The next day marked the end of our trip. The school prepared for our return to Enoshima, and we gathered our things, boarded the bus, and set off.
As the bus rumbled along the coastal road, I found myself gazing out at the endless expanse of the sea. It was strange—this trip felt both incredibly long and painfully short. A mix of emotions stirred within me as I glanced around.
Touka sat a few rows ahead, chatting and laughing with Hiro. She looked happy—relaxed in a way I hadn't seen for a while. I guess that's for the best, I thought, though the thought left a faint ache in my chest.
"Himeya."
The voice drew me from my thoughts. I turned to see Uguisu-senpai sitting beside me, her slender finger pointing toward the shimmering waves outside.
"Look. The sea," she said, her voice unusually light.
I followed her gaze. The sunlight danced on the water's surface, creating a sparkling ribbon that stretched far into the horizon.
"We're finally home," I murmured, a smile tugging at my lips.
"Home..." Senpai repeated softly, as though savoring the word.
I stole another glance at Touka, who was now leaning slightly toward Hiro, her expression bright and animated. It was the kind of smile I didn't think I could bring out of her anymore.
Yeah. That's how it should be.
"Himeya," Senpai's voice pulled me back again. I turned to her, and this time, she was holding out one of her earphones.
"This is...?"
"Want to listen to some music together?" she asked, tilting her head slightly.
I couldn't help but smile. "Yeah, sure."
The gentle hum of the bus engine became a faint background noise as I slipped the earphone into my ear. A mellow, jazzy tune began to play—a curious mix of soft rhythms and vibrant melodies.
"Pop jazz, huh?" I asked after a moment.
"You could tell?" she asked, a hint of surprise in her voice.
"I was really into music back in junior high," I said, leaning back against the seat with a small laugh.
The rest of the ride passed in a comfortable silence. The music filled the gaps between us, bridging some invisible distance I hadn't even realized was there.
By the time we arrived back at the school, the bus came to a slow stop, and everyone began gathering their belongings. As I stood to stretch, I noticed Touka moving toward the exit with Hiro.
I stepped closer, intent on saying something.
"Ah, sorry," she said, turning to me before I could speak. "Takamine-kun said he'd walk me home."
Her words caught me off guard. Before I could even process them, she leaned in close, her voice dropping to a whisper.
"Take care of Uguisu-senpai, okay?"
"Wh—?!" I stammered, completely taken aback.
She just grinned, clearly amused by my reaction, and with a playful wave, walked back to Hiro.
I stood there for a moment, frozen, before shaking my head. Touka's always full of surprises.
Looking around, my eyes quickly found Senpai standing by the school's front gate, her figure illuminated by the soft glow of the setting sun.
"Senpai," I called out as I walked toward her.
"Himeya?" She turned, her expression puzzled. "Why aren't you with Touka?"
"Touka's... got other plans," I said, scratching the back of my neck awkwardly.
"Is that so?"
"And you, Senpai? Why are you still here?"
"Me? I was waiting."
"Waiting?"
"For you."
Her words caught me off guard, but I quickly recovered.
"How about I walk you home, then?"
"...Really?"
"Of course. Wait here. I'll grab my bike."
I hurried off toward the parking lot. After fumbling with my bike keys for a moment, I started it up and rode back to where Senpai was waiting. She smiled as she climbed on behind me, her arms wrapping around my waist lightly.
As we rode through the quiet streets, the cool evening air rushed past us. Her grip tightened slightly, and I thought I heard her say something, her voice barely audible over the sound of the wind.
"What was that, Senpai?" I asked, glancing back.
"Ah, it's... nothing," she said quickly, her cheeks faintly pink.
Was it just me, or was this starting to feel like one of those scenes straight out of a manga?
"Hey, Senpai," I began after a moment. "Do you have time to make a stop?"
"A stop? Where?"
"The Dragon Bell."
"The Dragon Bell?"
"It's a nice place. I think you'd like it."
"...Okay. Let's go."
I changed direction, the streets gradually narrowing as we approached the small hill leading up to the Dragon Bell.
The view was breathtaking. The sea stretched endlessly before us, bathed in the warm hues of the setting sun. The calls of distant seagulls echoed in the salty breeze, creating a serene backdrop.
"It's beautiful," Senpai said, her voice tinged with wonder.
I led her toward the bell, its silhouette standing tall against the vibrant sky.
"Senpai," I began, my heart pounding in my chest.
She turned to me, her expression curious.
"This place... it's special to me," I said. "In the stories I write, it's where the protagonist vows to stay by the heroine's side forever."
"Himeya..."
She stepped closer to the bell, her gaze softening as she placed her hand on the rope.
"Then... will you make that vow with me?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly.
For a moment, I was stunned. This... this was the scene I'd seen in my dream.
Without thinking, I placed my hand on the rope as well, my eyes locking onto hers.
"Even though I'm not as normal as other people?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Please... be more selfish with me, Uguisu-san," I replied, my voice steady.
Her cheeks flushed, and tears welled up in her eyes.
"I want to be with you. Always, forever and ever," she whispered.
Together, we pulled the rope, the Dragon Bell's clear, resonant chime echoing across the coast.
"I love you, Uguisu-san," I said, my voice unwavering.
She smiled through her tears, her hands reaching out to hold mine.
"I love you too, Himeya-kun," she said, her voice filled with warmth and certainty.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, I knew this was a moment I would treasure forever.
The sound of the bell lingered in the air, a symbol of a bond that would withstand the tides of time.