The sounds of metal on wood crept throughout the kitchen as Fumino rhythmically chopped the ingredients on the cutting board. She had been the first to rise amongst the Yuiga family members, so it was a given that she was going to take responsibility in making breakfast for her hosts, all the while doing her very best to keep her volume for the tasks to the minimum. Seeing that the three younger siblings had still been deep asleep, she had decided to simply commit to being awake and get started with the day. With her job at the NAO, early rising had become rather habitual for herself.

"Morning, Sis…"

And it seemed that another person aligned with that habit similarly.

"Good morning, Mizuki." Fumino giggled, welcoming the groggy girl warmly. "Did you sleep well?"

The younger girl nodded slowly, hints of sleep still evident in her eyes. "Pretty soundly all things considered. It's been a while since I've gotten a good night's sleep with entrance exams right around the corner and all."

She smiled softly at that. "Well I'm glad you were able to. Staying healthy and getting enough sleep is still really important, especially for someone as hardworking as you."

"Are you sure you're not talking about yourself, Sis? Last time I checked, you're a lot more of a harder worker than I am," Mizuki returned with her own praise.

A blush, light and shy, crept onto Fumino's face as she looked away bashfully.

"Though…" Mizuki continued thoughtfully. "I'm sure you got a good night's rest too, considering that you went to sleep together with Nariyuki last night."

Fumino froze.

"Y-you knew?" she asked.

"Well…" Mizuki smiled knowingly. "It's more like I already had a feeling you would."

Embarrassment filled her quickly, her blush deepening in a manner characteristic of a child being caught reaching into a cookie jar.

"S-sorry…"

Mizuki giggled, making her way to her side and interlacing an arm with hers. "What are you apologizing for? If anything it makes me so happy to see how much you care for him. Knowing you, you probably just didn't want him to be alone for the night."

Her expression softened immensely at the girl's words. It was hard to imagine that when they had originally first met years ago that they were not nearly this close. They were distant, and she had found it difficult to really hold a conversation with the younger sibling. But after she had realized that that distantness was simply a stem from her overprotectiveness for Nariyuki, she had grown somewhat of a soft spot for the younger girl.

With her opening up to her, and with how much that they had bonded over the years…Fumino really just saw how sweet Mizuki was as a person.

"You're a wonderful sister, you know that?"

"For Nariyuki, or for you too?" Mizuki asked teasingly.

She giggled. "Can I say both?" Though the sentiment was somewhat premature, she couldn't help but be delighted by it.

And match for match, Mizuki visibly shared her joy in the matter.

"I would be disappointed if you didn't."

They giggled together, sharing the warmheartedness of their friendship. Mizuki hugged her tightly, and naturally, Fumino returned her embrace with earnest.

"Let's get this breakfast done before they wake up, shall we?" She proposed with a beam.

Mizuki nodded eagerly, returning her smile with a competitive one of her own.

"I know you're more than experienced with cooking now, but I hope you still remember everything that I taught you."

"Nariyuki, can you help me hang up these clothes outside?" Mizuki asked.

Nariyuki smiled. "Of course."

With Hanae leaving the house to undergo her usual weekend errands, the residence was left alone for the rest of the family to take care of. Originally, Hanae had planned to leave alone, but Fumino had willingly offered to accompany her to assist with her tasks. The older woman of course had gratefully accepted the company of the blue-haired girl, no doubt relishing in their private time together.

That of course had left Nariyuki the opportunity to spend time with Mizuki before his and Fumino's high school reunion in the evening.

"How has everything been?" He asked as he hung up the first shirt along the clothesline. "I know how busy you must be with entrance exams around the corner. You haven't been overwhelmed with helping out Mom at home have you?"

Mizuki shrugged her shoulders. "Well…with you moving out, there's been one less mouth to feed, so it hasn't been too bad. Thankfully, Hazuki and Kazuki are old enough to help out with some of the chores too, so I've mostly just been helping Mom with cooking."

She then looked to him and smiled reassuringly.

"If anything…I'm just doing exactly what you were doing back when you were in high school."

Nariyuki chuckled softly at that.

"Pretty sure I didn't help Mom with cooking back then."

Mizuki smirked. "Well at least you're making up for it now. Fumino tells me that you do a wonderful job in the kitchen together with her," she said pointedly.

Another chuckle escaped his lips as he smiled thoughtfully. "I would say it's more so her that's on the wonderful side. With how alone she was growing up, it's amazing just how perfectly she's been able to learn all these skills to take care of herself and others. Everyday when I come home and see her, she's always so excited to cook together with me and learn new recipes together..."

"That sure sounds like her," Mizuki commented.

Nariyuki nodded, his expression softening as his eyes shifted to the sky with heartfelt admiration.

"She's always doing her very best to be the person that she wants to be...living her life in the way that she's passionate for. Of course, that would inspire me to do the same. Helping each other at home and learning new things together, all the while sharing and supporting our everyday journeys in our careers with all our hearts…"

…

"I can't think of a better reason for me to be happy," he finished tenderly.

From the side, Mizuki was silent, taking in his passionate dialogue with observant eyes. After a few seconds, her attention shifted back to the clothesline, a small smile observable at the corner of her lips.

"Well I suppose I'd expect at least that much from you. You are planning on proposing to her soon."

He nodded in agreement.

"Yeah…"

…

His head whipped back to the girl like a rocket.

"Wait what?! H-How did you know?!" He exclaimed in a panic.

Mizuki raised an eyebrow. "Mom told me, duh."

His hand went to his eyes as he heaved out a sigh. He really should have expected this outcome. If there was one thing that her mother was horrible at, it was keeping secrets regarding romance.

"So much for keeping her mouth sealed…"

"You know I pretty much knew anyway," Mizuki said as she crossed her arms together. "You gave it away with how nervous you've been acting ever since coming home yesterday."

He blushed at the allegation. "That obvious, huh?"

The younger girl nodded, grinning in amusement. "I guess that's another thing you and Fumino have in common. When it comes to your feelings for each other, there's nothing in the world that stops it from showing."

The words were teasing, yet very much warmhearted, and coming from Mizuki specifically, it was comforting to hear. He still remembered back when he was first tutoring Fumino and how visibly irritated Mizuki would be whenever the former would frequent their household.

He couldn't express just how relieved he was seeing the two be as close as they were together now.

"You know…" He started, voicing his curiosity. "Back when I was still at Ichinose…I used to host our tutoring sessions at our house sometimes…and I noticed that you were particularly angry whenever I spent time with Furuhashi…especially when it was just us two."

Mizuki blinked, ruminating over his random observation. He was expecting more of a defensive reaction, but the girl seemingly remained neutral. After a few more seconds of contemplating, she finally averted her gaze.

"Well…" Mizuki started thoughtfully, her hands still attending to the task before her. "Out of everyone you brought over…she was clearly the kindest and most mature one…and I could also see how you guys didn't have just a tutor and tutee relationship or even just a friendly relationship…but something a lot deeper than that. I was probably angry because I saw her as someone special...a threat I suppose."

Nariyuki blinked twice, visibly confused. "A threat?"

The younger girl sighed heavily. "Jeez…you really are so dense sometimes. Don't worry about it. Why are you bringing this up anyway?"

Nariyuki rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. "I just…I guess you could say I'm just still surprised with how things are now," he admitted softly. "I really thought that you didn't like her back then, so I would've never expected for her to become one of your closest friends and people that you enjoy spending time with the most now. It really makes me happy to see…but…I guess I'm a little curious about how it changed for you."

Once again, Mizuki went silent. Her expression was reflective but emotion surprisingly difficult to discern. It was meant to be for small talk. Just a question to discuss while they worked on the chore at hand, but even Nariyuki found himself drawn in deeply by it all.

Seconds later, and the girl finally broke the silence.

"It's pretty simple actually," she said without looking directly at him. "You're my older brother. You and I grew up together. You've always taken care of me and you were my role model. I wanted you to be happy back then, and I thought that being with your family was what made you happy. Obviously, I was naive and just very selfish, so it took me a while to understand that you weren't always going to be with us. I sorta started to understand that once I met Fumino…how there was someone precious to you that wasn't us. That…made me sad at first, so I always lashed out at her whenever I saw her," she trailed off guiltily.

Her regretful expression lingered as she continued with a wistful voice.

"But I guess…the more I saw you two together…the more I realized that we weren't actually competing. I wanted you to be happy back then…and whenever you were with us…you were happy. And…whenever you were with her…you were happy too…just…in a very different way." Her gaze then deepened thoughtfully. "Once I understood that…I decided to be more accepting of her. I wasn't surprised at all when you two finally became a couple. At that point…I just wondered if she could continue giving you that special happiness for as long as possible."

A pause.

And eventually…a fond smile made its way clear and firm on Mizuki's face.

"But…after really getting to know her…I realized that I had been worrying over nothing. She loves you so much…in a way that I can't help but admire….but more than anything…she gives you hope. She doesn't ask you to change for her or to hide your shortcomings…she cherishes you…just the way you are. As your little sister, I can't even begin to describe just how relieved I am to know that that kind of person is the one that my brother will be together with. As long as you have each other….I know without a doubt, that that special happiness will be with you for the rest of your life."

He was left speechless.

"Mizuki…"

"So don't mess it up okay?!" The girl exclaimed chastingly. "For the record, I love her just as much as you do, so remember that this is for me too! I want to finally be able to call her 'Sis' officially!"

Nariyuki remained stunned for another few moments, but the change came soon enough. His lips curled into a smile and a warm laugh escaped.

Turns out he was actually the one with a competitor to worry over.

"I'm not sure if I can guarantee you that. You know how awkward I am with these sorts of things." He chuckled sheepishly.

"Yeah you really are, but it's not like she's going to say no. Just be yourself and everything will be fine," she reassured him.

"I wish I had your confidence."

Mizuki smiled, sympathy laced in her expression.

"I didn't say it was easy."

That much was true. It wasn't the girl's feelings that he wasn't sure of. There was no doubt of the fact that Fumino loved him…more than anyone in the whole world. He knew. He cherished the fact. What he doubted…was a matter on his own playing field…his own ability to be courageous in the moment.

To give Fumino the proposal she deserved.

In any case…

"Thank you, Mizuki…" He said gently before smiling gratefully.

…

"For always looking out for me."

Mizuki blushed lightly.

And sure enough, a grateful smile of her own shined through.

"Just returning the favor."

The hours of the afternoon sped through in a flash, and the sun made its trajectory towards the horizon in due course. Once Fumino had returned with Hanae from the grocery store, the girl had quickly joined Nariyuki in preparing for their scheduled event for the evening. It was no surprise to either of them that the reunion was being hosted at a bar. They were well aware that most social gatherings tended to careen in that type of setting.

Much to their gratitude however, they had a couple of minutes of walking peacefully together before they reached their destination.

"Thank you for going with my mom earlier, Furuhashi," Nariyuki smiled appreciatively, walking side by side with the girl. "She has way too many errands for a weekend if you ask me."

Fumino shook her head warmly. "Don't worry about it. If anything I'm glad I got to just talk with her. Conversations are always so fun with her," she said with a giggle.

It was a compliment he could agree with, but Nariyuki also recalled the conversation he had shared with the woman the prior day.

And the very important secret that he had happened to reveal.

"She didn't…make you uncomfortable did she? With some specific topics..?" He asked both curiously and somewhat timidly.

Fumino blinked before smiling.

"I'm not going to say that she didn't ask us about us every other minute."

Nariyuki brought his hand up to his face with a sigh, in which Fumino giggled playfully at. On the bright side, it appeared that his mother hadn't completely spilled the beans, but with just how little subtlety the woman was exhibiting, he wouldn't be surprised if Fumino figured it out sooner or later.

"Might as well get used to it I suppose. We're going to see all of our old classmates from Ichinose. I'm sure they'll have just as many questions and nosiness if not more than my mom," he said wearily.

"It's exciting though, isn't it?" Fumino returned brightly. "I feel like there's so many things to catch up on with everyone. Some of them we haven't seen since graduation!"

"Well with Omori…the longer it's been…the louder he is. You know how…expressive he is with our relationship. I'm sure he'll find many ways to embarrass us throughout the night," he said with a chuckle.

A beat later and Fumino smiled, making her way beside him and reaching for his hand gently.

"Guess we'll just have to bear through it together then," she said firmly.

His eyes widened.

Challenges. Enjoyment. No matter if it was the tenuous obstacles for their careers or trivial social hurdles such as this, they would always experience it together, loving and supporting each other with everything in their heart.

This was their trust for each other.

And a wholehearted smile made its way to Nariyuki's lips to match.

"Like we always do."

Nariyuki had nearly forgotten just how many familiar faces he had been acquainted with in his graduating class. Of course he had expected a large attendance, but it wasn't everyday that he experienced social outings at this degree of liveliness. The bar was packed with Ichinose alumni left and right, and it was thanks to the efforts of Okada-san, their former student council president, that the venue was able to be reserved for this specific occasion.

It was barely seconds after their arrival before he and Fumino were bombarded with the warm welcomes of their long time friends.

"Fumino-cchi! Nariyuki! There you guys are! Was wondering when you two would arrive!" Uruka said excitedly, running up to them at the entrance.

"I know we weren't allowed to bring outside food, but would you like some udon, you two?" Rizu added invitingly, trailing behind Uruka.

"Uruka-chan! Ri-cchan!" Fumino smiled, rushing forward to hug the both of them. "I missed you guys so much."

Nariyuki couldn't resist a fond smile, heart warming comfortably at the sight before him. He wasn't given more than a moment to relish it as two more familiar faces came into view.

"Yo, Nariyuki! There's our favorite dude!" Omori exclaimed jovially.

"You really kept us waiting, you know?" Haruma said with his arms crossed.

Nariyuki's expression softened in recognition.

"Omori…Haruma." He smiled. "Long time no see."

The two other boys smirked simultaneously, sneaking up to each of his sides.

"So why'd you take so long?" Omori asked with a whisper. "You too busy being lovey dovey with Furuhashi?"

"I mean why even ask him that? The answer's pretty obvious. Those two are always thinking about each other no matter what it is," Haruma reasoned just as playfully.

Despite the clear teasing from the two, Nariyuki didn't shy away from it all. Instead a chuckle escaped his lips as he shook his head with a smile.

"Missed you guys too."

Uruka quickly interrupted their moment as she motioned for their two groups to follow. "Alright! Now that you two are here, we can finally start drinking!" She cheered.

"We'll pass," Nariyuki and Fumino interjected at the same time.

"Ehhhh?!" Uruka, Haruma, and Omori whined in unison.

Nariyuki and Fumino shared a glance together, blushing as they recalled the last time that they had been in a bar together. After the mixer incident in college, drinking was something that they were more than happy to avoid, especially on Fumino's side. He still very clearly remembered the confrontation that had occurred between her and Yamaoka-

*BUMP*

Someone bumped into his shoulder from the side.

His head turned and he felt his blood freeze.

The fact that he had just been recalling his exact face made it just that much jarring.

Of course he would be here too.

They were in the same grade.

Yamaoka's eyes met his, processing recognition. His brow's narrowed coldly, a hint of a glare showing as well. But just as it started, the silent exchange was over. The former soccer club member turned away and disappeared further into the bar, leaving Nariyuki still stunned.

Unbeknownst to him, Fumino was just as perturbed by the random boy's presence

"What's his deal? You get in a fight with him recently or something?" Haruma asked.

A fight. Could he really call what had happened back then a fight?

Whatever the ruling was, Nariyuki couldn't shake off the persistent sense of uneasiness weighing over him.

"Not sure…"

"Cheers!"

Fumino lifted her glass with a happy smile, joining Uruka's lead for their collective toast. Her cup of course contained that of only tea, one of the few non-alcoholic selections offered at the bar. If she wasn't going to risk being intoxicated, she would at least do her very best in joining the festive atmosphere of the night. Due to the large attendance, their groups had decided to split into separate tables for the time being, with Nariyuki going together with Omori and Haruma to catch up first.

Hopefully they would reconvene at some point in the night.

"Soooooo…tell us tell us!" Uruka patted her arm hastily.

"T-tell what?" She asked, confused.

"Oh stop pretending!" Uruka insisted.

"You know what we want to hear," Rizu added.

"How has it been living together with Yuiga-kun?" Kashima-san and two other of her previous classmates asked together.

Fumino blushed at the topic. She should've known that their conversation would start in this way.

"Shouldn't we catch up on other things first? Like how everyone's doing with their careers?" She offered hopefully.

"We can talk about that stuff later!" Uruka persisted. "This is much more important!"

"Agreed." Everyone else nodded with respective eagerness.

Fumino shook her head, smiling softly despite herself.

It was hard to not cave to such imploring eyes.

"It's been wonderful," she answered wholeheartedly.

The other five girls squealed in delight.

"Details Details! How do you guys split the chores?" Uruka prodded.

"Who performs the majority of the cooking?" Rizu added.

"Have you two made love since being able to share a bed together?" Kashima-san finished.

Even with the subtlety, the last question was much too out of place to slip by her.

"How do you even know about that?!" She exclaimed blushfully.

Kashima-san smiled with her usual placidness. "I know everything about you, Princess Furuhashi."

A heavy exhale escaped her lips. Under normal circumstances, the invasive knowledge of her private life would be terribly problematic, but she had become rather accustomed to Kashima-san's 'attention' for her over the years. It was more or less a running joke between them.

Though…information pertaining to the bedroom was much too personal for her to truly disclose.

"We don't really have anyone who strictly does specific chores. We just…help each other out whenever we can," she answered gently before smiling. "Almost always…we end up taking care of the house together…almost like a team. Even for cooking…I don't think it's really any one of us that's doing it the most. We cook for each other, and on weekends…one of our favorite things to do is learning new recipes together…so really I would say it's a collective effort," she finished with a chuckle.

One of Kashima-san's friends interjected. "Has it been harder to spend time together now that both of you are working? I heard Yuiga-kun finally landed a position as a teacher. I would imagine that the both of you would be really tired after coming home."

"Actually…it's quite the opposite," she reflected thoughtfully. "Of course it's tiring…all the research I have to conduct throughout the day…but coming back home is probably the time I feel the most excited for. I get to share everything I learned through my research with Nariyuki…and more than anything…I get to hear about his day too. I can only speak for myself but…the time that we spend together after work…is so special to me." Her eyes crinkled. "The curriculums he's learning to build on his own, the personalities of all of the teachers he works with, the hopes and dreams of the students that he wants to become closer with…seeing him share about his everyday journey so happily…it warms my heart so much…"

A silent pause, and then…

"I couldn't be more proud of him."

So caught up in the affection and fondness brimming in her chest, it took her many moments after to come to terms with the five stares directed her way, some surprised, some teasing and playful.

Either way, it didn't stop the shy blush from forming on her cheeks.

"S-sorry. I…kinda got carried away there. I hope that answered all of your questions," she answered sheepishly.

It was Uruka who broke the silence first. "You two are way too adorable for your own good, you know that?" She said dotingly, though in the details of her gaze, there was undeniable admiration placed there as well. "I'm assuming you guys have plans to be married real soon then."

"W-what?!" The assertion had the heat in her cheeks grow wildly.

Uruka raised an eyebrow, a grin forming on the edge of her lips. "I mean come on. You two trust and love each other perfectly. Isn't it obvious that marriage is right around the corner?"

Fumino fidgeted in her seat. "I-I suppose but…I just…it hasn't exactly come up between us yet…not since…"

"So…when the time is right…the promise that we made...to support each other…"

…

"I'll make it official, okay?!"

Nearly four years ago…after their date at the NAO.

"So what if he asked today? Just hypothetically," Uruka continued cheekily.

It was a recurring question that always seemed to be asked from the girl whenever they caught up. It was clearly meant to stir up more of her embarrassment, but surprisingly, Fumino found herself pondering the question with a sincere perspective.

Marriage.

If she was perfectly honest, it really didn't cross her mind whenever she was together with Nariyuki. Not because she found it implausible, no…

It was because to her…it felt as if they had always been married.

The wholehearted trust between them. The kindness and warmth they shared in their smiles. Ever since they had met…it had always been there. All that had changed was the happiness blessed to them once they had opened the feelings in their hearts to each other more and more. Marriage was a promise built on trust…but for them…the faith and belief they had in one another to be the person they wanted to be had always been there.

But…

If it meant making it official…if it meant being able to take that promise and embracing it in everything it stood for.

The answer was obvious.

She would support Nariyuki…with everything she had…

For the rest of her life.

"Of course I would say yes..." She answered, her blush returning in full force.

And in a very predictable fashion…

Her audience squealed and cooed audibly.

"Y-you always ask about this! C-can we talk about something else now?!" She pleaded almost desperately, unsure just how much longer she could last with the attention. "I answered everyone's questions just like you asked!"

"You didn't answer mine," Kashima pointed out. "You know…about your bedroom affairs-"

"A-And I don't plan to!"

"So…" Haruma started.

"So…" Omori trailed.

Nariyuki shifted in his seat, confused as to why he was being stared down so intensely by his two closest friends.

"So…what..?"

"Are you really going to make us say it?" Haruma said, an eyebrow raised.

"I really wish I knew what you two are talking about…"

"God…" Haruma shook his head in exasperation. "You're so dense. I don't know how Furuhashi puts up with you sometimes," the boy muttered.

"Maybe it's because there's nothing to put up with..?" He suggested.

"Give us updates, goddamnit!" Omori finally exclaimed, unable to hold back his impatience. "Have you two hit third base yet?"

"T-third base?" Nariyuki repeated, confused. "What does baseball have to do with this?"

"Ugh…" Haruma and Omori facepalmed simultaneously. "You gonna tell him?" Haruma looked to Omori in invitation.

Omori leaned up to Nariyuki's ear.

His blush from the explanation was remarkable.

"O-Of course we haven't!" Nariyuki answered completely red-faced. "I thought I already told you that I'm not trying to rush it!"

"Boo…" Omori pouted in disappointment. "You and your morals."

"Ignore him. I already knew just how pure hearted you two would be regarding that matter," Haruma said dismissively, much to Nariyuki's relief. "I more so wanted to know what it's been like living together with her. I mean…I've been with my girlfriend for just as long…but I can't imagine moving in with her just yet. Don't you guys get tired of having to see each other every day?"

"W-why would I get tired of seeing the person I love most..?" Nariyuki asked, genuinely confused.

Haruma scoffed, unsure to be amazed or annoyed by the displayed innocence. "Jeez…you two really are something else."

"Told you man, he's on a different level than us," Omori added with a teasing smile of his own.

Nariyuki simply blinked, unsure of what he was even being praised for.

"Speaking of being on a different level…you're finally working over there, huh. At Kokasu I mean. Surprised you managed to land a spot there as your first job. That place is practically famous for their high level of teaching." Haruma said impressed.

Omori perked up at that. "Oh shoot seriously? Congrats man!"

"He literally told both of us over the phone like a week ago…" Haruma deadpanned.

"Oh…right."

Nariyuki chuckled lightheartedly. No matter how long it had been, he could always count on the two to lighten up their conversations with humor. For better or for worse.

"Well…" He rubbed the back of his neck shyly. "It's not an official position just yet. I'm currently undergoing a mentorship program to earn my spot as an official instructor. I guess you could say I'm still undergoing training." He explained sheepishly.

"Mentorship program?" Haruma repeated curiously. "Do they usually require those for teaching positions?"

"Not really…but…I think they sort of created it to give me a second opportunity. Since they rejected me at the initial interview and all."

"They rejected you?" Haruma and Omori said with identical expressions of surprise.

Nariyuki nodded, smiling somewhat embarrassedly. "My work experience was definitely lacking…Most of the teachers they hire have more than ample experience in the field. But…they called me back the next day, and told me that they really appreciated the principles I stood for in my teaching. I guess with this program that they created for me…it gives me the room to learn and make up a bit for the experience that I'm missing, while still guaranteeing me a position at the end of it. It's an opportunity that I'm blessed to have…" He finished in earnest.

His expression then softened with gratitude, genuine and unfeigned.

"But really…if there's anyone that I have to thank…for that second chance…it's Furuhashi," he said softly.

Omori and Hamura eyes lit up at the mention, and they leaned forward, waiting for an explanation.

Nariyuki couldn't help but smile at the change in attentiveness. "After I got turned down by Kokasu initially…I felt…so helpless," he continued gently. "I still remember it like it was yesterday. It's not like it was the first time that I failed at something. Afterall…I failed exams and assignments all the time growing up. But this was the first time…that I felt so much pain from falling short. Passing this interview was the first huge step towards my dream, and even though I was going in underqualified…I really believed that I could do it. I think that's why…after I got home…the first thing I tried to do was hide the pain," he admitted meekly.

There was a somberness in his voice…prominent, but in the end it was fleeting. A moment later, Nariyuki felt himself smile as his heart settled on the inevitable second half of the memory.

"But she saw right through it," he continued softly. "She held me…and reminded me that failing doesn't make me any less of a person..."

"I know you'll always keep pushing forward for what you believe in, Nariyuki…"

"That what's important…is to never give up," he finished with a voice almost to a whisper. Omori and Haruma continued to stare silently, and Nariyuki didn't waver, letting himself be guided in opening up with his gratefulness. "She always sees so much further than what's on the surface." He said, his voice cracking. "I just…I'm so happy…to have someone as kind hearted and mature as her together with me. She's always encouraging me…to…keep being me…and I can't ever express…just how much that means to me."

His expression warmed on its own, beaming at the ardor and hope brimming from his heart.

"I want us to always be like this...supporting each other with all of our hearts."

If there was ever a reaction that demonstrated delight from his sharing, it was now, presented clearly on the faces of his friends. Omori was grinning like a child on christmas morning, and even Haruma, who was usually calm, was smiling clearly with a curious eyebrow raised.

"Sounds like you're ready to propose to her," the latter said speculatively, though clearly in a half-joking manner.

So caught up in his emotions however, Nariyuki took the comment to heart, smiling wistfully.

"Yeah…"

His mistake of an utterance was quickly realized as Haruma and Omori bursted out of their seats simultaneously.

"Wait seriously?!" The two exclaimed together.

Nariyuki visibly cringed, cursing himself silently for his carelessness.

There was no point in hiding it now.

"Yes…"

"Why didn't you tell us sooner?!" Omori asked.

"Because I knew you'd react exactly like this!" He reasoned.

"When are you doing it?" Haruma didn't give him a second of recovery.

Nariyuki opened his mouth before hesitating.

There was no way he could tell them that he was aiming for tonight.

"Soon…" He opted as an answer instead, at least providing some semblance of truth.

"What are you going to say? Where are you thinking about doing it?" It was relentless, the way Haruma continued with his interrogation, and all Nariyuki could do was shift awkwardly in his seat.

"D-Don't worry about it…"

A shake of the head is what Haruma ended with, exhaling in disbelief. "God seriously…you better plan carefully," he warned. "I don't wanna hear later that you messed it all up. Jeez…already out here getting married. The only thing that could surprise me more is if you told me that you're planning on doing it tonight or something."

"W-what's so wrong with that?" He asked before stopping himself, catching his mistake this time around. "N-not that I am of course..." He corrected.

Haruma stared, narrowing his eyes before ultimately shrugging. "Nothing wrong with it. Just…from what I know…your chances will definitely go up if you put as much effort as you can into planning. The timing. The mood. The setting. It's a once and a lifetime thing, so make everything count," he emphasized.

Nariyuki stared, taking in his friend's words carefully.

"Everything, huh…" He said, a hit of worry seeping into his expression.

"Pfft…" Haruma waved his hand dismissively. "Who am I kidding…I already know how it's gonna turn out."

Omori nodded without delay. "Same."

"H-How?" He asked curiously.

His two friends looked at each other briefly before turning to him and smirking.

"Find out yourself."

Nariyuki scoffed at the anticlimactic answer.

In the end, he was unable to stop himself from smiling anyway.

"Jerks…"

The energy of the bar showed no signs of dimming with the time almost nearing midnight. Even with the myriad of conversations that had run through Nariyuki's memory, the night still felt young. After his conversation with Omori and Haruma, he had been able to return to Fumino's side to spend the rest of the runion together with her. They were currently sitting at a table with Okada-san, their former student council president, as well as Uruka, with most of the conversation still centered around his and Fumino's relationship. It seemed that theme would remain consistent throughout the night.

Taking advantage of a brief reprieve in their sharing, Nariyuki brushed his hand against Fumino's and the girl turned to him curiously.

"For how many people we've talked to tonight, it's amazing that you've been able to turn down everyone's offers for drinks," he whispered with a smile, earning a giggle from the girl.

"It's definitely best that I keep it that way," she said sheepishly. "The last thing I want is to end up like last time at the mixer. I would hate to have you carry me home again…"

"And kiss me very fowardly before passing out?"

Fumino blushed madly at the reminder. "I-I already apologized for that!" She exclaimed.

"And I told you that was nothing for you to apologize for, remember?"

"Because you enjoyed it?" The girl asked.

This time it was his turn to turn deep red.

"M-maybe…" He said shyly, averting his gaze.

He was rewarded again with the loving sound of Fumino giggling fully.

"Are you guys always this cute together?" Okada-san asked amusedly from the side. To not much surprise, the former student council president had been listening in on their exchange observantly

"Oh all the time," Uruka emphasized with a grin. "The thing is they're even more lovey dovey when there's less of a crowd, so you'll have to get close to them if you want to see them flirt for real, President."

"Uruka!" Nariyuki and Fumino yelled, mortified by the teasing.

Okada-san chuckled heartily. "I can imagine. I had my questions back when we were in Ichinose, but I totally see it now."

Nariyuki blinked curiously.

"S-See what?"

The older girl crossed her arms, pondering thoughtfully. "Well as the student council president, it was sort of my job to monitor the student body, so I was well aware of the couples in our grade. I remember hearing a rumor that you two were really close, and I always wondered why everyone said you guys were so different compared to the others even though you two didn't start dating until graduation." The girl then smiled in understanding. "But I totally see it now. In my opinion, high school relationships are kind of silly because it's the time that people are still growing. They're usually superficial, and a lot of them don't last through college anyway. But you two clearly had something really special together. I can tell you two truly trusted and believed in one another and that's not a maturity that's usually there for most high schoolers."

Uruka nodded in knowing agreement. "I can definitely vouch for that. Sometimes it felt like these two were the only ones in the room during our group study sessions. It was honestly a sight to see," the girl said with a playful smile, resting her chin onto the palm of her hand.

Nariyuki and Fumino blushed at the successive attention from the two.

"You're exaggerating…" They said together.

"See, now they're even saying the same thing." Uruka teased.

"They really are the perfect couple, huh." Okada-san added with a dreamy smile of her own.

"Yeah right…"

From the lighthearted direction that the conversation had been going, it was no surprise that the sudden contemptible voice caught all four of them unaware. Nariyuki turned his head to the side, taking in the sight of Yamaoka sitting one seat over with a clearly annoyed expression.

Had he been listening to them the entire time..?

"President, you can't be serious when you say that right?" The boy continued hostiley. "There's no way this book nerd could ever be a perfect match for her."

"Yamaoka…" Okada-san warned, likely privy to the boy's impertinent tendencies.

Nariyuki stood up from his seat, feeling irritation build up inside his chest. He shouldn't have been surprised that this was happening again, but a part of him wanted to finally put this nonsense to rest.

"Would you mind elaborating on that?" He asked confrontingly.

"What's there to elaborate? I'm saying that there's no way you deserve to be with Furuhashi," Yamaoka replied.

"And you're supposed to be?" Nariyuki challenged. "I believe you said that last time too, and that didn't work out so well for you."

It was a rare display of sassiness on his head, but it was more than enough to incur Yamaoka's frustration. His gaze was hateful, and Nariyuki just couldn't understand how one person could have ended up so misled in behavior as this.

"I overheard your conversation with Omori and Haruma earlier," Yamaoka commented suddenly. "I already thought it was dumb enough that someone like you ended up together with Furuhashi, but you're even more pathetic than I thought."

Nariyuki stilled at the mention of his two friends, recalling the previous conversation he had shared with the two.

It didn't take him long to put one and two together.

"Y-you were eavesdropping?" He said in disbelief.

Yamaoka smirked, satisfied knowing that he had caught him off guard. "All you ever did in high school was study. It pissed me off that you even had the nerve to stand up to me back then. I got into the J1 soccer league in my first season after college, and all you're doing is trying to be a teacher, probably one of the most boring and lowest paying jobs out there, and yet you couldn't even get hired officially. Of course you couldn't get into Kokasu without some cheap mentorship program. They probably only hire people who actually stand out, and you're clearly nothing special," he spat.

It was jarring. Not the hateful disdain, but rather the situation. His position was bare, vulnerable. A personal moment of life was being exposed by someone with ill intentions, and that shocked him. Within his shocked state was hesitance, because the words were all too familiar; Not standing out. Being special.

But…

That hesitance was short lived, and quickly replaced by a will to retort.

"To top it off, you had to have Furuhashi here to cheer you up after getting rejected," Yamaoka continued in his derision. "How pathetic can you be to have a girl comfort you? If you're gonna cry then you might as well just give up next time!"

Because letting the boy continue in belittling him meant betraying everything that Fumino had shown him…that there was absolutely nothing wrong with being himself…

That it was just fine to fall short.

So even if it meant being vehement in his own right…

Nariyuki was prepared to shut him up in any way that was required.

Even if it had to be physical-

THUMP

He had only taken two steps forward before he froze in his tracks.

Nariyuki's eyes were well wide at the sight before him. Yamaoka's arms were suddenly behind his back and his face first into the table. The one responsible being Okada-san, who had the boy in a deadlock.

Only those in their grade would remember that the former student council president had also been the president of Ichinose's judo club..

"P-President..?" Yamaoka asked, startled by his sudden position of peril.

"Leave," Okada-san ordered,

"But-"

The older girl twisted his arm, and the boy cried out in pain.

"Now." She reemphasized.

"Fuck! Alright! Just let me go!" He pleaded desperately.

Okada-san released her hold, and Yamaoka backed away frantically. By now the commotion had garnered the attention of many, and many spectators laughed at the humiliating sight of someone actually being forcibly kicked out of the bar.

Yamaoka looked his way one last time, and the hate in his eyes remained.

More than to be deemed uncomfortable.

The boy rushed out of the exit…and Nariyuki wasn't sure how to feel.

"I-I'm so sorry," Okada-san turned to him afterwards, bowing and apologizing profusely. "If I knew he was going to be like this I would have forbid him from coming from the start."

"I-it's okay…" He said, voice still uneasy.

"Jeez…I can't believe that guy!" Uruka exclaimed. "And I can't believe I told Fumino-cchi that rejecting him was a waste back then! Shows what I know about romance…"

At the mention of Fumino, Nariyuki turned in search for the girl, wondering if she was still okay.

And his heart dropped at the dismay he found written on her face.

"Furuhashi?" He made his way to her side in concern. "Are you alright?"

…

"I-I'm fine…"

Her expression didn't match her words.

It was an entire hour later when the reunion finally begin to come to a close.

In actuality, Okada-san had only rented out the venue until midnight, but the bar owner had thankfully been kind enough to allow them to stay further past the agreed time. Despite the prolonged duration however, Nariyuki hadn't been able to have the same social energy as before, and this held especially true for Fumino. The girl was practically silent for the rest of the time at the bar, and if she did converse with anyone, her smiles seemed to be missing their usual vibrance.

She was upset.

And the realization caused Nariyuki's heart to ache in a way that was terribly painful. They had said their farewells to their friends, sharing hugs and promises for future meetups, and once everyone went their separate ways, the true challenge presented itself to him fully.

Nariyuki wasn't sure where they were headed.

"S-shall we go?" He asked.

Fumino nodded silently.

The lack of an audible answer was disheartening. Neither of them said anything as they walked, and with each and every minute, Nariyuki's stress grew significantly.

"The timing. The mood. The setting. It's a once and a lifetime thing, so make everything count."

Haruma's advice from earlier still lingered, and with how heavy the atmosphere was now, he had every reason to evaluate it.

Should he remind her about their planned visit to the field? Was it even appropriate?

Yes, Fumino had agreed to go together with him after the reunion, but he wasn't even sure if that was on the girl's mind anymore, and even if it still was, the proposal was an entirely different feat in itself.

And…

What if…

Yamaoka's words earlier…actually got through to her…

That he wasn't special. That he was pathetic for needing someone to comfort him.

And the real reason that Fumino was quiet right now…

Was because she finally realized how disappointing he was.

His heart clenched painfully.

His throat constricted.

He could hear his own voice shake at the terrifying thought.

"Furuhashi, I-"

THUNK

His attempt at speaking was cut off.

On the sidewalk in front of them had been a lone coffee can, and in a swift motion, Fumino had violently kicked it to the side, away from pedestrian traffic.

"I'M SO MAD!"

…

Even in his shocked state, Nariyuki could certainly tell that her anger wasn't in reference to the littering.

"F-Furuhashi?"

"Who does he think he is saying all of that?!" The girl stomped frustratedly. "I can't believe that there are people out there that are so rude and so clueless! He has no idea just the amount of time and effort you've put in for your dream! It makes me just…UGH…IT MAKES ME SO MAD!"

Nariyuki could only stare, speechless and unmoving. Even with the previous Yamaoka incident at the mixer all those years ago, he had never seen the girl so visibly riled. More than just the display of emotion was the reasoning behind it too. It wasn't surprising, no. Of course the girl would stand up for him.

But the amount of relief he felt in his chest from hearing it…it was beyond indescribable.

"Saying that teaching is boring…and having the nerve to compare it to what he's doing and putting himself above you…I just…I just don't know why people have to judge others like that…" Fumino said almost painfully. "Failing doesn't make you any less of a person…it's the fact that we get to choose to try harder after falling short that lets us grow. I-I'm…I'm so mad…that he thinks he's better than you just because you've had that experience. It's infuriating…"

The girl then clenched her fists at her side, shaking.

"But more than anything…I'm just…I'm just so mad that I didn't get to slap him before Okada-san kicked him out…" She whispered.

It was at that point that Nariyuki's legs moved on their own, closing the distance between them in a fraction of a heartbeat.

He embraced her, tight and fervidly.

"It's okay…" Nariyuki said with a whisper of his own, smiling with all the gratefulness he could muster. "I can tell you right now…that I'm just as frustrated about that. So how about the next time we see him…

"We slap him together." He proposed gently.

He felt the presence of tears form along his neck as Fumino tightened her hold around him. It was effortless…the way his heart melted, adoration brimming from his very core. How was it that every moment together he could fall in love with the girl even deeper than he already had?

"I'm sorry for being so quiet earlier…" Fumino continued apologetically into the crook of his neck. "I didn't mean to ruin the rest of the night with my mopiness…I was just…I was just so upset. I'm not even sure if you still want to go to the field together with the mood ruined now," she finished guiltily.

Nariyuki shook his head, still smiling softly. "You didn't ruin anything…" He replied firmly. "I'm so happy…for everything, Furuhashi. For you always standing up for me and always believing in me..."

And then…with a wholehearted gaze…

"And no matter what…I'll always be happy…to see the stars together with you," he answered.

Fumino's eyes crinkled, golden orbs immersed with warmth. "Nariyuki…"

In the moments that their eyes met with sincere affection, the clouds for his worries parted without a hint of struggle.

Yes.

No matter what…he would always be happy with Fumino.

And no matter what…

She would always love him…

Just the way he is.

He didn't need to wait, no.

He didn't need circumstances to do it.

Here and now…what more did he need…than the warmth ever present in Fumino's eyes.

What more did he need…

To ask the question that the girl deserved to hear.

"Furuhashi…" He started, voice nervous but firm enough for him to push forward. "If it's okay with you…I…actually wanted to ask you something."

Fumino smiled and squeezed his hand gently.

"Of course," she said.

…

He steered himself.

"I've…been meaning to ask you…for the past few months actually," he admitted softly. "But it always seemed like I couldn't find the right moment to ask. Truthfully…I was just scared, and really…I just kept giving myself excuses to avoid it. The mood, the timing, the setting…I kept telling myself that…I wanted it to be perfect."

He smiled at his own words, chuckling to himself.

"But…I couldn't have been more silly…for worrying about such details," he said deeply. "Especially since the answer has always been in front of me. As long as it's you…no matter where…or when…as long as we can support each other…like we always have…"

…

"Everything is perfect." He whispered. "I don't need anything special…to know that."

His gaze became unfocused. Whether it was from his nervousness or the potential tears forming in his eyes, he wasn't sure.

All he knew…was that everything leading up to this moment…

Was right.

"I love you, Fumino Furuhashi…"

"And…"

"If it's okay with you…"

A beat.

"I…"

He swallowed thickly, breath shallow. Heart pounding.

But there was no amount of nervousness that could stop the words from escaping.

"I want to make our promise official."

.

.

.

His gaze refocused, and everything came into view.

The emotions on Fumino's face were presented to him.

And that was when Nariyuki knew in breakneck comprehension…

…

That something was wrong.

Because the emotion written on the girl's face wasn't joy. It wasn't elation. Or the tearful moving that he had hoped to be there.

It was something…akin to fear.

In fact…

She wasn't even looking at him, but rather…behind him.

His senses dialed back with pinpoint clarity.

He noticed it all.

The approaching headlights from behind.

The sound of a tire swerving less than a few feet away.

Time slowed down.

His instincts kicked in, and there was only one thought that controlled him. His arms moved forward, faster than light, and he pushed Fumino away with all the strength possible in him.

And in the moments of nanoseconds that followed, he could see the visible terror written in the girl's eyes as she fell away.

But at least…he was relieved.

"I'm so happy that you're safe…"

"NARIYUKI!"

The car crashed into him. A sharp pain.

And then nothing.

A/N: Hello! Thanks for reading this chapter! And thank you so much for you guys' patience!

I know some of you are not gonna have mixed opinions for the next few chapters, especially with how fluff centered this story has been, but I've been looking forward to writing this arc for a long time. Hope you'll trust me on this one haha.

As always feel free to leave a review, fav, or follow. I'll try my best to take less than a month on the next one. Just been really busy lately.

Until Next Time!