Epilogue: A Little Bit of the Future

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“Souhei-kun, hurry, hurry!”

Haruko, the hem of her pink dress swaying, pulled my hand eagerly. With her trying to run in high heels, I was worried she might trip.

On campus, right after graduation, there were students everywhere, reluctant to part. I was aware that we stood out, holding hands and walking quickly, but I held Haruko’s hand tightly, refusing to let go. Normally, walking hand in hand on campus wasn’t my style, but considering it was our graduation day, I didn’t mind.

“There’s no need to rush.”

“I can’t wait even a second longer!”

Haruko’s voice was full of excitement. Her small hand gripped mine tightly, as if never wanting to let go. I squeezed back firmly.

Seasons had passed since Haruko and I met, and we had both successfully graduated from college. With job offers secured, this spring marked our entry into the workforce.

“Haruko-san! Souhei-kun!”

We stopped near the library when we heard our names called. Ichika came running towards us, seemingly having waited for us.

After intense studying, Ichika had been admitted to our university and had been a student here since last April. Though she often complained about her credits being at risk during exams, she was managing somehow.

Ichika ignored me and threw herself at Haruko.

“Congratulations on graduating! Haruko-san, your dress is beautiful!”

“Thank you, Ichika-chan!”

Burying her face in Haruko’s chest, Ichika sighed gloomily.

“…I can’t imagine being here without Haruko-san after April… Who will I rely on before exams?”

“Ichika-chan, you can do it if you try. If you need anything, feel free to ask anytime.”

Haruko gently patted Ichika’s head, and Ichika responded cheerfully with a “Yes.”

“As expected of my sister, so reliable! Unlike my brother.”

“What was that? I helped you study many times!”

To forget all the times I helped her with cramming sessions—such an ungrateful step-sister. Ichika stuck out her tongue and retorted, “I don’t remember that!”

“Haruko-san, I’ll come visit your new place with Mom soon!”

“Yes, please! I’ll make sure it’s clean!”

“Souhei-kun, you don’t need to be there, though.”

“What did you say?”

Ichika waved brightly and said, “See you later!”

The campus was adorned with blooming cherry blossoms, in full splendor. They bloomed a bit earlier than usual this year.

I spotted some familiar faces in the plaza.

“Oh, it’s Haruko and Sagara!”

Sudo, in a deep purple hakama, waved energetically with her usual loud voice. Beside her were Hojo and Kinami, both in suits.

“Haruko, you’ve already changed from your hakama? Your dress is cute!”

“Thanks! Let’s take lots of pictures at the thank-you party later!”

Haruko chatted excitedly with Sudo. Haruko had been wearing a red hakama earlier but had changed into a dress for the department’s thank-you party after the ceremony.

I used to think that the most beautiful attire for a woman was a yukata, but Haruko looked unbelievably cute in both her hakama and dress. I bet she’d look stunning in a wedding dress too, though our wedding would be a bit further in the future.

“Sagara and Nanase, where are you heading?” Hojo asked.

Haruko and I exchanged glances. Haruko fidgeted before speaking.

“…We’re going to submit our marriage registration.”

Feeling oddly embarrassed, I looked down and scratched my cheek. Hojo teased, “Right now? You can’t wait?”

Haruko clutched an A4-sized brown envelope to her chest. Inside were our family registration documents and the completed marriage registration form.

Our promise to get married after graduation was finally being fulfilled today.

Both of our parents had already approved of our marriage right after the graduation ceremony. Though they initially suggested we didn’t have to rush, we convinced them by highlighting the financial and practical benefits. They didn’t object further.

I told Haruko we didn’t need to rush, but truthfully, I couldn’t wait either. I had been holding back just as much.

“Really, you two are getting married…” Sudo said emotionally. Hojo beamed with happiness.

“I’ve been rooting for you two all along.”

“Aww, Nanase is going to be a married woman soon. Not that I mind—it’s kind of hot,” Kinami chimed in.

“You don’t need to find it hot,” I retorted.

Kinami remained his carefree self until graduation. Despite his on-and-off relationship, he seemed to be doing well with his girlfriend. Though I couldn’t understand it, it was his unique form of love.

“Invite me to your wedding.”

“Of course! And invite me when you and Hojo-kun get married.”

“Obviously. I’ll expect a nice gift,” Hojo said, wrapping his arm around Sudo’s shoulder. Sudo blushed and raised her voice, “Not sure about that!”

We laughed together and waved goodbye to the three, then resumed walking.

When I enrolled in university, I never imagined forming such close friendships. I thought I needed neither friends nor a girlfriend.

Meeting Nanase Haruko turned my university life around completely.

Stopping in front of the main gate, Haruko turned to look back. I did the same, taking in the familiar campus scenery one last time.

We ate lunch together, studied together, laughed over silly things, and made up after our occasional disagreements. This place was filled with irreplaceable memories with her.

Cherry blossom petals danced in the spring breeze. The clear blue sky was dazzling, and my vision blurred slightly. I quickly wiped my eyes before Haruko noticed.

“Hey, Souhei-kun.”

“…Yes?”

“My university life was amazing, thanks to you. Thank you!”

Haruko’s beaming smile made it clear that her university years had been rosy.

“I had a great time too. Thank you.”

Since meeting Haruko, my life had been full of good things. As long as she stayed by my side, I knew I could be happy.

…I wished Haruko would be happy by my side too.

We walked through the campus gate, side by side, towards our happy future.

──What begins from now on will surely be the story of our rosy life together.

TLN : finally 🙂 , i wish i could read more, but yeah this is the end. thanks to the author for creating this good story, even thought most vol 2 story are kind of lacked and forced, but yeah overall its good. i really tired now. i don’t sleep 2 days straight just to rush this. i hope my reader enjoying this. for my coin reader i really grateful and wish for happiness to you guys. thanks for NoName for telling me the vol 2. you guys can support me via Ko-Fi if u guys want to hehe, Please consider to check out my other’s work.

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ShieruTranslation from HiraethTranslation Teams