Chapter 7: A Rosy Life Walking with You

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“I’m not sure what a rosy university life is… so I went to see my cousin in Tokyo the other day.”

My cousin , who works at a cosmetics company, was as dazzling as ever—no, even more dazzling than the last time I saw her. She happily talked about her first project being approved, and she looked incredibly radiant.

──Maybe I really can’t become like my cousin.

When I said that, looking down, my cousin laughed and said,

──Why not? When I was in university, I was nowhere near as put-together as you, Haruko. I failed many courses and got rejected a lot during job hunting.

──That’s hard to believe. You didn’t seem that way at all.

──Of course, in front of you, I tried to look my best. I wanted you to see me as a wonderful cousin. …Disappointed?

I shook my head vigorously. No matter how my cousin saw herself, she always looked radiant to me.

Maybe my cousin, like me, was desperately trying to be the person she wanted to be. But that’s not a lie—in my eyes, that was the real cousin too.

So, I also want to keep striving, stretching myself, and putting on a brave front. Someday, the lie will become reality, and I’ll become a true radiant girl.

“I still want to work in cosmetics, like my cousin.”

Gathering my courage to say it, Sagara-kun nodded.

“But it’s still not concrete… I like cosmetics and beauty, but apparel is cool too. Becoming a fashion magazine editor or working in bridal is also appealing. There are probably many jobs I’d be suited for.”

Of course, I have my anxieties, but having many possibilities is wonderful. I can become anything.

“I want to keep exploring, getting inspired by different things, and finding my own version of a rosy life. So please keep supporting me!”

No matter what path I choose, Sagara-kun is essential to my rosy life. Because he’s here, I can keep going. I want to continue being that kind of person.

Sagara-kun smiled gently at my words, called my name, “Haruko,” and said,

“About that thing I wanted…”

His words made my heart skip a beat. The warmth from his hand, touching mine, spread through my body, raising my temperature.

…It’s okay. I’m already prepared.

Just as I resolved myself, Sagara-kun gently touched the ring on my right ring finger.

“…Take off that ring.”

“…Huh…?”

His unexpected words brought my soaring emotions crashing down. I felt the blood drain from my face, my fingers turning cold.

W-What does he mean, take it off in this situation…? Does he want it back…? I-Is he subtly saying we should break up…?

“Why would you say that!? I-I’m not taking it off!”

“No, it’s not like that… just for a moment.”

“No way… Ah!”

Despite my desperate resistance, Sagara-kun forcefully removed the ring from my finger. Then he took my left hand and slipped the ring onto my left ring finger.

The delicate gold ring sparkled on my left ring finger.

“…Huh…?”

As I stood there, stunned, Sagara-kun, with a bright red face, gripped my hands tightly. His hands were extremely warm and trembling slightly, conveying his nervousness.

“I have something important to say.”

The seriousness in his voice made my heart leap. With a serious expression, he began to speak.

“…I’m not enough as I am now… I’m not good enough for you, Haruko. There are probably many guys who can make you happier than I can.”

“That’s not true…”

“But for my happiness… I need you, Haruko.”

He paused, looking straight into my eyes. His desperate, intense gaze held me captive.

“…We’re still students… so it’s not possible right now. But after we graduate…”

“Yeah.”

“Will you marry me?”

It took my brain several seconds to process the meaning of his words. After a few moments of deep thought, I finally understood.

…M-Marriage… Did Sagara-kun just propose…?

“Wha-Wha-What…!?”

I screamed and reeled back, hitting my head on the table with a thud as I fell.

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“Haruko!?”

I hurried to help Nanase, who had suddenly screamed and fallen. She winced, rubbing her head, her face as red as a boiled octopus, her mouth opening and closing like a fish.

“Did- Did you say marriage… all of a sudden…?”

It wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment thought. I had been thinking about it for a while.

I had always believed that someone like me, who couldn’t get along with my family, couldn’t make Nanase happy. But like Ichika said, she’s a strong woman who can find happiness on her own.

Still, for my happiness, I need Nanase. I can’t say I’ll carry her life, but I want to walk beside her, sharing the load, always.

The thing I want most is a life with Nanase Haruko.

“…I’m sorry for rushing ahead. The order is all messed up.”

“No… I’m surprised but happy.”

Nanase said, her big eyes brimming with tears. She lovingly touched the ring now on her left ring finger.

“Sagara-kun, you said there are other people who could make me happy, right?”

I nodded, and Nanase gently cupped my cheeks. Pouting slightly, she said,

“That’s not fair. Why are you deciding my happiness?”

“Haruko.”

“I want to be part of your family too. For my happiness, I need you, Sagara-kun. Together, we’ll be happy.”

Seeing Nanase say it so clearly, any small doubts vanished. If she said it, I believed it without question.

“…After graduating, I want a rosy life.”

“…Yeah.”

“So… will you help me make my life rosy?”

Nanase smiled softly and hugged me tightly.

“…Because I want to be with you forever, I’ll help you!”

Wrapping my arms around her, we gently touched foreheads. Our foreheads were the same temperature, and we laughed at the same time, both red with embarrassment.

Then, Nanase fluttered her long eyelashes and closed her eyes—like magnets, we were drawn together for a kiss.

“…Um, Sagara-kun.”

As our lips parted, Nanase blushed and looked shy.

“I still have something to give you… do you want it?”

It took me a moment to understand her words, but when I did, my temperature shot up.

…How does Nanase always know exactly what I want? No matter what, I can’t beat her.

“I… accept,” I said, tightening my arms around her soft body. She whispered in my ear, “I’ll show it only to you.”

What she revealed to only me was truly beautiful and cute. I’m sorry, but that’s our secret.

TLN : :)))))))))))))