Chapter 98 A New Journey
Ichika's POV

I walked outside the hair salon, where Tsukasa and my friends were waiting.

When they saw me, they looked at my new short hairstyle in awe.

"So", I started as I walked up to them. "What do think?"

"It suits you", Shiho stated.

"You look really pretty, Ichika-Chan", Honami stated.

"Indeed", Tsukasa agreed, before grabbing onto my hands. "You look absolutely beautiful, my beloved wife!"

"Thank you, Tsukasa", I said as my cheeks turned red.

"Alright then", Tsukasa started. "Now that we're done with that, we should go say goodbye to Saki."

…

We were walking to the Tenma family grave, but as we approached it…someone was already there.

"Oh", he said when he saw us. "Hello everyone."

"Greetings, my dearest brother-in-law", Tsukasa greeted. "Have you come to say goodbye to Saki as well?"

"Yes", Toya replied. "I've already said everything I wanted to, so you guys can speak to her now."

"Thank you very much, Toya", Tsukasa said.

Then, he turned to look at the family grave, before kneeling down in front of it.

"Greetings, my dearest sister. The day we all go to New York is upon us."

After Tsukasa said this, he suddenly became serious.

"Saki", he started. "I know that I'm separating your friends, but…I promise that I'll take care of her!"

After I heard this, I walked up to Tsukasa before kneeling down besides him.

"Saki", I started, before becoming emotional. "It's…it's going to be hard to leave, and…"

Before I continued, tears began to form in my eyes.

"I'm going to miss Shiho and Honami so much", I added, before wiping away my tears. "But, Tsukasa means so much to me. Being with him makes me so happy."

"And that's why we won't make Ichika stay here", Shiho added as she kneeled down beside me. "Because we want her to be happy."

"But you don't need to worry, Saki", Honami added as she also kneeled down besides me. "The bond between us is strong. Distance, and even death itself, will never break it."

"Homami", I said. "Shiho."

"Ichika", Tsukasa started. "We should probably start heading to the airport."

"Right", I said.

Then, I wiped away my tears, before smiling up at the grave.

"I'm heading off now. I'll see you around, Saki."

…

We were now at the airport, saying our last goodbyes to our loved ones.

"Shiho, Honami", Tsukasa started. "Before I leave, I just wanted to thank you."

"Thank us", Shiho asked. "For what?"

"For being such wonderful friends to my sister", Tsukasa replied. "She was always so happy spending time with the three of you."

"Tsukasa-San", Honami said, before smiling. "I'm glad we made her happy. In return, could you please do something for us?"

"Of course", Tsukasa replied. "What is it that you would like me to do?"

"Please take care of Ichika-Chan for us", Homami requested.

"Right", Shiho agreed. "If you don't, we'll come to New York and bring her back to Japan."

"Of course I will", Tsukasa exclaimed. "I'll take care of Ichika for the rest of my life!"

"Good", Shiho said.

Then, there was an announcement that our flight was going to begin boarding.

"I guess this is it."

After I said this…tears started forming in my eyes.

"Shiho, Homami", I said.

Then…I wrapped my arms my friends.

"I'm going to miss you guys so much", I cried out.

"We're going to miss you too", Shiho said, before pulling away from me slightly. "Thank you for not giving up on our friendship, even when I tried to push you away."

"And the same for me", Honami added. "Thank you so much!"

After Honami said this, she held my hands tightly within her own.

"Ichika-Chan, I hope you have a wonderful and happy life."

"Yeah", Shiho agreed. "Whatever you end up doing in New York, I'm sure you'll do great."

"Homami", I said with tears in my eyes. "Shiho."

"Ichika", Tsukasa started. "We should get going."

"Right", I said.

Then, I turned to look at my friends, and gave them a sad smile.

"I'm…heading off now", I said.

"Bye bye, Ichika-Chan", Honami greeted. "Have a safe trip."

"Yeah", Shiho said. "See you again, Ichika."

After hearing my friends goodbyes, I gave them a nod.

Then, I grabbed onto my suitcase…and turned around.

I walked away a bit, before turning around to look at my friends one last time.

Then…I turned away from them…and walked off.

A moment later, I felt someone grab my hand.

I looked up, and saw Tsukasa.

"Ichika", he started. "You're not regretting this, are you?"

"Tsukasa…", I started.

"It's not too late", Tsukasa stated. "You can still turn ba…"

Before Tsukasa could finish…I grappled onto his shirt…and pulled him down until our lips touched.

"I vowed to stay with you forever, Tsukasa", I pointed out when I pulled away from him. "I'm going with you."

After I said this, Tsukasa smiled, before kissing me again.

"I love you, Ichika."

"And I love you, Tsukasa."

"Tsukasa-Kun", Emu called. "Can you come over here for a second?!"

"Be right there", Tsukasa called back, before looking at me. "I'll be right back."

With this, Tsukasa went up to his troupe.

As I waited for him, my phone suddenly started beeping.

I took it out of my pocket…and a familiar face popped out of the screen.

"Hello, Ichika", she greeted.

"Miku", I greeted. "What are you doing here?"

"I suddenly felt a great sadness", Miku revealed. "I figured it meant you had said goodbye to Shiho and Honami."

"Yeah", I said sadly.

"Ichika", Miku started. "Remember, you and your friends can always see each other in sekai. No matter where you go, sekai will always be waiting for you."

After Miku said this, a smile came to my face.

"Miku", I started. "Thank you for everything."

"You're welcome, Ichika. Now go on. A new journey awaits you."

After Miku said this, she disappeared.

"I'm back", Tsukasa said as he walked up to me.

Then…he reached out his hand.

"Are you ready, my love?"

After Tsukasa asked this, I smiled, before taking his hand.

"I'm ready."