As I walked into school the next day, I headed straight for Keita's classroom to fill him in on what had happened with Asumi's stepfather. I found him sitting at his desk, surrounded by a group of students. When he saw me, he jumped up from his seat and came over to me.
"Dude, what's up?" he asked, his eyes filled with concern.
"I talked to Asumi's stepfather yesterday," I said, taking a deep breath. "And it wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be."
"Really? That's great to hear," Keita said, a smile spreading across his face. "I was so worried about you guys."
"Thanks, man. I appreciate it," I said, smiling back at him.
With the weight of the confrontation with Asumi's stepfather lifted off my shoulders, I was finally able to focus on the preparations for the cultural festival. The whole school was buzzing with excitement as we worked together to get everything ready for the big event. I spent the next few days running around the school, helping with decorations, setting up stages, and making sure everything was in order.
Despite all the chaos, I felt a sense of peace knowing that Asumi and I were in this together. We were a team, and we were going to make this cultural festival the best one yet.
As the day of the cultural festival arrived, I woke up feeling excited and nervous. I quickly got dressed in my yukata and made my way to school. When I saw Asumi, she was wearing a beautiful yukata and she looked stunning. I couldn't help but compliment her, "Asumi, you look so cute in your yukata."
Asumi blushed and smiled, "Atsu, you look handsome too. I love your yukata."
Together, we made our way to the school grounds where the festival was being held. The atmosphere was lively with people chatting, laughing, and enjoying the food and games. Our class's traditional Japanese cafe was set up and it was a hit. Customers were lining up to try our matcha tea and sweet dango.
"Atsu, this is so much fun!" Asumi exclaimed as she served a customer their tea.
I nodded, "I'm glad you're enjoying it. Our hard work paid off."
Keita and their friends were also there, manning their traditional Japanese cafe booth. The atmosphere was lively and filled with people enjoying food and drinks. Keita was working hard serving the customers, making sure everyone was happy and satisfied.
...
Asumi and I were in an empty classroom, munching on yakisoba that we bought from a food stall. The quiet atmosphere made it a perfect moment to talk, and we started discussing our future plans.
"I want to travel the world, see different cultures, and learn new things," Asumi said, her eyes shining with excitement.
"Me too," I said. "I also want to pursue my dream of becoming a professional photographer."
We continued talking and before we knew it, we found ourselves sharing a kiss. It was a moment filled with warmth and love, and I was grateful to have Asumi by my side.
"You know, you taste just like yakisoba," I said, breaking the silence.
Asumi chuckled and leaned her head on my shoulder. "You're such a goofball, Atsu."
We sat there for a while longer, just enjoying each other's company, before getting up to head back to the festival. The rest of the day was spent exploring the various stalls, watching performances, and making memories that would last a lifetime.
...
It had been over a year since Asumi and I stood up against her stepfather. Life has been good since then. We are now in our third-year of high school and are about to graduate soon.
As the final days of high school approached, I couldn't help but feel a mixture of sadness and excitement. I thought about all the memories I had made with my friends, and how much I would miss them when we all went our separate ways. But at the same time, I was also eager to start a new chapter in my life and see what the future held.
Asumi and I had come a long way since our conflict with her stepfather. We had grown closer over the past year and our relationship had only gotten stronger. I was so grateful to have her by my side as we faced new challenges and celebrated our successes.
As graduation day approached, I was filled with a sense of pride. I had worked hard to get to this point and I was proud of what I had accomplished. I was also proud of Asumi and all that she had overcome.
On graduation day, Asumi and I walked across the stage to receive our diplomas, hand in hand. We were filled with a sense of accomplishment and joy as we celebrated this major milestone together.
I was standing at the school gates with Asumi, Keita, and a group of our friends, feeling a mix of emotions as we discussed our upcoming graduation. It had been an amazing journey, filled with ups and downs, but we had made it to this point together.
Asumi leaned against me, her smile warm as she said, "I can't believe we're graduating soon. It feels like just yesterday we were in our first year."
Keita nodded in agreement. "I know, time flies. But it's not like we're never going to see each other again. We'll always have memories of our time in high school."
I smiled, feeling grateful for my friends. "Definitely. I just hope we can stay in touch after we leave here."
Asumi looked up at me, her eyes shining. "Of course we will. We've been through too much together to just forget about each other."
As we continued to chat, I felt a wave of nostalgia wash over me. High school had been an important time in my life, and I was going to miss it. But at the same time, I was excited for the future and the adventures that lay ahead.
After that, we left the school grounds for the last time, I couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia. But at the same time, I was also excited for what the future held for Asumi and me. I was grateful for all the memories and experiences we had shared together, and I knew that we would continue to support each other as we took on whatever the world had in store for us.
We were walking home when Asumi turned to me and asked, "So, what are you going to do after graduation?"
I let out a sigh, "I need to find a job, the government won't support me anymore now that I'm no longer a minor."
Asumi wrapped her arm around mine and said, "Don't worry, Atsu. I'll always be here to support you."
I smiled at her, grateful for her unwavering support. Being an orphan, I don't have a family to rely on, but I know I can always count on Asumi.
...
As I walked into the apartment with Asumi by my side, I couldn't help but feel nervous. I had been thinking about this for a long time now and I wanted to make it official.
Asumi and I sat down on the couch and started chatting about our day. I tried to hide my nervousness, but I could tell that she could sense something was off.
"Atsu, is everything okay?" she asked, looking at me with her kind and understanding eyes.
I took a deep breath and pulled out a small, folded certificate from my pocket. I handed it to her, trying my best to keep my hand from shaking.
"Asumi, I know that we're still young, but I want to spend the rest of my life with you," I said, my voice quivering a bit. "I want you to be my family, forever."
Asumi's eyes grew wide as she looked at the certificate. "Atsu, what is this?" she asked, sounding a bit overwhelmed.
"It's a marriage certificate," I said, trying to keep my voice steady.
As I nervously handed Asumi the marriage certificate, I could feel my heart pounding in my chest. She looked at me with confusion, and then her eyes followed to the small box in my hand.
"And what's that?" she asked.
I took a deep breath and tried to calm my nerves. "It's an engagement ring," I replied. "I know it's not much, and I'm not wealthy. But I promise to always make you happy."
Asumi's eyes widened as she opened the box, and I watched as her face lit up with surprise and joy. "Atsu, it's beautiful," she said, her voice filled with emotion.
I felt a huge weight lifted off my shoulders as I saw the happiness in Asumi's eyes. Despite the fact that I could only afford a cheap ring, I knew in my heart that all that mattered was making her happy.
"Will you marry me, Asumi?" I asked, holding my breath as I awaited her answer.
I couldn't believe how much my life had changed since I met Asumi. It all started with a chance encounter at the local convenience store and now, I was here, nervously proposing to her with a cheap engagement ring in hand. But as I looked into her eyes, I knew that none of that mattered. All that mattered was that she made me happier than I ever thought possible, and I wanted to spend the rest of my life making her happy too.
As I stood there, waiting for her answer, I thought about how lucky I was to have met her. She brought so much light into my life, especially when I was feeling lost and alone. I couldn't imagine going back to that dark place, and I hoped that she would say yes and stay by my side forever.
She looked at me with a warm smile and a twinkle in her eye. "Yes, Atsu. I will."
And with that, our journey together as a married couple began.
With that, she wrapped her arms around me and we shared a kiss filled with all the love and joy that we had for each other. I knew that no matter what the future held, as long as we had each other, everything would be okay.
...
As I lay next to Atsu on the bed, I can't help but think about how lucky I am to have him in my life. Atsu, my love, my soulmate. He has been there for me through all the ups and downs, and now, he wants to spend the rest of his life with me.
I can still feel the warmth of his hand on mine, and the weight of the cheap engagement ring he gave me. To him, it may just be a simple ring, but to me, it symbolizes the love and commitment that he has for me.
I looked at Atsu, who was now fast asleep. His peaceful face, the sound of his breathing, and the feel of his embrace was all I ever needed. I snuggled closer to him and closed my eyes, feeling grateful for this moment. I am so happy to be his, now and forever.
END OF STORY