Fumino submitted her daily research findings to Mr. Inoue's office, the head of the astrophysics department. It was early in the afternoon, a few hours premature of when her results were actually due, but it was hard to not be overly productive with such brightness residing in her heart.

"Fumino-chan!" Alice called out to her, happening to walk by their superior's office at the same time.

"Good afternoon, Alice-Senpai." Fumino returned warmly. The two of them had just begun to work on said new research project together, and even before, they had been assigned to similar collaborating tasks, so she had gotten a lot closer to a genius astrophysicist over the course of the past few weeks. She really appreciated the woman's friendliness given how professional and strict the work atmosphere was at the facility, though sometimes her doting was a little bit embarrassing to be around…especially in the presence of their other project team members.

But there was no doubt that she was the person she was closest to at the facility.

"Soooo…" Alice walked up to her side, all the while beaming cheekily. "I heard that a particular someone popped a question to you the other day."

Fumino smiled. "How did you know?" She asked curiously. It was her first day back at the facility since their weekend at the festival, so she hadn't quite informed anyone of the news yet.

"Well first and foremost, you do happen to be adorning a new piece of jewelry today." Alice commented observantly.

Fumino blinked before smiling with a blush.

The girl really had an attention for detail.

"It's from his mother," Fumino answered gently, bringing her hands to her chest in a heartfelt manner. "I was already going to treasure whatever he gave me, but now I have every reason to cherish it even more."

"That is so precious." Alice said with a delighted grin causing Fumino to turn further bashful. "You know how else I knew?" The girl continued.

"H-How?"

Alice smiled knowingly.

"Your smile today is brighter than ever," she answered. "You've always been in such lovely and wonderful spirits whenever I see you, but I could tell that something special happened this past weekend. You've also been awfully productive with our new project when I haven't gotten close to finishing my results. Not that you aren't always productive…but today especially. It's pretty obvious that it happened if you ask me."

Her blush persisted intensely, finding embarrassment from being so easily read, but it didn't stop her from voicing her next words.

"You're definitely right…but…I'm really happy today specifically because…"

"It's Nariyuki's first day officially teaching at Kokasu," she answered.

Her smile then deepened with affection.

"I'm just so excited to see him, and hear about all the wonderful things he was able to experience together with all of his students," she whispered with tenderness.

…

Alice stared with wide eyes, silent, but surely enough, her expression was overtaken with what clearly was fond admiration.

"Jeez…you two really are…something else entirely," the older girl said before making her way directly to her side and wrapping her arm around hers. "You're going to have to keep giving me the details because listening to just how precious you two are is just so refreshing to hear," she requested animatedly.

Fumino chuckled lightly. "Maybe during our lunch breaks…"

"Our lunch break is over today, silly! Come on, Come on tell me now," Alice insisted needily. "How did he go about with the actual proposa-"

"How about instead of distracting your coworkers, you spend the time now to pick up your slack, Alice." A gruff voice rang out from behind them, and the white haired girl jumped in a panic at the interruption. "I see Furuhashi-san here has already submitted her findings for the new project. Would you mind explaining why you haven't done so similarly? I thought you were supposed to be her mentor here," Inoue-san said chastingly.

"It's not my fault that Fumino-chan is so diligent and hard working!" Alice retorted.

Inoue-san raised an eyebrow. "I believe that's the baseline of all our employees here."

In the end…the older girl could only pout at the reminder, and Fumino giggled warmly at the humorous exchange.

The first period bell rang.

"Are you ready, Yuiga-Kun?" Mr. Tadashi asked as they approached the door of class 1A together.

Nariyuki smiled nervously. "To be honest…I'm not too sure, but I guess I don't really have much of a choice but to get ready, don't I?" He said with a chuckle.

The older man returned his nervousness with an encouraging smile. "My advice to you is to just treat it exactly how you had done during the mentorship program. At the very least, they're all students that you're familiar with. I can give you a few more minutes to prepare yourself if you'd like," the man offered.

Nariyuki shook his head. "It's okay."

Truthfully…he only needed a few moments to calm himself.

Just enough time…to recall Fumino's wholehearted voice.

'You're great the way you are…Nariyuki!'

He smiled tenderly, taking a deep breath…

And soon after the resoluteness filled his gaze fully.

"I'm ready."

Mr. Tadashi nodded and opened the door, and immediately…the students waiting inside stood up in attention and bowed.

"Good morning, Sir!"

"Good morning class," Mr. Tadashi returned as he walked up to the front of the room. "I'm happy to announce that you will be having a new instructor starting today. Fortunately, it's someone that you're familiar with, so that saves me the duty of introductions." The man then looked to him in attention.

That was his signal.

He walked up to the front, taking Mr. Tadashi's place in the spotlight.

"G-Good morning everyone." He started with a bow of his own. "As some of you may remember during my time in the mentorship program, my name is Nariyuki Yuiga. I'll be starting as your new instructor for this semester. I'm not sure how smoothly things will go, and I'm sure there have been many great instructors before me, but…nonetheless, I just want to say…that I'm so excited to get closer to all of you and be part of your education experience," he said with as much sincerity that he could muster.

And then…

"I look forward to working with you all." He finished with a smile.

His eyes then looked to the group of students before him, taking in the expressions on their young faces.

It was unmistakable…

The eagerness and mutual excitement in their eyes.

"We look forward to having you, Sensei!"

His heart warmed, settling on the truth and momentous occasion that came with the reciprocated welcome.

This was his first moment…as an official instructor.

This was his first true step in the field…

To reaching his dream.

"For how nervous you seemed when you first got here this morning, you led the beginning of the class quite effortlessly before I left you, Yuiga-Kun." Tadashi-san said with noticeable pride in his voice. It was just short after the first hour of the afternoon, and the indication of the time signaled the conclusion of the last period for the day's schedule. After wrapping up the end of class, he had come to the administration office where his office was, which was conveniently adjacent to that of Tadashi-san, and the latter had visited him curiously in question of any first day troubles.

Thankfully for Nariyuki, his first day had been all but filled with pleasantness.

"I…definitely was nervous," he answered sheepishly. "But…I'm always able to relax and be myself after I do my calming ritual."

"Oh?" Tadashi-san perked up curiously. "Would you mind elaborating on that? I could definitely start using one myself."

"Ah…uhm…well…" Nariyuki fidgeted. "I think it's really only specific to me…"

The older man laughed lightly. "Why's that? A chant in your own special language?"

A chuckle escaped his lips as he shook his head. "Not a chant. For me…thinking of a certain person's face has always been my greatest form of courage."

"Furuhashi-san." Tadashi-san answered with a telling smile.

Nariyuki's eyes softened with affection.

"Yeah…"

It was immediate, the way the man's smile transformed into one of admiration. "On that note, I guess I can finally say this to you after waiting the whole day…"

…

"Congratulations on the engagement."

Nariyuki's eyes widened fully in surprise.

"H-How did you know?" He asked.

Tadashi-san smiled in amusement. "You'll come to realize that words spread very easily here at Kokasu. With how much our time is spent preparing curriculum, gossip amongst faculty members is our prime form of entertainment. And besides that well…"

The man's grin grew to its fullest.

"It's rather obvious given just how giddy you seem to be today," he answered.

Nariyuki's cheeks reddened within a second.

"A-Am I really?"

A nod from the older man.

"Strikingly so."

It seemed averting his gaze was his only available reaction, but a soft smile appeared in his expression with his thoughts now completely centered on a certain person.

"I'm definitely so wonderfully happy because of this past weekend…but I would say that my giddiness is actually from the fact that…"

His shyness dissipated…

And it was replaced entirely with a smile brimming with excitement.

"It's my first day…as an official instructor here at Kokasu…and…Furuhashi just started her new project with the astrometry department at her research facility..." He explained gently.

'This joy from knowing that the future is so bright with us reaching for our dreams, supporting each other hand in hand the entire way through…'

…

'There's nothing that could be more right to me than this.'

"I'm just…so excited…to share about our experiences today…and all the wonderful steps that we were able to take towards our dreams..." He finished with a wholehearted beam.

The man across from him fell silent, moments of vivid stupor following in succession.

…

"I guess it really is just so obvious."

Nairyuki blinked at the comment.

"Huh?"

Tadashi-san's gaze appeared thoughtful. "When I first heard that you had proposed to Furuhashi-san this past weekend, it was coupled with a lot of surprise by many that someone your age was getting married so soon. I think many had thought that it was a rushed decision. A commitment that hadn't been given much thought…" He trailed off collectively.

But within seconds…

The doubtful words were replaced with a resolute smile.

"But those speculations…couldn't have been any more wrong," he affirmed. "I had already seen it…the moment that both you and Furuhashi-san had spoken of each other. The trust and belief that you two share…it's something that's incomparable to anything I've ever seen. Most would assume that it's something that has to be developed through years and years of being with someone, and even then…it's rarely ever discovered. But with you two…I can tell…that that faith…has always been together with you two."

His smile only grew further as he continued.

"I know it's hardly been long since we've met, Yuiga-kun…but knowing that there's such a relationship to exist out there…especially with someone that I have the pleasure of working with now…"

…

"It brings me so much hope for the future," the man finished firmly.

Nariyuki stood silently in place, but it took very little for his features to be consumed with joy from the uttered sentiments.

It appeared that he had found a favorite amongst the faculty much sooner than he had anticipated…

"It's like you say, Sensei…it definitely hasn't been long since we've met…but…"

His smile grew in anticipation.

"I hope you wouldn't mind receiving an invitation."

The man that had been his previous mentor beamed with every hint of eagerness.

"It would be my most absolute pleasure."

Relief filled Nariyuki's features and a comfortable silence fell between them. He was grateful for what had been said to him in regards to his and Fumino's relationship, but a certain curiosity still lingered at the edge of his lips.

"Sensei…I hope you don't mind me asking this but…are you married too by any chance?" He asked shyly.

Tadashi-san blinked before smiling. "That I am. Two kids as well. Though if I'm going to be honest with you…even with how long I've been with my wife…I don't think we could ever hold a candle to what you and Furuhashi-san share." He said with a hearty laugh. "In fact, you might have to get used to me coming to you for relationship advice with how much I get into arguments with her."

Nariyuki chuckled at the suggestion, eyes however still bashful at the subject.

"How long…was your engagement? I mean…did you wait long after proposing?" He continued with his inquisitiveness.

Tadashi-san mulled over his words, reminiscing for a moment, before returning his question with another chuckle. "Quite a bit. Two years if I remember correctly. I think there were many instances where we considered calling it off. I suppose that's the reason that engagement periods are usually at least a year long. It's an important time to consider if it's all worth it or not."

The man's eyes then met his…

And he smiled knowingly.

"Though it's quite clear to me…that that won't be a factor to consider at all for you two."

Nariyuki's eyes widened, receiving again what was praise that he was unprepared to receive.

But once the reality of the notion settled…he couldn't have been smiling any more fully.

Afterall…

'All my hope for the future…is together with you.'

There was nothing in the world closer to the truth.

"Thank you, Sensei…" He said with earnesty.

"Please, Yuiga-Kun. Tadashi-san is just fine. You're a fellow instructor now too, aren't you?"

His eyes widened for the third time that minute.

And just like the tenuous instances before…

It was followed by a wholehearted and grateful smile.

"Yeah..."

…

"Thank you, Tadashi-san."

"You're very welcome, Yuiga-Kun."

Nariyuki exited the train, taking the path to his destination in mind. It wasn't very often that the grocery store would be the very first place he frequented after work, but it was entirely necessary today with his celebratory objective in mind. There were plenty of ingredients that they had at home that he could use in making dinner tonight, but going the extra mile for cooking was something that was very characteristic for days that both he and Fumino had something to celebrate for.

And for today…that extra mile was a dish that he really wished to try making recently; Jingisukon…or grilled lamb. Which was why he had immediately come here after finishing his first day of work at Kokasu, prepared to bring the ingredients necessary back just in time for Fumino's return home.

Though it appeared that the main ingredient of choice had a reputation of its own, as there was only one order of lamb remaining in the poultry section.

Luck truly was on his side today.

Until…

"Oh!" He pulled back in surprise.

Another customer reached for the item simultaneously.

"Oh! I'm sorry, did you want to purchase this t-"

The girl's eyes widened in the same shocked manner as his.

A pair of very familiar gold ones.

"N-Nariyuki?!"

"F-Furuhashi!" He exclaimed with a sudden blush. "W-What are you doing here? Weren't you on your way back home from work?"

"I-I was…but…I wanted to get some ingredients for a special dish tonight to celebrate." She explained.

"A special dish?"

The girl nodded.

"It's been on my mind, but I was thinking that we could try making that one dish we saw at the market the other day, J-"

"Jingisukon."

Fumino's eyes widened fully at his answer.

"Y-You knew?"

His blush deepened, consuming his features in an all too sheepish fashion.

"I…also wanted us to cook the same thing together," he explained.

…

A second of silence.

Followed by a few moments more.

And then…

Inevitably.

Mirthfulness took over their expressions effortlessly, the two of them laughing at what was yet another heartfelt coincidence aligning in their lives.

Fumino reached for his hand with a soft squeeze, which he more than happily accepted.

"I guess this works out better for us anyway," she said with a loving smile.

Nariyuki nodded, beaming back just as warmly. "Can we get the rest of the ingredients together too?"

"Of course! And…I guess this also means…"

…

"We can get a headstart in sharing about our day today," Fumino said tenderly.

And the heartfelt joy held there was more than enough to align with his own.

"You go first."

"No, you go first!" Fumino returned.

In the end, they resorted to their traditional game of rock paper scissors to decide, giggling excitedly every second of it.

Though truthfully the result of the bout made no difference.

Regardless of the order of their sharing…

It was a time together that they could not be smiling any more mutually.

The hours of the evening had flown by effortlessly with their sharing for the day; cooking dinner together followed by a delightful walk along the beach…there was no end to their joy as they listened to each other describe the precious moments in their time at work. Even with night well upon them, the emotions of accomplishment still resonated well and clear in their hearts.

"I still can't believe you were able to submit your results for your new project so quickly on the very first day, Furuhashi." Nariyuki said reflectively as he prepared the sheets on their bed for a good night's rest. "It was your very first project with the astrometry department and it even covered the absolute parallaxes theorems that you just learned this past week. I really can't think of anything more amazing than being able to achieve what you did today," he said with fondness swelling in his voice.

"What do you mean? What you were able to do today was so much more amazing, Nariyuki," Fumino returned with her own admiration. "The fact that you were able to get all your students to open up and share about what they wanted to do in college with the entirety of the class, it shows just how much you want to bring the class closer together. Even for the ones that weren't sure about what they wanted to do, you reached out to them and comforted them individually. You told them that you were going to be right by their side as they worked to discover what they want to do…" she retold emotively.

…

"It just makes me so happy to hear that your students already trust you so much," she finished with a whisper.

Nariyuki's eyes widened, a tentative blush overcoming his cheeks from the insurmountable warmth emanating from the girl's voice.

"Y-You're exaggerating. It's really not that big of a deal…" he said sheepishly.

Though in reality, Nariyuki couldn't have been more happy from the girl's praise. It was just difficult for him to really not dwell on himself when the feats that Fumino was continuously able to discover day after day for her dream were truly so wonderful to him.

*BRUSH*

His thoughts were interrupted when he felt a hand reach for his gently.

"It is."

He felt his body still as the message in the girl's eyes was received by his heart.

Unmistakably.

'It is a big deal…to me.'

It was unsaid.

And the overwhelming ardor that filled his expression…shone just as clearly.

'Thank you…'

He squeezed the girl's hand in heartfelt reciprocation, and Fumino returned the gesture with a smile.

"How do you feel?"

…

There wasn't much elaboration given alongside the lone question, but Nariyuki knew very well what it was in reference to.

The warmth that resonated in his heart told him just what that was.

How he felt…about his very first day.

…

He smiled with every ounce of sincerity that he found within him.

"I'm happy…" He answered wholly. "I'm so happy that I get to start my career at a place like Kokasu."

"And…"

…

"I'm so very excited to reach even further for my dream," Nariyuki whispered.

His eyes met hers.

And if there was ever an expression that could demonstrate a true reciprocated joy…

It was here.

Found fully in the tenderness of Fumino's brimming smile.

"I'm so excited for you…" She whispered.

"And I'm so happy…"

…

"That we're both finally here."

Yes.

Here.

There was no other place…no other implication…

That could bring him to the precious state of bliss he felt now.

And that notion…that truth…

Spurred him forward to what he wanted to say next.

"Furuhashi…I…"

He intertwined their fingers intently.

"Can I ask you something?"

Fumino blinked, but a moment later an inviting smile made its way to her lips with assurance.

"Of course…"

He took a mental deep breath.

"I know it's only been a few days since it happened…but…"

…

"I've been thinking about the date…for our wedding…" He said softly.

Fumino's eyes widened briefly at his words, but it was quickly replaced with what was a shy smile of her own.

"I've…been thinking about it too actually," she admitted gently.

The admission came as a surprise, but only in an encouragingly positive way as Nariyuki found himself continuing with lesser hesitation.

"Do you think we could…"

…

"Have it earlier?" He forced himself to finish hopefully.

The girl offered nothing but a wide-eyed expression in reply, but the fervor in his heart was enough to push him forward.

"I was told by someone today that engagement periods were meant for couples to figure out if it was all worth it or not…but for us…it just seems that…I just know that…"

He wasn't given a chance to finish.

And this time…

It was the both of his hands that were grasped together.

"We're more than ready," Fumino answered with both a softhearted and resolute voice.

It was identical. The sentiment and the understanding found in her gaze.

And with it…

Nariyuki let his smile consume him completely.

"I just know that...no matter what…" He began again softly.

"Everything with you…" She added just as tenderly.

And then together in sync.

"Is right."

A silence fell over them, but it was no longer shy in the slightest. Their smiles matched eye for eye, trust and ardor brimming in the most wonderful way possible.

"How about in the spring?" Fumino proposed.

"During the cherry blossoms. I think that's just perfect." Nariyuki replied.

"Oh…it's so exciting! We need to think about all the invitees."

"And research the venue of course." He smiled.

His hands were squeezed once again with loving intent.

"I guess this is another thing we can work on now along with our studying after work." Fumino said with fondness.

His smile grew with all the excitement expressed from the offer.

"Productivity at its finest, don't you think?"

Fumino laughed warmly.

And he did so too.

And there was nothing to stop them from holding each other close and tight.

'I'm so glad…we're both finally here.'

Every cherished moment throughout.

A/N: HELLLLO! And Merry Christmas!

It's been two months since I've last updated and the only explanation I can give you guys is that life has been super busy and I temporarily had to shift a lot of focus to my career. I will be on break, and I'm really really looking forward to resuming my normal writing schedule and getting back on track for our now wonderfully engaged couple. I hope y'all continue to stick with me and thank you so much for the patience of the course of two months.

Until Next Time and Merry Christmas!