The first light of morning painted the sky in soft pinks and oranges, casting a gentle glow over the world around the house where we lived.
05:25 AM
A loud sound pierced through the quiet, coming from my phone.
"..." I groggily woke up and turned off the alarm.
"…Himeya?"
A girl in my bed stirred as she realized I was missing.
"Ah, did I wake you up? Sorry, Touka," I said.
"…Here," she murmured, opening her arms in an invitation for a hug.
"It can't be helped," I replied with a slight smile.
I went back to the bed and embraced Touka.
"You really know how to make a girl fall in love, huh?" she said softly.
"Hey, I only made you fall for me, you know," I teased.
That's right—this is the story beyond the world I once knew, a world where possibilities are endless. I chose Touka, and I've never regretted that decision.
After that fateful night, I brought Touka back to the party. My friends were astonished to see her; even Uguisu-senpai was moved to tears. Hiro, too, was captivated by Touka's presence—an undeniable charm of a main heroine, if you ask me.
Since then, Touka has been living with me in my apartment. She moved in just a few days later. Of course, I introduced her to my family. My mother was overjoyed to see her again and spent the day teasing me about when I would give her a grandchild. My father also gave us his blessing. My sister, Haruka, was thrilled to see us together.
"So, this is the destiny you chose, huh?" she asked.
"Yeah…"
"Welcome back, both of you!" she exclaimed, hugging us warmly.
That's right… Haruka will always be my big sister, no matter what.
…
"Touka, would you like to take a bath together?" I asked.
"Uwah… are you proposing something perverted? Pervert," she teased.
"Hey, don't call me a pervert," I said, trying to keep a straight face.
"Just kidding, ehehe," she laughed.
"The offer's expired," I said with a grin.
"I'll buy you a drink after the bath," she promised.
…
"Coffee milk," I said.
Touka clung to my hand and said, "Let's go to the bath!"
Time flew by as we enjoyed our time in the bath, reminiscing about old memories. We talked about riding my bike together at night, sneaking into the lighthouse to surprise Uguisu-senpai for her birthday, and so much more.
After our bath, we got ready to head to the convenience store.
The chill in the air was so intense that even my breath crystallized into tiny frozen puffs.
"Shiver It's getting cold already, huh?" Touka said, shivering slightly.
"Yeah, winter is coming… and so is the end of the year," I replied.
"Let me have a piece of you, Himeya," Touka said, clinging to my jacket.
"Ah… it feels good," she murmured contentedly.
"You like us to stay this way?" I asked.
"No, I'd like us to get married," she replied, her voice filled with earnestness.
"Well, we can do that… hmm… how about after the New Year?" I suggested.
"Eh?"
"Hmm? What's wrong?" I asked, noticing her surprised expression.
"Really?"
"Yep, of course. It's been a while since I've thought about marriage, and the only partner I want is you," I said, trying to reassure her.
Touka clung tighter to me, her excitement palpable.
"Let's make a happy family," she said, her eyes shining with hope.
"Yeah," I agreed.
…
After buying some drinks at the convenience store, Touka looked up at me with a playful grin.
"Hey, let me get a piggyback ride," she requested.
"Heh… it's a bit embarrassing," I replied with a shy smile.
"Here I go!" she said, jumping onto my back.
"…" I could feel her chest pressed against me.
"D… huh?" I stammered quietly, feeling flustered.
"Yep, D it is," she said, playfully pinching my cheek.
…
"Hey, do you remember that time?" she asked suddenly.
"About what?" I inquired, puzzled.
"When I said, 'Do not forget… that I will always be with you,' and 'Do not forget… that I will always be here,'" she recited, her voice soft and nostalgic.
…
"No reaction?" she teased.
"You said that," I confirmed, trying to recall the moment.
"Yep, of course," she said with a hint of a smile.
"… You're dreaming," I said, half in disbelief.
"Eh… I'm dreaming? … I think I said those lines, you know," she replied, her expression thoughtful.
"Is that so…?"
…
Yes, Touka had indeed said those words to me… well, to my previous self, of course.
"I definitely said it," she said, hugging me tightly.
"Hmmm?"
"It's nothing," she said, dismissing it with a smile.
…
At this moment, I felt an overwhelming sense of happiness. I found myself smiling without realizing it. Looking up at the sky, I saw the moon shining brightly.
"I can't wait for the next year," I said with a sense of anticipation.
"Yeah, me too," Touka agreed, her voice filled with warmth.
FIN