Message from author:
Knowing that Nanashi had finally, officially finished the Nagatoro series really hit home. I followed this story from years before through printed form and on screen, so the sudden dawning that it was all produced in me a mix of satisfaction and loss.
A fulfilling ending, and yet I wanted more—wanted to experience life exactly after the ending of Chapter 154.5, the epilogue. I wanted to see what happened next, when they finally lived together, developed in a homey environment. That said, I still very much respect Nanashi's decision to just close the whole series down when it seemed to be the right time, without stretching it out just to get burnt out. Burnout is a real thing, and I'm glad he didn't drive the story into the ground just to stay afloat.
And so, with the utmost respect and admiration for the original work, I give you… Our New Canvas: Life Together with Nagatoro.
Senpai waited outside his apartment in Tokyo, hands shoved deep into his pockets, shifting his weight nervously from foot to foot. The setting sun cast long shadows over the quiet street, its warm glow contrasting with the fluttering in his chest today.
Today was the day.
After two years of long distance, of endless teasing phone calls, of countless visits back and forth, they were finally moving in together. Nagatoro was officially graduating high school, and now she was on her way.
He let his mind wander in these five minutes while he sat waiting. He took himself back through all those years to when they first met. He once timid, now more confident, but still holding onto that slight awkwardness she loved to tease him about. For that matter, Nagatoro hadn't changed much; it was still her playing, mischievous self. But now, there was so much more to the bond between them, a connection forged over the years.
Only then, the distant hum of an approaching engine snapped him out of his thoughts. A little purple car rounded the corner and pulled up in front of him, its windows down. Nagatoro leaned out from behind the steering wheel, her trademark smirk already in place.
"Ohhhhh, Senpai!"
she called out with her teasing voice. "Certainly, you can't just stand there like a confused puppy. Are you helping me or not?"
Senpai felt all of his relief and nervousness rushing at once. He returned her smile sheepishly, then stepped forward as she hopped out of the car. She looked somewhat different now—hair a little longer, style a little more refined—but her eyes sparkled as they always had, mischievous yet warm.
"Yeah…," he answered, then stepped back to the trunk. Nagatoro had opened it in the meantime. "I'm here to help, of course."
She rolled her eyes playfully. "You'd better be, Senpai. I've got a lot of stuff, you know?"
He went to the trunk to look inside, and he quickly saw that she was not kidding at all; it was full. Stuffed with boxes, bags, and a couple of larger items, which would certainly be near impossible to get up the stairs.
As they got to offloading, Nagatoro's teasing did not stop.
"Careful with that box, Senpai. It's full of important things, like my gaming setup. If you drop it, I'll have to bully you extra hard for the next month."
Senpai chuckled softly, his nerves starting to ease with each banter-filled exchange. "You'd find a reason to do that anyway."
"You know me so well," she grinned, nudging him lightly with her elbow.
They continued to bring the boxes up to the apartment, the air between them full of its usual kind of tension, banter loaded with innuendos. Yet underneath was a silent understanding that had grown stronger over the years. This wasn't just another session of ragging; it was a new beginning. Their own beginning.
Senpai looked around at the small, cozy space as he finally brought the last box into the apartment. It was humble, but it was his first real place, their first place. The thought sent a small thrill through him.
Nagatoro flopped to the couch, exaggerated sigh in place, stretching her arms above her head. "Phew! That was tough. But look at us, Senpai—finally living together like a real couple. You're not going to get tired of me, are you?
Tired? Senpai smiled, leaning against the wall to catch his breath. "I don't even think it's possible. You've kept me on my toes since day one."
Nagatoro's face softened just a fraction, a rare crack in her tough exterior. "So, yeah… you've kinda kept me interested all this time so I guess we're even," There was a pause long enough for Senpai to feel the weight of the moment. They had come such a long way from that art room where it all began, and now there they were—together, about to start a new chapter in life.
Nagatoro suddenly stood up, her smirk back with a vengeance. "But don't think this means I'm going to go easy on you, Senpai. Living together just means I get to tease you every single day.
Senpai laughed, an unseen warmth spread through him.
"I wouldn't expect anything less."
She stepped closer and tilted her head back, looking up into his face.
"Good. 'Cause you're stuck with me now."
For a moment, the air between them stilled. Then Nagatoro bridged that gap, quickly pressing her lips against his with a swift and playful kiss. It was both terribly familiar and exciting—exactly the kind of kiss that promised many more to come. Senpai's face burned red, but he couldn't help the smile that spread on his lips. "I wouldn't have it any other way."
Nagatoro smiled, pulling back and taking his hand, dragging him toward the kitchen. "Come on, let's order in and celebrate. We have a lot of unpacking to do tomorrow, so tonight, let's just enjoy our new place. They settled in for the night with laughter, light bickering, and comfortable silence—the one without any uneasiness. The future was quite uncertain, but it was clear: whatever would come next, they would face it together, side by side, teasing all along. That was only the beginning of their new life and, in some strange way, it felt perfect.
So, here we are at the start of a new chapter—one that feels both strange and comfortably familiar. I've had some feedback about my screenplay-style writing, and although it may not have resonated with all of you, I've decided to change things up. Film school trained me in the art of writing a certain way, but I am hopeful this more traditional approach will resonate with those of you who prefer something a bit more streamlined and formulaic.
I'd like to take a moment and express my deepest gratefulness to Nanashi for creating this series that has made so many people happy during all these years. If by any chance you read this, Nanashi, I really hope this story feels true to the journey you envisioned for your characters. Also, from the bottom of my heart, I hope whatever adversity you experience in life will soon give way to joy. You deserve happiness, and I hope that one day the good news of Nagatoro and Senpai will come into your life, and you'll share it with us once more.
But until that very day, I hope that this story will be a small replacement.
Thank you to each reader of my stories for making this journey with me and for taking a place deep in my heart. With love and deep appreciation.
—M