Chapter 22 A Promise
Ichika's POV
After the show, Tsukasa and I decided to go on a date.
Currently, we were walking hand in hand through a park.
"I can't believe that you're here", I said as I held onto Tsukasa's arm.
"But of course", Taukasa said. "After all, today is your eighteenth birthday! There was no way that I was going to miss it!"
"I also can't believe that you got Minori, Kohane and Yoisaki-San together to do a performance for me", I added.
"Anything for you, my love", Tsukasa stated.
Then…he suddenly stopped when we reached a bridge, and turned around to face me.
"Now then", he started. "It's time for me to give you your birthday gift."
With that, Tsukasa took something from out of his pocket, and it was…a small jewelry box.
He opened it up, and inside…was a ring.
"Tsukasa", I breathed out in shock.
"I want to clarify that this is not an engagement ring", Tsukasa revealed. "It is a promise. A promise to always love you."
After Tsukasa said this, he took my hand…and put the ring on it.
I took a closer look at the ring, and saw that it was silver with a sparkling shooting star shaped pendant.
After Tsukasa put the ring on, he grabbed onto both my hands before looking at me.
"My beloved Ichika", he started. "Soon, I shall be leaving for New York. But I want you to know that, even though we won't physically be together, my love for you will never fade. In fact, I think being apart from you will just make my love stronger! After all, they say that absence makes the heart stronger."
After Tsukasa said this, tears started falling from my eyes.
Then, Tsukasa pulled me into his chest before wrapping his arms around me.
"I'm going to miss you so much", I said.
"And I will miss you", Tsukasa said. "But I'll come back to you someday. I promise."
The Next Day
Sadly, Tsukasa and everybody else had to already return to Tokyo.
Currently, we were at the train station to say goodbye to them.
"We hope that you enjoyed our performance, Ichika-Chan", Minori said.
"I did", I said. "Thank you all so much."
"You're very welcome, Ichika-Chan", Kohane said.
"Please enjoy the rest of your tour, Hoshino-San", Kanade said.
"I will", I said.
Then…I saw the train Tsukasa and the others would be getting on approaching, so I looked at him sadly.
"Guess this is goodbye", I said.
Then…Tsukasa grabbed onto my hand and pulled me into his chest.
"Farewell, Ichika", he said. "I love you."
After Tsukasa said this, tears fell from my eyes as I head tightly onto his shirt.
Then, he pulled away from me…before letting go of my hand…and walking onto the train.
Slowly…I watched as he disappeared from my sight.
Then…I held my hand with my ring close to my heart as I thought about Tsukasa's promise.