The weekend had come around again, and Kazuki found himself walking alongside Shizuka in the quiet streets, the early morning sun casting soft light on the path ahead. They had made plans to spend the day together, just the two of them. No distractions, no interruptions—just time to enjoy each other's company.
Shizuka had been in a particularly cheerful mood, and Kazuki found himself smiling more than usual in her presence. There was something about being with her like this, without the usual school-related stress, that made everything feel lighter.
"Hey, Kazuki," Shizuka said, nudging him playfully. "Do you ever wonder what it'll be like when we're older? You know, after high school?"
Kazuki glanced at her, a little surprised by the sudden shift in conversation. "Uh, I guess sometimes. I just try to focus on getting through today, honestly."
Shizuka smiled, her eyes twinkling mischievously. "But don't you think about us? You know, what we'll do once we don't have homework or class to distract us?"
Kazuki blinked. "I... haven't really thought about it that much. I mean, I'd like to keep hanging out with you, of course."
Her smile softened as she looked up at him. "You know, Kazuki, I like spending time with you, too. A lot. I guess I'm just... thinking about the future, and how it might be if we stayed like this."
Kazuki's heart skipped a beat at her words. There was something in the way she said it, as if she was imagining more than just the present. He hesitated, unsure of what to say, but then he realized he didn't need to say anything grand. His feelings for her were clear, even if he hadn't put them into words before.
"I'd like that too," he finally said, his voice quieter than usual. "I don't know what the future will bring, but I want to be with you, Shizuka."
Her eyes softened, and she leaned her head against his shoulder as they continued walking, her hand slipping into his. Kazuki felt a warmth spread through him at the simple gesture, the connection between them undeniable.
They spent the rest of the afternoon wandering through the city, enjoying each other's company as they explored new places. Every moment seemed to feel more meaningful with Shizuka by his side, and Kazuki found himself growing more comfortable with the idea of being with her—of having her in his life, now and in the future.
By the time the sun was setting, they found themselves in a quiet park, sitting on a bench and watching the world around them. It was peaceful, and for once, Kazuki didn't feel like he was rushing to get somewhere. He was content, just being here, with her.
"Kazuki," Shizuka said softly, breaking the comfortable silence. "Can I ask you something?"
"Sure," he replied, turning to look at her.
Shizuka hesitated for a moment, her fingers nervously twisting the hem of her shirt. "I just... I want to know how you feel about us. I mean, I like you a lot, and I think you like me too, but… what do you see for us, Kazuki?"
Kazuki felt his heart thud in his chest. He had been avoiding thinking about it too much, but now that Shizuka was asking, he knew it was time to be honest with her.
"I see... us, Shizuka. I want to be with you," he said, his voice steady despite the nervousness he felt. "I don't know exactly what the future holds, but I want to make sure you're in it. We'll figure it out together."
Shizuka smiled, her eyes glistening with happiness. "I'm glad. I've been thinking about us a lot too. And I want to be with you, Kazuki. Whatever happens."
Kazuki's heart swelled with relief and joy. They didn't need to have all the answers now. All that mattered was that they wanted to be together, no matter what the future held.
At that moment, just as the world around them seemed to settle into a perfect calm, Kazuki's phone buzzed in his pocket. He glanced at it, his expression faltering for a moment when he saw the name on the screen.
"It's Aoi," he muttered under his breath, his expression turning into a slight grimace.
Shizuka raised an eyebrow, noticing his reaction. "Your sister?"
"Yeah…" Kazuki sighed, answering the call with some hesitation. "Aoi?"
"Big Brother! Where are you?!" Aoi's voice was loud and energetic, as always. "I was expecting you back home by now! Don't you know I miss you?"
Kazuki groaned, knowing what was coming next. "Aoi, I'm busy right now. Can we talk later?"
"I see how it is!" Aoi replied dramatically. "You've gone off with your girlfriend and forgot all about me, huh?!"
Kazuki pinched the bridge of his nose, trying to stay calm. "I'm still your brother, you know. I'll be back soon, alright?"
"Well, make sure you don't forget to bring me something nice," Aoi pouted, her voice softening. "Or I'll tell Shizuka all your embarrassing stories from when you were little."
Kazuki winced, turning slightly red. Shizuka, of course, was enjoying the exchange. She raised an eyebrow, clearly amused by his discomfort.
"Don't worry," Kazuki sighed. "I'll bring you something when I get home. Just stop threatening me, alright?"
Aoi's voice softened, and she seemed to have calmed down. "Fine, but I'm still expecting that souvenir, big brother! I'll be waiting."
Kazuki hung up the phone and looked back at Shizuka, who was grinning widely. "Looks like I'm in trouble now."
Shizuka laughed softly, her fingers brushing against his. "It's cute how much she looks up to you. But you know, I wouldn't mind if you spent more time with me instead."
Kazuki smirked, feeling a little more confident now that Aoi's interruption was over. "I'll make it up to you. You're the one who's important to me, Shizuka."
She smiled, her cheeks lightly flushed, and leaned in closer. "Good. Because I feel the same way."
For the rest of the evening, Kazuki didn't feel the need to rush. He was with Shizuka, and that was all that mattered. As the stars began to twinkle overhead, he realized that this, right here, was what he had been missing all along—genuine happiness. And he was ready to build more of it with her by his side.