The sun peeked through the curtains of Ryoma's temporary room in the Ryuzaki residence, casting gentle rays upon the neatly packed luggages. It was the eve of his departure to the United States. Ryoma took a breath, brushing his hand through his slightly tousled hair.
His gaze wandered around the room, and he couldn't help but feel a twinge of nostalgia. This place, though temporary, had become a sanctuary, especially with the warmth of Sakuno and her family surrounding him. With a resolute nod to himself, he brushed off the melancholy and donned his crisp school uniform. Today was graduation day, a celebration of achievements and the bittersweet realization that it also marked the end of their shared time together in Japan.
As he opened the door, his heart lifted at the sight of Sakuno standing there, her usual shy smile lighting up her face. She looked adorable, her hair framed about her delicate features, and in that moment, Ryoma felt the weight of their impending separation loom larger.
"Are you ready for graduation?" she asked, her voice soft yet laced with excitement.
"Yeah," he replied, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips, even as a heaviness settled in his chest.
Together, they descended the stairs, the aroma of breakfast wafting through the air and enticing them into the dining room. Sumire welcomed them with open arms and a tender smile that spoke of warmth and love.
"Eat to your heart's content. Today is an important day!" she declared, her eyes twinkling with pride.
As they feasted on rice and miso soup—comforting staples—Sumire turned her attention to Sakuno, her voice filled with encouragement. "I'll come later with your parents, so wait for us."
Sakuno nodded, her enthusiasm palpable, but Ryoma could see the shadow of sadness flicker across her eyes. It mirrored his own turmoil, the excitement of graduation tinged with the sorrow of parting. As they finished breakfast, Ryoma reached out, taking Sakuno's hand outside of the house.
"Let's go to school like this today," he suggested, his heart racing at the intimacy, knowing it was a moment he wanted to cherish.
Sakuno's cheeks flushed pink, a soft smile breaking through her apprehension. "Okay," she whispered, tightening her grip as they stepped out into the cool morning air, their fingers intertwined like a promise.
The walk to school felt both familiar and poignant, the sights and sounds of their neighborhood wrapping around them like a cherished memory. Ryoma could feel the weight of the day pressing down—every step a reminder that this would be their last day together in Japan. The school loomed ahead, vibrant banners fluttering in the breeze, a mix of excitement and nostalgia hanging in the air.
As they arrived at the gate, the gymnasium welcomed them with splashes of color—balloons and flowers artfully arranged, a kaleidoscope of joy reflecting the hearts of the graduating students. They were soon seated according to their last names, Ryoma and Sakuno separated by a row but connected by a glance that spoke volumes.
The ceremony began with the national anthem, voices rising in unison, a tribute to their shared journey.
Then came the speeches. The principal's words echoed in the gym, speaking of dreams and futures, while class representatives—one among them, Tomoka—took turns sharing stories of laughter and tears. Each speech added to the collective memory, weaving a tapestry of their high school years that they cherished deeply.
As names were called one by one, graduates walked across the stage to receive their diplomas, each moment punctuated by cheers and applause. Ryoma's heart raced as his name echoed through the gym. He walked toward the stage with purpose.
When he returned to his seat, he caught Sakuno's eye. She beamed, her expression a mixture of pride and wistfulness, and in that brief connection, Ryoma saw the depth of their bond laid bare.
The ceremony soon reached its conclusion, the final speech resonating with heartfelt reflections on friendship, growth, and the pages yet unwritten. As the principal declared, "Congratulations, everyone!", the students erupted in cheers, celebrating the culmination of years spent in laughter, learning, and love.
Horio, Katsuo, Kachiro, and Ryoma walked together, shadows lengthening behind them. It was a bittersweet moment for the boys, who had shared countless memories within the school's walls.
"It looks like this will be our last day today," Horio announced, a mix of excitement and melancholy lacing his tone.
"Yeah, it was fun, right?" Katsuo replied, nodding in agreement, though his voice carried a hint of nostalgia.
They ambled towards the main building when their attention turned to Heisuke, who stood outside, an awkward scene unfolding before him. A girl, visibly nervous yet determined, had gathered the courage to confess her feelings. "Ookami-kun, I really like you," she stammered, her cheeks flushed.
Heisuke, momentarily taken aback, responded gently but firmly, "I'm sorry, but I like someone else."
The girl smiled, her disappointment tempered by grace as she nodded. "It's okay." She walked away, leaving Heisuke with an air of regret, which quickly shifted to annoyance upon spotting the quartet nearby.
Horio approached Heisuke, a teasing grin spreading across his face. "So, you have someone you like?" he asked, his eyes sparkling with mischief. Heisuke's face turned crimson, and he huffed defensively, "It's nothing to do with you!"
"What the—are you still not over Ryuzaki?" Horio teased, oblivious to the sudden dark aura radiating from Ryoma beside him. Horio sweat-dropped, suddenly aware of Ryoma's glare, which could slice through steel.
"What are you talking about?" Heisuke protested, throwing his hands up. "I only like her as a friend!"
Kachiro, sensing the change in atmosphere, chimed in with a warm smile, "So it is someone else?"
Katsuo's face lit up with mischief, "I bet it's Ai." Heisuke's blush deepened to a near-embarrassing shade, prompting laughter from the group—except for Ryoma, who remained stoic, his mind elsewhere.
Suddenly, a thought struck Horio, and he turned to Ryoma, a glimmer of playful mischief in his eyes. "Echizen, shouldn't you keep your second button for Ryuzaki?"
Ryoma shot him a puzzled look, "For what?"
Kachiro explained, "It's just a fun custom! The second button is closest to the heart, so girls usually ask for it from guys they like."
"I don't have to worry about that, though; no one wants my button anyway," Horio laughed, feeling a bit forlorn. Katsuo patted him on the shoulder, offering silent support.
Ryoma fell quiet, deep in thought. Katsuo then suggested, "Let's go to the main building. I want to meet my parents and take pictures."
The boys agreed, walking toward the main building near the gate where families gathered in a flurry of hugs and laughter. As Ryoma scanned the crowd, his gaze landed on Sakuno, radiant with her parents and grandma. A smile broke across his face as he walked towards them.
"Oh, Ryoma! Congrats on graduating!" Shinji greeted, enveloping him in a hug that felt oddly paternal.
"Thanks," Ryoma replied, feeling a rush of warmth.
Sayaka joined in with a beaming smile. "Congratulations! Won't you call your parents? They would love to see you graduate."
Nodding, Ryoma fished out his phone and initiated a video call. When Rinko picked up, the joy on her face was unmistakable. "Ryoma! You've graduated!"
"Yeah," he said, pride swelling in his chest.
Sayaka peeked into the frame, grinning, "Nice to meet you! I'm Sayaka, Sakuno's mother. Your son has helped my daughter so much."
"Oh, it's perfectly fine. He should do that. Sakuno is such an adorable girl!" Rinko replied warmly, sharing a laugh with Sayaka.
Nanjirou bounded into the frame, teasingly calling out, "Seishounen, congrats on your grad!"
"Thanks, Dad," Ryoma muttered, rolling his eyes, but he couldn't suppress a smile.
"Long time no see, Nanjirou!" Sumire chimed in, her voice light with familiarity.
"Oh, you look perfectly healthy, old hag." Nanjirou said.
"Well, thanks for that." Said Sumire.
"Where's Sakuno-chan?" Nanjirou asked, momentarily shifting attention.
Sayaka called for her daughter, and soon, Sakuno joined, her cheeks flushing as she realized everyone was watching. "Oh! It's Nanjirou-san and Rinko-san!" she exclaimed.
"Congratulations to you too!" they echoed back, smiles brightening their faces.
Shinji then introduced himself, his arm around Ryoma's shoulder, "Nice to meet you both. I'm Shinji, Sakuno's father. I must thank you for raising such an amazing son. I really like him."
Rinko's laughter rang out. "Thank you for that!"
The video call was full with laughter and affection. Ryoma finally ended the video call after saying goodbye to his parents.
Sumire then prompted, "Sakuno, move closer to Ryoma for pictures!"
With their diplomas in hand, Sakuno and Ryoma stood side by side, smiles plastered on their faces for the camera.
Tomoka then chimed in, calling for Sakuno and Ryoma for a group photo of memories. Ryoma, Katsuo, Kachiro, Heisuke, and Horio stood behind, their spirits lifted, sharing an unspoken bond. While Sakuno, Tomoka, Ai, and Ume clustered together, giggling with joy. Pictures taken.
As Ryoma watched the scene unfold, his heart swelled with something new, something warm. Before returning home, he turned to Sakuno. "Open your hand," he instructed softly.
Confused yet curious, she complied. With careful deliberation, Ryoma pulled off his second button, the one closest to his heart, and placed it gently in her palm. Her eyes widened in astonishment, and a deep blush spread across her cheeks.
"This is for you," he said, his voice earnest.
Sakuno's heart raced. She studied the button, then looked into Ryoma's eyes, searching for sincerity. "Thank you, Ryoma-kun!" she stammered, a shy smile dancing on her lips, made Ryoma smile back.
The sun peeked through the sheer curtains of Ryoma's room, casting soft patterns across the empty walls. With each luggages he rolled out the door, he felt a little bit heavy; he was abandoning fragments of his very self in this space. One last glance back at the room where memories flourished twisted something tight in his chest.
Outside, she saw Sakuno, donned in a delicate dress that fluttered like petals caught in the wind. Her smile was radiant, one of those rare expressions that seemed to light up the entire hallway, and a wave of warmth washed over him.
"Ryoma-kun." she called out, her voice steady yet a little tremulous, an echo of all the unsaid words hanging between them. He stepped closer, drawn into her orbit, and she enveloped him in an embrace that felt both right and painful. It was as if she was trying to mold herself into him, wishing to imprint her essence on his retreating figure.
"I will miss you a lot," she whispered, her voice muffled against his shoulder.
"Me too," he replied, equally earnest but aware of the stoic mask he wore. As he pulled back, he noticed her glistening eyes, each tear a reminder of their shared moments.
With a gentle caress, he wiped away her tears, his heart tightening painfully. At the downstairs, Sumire, Sayaka, and Shinji, their expressions somber yet supportive. They had all witnessed the silent war of emotions unfolding and decided unspokenly to give the couple a moment alone.
As they went downstairs, the Ryuzaki family assembled around him, the bittersweet vibe wrapping around them like the fading warmth of the day's sun as they slid into the car.
The drive to Narita Airport was filled with silence, save for the soft hum of the engine. Arriving at the bustling airport, they were met by familiar faces—the former regulars, the trio, Heisuke, Tomoka, Ai and Ume, whose presence filled Ryoma with a wave of nostalgia.
"Echizen!" they greeted, voices tinged with memories of laughter and rivalry.
The former regulars stepped forward first, beaming wide as a bundle of sunshine. "We couldn't let you leave without saying goodbye properly," Momo chirped.
The other former regulars rushed to him, presenting him with a farewell gifts accompanied by encouragements.
The trio and Heisuke approached next. Heisuke stepped forward, offering his hand for a shake. "Good luck over there, Echizen. Thank you for everything. It was fun here with you."
Ryoma smirked, accepting the handshake with a camaraderie that filled his chest with pride. "Thanks, you too."
Before he knew it, Horio, Kachiro, and Katsuo surrounded him, engulfing him in a tearful hug that threatened to topple him over.
He chuckled lightly, feeling the warmth of camaraderie envelop him even though he couldn't shake the weight of leaving his home behind.
Tomoka, energetic and vibrant as ever, appeared next. "Ryoma-sama!" she cheered. "Go and beat everyone out there! And don't worry about Sakuno; we will always take care of her."
Ai also wished him luck. Ume chimed in, her normally stoic demeanor softened, "I wish you luck, Echizen-kun. I'm sorry about what happened before."
"Thanks," Ryoma responded sincerely, grateful for their support.
Sayaka and Sumire stepped up, their gaze softer, "Take care of yourself there." Ryoma nodded.
Then it was Shinji, tapping his shoulder, eyes shimmering. "I hope you achieve your dream there," he said, choking back tears. "And don't forget about my daughter," he added with a slight quiver in his voice.
"Will do," Ryoma assured him, glancing toward Sakuno now standing a few steps back, her eyes wide and glistening.
Finally, it was time for Sakuno, the last to bid him farewell. As their friends stepped back, giving the couple some privacy, Ryoma reached for Sakuno's hands. They wore their couple bracelets like shields against the impending distance.
She smiled through her tears, a soft determination glimmering in her eyes. "Well, I will meet you again at your next tournament, Ryoma-kun."
He smirked playfully, "You better come."
Sakuno giggled, and he felt lighter somehow, despite the gravity of the distance between them.
"I want you to have this," she whispered, sliding a wristband onto his wrist. "I will always cheer for you, no matter how far apart we are."
Touched, he smiled back, feeling the promise sewn into that piece of fabric. Then came the announcement echoing through the terminal, a reminder that time was slipping away.
"I will go now. Take care, Sakuno," he said, wrapping her in a final, lingering hug.
Her arms tightened around him, and for a moment, they just stood there, both brimming with emotion, unwilling to let go. "You too," she whispered back, the warmth of her breath sending a shiver down his spine.
Looking into each other's eyes, Ryoma leaned closer, kissing her softly. The world blurred around them, fading into nothingness. When he pulled back, he can saw the others blushed and mouth-gapped.
"Ryoma! What are you doing to my daughter in public?!" Shinji exclaimed, flustered.
"Sorry, Shinji-san, your daughter is just too pretty today!" Ryoma shot back with a cheeky smirk.
Laughter erupted among their friends, breaking the emotional tension, and even Sakuno joined in, her giggles infectious.
They finally let go of each other's hands. With one last longing look, Ryoma waved goodbye, watching as Sakuno waved back, her smile radiant even through the tears lingering on her cheeks. The weight of their farewell hung heavily in the air, yet there was an unmistakable promise between them—a promise that distance would not diminish their bond.