After graduation, we were all ready to move on and enjoy a well-deserved celebration party for Tachibana. It's bittersweet, really—a shame she'll be leaving, but the memories we've made in this house will always stay with us. Or so we thought.
"Wait... she can stay?"
We all exclaimed in unison, breaking into stunned silence as the principal's words sank in. Apparently, our household is a special exception, allowing a graduate to remain living here. Why? Honestly, we didn't ask. We weren't really in the mood to question a blessing when it hit us like that.
And hey, we're not complaining! Tachibana will be sticking around with us for a while longer—until we all graduate together. Granted, it's not like she'll be lounging here forever. She'll have to juggle college or work, treating the house like her new rental. But still, she's staying.
Cue the confetti, the chaos, and the all-night celebration party! We danced, laughed, and partied until the sun decided to crash our fun.
Then, just when we thought nothing else could surprise us, the morning brought... the news.
Hikari's pregnancy due date? Practically knocking at the door. "Wait, what?" Yeah, I'm not kidding. Turns out the baby's expected to arrive around the same time as the start of our second-year term. Shocked? You and me both. I mean, I'm gonna be a dad!
And yeah, I can see the confused looks you're giving me. Like, "Since when did this plotline exist?" Trust me—I don't remember it either. You don't remember it. Heck, I don't think even the writer remembers it. But here we are.
Anyway, before our second year kicks off—well, for Hikari, Shiori, and me—while Kaori's already entering her third year, we're squeezing in a round of one-on-one dates. Because if you've been following along, you know I've spent way too much time with Tachibana. It's time to make things up to everyone else.
So, the dates begin. It's gonna be a long story... but worth it, right? I guess we'll find out together.
[Home Date with Hikari]
"Home date? Are you sure that's all you want, Hikari?"
Hikari chuckled softly, her hand resting gently on her growing belly. "Of course, silly! Do you really think I'd want to go out when I've got this little one of yours growing inside me? Staying home is more than enough."
I couldn't help but smile. She was right. If I were carrying life inside me, I'd probably want to stay home and rest too. Besides, I love these quiet moments with her. And honestly, I'm just as excited—no, beyond excited—about meeting our child someday. We chose not to find out the gender during the scans. Why? Because, as Hikari put it, "It's a spoiler!" We both agreed it'd be more special to be surprised when the time comes.
Anyway, back to our date. The girls had gone out for the day, giving us some uninterrupted time together. They knew the unspoken rule: when it's our date, it's our time.
We kept it simple, just the way Hikari wanted. We talked—about life, about us, and about the future. When we had the energy, we cooked something together, laughing over little kitchen mishaps. We watched some anime, her head resting on my shoulder, while I absentmindedly rubbed her belly. We even started talking about what we'd need once the baby arrived.
And then, the topic we'd both been waiting for finally came up. The baby's name.
"So, Toru," she began, her voice warm and filled with excitement, "what do you think we should name our child?"
I grinned. "Oh, finally! The big topic is here, huh? Hmm, depends—are we talking about a boy or a girl?"
Hikari's eyes lit up. "If it's a girl, I was thinking… Airi. What do you think?"
"Airi? That's beautiful," I said, nodding in approval. "For me, I'd say… Akari."
She chuckled. "I see, so we're each coming up with a name. That's fair."
"Alright, Hikari, if it's a boy, I'd go with Jun!" I said, excitement spilling into my voice.
"Jun, huh? That's a good one," she said with a smile. "For me, it'd be Akira."
We laughed, the kind of laugh that only comes when two people are so completely happy in each other's presence. The names lingered in the air, each one filled with love and promise for the future.
The rest of the day passed in a blissful haze. We enjoyed each other's company, talked about our hopes for the little one, and shared dreams about the life we were building together. By the time the girls came back, the house was filled with warmth, love, and the quiet joy of our little home date.
[Amusement Park Date part 2 with Shiori]
Now it's time for my date with Shiori. Lately, she's been feeling down, probably because of the whole graduation thing with Tachibana. So, I decided to bring her to an amusement park to cheer her up—or at least, I thought it would work that way.
Since we arrived, Shiori's been unusually quiet. She stares off into the distance with a troubled expression, her favorite snack untouched in her hands. I try not to let it show, but seeing her like this worries me.
Taking a deep breath, I decide to talk to her. But before I can say a word, she lets out a heavy sigh.
"Sorry, Toru," she says softly, her voice filled with guilt. "I've ruined our date, haven't I?"
I shake my head quickly. "No, of course not!" I say firmly. Then, calming myself, I continue, "I just… I'm worried about you. You've been quiet lately. Did I do something wrong? If I did, I'm sorry." I bow slightly, wanting her to know how much I care.
Her eyes widen in surprise. "Eh? Toru! No, no, it's not that. You didn't do anything wrong," she says, waving her hands in front of her. "It's just… I can't stop thinking about what's going to happen next. After we graduate. After everything changes."
Ah, so that's what's been weighing on her mind. I chuckle softly, reaching out to pat her head gently.
"Then don't think about it right now," I say. "I know it's scary to think about the future, but we still have time before it comes. Let's just focus on now—on this moment. We can figure out the rest later, together."
She looks up at me, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears, and a small, soft smile breaks through her sadness. "Thank you, Toru. You always know just what to say… You're going to make me fall for you even harder, you know."
Before I can respond, she grabs my hand and pulls me forward, her energy returning like the sun breaking through clouds. "Come on! Let's make the most of today!" she exclaims with a cheerful smile.
I laugh, letting her lead the way. Shiori is back—our Shiori—and I couldn't be happier.
We spend the rest of the day riding roller coasters, playing carnival games, and winning prizes. Her laughter fills the air, and every moment feels brighter with her by my side. By the time the park lights begin to dim, our arms are full of stuffed animals, and our hearts feel lighter.
We find a quiet bench and sit down, catching our breath after the day's whirlwind of fun. The cool night air brushes past us as we sit shoulder to shoulder, talking, teasing, and laughing.
"Thank you for today, Toru," Shiori says after a moment of silence. Her voice is quieter now, almost vulnerable. "I really appreciate it—not just today, but everything. For saving me, for bringing me into your household, and… for letting me meet Hikari. Without her, I might not have been brave enough to fall in love with you."
She leans her head on my shoulder, her eyes closed and her smile peaceful. I feel a lump form in my throat.
"It's not a big deal," I say, my voice almost a whisper. "Thanks to you, Shiori—and the girls—for accepting a guy like me. Honestly, I don't even know what I did to make you all fall for me."
Shiori lets out a soft laugh, the kind that's both teasing and affectionate.
"What's so funny?" I ask, raising an eyebrow.
She lifts her head and grins, her eyes glinting mischievously. "It's a secret~."
Before I can press her further, we're interrupted by the vibrating buzz of my phone. It's a message from Hikari: "WHERE ARE YOU?! It's late!"
By the time we get home, Mama Hikari is waiting by the door, hands on her hips and a mock scowl on her face. Shiori and I share a sheepish laugh as we step inside. Despite the scolding, my heart feels warm.
The day wasn't perfect, but it was ours. And I'll hold onto every bit of it—the smiles, the laughter, and even the tears.