After the summer vacation ended, Yuto Kisaragi and Noa Kanzaki returned to school, hand in hand, feeling stronger than ever. The salty breeze of the beach and the warmth of their friends' laughter had stitched new memories into their hearts, especially after the frightening days in the hospital.
Yuto never left Noa's side anymore. Every morning, he would wait by her gate, smiling as she stepped out, her pink hair catching the sunlight like a halo. Noa had grown even quieter after her hospital stay, but around Yuto, her smile bloomed effortlessly.
Their friends, Souta Minami, Hikari Shimizu, Kenta Arisaka, and Miyu Tanabe, made sure school life remained colorful. Whether it was competing in school festivals, studying late into the night for exams, or simply laughing over lunch breaks, their bonds deepened.
One autumn afternoon, Yuto sat under the sakura tree—the same place where he and Noa first met when they were three. The blossoms had long fallen, but for Yuto, it remained their sacred spot. Noa joined him, sitting close enough that their shoulders brushed.
"I'm glad you're okay," Yuto said softly.
"I'm glad you waited," Noa replied, her emerald eyes sparkling.
In that moment, Yuto decided something important. He wanted to be with Noa forever. Not just as childhood friends, or school lovers, but as partners in life.
Time passed. Their second year of high school came. Aya Nishimura, who had once challenged Noa, now found herself becoming a quiet supporter of their love, even if a little bittersweet.
Riku Kamishiro still challenged Yuto from time to time, but now it was more for fun. His races were filled with laughter instead of rivalry.
During the cultural festival, their class decided to host a café. Noa, in a cute maid outfit, served tea shyly while Yuto, wearing a butler's suit, barely held himself together. He watched her from behind the counter, his heart hammering with love.
When night fell, and the festival lights twinkled like stars, Yuto pulled Noa aside.
"Noa… after graduation… I want us to go to the same college. I want to stay by your side, always."
Noa blushed deeply but smiled. "Me too."
Their dreams took shape. Noa wanted to become an illustrator. Yuto wanted to be a teacher so he could always help kids find their dreams.
Winter came. Snow blanketed the world in white. On Christmas Eve, Yuto gave Noa a tiny, hand-made snow globe with a sakura tree inside.
"It's us," he whispered. "Always under the sakura."
Noa hugged him tightly, tears glistening in her eyes.
Spring returned, their final year began, and with it came the pressure of entrance exams. Late-night study sessions, group calls, and mutual encouragement filled their days.
On the day of their graduation, Noa wore a pale pink kimono, and Yuto, his navy blue uniform. They met under the sakura tree once more, now full in bloom.
"I love you, Noa," Yuto said, holding out a small ring.
Noa's hands trembled as she accepted it. "I love you too, Yuto."
They didn't need grand promises. Their love was written in every shared memory, every smile, every silent comfort.
Together, they stepped forward into their future, the petals of youth dancing around them like blessings.
The End (for now).