with someone.
In truth…Nariyuki already had a good idea of who that was based off the date.
It was the final day of his mentorship program.
"Of course, Sensei," He answered.
As they left the classroom and walked downstairs together, Mr. Tadashi kept quiet for a small period, but eventually, the man dropped the pretenses and looked to him with a rather knowing smile.
"It's been quite a productive one month for you hasn't it? We were already shocked to hear about the accident, but to think that you'd be able to return so soon and complete the program at a regular pace is nothing short of remarkable, Yuiga-san," the man said with admiration.
Nariyuki smiled softly at the praise.
"Thank you, Sensei, but all the credit really goes to my girlfriend for helping me everyday with my rehabilitation," he reasoned.
"Miss Furuhashi, was it? She was here often just to give us updates of your condition while you were gone. I hear some of the students really took a liking to her as well." The man smiled. "She's quite the wonderful young lady if you ask me."
He nodded affectionately.
"Yeah…"
'Though truthfully…wonderful is an understatement for how much she's been there for me…'
If it wasn't for the fact that Mr. Tadashi's gaze suddenly became wide-eyed, Nariyuki likely would've been lost in his dreaminess for quite some time.
But the fact that he did…made the realization for his slip-up quite apparent.
And all he could do was react heavily in embarrassment.
"I…said that out loud, didn't I?"
Mr. Tadashi broke into a chuckle, smiling in amusement. "Indeed. But truthfully. I said something similar about you while she visited…"
…
"And who would've thought…that your response would be word for word the same," the man finished with a grin.
"..."
His expression softened, fondness overcoming his features. If there was one person that should've expected Fumino's identical response, it was him…but no matter how many times the girl warmed his heart so wonderfully with her earnesty…time and time again he would find himself stuck in speechlessness.
He would never get used to it…
Because that's just what Fumino was to him.
She was his miracle…through and through.
"I love you…" He whispered quietly, hoping that his gratefulness could be felt by the girl even with their distance away from each other currently.
And if the skip of his heart was any indication…
He was quite certain that she did.
A minute later and they arrived at the largely sized administration office with Mr. Tadashi guiding him to one of the main conference rooms down the hall. The man put his hand on the door knob and looked to him in preparation. "Are you ready? I'm pretty sure you're aware by now who you're going to speak to."
Nariyuki nodded. "It's been a while since I last spoke to him…but yes…I'm ready, Sensei," he said resolutely.
Mr. Tadashi smiled and opened the door, and as he had expected, the superintendent that had given him the opportunity for the mentorship program in the first place awaited him at the end of the conference table.
"Yuiga-Kun," Ikeda-san smiled in greeting. "It's a pleasure to see you again."
Nariyuki smiled in return, bowing politely. "The pleasure is all mine, sir."
"Please, take a seat." The man directed to the seat across from him, and Nariyuki followed promptly. "I'm sure you're aware that today is the final day of your mentorship program. I've spoken to Mr. Tadashi here about your performance, and he has given you quite the positive marks in nearly every category of the program."
"Rightfully so I would say," Mr. Tadashi chimed in. "You're a wonderfully hard worker, Mr. Yuiga. I'm amazed at how quickly and efficiently you were able to pick up the disciplines of our curriculum."
"Only because you mentored me so thoroughly, Sensei…" Nariyuki replied with honesty.
"Hah! Humble as well. You sure know how to find the right prospects, Ikeda."
Ikeda-san chuckled at the comment, and for a moment Nariyuki allowed himself to relax, smiling at the optimism that came from the exchange.
That was…until the seriousness returned to Ikeda-san's gaze.
"But…there is something that has caught our eyes that we need to address, Mr. Yuiga…" The superintendent looked to him in focus.
He swallowed thickly.
He really could never let his guard down…
…
"And that's how we have noticed just how many of the students have shown a positive reception towards you." The man answered with a soft smile. "I can't say I'm too surprised, but that's not something that I had expected to show up so soon in your rather short time in the mentorship program. Many of them have gone out of their way to mention very positive things about you, particularly in regards to their interactions with you outside of class hours, and that's very rare to see from our usually reserved and focused students. Due to that fact, we will be extending you a full offer as an instructor here like we promised, but rather than just starting with one subject, we would like to offer you the chance to teach all around for class 1-A. That is of course…if you're up for it."
…
"T-That's…"
He was appalled. Flabbergasted. By the offer. By the reasoning. To be able to teach an entire class as a starting position…there was no way he could have foreseen this as a possibility.
He truly…couldn't believe it.
"I told you, didn't I?"
But there was someone dear to him…who had full faith that this would come to pass.
"Anyone can see how wonderful of a teacher you are…"
And there was no stopping the heartfelt joy…from shining into his smile.
"I would be more than happy to, sir…" He answered brightly.
Ikeda-san smiled, and somewhere in his well constructed professionalism, a hint of pride and admiration weaved it way into his expression, well and apparent.
"Congratulations Mr. Yuiga…on proving that passion of yours."
And then…
A hand extended forward in invitation.
"Welcome aboard."
His reply was immediate…
"Thank you…"
Smiling with heartfelt sincerity.
The next half hour had been spent briefing him on the steps he would need to take with the human resources department, but once after, he was respectfully dismissed for the rest of the day. He took his exit from the conference room, and shortly after, he made his steps out of the administration office…
He wasn't given a chance to go much further than that. To his palpable surprise…he was immediately met by the presence of four students outside of the office, specifically ones from the class he had the pleasure of working with in the past few months.
"Mr. Yuiga!" One of them approached him with visible animation. "I-Is it true that you'll be our main instructor starting next week?"
"A-ah…uhm…yes…" He shifted awkwardly from the attention. "H-How did you-"
The second student from the group approached him from the side. "We've been thinking that it was a possibility since you've been helping teach together with Mr. Tadashi these past few months…and we overheard from him earlier that today was your last official day in the mentorship program."
"But it was really because of Miss Furuhashi that we realized that you were completely committed to teaching us full time." The third in the group interjected with a bright smile.
His eyes went wide at the mention of the name.
"F-Furuhashi..?" He repeated in disbelief.
All four of them nodded together.
"When you were away because of your accident, she came to visit a lot to spend time with us, and we got to hear a lot about you from her actually," the first explained with a smile. "She shared to us what both of your dreams were…and how you want to be there for us not just as a teacher, but as someone who can help us realize our own dreams."
The second stepped forward with a hopeful gaze. "After we heard about that…and after seeing just how kind you are as a teacher, we've really looked forward to you teaching us as a possibility. You make things really easy to understand in our classes, and we all really appreciate it whenever you try to talk to us after class…just about life…and even what we want to do in college. I think lately because of that…school has felt a lot more relaxing and fun."
Again…all four of them nodded in agreement, but Nariyuki couldn't find himself anymore speechless…
And any more relieved.
"I…I'm so glad you all feel that way," he said gently, and the group smiled together.
"Is it true that Miss Furuhashi's your girlfriend, Mr. Yuiga?" The last of the group asked curiously.
He blinked, surprised for a moment, but a second later and he smiled affectionately, nodding in reply.
"She is."
"Do you..?" All four of them seemed to ask the unfinished question together, and it didn't take much for Nariyuki to fill in the blanks.
His fondness only grew, and his smile softened with every inch that his heart could offer.
"I love her…more than anything in the whole world..." He answered tenderly, so much that it almost came out as a whisper.
It was perceptible enough however, and the whole group squealed in delight at his answer.
"Could you tell her we said hi?" One of them added on hopefully. "She was really nice to all of us when she was here."
Nariyuki could only chuckle as he smiled softly at the request.
"I'm sure that she would be more than happy to visit you guys again now that I'll be teaching you all officially."
Their faces light up vividly at his answer…
Especially in regards to the second half of the promise.
"We look forward to having you, Sensei!" They said together with a smile.
His eagerness was mutual, and he bowed with a beam of his own.
And though it was unsaid…
It was crystal clear in his eyes.
'I look forward to being there for all of you...'
Nariyuki opened the door to the apartment, taking his shoes off at the entrance. It was dark inside, which was to be expected given the time. In his time living together with Fumino, it was almost always himself arriving home first with how late the girl had to stay at the facility to finish up her research. Because of that, he always had the upper hand in getting a head start on making dinner, and Fumino usually had to get him to promise to not do so on the nights that she wanted to cook for them.
It appeared today wasn't one of those nights, and Nariyuki was more than happy to make one of the girl's favorite dishes for supper. He stepped into the kitchen, and he was prepared to make his way to the refrigerator to fetch the necessary ingredients for his planned recipe.
Until…
"Surprise!"
"AH!"
The lights of the kitchen turned on, as did his heart rate. From behind the counter popped up Fumino, a delightful beam plastered on her fair face.
And behind her…was their kitchen table…evidently already filled with a selection of dishes…of many which were his favorites he noticed, but even then the surprise didn't stop there. In the girl's hands was what appeared to be a cake…freshly and beautifully made.
"F-Furuhashi…what's…all this?" He asked, still stunned by the fact the girl was even home this early.
"It's a cake, of course." She answered with a giggle.
Nariyuki blinked before chuckling sheepishly. "I see that…but…why are you back so early today? D-Did something happen at work?"
Fumino shook her head. "Nothing happened," she reassured him. "I just…took the afternoon off today so that I had enough time to prepare for dinner. I…never baked a cake before, so I mostly needed the extra time to try learning that. I really wanted to give it a try…especially for today's occasion."
"O-Occasion?" He repeated curiously.
Fumino nodded.
"To celebrate of course…"
…
"For your official hiring," she finished with a smile.
"I…"
…
His eyes softened, disbelief weaving its way into his expression.
"I…didn't even tell you if they actually took me in…"
The warmth in the girl's eyes shined almost immediately…
Embracing him with wholehearted belief.
"I knew…" She whispered.
"..."
He felt his lip tremble…his vision swim. His chest was swelling almost uneasily because he just couldn't find himself receiving it with any semblance of calmness.
A faith with unquestionable sincerity…a trust that came nowhere else but the recesses of her heart...
He didn't know how he could ever be more grateful…
For this unfathomable support that they shared.
He hugged her.
Tightly.
Wholly.
"Thank you…" He whispered, his voice cracking with tears.
And as if there was ever any doubt for it to come…
Fumino hugged him back.
Smiling with the utmost pride.
"Congratulations…Nariyuki."
"The view here really is amazing…"
Fumino nodded brightly in agreement. "It really is…I'm so glad we have permission to use this place..."
The two of them were lying together outside on the secret rooftop of their apartment complex, a large blanket beneath them and fresh tea prepared for their enjoyment. They had spent many nights after work stargazing just like this, but tonight the skies seemed especially clear, the celebratory atmosphere of Nariyuki's official hiring likely also a contributor for that.
It really was….the perfect way to celebrate.
"Oh, Nariyuki look! It's Lupus and Circinus!" Fumino pointed excitedly at a particular outline in the sky. "They rarely show themselves throughout the year, but sometimes they come out of hiding in the autumn! They're one of the few constellations in the mid-Southern sky that reside in two separate quadrants at different points of the year! They're one of the most beautiful arrangements! And directly next to them is a constellation that's even more beautiful that I've gotten to study firsthand recently, N-"
"Norma, the carpenter's square." Nariyuki finished for her, a knowing smile plastered on his face.
…
"How did you..?"
"You told me about it two weeks ago, remember? Right when you got assigned to your new project to further study applications of the luminosity constant," Nariyuki explained. "It was one of your facility's highest funded projects, but I also remember it because of what you told me about Norma's center star, Mu Normae, one of the most luminous stars ever recorded. Not only that, but it contains eight open clusters visible to even binoculars, with the Norma Cluster being one of the most massive galaxy clusters known. You were so happy because it was the first constellation that you were going to study with such an incredible amount of detail for visualization."
The boy's eyes then melted with fondness.
"When I saw just how wonderfully excited you were to get started with your research…just how happy you were to dig further into your dream…"
…
"I couldn't forget that moment if I tried…" He finished with a wholehearted beam.
"Nariyuki…"
Fumino found herself breathless.
"And well…I also remember it because one of the students that I got to work with during my mentorship program has a very similar name." Nariyuki continued with a chuckle. "I guess you could say he's an interesting case…just like the carpenter's square. His name is N-"
"Norman!" Fumino's eyes lit up in remembrance. "Norman Tachi. One of your international transfer students from class 1A!"
This time it was Nariyuki's turn to be rendered speechless.
"H-How did you…?"
"You mentioned him, remember? A few weeks ago after work," Fumino answered matter-of-factly. "You told me that he was really quiet and that he didn't seem to really have any friends in class, and that you tried talking to him after school. That's when you learned that his parents moved over here for work, and that he wasn't really comfortable with the new Japanese culture…especially the work and education culture. He's afraid of deciding on a career because he's not sure if he has the talent or the skills to really be successful here…even though his parents have really high expectations for him and enrolled him into Kokasu."
Nariyuki's eyes remained fully wide at the retelling, but he wasn't given a second to recover, as in the very next moment, Fumino's expression softened in reflection.
"That's why…you've made it your very utmost responsibility to make him feel comfortable in the classroom…to make sure that he feels like he belongs so that he can learn to discover what he loves to do," she continued tenderly. "And that's why…you told me…that if you had the chance…you want to start making the curriculum more activity focused, to help facilitate social building for students just like him. You want to give more room for questions after class, so that those who feel like they've fallen behind always have a place to go."
The girl's eyes met his, and Nariyuki felt his face warm to its fullest.
"When I saw just how passionate you were to help your students better understand themselves…just how committed you were to taking those leaps forward for your dream…"
…
Her next words arrived with undeniable familiarly.
"I couldn't hope to forget that moment if I tried…"
It was a coincidence. Nariyuki could tell by the way the realization settled into Fumino's eyes moments after the words left her lips. Their eyes seemed to peer into each other's tentatively, unsure of what to make of their identical sentiments of recollection.
But the awkwardness was terribly fleeting…because within seconds…
The two of them found each other breaking into delighted giggles.
They knew. They knew precisely why it was all so similar, why both of them seemed to recall every detail of their experiences so vividly…
Because that was just how far…
Their support truly went for each other.
Fumino rested her head onto his shoulder, and Nariyuki followed ever so affectionately.
Their hands found each other at their side.
"Even though I love living here so much…I'm pretty excited to finally go back home this weekend," Nariyuki said with a smile.
"Me too…Especially since Mizuki invited us to visit her at the summer festival tomorrow. I can't believe she's opening a stand there for Ichinose's literature club! That's so amazing!" Fumino added excitedly.
Nariyuki giggled, nodding in agreement. His eyes then deepened as he found himself contemplating in reflection.
…
"And…" he started again softly. "It'll be our first time going back…"
"...since the accident too."
…
It was a memory painful to the both of them, and there was a chance that he was hurting Fumino by even bringing it to attention again.
But…
He also remembered…
'I promise that next time…'
'I'll make sure I save us both from getting hurt.'
Just how much healing that they were able to find from each other through that time.
And from the softhearted smile that appeared on the girl's face…
He knew…that things were going to be okay.
"No matter where we go…as long as we're together…"
Fumino squeezed his hand tightly.
"I'll be more than happy..." She whispered.
Nariyuki's eyes crinkled, all the affection in his heart seeping into his gaze.
There really was no other feeling…that he could agree more with.
"Always…"
~The Next Day~
The festival grounds were bustling with activity, as to be expected from the prefecture's annual summer festival, but for Fumino, it had been quite a while since she partook in an affair like this. It really did seem like the attendance was far more packed than usual. She had just arrived at the entrance of the event, and she was currently waiting for Nariyuki to meet her from his house after they had split up this morning returning home from their apartment. Thankfully, the location of the festival this year was directly adjacent to his neighborhood, so it likely wouldn't be long until the boy arrived.
"Fumino-cchi!"
Though it appeared that a few familiar faces had managed to beat him to the punch.
"Uruka-chan! Ri-cchan! Kominami-Senpai! Kirisu Sensei!"
The two younger of the girls immediately ran up to her to hug her with their usual warmhearted greeting, with the next eldest keeping her usual cool upperclassman demeanor, and finally Kirisu Sensei visibly eager to join in on the embrace but still ultimately too shy to really do so.
Fumino couldn't be more delighted by the unexpected reunion.
"It's good to see you, Fumino." Asumi said with a rare soft smile.
"It's so good to see you all too." Fumino returned happily. "W-What are you guys doing here?"
"Enjoying the cultural festival of course!" Uruka answered energetically. "We thought we'd stop by since we all happen to be on break today."
"Would you like some udon, Fumino?" Rizu added graciously.
Fumino giggled warmly, always entertained by the latter's scrumptious offer. From the side, she noticed that Kirisu Sensei was still fidgeting, appearing to still be waiting for her turn to speak.
Fumino was already moving before the latter could react.
Giving her the hug that she very much wanted.
"I missed you, Sensei," she said with a smile.
Though she was stunned at first, Kirisu eventually smiled shyly, returning the hug fully. "I-I missed you too, Furuhashi…"
"You must be so busy with the fall semester coming up for your third years…" Fumino said sympathetically.
The older woman shook her head. "Not everything is stressful. For one, I very much enjoy seeing you again."
"I know Fumino here is a wonderful person and all, but you really do like to show favorites, huh," Asumi commented playfully.
"I-I'm just being honest!"
They all laughed together at the two's banter, brightness filling the festive air well and truly. Slowly but surely, the merriment settled, and it was Uruka then who looked to Fumino with a rare display of seriousness.
"Fumino-cchi…how has everything been? You know…since the…"
The girl failed to finish her sentence.
But Fumino immediately knew what Uruka was referring to, and her expression softened as she remembered how the four of them had visited her at the hospital all those weeks ago during the incident.
She smiled gratefully.
"We're doing just fine…"
All her friends seemed to smile together in relief, and in the very next second, they moved forward simultaneously…
Hugging her yet again.
A silence fell over them, but this time it was one filled with warmth and compassion. They would've stayed that way for longer, she was sure…
Until…
"Big Sis Fumino!"
From nowhere, Hazuki and Kazuki ran up to her legs, hugging her from below.
It seemed that there was no end to the reunions tonight.
Following shortly behind them was the woman she expected to see accompanied with them.
"Miss Yuiga!"
"Fumi-chan! It's so good to see you sweetheart. My gosh, you're as beautiful as ever!" Hanae greeted brightly.
Fumino smiled with a blush. "T-Thank you, Miss Yuiga. Are you here to see Mizuki too?"
The woman nodded. "That I am. These two wanted to tag along, so I may have recruited someone to help watch over them." She said with a chuckle.
Fumino tilted her head curiously, but her inquisitiveness was soon answered when another figure came into view directly behind the woman.
Her shock followed quickly.
"F-Father?! Y-you're here too?!"
Reiji averted his gaze, likely embarrassed from being put in the spotlight in such a way.
"Hanae here asked for assistance, so I had no choice but to agree…" he reasoned.
…
"Jeez…"
Arrival after arrival, evidently that was the way the night was supposed to play out.
And with an almost fateful timing…the sound of approaching footsteps signified the only one she had really prepared for.
"S-Sorry Furuhashi!" Nariyuki said breathlessly as he finally made his way through the entrance. "I may have gotten carried away with getting dressed for the event. I hope you weren't waiting too long…Oh!" The boy perked up in realization, finally taking in the many familiar faces surrounding Fumino. "H-Hey everyone!"
Rather than responding accordingly, everyone's head turned to Fumino, all of their expressions identical; playful and undoubtedly teasing…
The notion was more than embarrassing enough to incur the brightest red of blushes from Fumino. Hastily, she made her way to Nariyuki's side, doing her best to calm her bashful state.
Nairyuki reached for her hand at her approach. "D-Did I interrupt something..?" He asked with a whisper.
Fumino shook her head. "No…not at all. I just got here too so I was just saying hi to everyone…" She let herself forget her embarrassment as she squeezed the boy's hand tightly. "I'm so glad you're here…"
The boy returned her sentiment in earnest. "I'm so glad you're here too, Furuhashi…" He then looked to her in anticipation.
"Shall we go?"
"Mhm! Let's do it."
"First things first. Visit all of the food stands, right?" He proposed knowingly.
Fumino giggled with all the cheer in her heart,
"I'm glad we're always on the same page."
An ample number of food stands were indeed visited, but the rest was to be left on hold when Fumino and Nariyuki were finally able to locate the one stand that they had truly come for.
"Mizuki!"
"Fumino!" The younger girl's eyes lit up when they met hers, and she ran up to hug her tightly. "You guys really came!"
"Of course we would come." She returned warmly. "We wouldn't miss it for the world. We wanted to see your stand, afterall!"
Mizuki chuckled. "It's nothing too much…but it's something that I really wanted to do for the literature club. I really was hoping you guys would stop by today..."
The young girl's expression then shifted at her next words.
"But to be honest…sales aren't going so great…" She admitted sheepishly.
Fumino blinked. It didn't slip her by…the hidden disappointment in Mizuki's voice. It was then that Fumino finally took in the sight of the girl's stand and just the vast amount of items that were offered on its surface. They were books clearly.
Before she could stop herself, she reached out to pick one up.
"Ah, uhm! Fumino-"
It was too late. She had already begun reading, and once she was like this there was no way of stopping her. The one she had picked up happened to be really short, but to Fumino, it felt like a timeless experience all together as she read through the lines. When she finally finished, her eyes met Mizuki's, who was staring at her in nervous anticipation.
"T-this is…"
…
"This is so beautiful!" She exclaimed with starstruck eyes. "I love it! I've never read a poem so romantic before….I absolutely love how you utilized references of old mythology together with contemporary themes! A-Are all of these poems?" She asked wondrously.
Mizuki's eyes were well and wide, clearly not ready for such a vivid reaction. "A-Ah…not all of them. I…wrote different things because I thought that some people would want to read different types of work. I-I have fiction, history, and folktales too..." She answered shyly.
"T-That's so amazing!" Fumino said, astounded by the variety. "C-Can I have all of them?"
"Uh-uhm, if you want-" Fumino didn't let her finish, as she was already reaching into her bag to pull out her wallet. "Y-You don't have to pay, Fumino! I was going to give these to you for fr-"
Fumino hushed her again by reaching out for her hands, slipping the bills necessary into her grasp.
"Of course I'm going to pay. How can I not after seeing just how much effort and heart you put into writing all of this?" She insisted warmly.
Mizuki's eyes widened even further…to the fullest possible extent.
Everything that she had said about the younger girl's work, she had meant every single word. It was truly beautiful. Passionate. She had practically yelled it. She was honestly surprised that she hadn't garnered any attention from what clearly could be seen as commotion.
Or perhaps she had…because in the next moment…
A customer walked up to Mizuki's stand.
"Excuse me, I couldn't help but overhear, but did you say that you were selling poems here?" The middle-aged man asked.
…
Fumino didn't let the opportunity slip away.
"She is!" She quickly affirmed. "I just read one myself, and you can trust me when I say that they're definitely worth a read!"
The man chuckled. "Well, I'm a poem enthusiast, so I'll definitely take your word for it. I'll have a copy of this, and while you're at it could I also get a copy of these folktales too. These all look wonderfully made."
The man's words must have not processed immediately in Mizuki's mind, because for a moment, the younger girl was completely speechless.
But the eagerness in her eyes came soon enough.
"R-Right away, sir!" She quickly placed the man's order in a bag and handed it to him. "H-Here you go! Thank you so much!" She bowed.
The man completed the transaction and smiled back, bowing just as gratefully.
"Thank you for the read."
The moments that followed were all but inevitable. Mizuki turned back towards her, and this time the tears did make her way to her eyes. Without a moment to spare, the younger girl rushed forward and hugged her, an embrace that she happily returned.
All the while…
Nariyuki watched on with more than a fond smile.
"How about we sell the rest of these together?" He proposed softly.
Mizuki broke away from Fumino, turning to look at her older brother.
And with a wholehearted beam…
She moved to hug him too.
"Thank you…"
Fumino and Nariyuki's next few hours had been spent productively and studiously together with Mizuki as they did their very best to sell the remaining items in the younger girl's stand. Of course they didn't sell everything, but ever since the first customer purchase, the number of visits to the booth had only increased, and by the end, a majority of Mizuki's work had been purchased.
It was a fruitful experience, and after cleaning up her booth, the three of them made their way over to the center of the venue, reconvening with everyone else for the final event of the festival…
The annual summer festival fireworks show.
But with the high anticipation of the event…
Of course also came its busyness.
"I don't think we'll be able to see it with all these people…" Uruka said worriedly.
"I don't remember it being this packed before…I can hardly move with everyone being in the same spot…" Asumi added in annoyance.
Fumino chuckled lightly. "It's probably because it's in a different neighborhood this year," she explained. "The venue is a lot smaller than prior years. We should probably try relocating."
"Maybe we can go back to the entrance?" Hanae suggested.
"The entrance area has too many trees around," Nariyuki replied with a shake of his head. "This is probably the only real open area to really watch."
Mizuki crossed her arms. "If only there was a place near here with an open view of the sky…" The younger girl trailed off yearnfully.
Open view of the sky…
…
The realization came to Fumino and Nariyuki simultaneously, and their eyes met each other's in the same manner.
"Actually…" Fumino started.
"We know a place." Nariyuki answered.
"Oh my gosh, this place is perfect! It's like the whole sky is up there!" Uruka exclaimed.
"How did you guys find this place?" Asumi asked somewhat speechlessly.
It was very much the special place that only Nariyuki and Fumino knew of, but for the situation that arose tonight, they were more than happy to share it with their friends and family. They had broughten blankets with them for their relocation, and they now sat happily on the field beneath the stars, awaiting the anticipated firework display.
"Nariyuki showed me this place back when we were in highschool," Fumino explained with a reminiscent smile. "If we're ever home and have time, we always like to come here to stargaze together."
…
The moment the words left her lips, she realized her mistake. It was the truth, and she had every reason to share it with those who asked about it, but she should've expected the teasing grins that rained down on her as she disclosed one of her most treasured memories she had together with Nariyuki.
Thankfully, she was saved by a suddenly animated Mizuki.
"Oh! I actually recognize that one!" The younger girl pointed to a particular star in the sky. "It's uh…it's called…uhm…the polar star!"
"Polaris." Fumino corrected with a warmhearted giggle. "The brightest star in Ursa Minor! Honestly, you weren't too far off because sometimes it's referred to as the pole star. The position of the star lies less than one degree away from the north celestial pole. That's why it's considered both as the north star or even the pole star."
Everyone's mouth seemed to open simultaneously, admiration brimming in their eyes at the detailed explanation.
"What about this group over here, Fumino-cchi?" Uruka continued with her own inquisitiveness. "This one looks like a horse!"
"That's Centaurus!" Fumino answered. "It's one of the brightest constellations in the northern sky! In Greek mythology, Centaurus represents a centaur; a creature that is half human, half horse. One of my favorite stars is Alpha Centuari, because it's the nearest star system to our solar system! I get to see it a lot whenever I use our telescopes at the facility. Oh, and let's not forget about Sagittarius! It's also named after a centaur, and it resides in the region of the Zodiac! What makes Sagittarius so special to me is that the center of the Milky Way lies in the westernmost part of the arrangement! Oh! And also also-"
As Fumino continued on with her passionate dialogue, everyone else sat around her with more than observant eyes, listening on with visible wonder in their expressions. It was contagious. The way she remabled, the way the love in her heart seeped so fully into that rambling.
Yes. He had seen it so many times…but Nariyuki knew that in each and every instance…his smile only grew further in affection than the last. He knew that in this very moment…as he stood a distance away, watching the sight unfold before his very eyes…his heart could only pound to its very fullest, fervidly and wonderfully.
Because for Nariyuki…this was the one sight…
That he truly could never get enough of.
"Nariyuki, there you are." Fumino smiled as she finally located the boy who had wandered off on his own. "The fireworks are about to start."
"Sorry…" Nariyuki chuckled sheepishly. "I had a feeling but, I just realized that there's a slight breeze up here. It feels a lot cooler at the top of the hill, doesn't it?"
Curiously, Fumino walked up directly beside the boy, and immediately her eyes widened. "Wow, you're right! It feels really nice! Now that I think about it, this is our usual spot when we stargaze together here, isn't it?"
Nariyuki giggled, nodding an affirmative.
His expression then softened in invitation.
"Would you like to join me?"
Fumino blinked, silent for a few moments.
But sure enough…
She smiled warmly.
"Of course…"
Nariyuki placed the blanket he had carried with him on the grass, and together they sat themselves comfortably on the top of the hill. Once after, they simultaneously reached for each other's hand, a habit that was more than reoccurring for the both of them.
"I'm really curious to see how pretty the fireworks will be with this view…" said Nariyuki.
"I'm sure it'll be beautiful," Fumino replied. "It's the perfect way to wrap up the evening, don't you think? It's been a wonderful weekend so far."
Nariyuki smiled softly. "It really has…I feel really lucky to be honest."
…
"Lucky?" She repeated.
The boy nodded, a reflective smile brimming into his features. "I got to see you share your love for the stars again…but this time with all of our friends and family. The way they all listened to you with fascination in their eyes…from just how inspiring your love for your dream is…it's something that I can never get tired of seeing. And then…with Mizuki…I was so relieved after what you said to her about her writing earlier at the festival…giving her the courage to believe in her own work…her own product of her passion. I know that affirmation meant the absolute world to her."
His eyes softened even further…continuing with a gentle voice.
"You said this yesterday already, but…I just can't seem to stop getting reminded of it. As long as I get to be by your side…as long as I can experience anything and everything together with you, Furuhashi…"
...
"I know I'll always be happy…" He finished firmly.
For a while, Fumino stared, but it didn't take long for the emotions to come. A bright and loving smile resonated on her lips, promising, as she tightened her fingers around his grasp.
"We really are…always on the same page, huh…"
And of course…with full hearted intent…
Nariyuki returned her smile fully.
They stared into each other's eyes for what felt like ages, but eventually, the sounds of commotion from the others shook them from their stupor. In the distance they could hear the sounds of fireworks beginning to shoot, the smaller ones to start.
"Oh, looks like it's about to start soon!" Fumino said excitedly.
Nariyuki nodded. "Yeah…"
Fumino sat herself readily on the blanket, but her intentions were interrupted when Nariyuki reached for her hands again.
"Uhm…Furuhashi…"
He stood…bringing her gently to her feet too.
"Eh? What is it, Nariyuki? Did you want to go sit somewhere else?" She asked.
"N-No…I just…"
…
"I wanted to ask you something…if it's okay with you…" He explained shyly.
Fumino blinked, followed quickly by an affectionate smile.
"You don't need my permission to do that, silly…"
Nariyuki shook his head.
"I believe I do…especially since…"
…
"It's regarding our promise."
All at once, everything stopped.
The breeze of the field. The steady shift of the sky. The sounds of approaching fireworks.
The very beating of her heart…
All of it…ceasing.
…
There was absolutely nothing…
To take her away from this moment.
"Fumino…"
The hands around hers tightened.
"All my life…I've never known what it's like to have…someone there for me. I've only ever known…how to support others…especially to you…someone so wonderful and inspiring to me that I couldn't help but put every inch of my faith in. But…you were the very first person…to ever truly believe in me…you were the very first person…to…truly support me. You showed me what it means…to live a life filled with passion. You gave me the courage…to be the very person that I wanted to be…to be the very person that only I can be…"
More fireworks began to sound in the distance, still small and introductory, none yet visible to their view.
"Every moment I've spent with you has made me feel so alive. I realized that nothing is guaranteed in life. But this…this is certain. This happiness I feel together with you. This joy from knowing that the future is so bright with us reaching for our dreams, supporting each other hand and hand the entire way through…there's nothing that could be more right to me than this. I'm a clueless person. I don't understand a lot of things…but you taught me…to live everyday true to myself…to always live true to my heart. And right now…I'm going to listen to this feeling that has always been with me since the first day we've met."
They were already close, but it wasn't just their proximity that seemed to shorten...
Nariyuki's heart bared fully…
As did hers as she received it.
"I love you, Fumino Furuhashi. I love you so much. Your kindness. Your maturity. Your courage despite your loneliness. How carried away you get when you talk about the stars. How fierce you are when you get angry. I've said all this before, but I'll keep saying it again and again because there's no other truth in the world more important to me. I love everything about you. I love everything that you've done for me. I love everything that we share in our relationship. I love how through everything that the world may throw at us…I know that we will always love each other in our own special way…I know that you will always love me…with everything in your heart."
Everything.
Everything in her heart…its entirety attributing to the silent tears that streaked down her cheeks like the very stars above…matching the unshed ones threatening to take over the boy's vulnerability.
And took over they did…
Falling inevitably.
"T-This is my wish. This is what I want more than anything in the whole world. This is where all my hope for the future is…all of it…is together with you."
One last introductory firework made itself known.
"So that's why…if you're okay with it. If you're okay…with embracing our promise…for the rest of eternity…For everything that it is."
He got down on one knee.
"Fumino Furuhashi…"
And she felt it…
…
Their hearts stilling together.
.
.
.
"Will you marry me..?"
The sky lit up, with brightness of the real fireworks, on schedule, no longer introductory. Starlight and potassium nitrate, a display of luminescence of every kind. All of it shined onto them in revelation.
Perhaps it was fateful…how familiar the sight really was. The exact position they had been in at their school festival all those years ago under the same fireworks, the exact same location they had been as Nariyuki returned the promise to support her no matter what, and the exact same feeling…after they had finally opened their hearts fully and confessed their love for each other.
Yes…it was fateful. With their friends and family all watching on with tearful eyes. With time and coincidence aligning ever so perfectly. It had to be.
And yet…that was the furthest thing on either of their minds.
There was only one thing there.
Each other.
The joy through their tears.
The hope in their hearts.
That…was how it had always been. How it would continue to be.
And Fumino let that very promise…
Guide her to her answer.
The only answer…
…
That she could ever give.
"Yes!"
Cheers rang around them from their audience, fireworks exploding in a dazzling display as they embraced each other tighter than ever before. And through the tears that ran down both of their blissful and heartfelt smiles, a truth rang out promisingly to the rest of the world.
A unique instance. A bond that was only found with these two individuals and nowhere else. Incomparable and unbreakable.
A relationship…supported by all the mutual belief imaginable…
This...was precious.
As long as we're together...
...
We'll always be happy.
This was true…
And eternal love.
A/N: WOOOOOOO! Happy Birthday to our lovely and beautiful astronomer. I think it's only right that I released this specific chapter for this day. Hope you guys enjoyed it!
As always, feel free to leave a review. Love to read your guys' feedback no matter what, even if it is negative! Always happy to find things to improve on!
Again, Happy Birthday Foomers, and thanks for reading!
Until next time!