"Indeed we have. Life is the cruelest, yet smartest of teachers. Experience gives power to knowledge. While we did have…our moments of bliss and depression, at the end it all worked out, didn't it?"

Spring became summer. Time itself had sped past through the couple of years. It was honestly a wild trip for many students. During high school, it was said to be the best or worse years of your life. Honestly, it was something rather subjective depending on the person. A vast majority would agree that these few years were nightmarish, but years ahead of that were just as bad as these ones. It was bittersweet to be at the beach resort in the first place. A graduation spot for those whom were to graduate from Hope's Peak Academy. Kirigiri held a small glass, filled with ice and fruit punch. The red liquid was sweet, but the entire scenery in front of her lavender eyes was filled with joy, smiles and laughter.

Could anyone really blame her for feeling a bit awkward? It had been over a year since she had shattered her heart. The sleuth simply lost track of time. It was odd really. After her promises with the gambler, the two had another fallout several months later. They decided a break will do. It was mutual. This was when waters were tested. Celestia had a taste drive with Togami. She went out with the heir, but it was simply nothing but of mere friendship between the two. Besides, his arrogance was nice, but too much of it was of an annoyance. Celestia appreciated confidence, but his was simply too much. Plus, she wasn't a gold digger. She loathed being smothered in luxuries. Earning power and being assertive was simply how she became. Not that was a problem really. The twin-drilled girl had decided to give Naegi a try as well. He was simply far too bland and their interests were simply too stretched apart. Besides their gaming days together, it was simply not enough for her to hold any other shred of interest. Sayaka Maizono would have been another nice person to get back together, but due to the chaotic fall out and promising farewell, the both of them merely stood as close friends.

Kirigiri on the other hand had went out with Naegi. Same reason. He was a nice person, but the sleuth knew for a fact that his heart belonged to someone else. It was simply pathetic and heartbreaking for both parties to keep up with facades. Kirigiri refused to touch Maizono. After the passive-aggressive tension between the two, maintaining a friendship was all that they simply could do at the moment during the repetition of seasons. Both gambler and detective had taste tested the waters for several months. These little dates and bonds wouldn't last more than a few weeks at most. It was funny. They thought a mutual break up was something that was worth their while. Experience and taste-tasting with other partners was simply only to build knowledge and see whom they really wanted. Yet, it seems the red string of fate pulled them back together. Out of everyone they tried dating with, it ended up them that escalated to pure bliss, harmony and passion. It was only that with each other that they would shed fabric and engage in aggressive, passionate lust and love together.

The chemistry that both of them bore was a powerful one. Many believed that they were simply meant to stick with each other no matter how long they were distanced from each other. These memories only made the lilac sleuth huff lightly, a small smirk on her lips before glass touched warm skin. The sweetness of the red fluid went down her throat. Cold and sweet. Just what she liked. It suited her personality in some odd form as well. She was cold, yet also very sweet. It took a while to melt the ice, but the sweetness was there past the dilution of the cold ice cubes that floated on the surface. Gloved hand placed the drink onto the table nearby. While most have decided to lounge on the sandy beach, some decided to stay in the housing area. With a plain t-shirt and shorts, Kirigiri leaned forward and against the balcony. She observed her fellow graduating classmates from the distance. Some were swimming. Sakura and Asahina were the most obvious to dunk in the salty ocean water. Others were playing with the sand. Fujisaki, Ishimaru and Oowada were the trio whom were building a sand castle together. Others such as herself remained under the shade, observing or simply lazing about.

"Kyouko, it's rather lonely lounging by yourself. Maybe I should accompany you?"

Voice saccharine and melodic, Kirigiri averted her gaze to the source of the sound. Of course it was no other than Celestia, more so Taeko Yasuhiro to be exact. Another smile formed before she opened her mouth to speak. "Of course it is lonely, Taeko. However, some solitude would do no harm. When it comes to you however…I would love for you to spend this entire day with you. After all, these few days are meant to be our happiest. We are graduating after all."

Celestia giggled. The twin-drilled girl was in some thin wear as well, but it was still of laces and luxury. Of course the gambler would maintain her elegant status and looks even in blazing heat such as this. She didn't like getting her face wet. Touching the sand like a child was simply out of the question as well. She simply enjoyed lazing and lounging about. Togami had kept her company until she decided to leave to check up on her beloved detective. Crimson eyes eyed at the fruit punch drink placed on the table by Kirigiri. While she didn't like drinking such casual fluids except for water, she found its presence relaxing and suiting for the summer. Having to notice the look, Kirigiri reached for the glass, gently holding it out to the gambler. "You can have some, if you want. It's mine, if you are wondering."

"Might as well. I simply cannot have my royal milk tea at this moment." Taking it into her hand, the freezing temperature made her hand loosen its grip. The water dripped down from her pale hands.

Sweet and cold, that was a lovely combination. In blazing heat and sunshine, sweet flavors were well suited in such hot weather. Coldness cooled down the body and hydrated it as well. It was funny how an indirect kiss was given due to the sharing of the glass. It wasn't uncommon for the two to share many moments together. Especially when they got together after their mutual fallout. Whether it was sharing a bed or moments of pure bliss and pleasure, simple moments such as dining together and sharing a drink was also wonderful to the heart. Handing back the substance to the detective, Celestia kept her eyes forward into the blaring scenery. Classmates still doing their shenanigans, the gambler sighed quietly to herself.

"Is something amiss, Taeko?" Kirigiri commented, aware that the gambler was rather quiet with an aura of melancholy. "Are you not happy about the choice in place for our graduation? Or is this something else?"

Celestia shook her head. "It's not about that. Of course the standards here will never meet my expectations, but alas, I am not much of a sore loser or whiny child when things do not go my way. When things are out of my range of power, I simply adapt. I am currently thinking. Thinking about our time here together. Our time apart from each other. We certainly matured over the seasons, haven't we, Kyouko?"

Pausing, lavender eyes blinked twice before her mind traveled with those words. Memories ran through her head. The good, the bad and the ugly. It was surprising how fragile she became, yet how soft she grew as well. Kirigiri wouldn't ever blame anyone for it. She simply knew they both matured over the days which turned to a year and more. "Indeed we have. Life is the cruelest, yet smartest of teachers. Experience gives power to knowledge. While we did have…our moments of bliss and depression, at the end it all worked out, didn't it?"

"Heh. Forever doesn't last. It never will. For some reason, we may stick to our own little eternity. We left each other multiple of times. Tested waters and flavors on others, and yet…at the end, we always came back to each other. I suppose this is what it is like to live, isn't it?" Celestia faced Kirigiri once again, turning her body towards her, one hand resting on the balcony. "I wonder…will we always be in this cycle? You and I are of opposites. You and I are also of similarities. Where will you go after we leave this place together?"

The pieces clicked in the sleuth's mind. The graduation anxiety was common. Friendships will be shattered to some degree. Bonds will rust and crack. Each person will be on their own way to different cities, countries, different lifestyles and changes. While Kirigiri knew what she was going to do, the mere thought of tearing apart the bond she had with the gambler was simply too much pressure on her heart. Her stomach felt heavy, and the fruit punch was rather sour in her stomach. A definite answer is something hard to answer. Celestia was right. Eternities and forevers never lasted. These little promises were always broken at the end. Life was simply not of a fairy tale and it never would be. Struggle, pain and sorrow was simply of what the world composed of no matter how happy a person was. "I cannot say." It was difficult to force out an answer, but it had to be done. "You are correct. However…it depends on us. I do believe in my own heart that no matter the issues, distance or closure…we'll always be together. You are simply too important for me to lose. As for my road of life after I leave this academy…I will continue as a detective. I may attend to post-secondary in Law and Criminal Justice. Life has given me a fair chance, an easier road than many others. Some of the others we may see again. Some we may never see again. However, all is well. To be honest…this academy is unlike any other high school. I can understand you are concerned to some degree even though you have your route planned out. Just always know that I'll be by your side not only as your best friend, but as your significant other."

This was why Celestia loved being with Kirigiri. Never sugarcoating words. Always being blunt and honest. Just the way she liked it. The truth seeker compared to the queen of liars. It was funny how those two even worked with each other in the first place. Life was funny in its own ways, having their own little fated meetings and pairings. They were simply one of a kind after all. Whether they lasted forever or not would depend on the road they went down together. It was always comforting to know they wouldn't fully lose each other in the end compared to the first time they shattered their hearts. The gambler forced a twisted smile. Bitter from her own foolish personality and mindset from before, the gambler knew she wouldn't ever dare risk her pride and luck on two-timing ever again. Falling in love with two people at the same time was the most agonizing thing ever. Especially when neither of them were polyamorous. Greed was a sin and so was lust. Sadly, greed was what plagued her heart for a while and learning her mistakes during her times at Hope's Peak Academy was simply enough for her. That was how she matured anyway. These determined dreams of hers were all resulted from greed and pride. Upon meeting the idol and sleuth, her heart had changed. While accepting Taeko Yasuhiro as a person now, it simply gave her peace at the end of the day. Perhaps being too absorbed in her own fantasies became her downfall. Her losses were justified but she adapted quickly to retrieve and earn back what was lost.

"This is why I love you so much, Kyouko. You know exactly what to say." Soft nuzzling was done to Kirigiri's cheek, her affection had grown all due to being around her. "Having you by my side…is enough. I could have an entire world of servants, and none of them would ever replace you."

Kirigiri chuckled before ruffling some of the raven colored locks of hair. "Your feelings are mutual. Just you by my side…I believe I can achieve anything…acquire all the truth I need in this world. Even then…you are a truth to me. Truth that I am still capable of growing soft and affectionate. To love no matter the hardships I dealt with."

"You flatter me too much Kyouko. Also…I applied to the university in this city. I'll be attending in the business field. Gambling is illegal, but it relates to a business in its own artistic format. I believe it'll serve me well. I know many others have applied to the same place so we may see them as well."

"Knowing you, you and I are going to see each other frequently. As well as the others. Some of us strive for more power and knowledge, while some of us are better off in what we have been doing for ages. It all depends really. We have a long road in our way, but together we are able to accomplish it."

"You have softened up a lot, Kyouko. It's surprising to see you this honest and emotional. I guess I am to blame and thank, but…let us spend the rest of our day together, no? This will be one of the very few last moments we can all have together with everyone."

Kirigiri leaned forward to place a quick kiss on Celestia's lips. While everyone was too occupied to notice the couple being affectionate, the sleuth smiled. No words were needed to express what she was trying to portray. Entwining fingers together, the detective guided the gambler away from the balcony and into the housing area. While it was cool, the area was of peace and serenity. Togami had noticed the two walking down the hallway. Icy eyes glanced over at the two girls before nodding a curt greeting to them in silence before continuing his way elsewhere. Thankfully, the sleuth had taken her drink with her, sipping it along the way. A small tug on Kirigiri's hand distracted her and she soon felt herself being dragged to the gambler's room. While it was different and more bland than anything else, the sleuth knew that they would most likely have some time cuddling or merely spending time on the other girl's laptop like they usually did. A small piece of paper had stuck out from the gambler's bag. Lavender eyes continued to stare at it before going over to pick it up, unfolding to read it. It turned out to be her heartfelt confession that she first gave the gambler on the day she confessed.

"You…kept the letter with you?" Kirigiri muttered, looking up at Celestia with mild shock.

Celestia tensed lightly before her cheeks blushed with a small hue of pink and red. "Of course I would. I do love you after all. I carry that with me often. It's one of those things…that you would always want to have. Even when we were apart, I still kept that with me. Rather silly of me, isn't it? Being a lovesick puppy…it's unlike me. But it's the honest truth."

While the sleuth didn't expect the other girl to carry the letter around with her, it made Kirigiri smile. It wasn't one of her small smiles, it was one of those over thrilled, scarce smiles that she possessed. Celestia could have sworn her heart would stop beating from the mere sight of it, but she too in reciprocation smiled back with just as much joy and purity. "I love you Kyouko. Very, very much. No matter how cold winter is, spring will always come. You are my spring, my lilac flowers. And I want to spend my life with you. You are the one person whom I cannot bear to lose in any manner. So…would you stay by my side?"

Kirigiri placed the letter back in its place, placing the drink on the table before approaching the twin-drilled girl to wrap both her arms around the girl. "You need not to ask, Taeko Yasuhiro. For that little desire and wish you possess will be granted. I too want to spend my days with you. Whether as your friend or even perhaps as your married partner…I just want you to stay as well. I love you too, Taeko. From the bottom of my heart and with my entire existence in general. I am fortunate to live to meet you."

Both shared a laugh together. "You and I lack any idea on what to do besides being lovesick fools. It seems during the summer and as the seasons go by once again…we would need to rely on a few others, especially Naegi-kun to keep us occupied, hmm?" Celestia giggled before giving a small peck on Kirigiri's nose.

A shrug was given in response. The sleuth nuzzles into the gambler, breathing in her scent before nodding. "Of course. He tends to know the best. Even then…he bears the title of SHSL Hope now. I'm sure he will be the vital piece of keeping everything intact for all of us, wouldn't you agree?"

"Of course. It's people such as him who impressed me and went above my standards. If I were to give a rating…he went from D to B-rank. Impressive he is. It's events with him and with the others that give life a much better meaning to me. Perhaps one day you can all rest in the castle I will possess one day. Either way…rest with me Kyouko. It was rather tiring to travel here without rest. All these events are tiring. It's one of our only times together where we can rest."

Nodding, Kirigiri took Celestia in her arms before carrying her to the bed in the room. Snuggling up against her, she watched the gambler strip of the drills that were placed in her hair. It was uncomfortable to rest with extensions or even having hair tied and done. This was where the sleuth did the same, only to her braided hair. Ribbon and hair tie gone, it was more comfortable to rest. While the silence was there, both didn't need the covers since it was still in the afternoon. It was simply too hot. What wasn't too hot was their warmth that they shared. It was an exception. It was always an exception.

Author's Note: Finally got this fanfic done! I apologize for the long due wait for this, but I honestly thrilled to have this entire story done! While it may seem lacking as a while, it was my first ever fanfiction and I am glad in general that many of you enjoyed this while I was merely experimenting. While I won't disappear forever, I will still be posting things here and there on this account and on other sites. It's best to keep in contact with me on my tumblr if you ever want to ask something from me or chitchat. Regardless, thank you so much everyone and I hope this is a suitable last chapter!