Kazuki stretched out on the grass, looking up at the sky as the last rays of summer sun dipped into shades of orange and pink. There was a quiet stillness in the air, and the soft hum of cicadas hinted at the end of summer break. He couldn't quite believe how fast it had flown by, filled with laughter, beach trips, surprise dates, and countless moments that he knew would become some of his favorite memories.
Aoi dropped down beside him, her face contorted into a sulky expression. "I can't believe it's already over, onii-chan! I don't wanna go back to school."
Kazuki smirked, ruffling her hair. "I'm sure you'll survive, Aoi. At least you got your homework done… eventually."
She puffed up her cheeks, looking mildly offended. "Hey! If it wasn't for you helping me, I might've failed every single subject."
He laughed. "Yeah, yeah, I know. But admit it, you had a great summer, didn't you?"
Aoi's expression softened, and she nodded, a small smile appearing on her lips. "Yeah. It was the best. We went to the beach, watched movies, had all that fun with Shizuka… Even if we have to go back to school, I'll remember this summer for a long time."
Kazuki felt the same. As he reflected on the past few weeks, he realized how much he'd come to cherish the people in his life. Shizuka, who'd been by his side as his childhood friend but now felt even closer, and Aoi, who, despite her relentless teasing and antics, was a sister he truly adored.
As if on cue, Shizuka called out from behind them. "You two look so serious! What's going on here?"
Kazuki turned around, grinning as she joined them. "Just reminiscing about the summer. And Aoi's griping about school starting tomorrow."
Shizuka chuckled, taking a seat beside him. "Well, she's not the only one. I was just thinking about how peaceful it's been, and now we're going back to schoolwork, tests, and everything else."
Kazuki smiled. "Hey, maybe we'll make some good memories there, too. Plus, now we get to look forward to winter break!"
Shizuka sighed playfully. "Leave it to you to look on the bright side, Kazuki."
He shrugged, his grin widening. "Gotta find a reason to get through all the boring classes somehow."
Aoi looked between them, rolling her eyes. "Geez, you two sound like an old married couple."
Both Kazuki and Shizuka blushed at her comment, but they quickly laughed it off, Shizuka giving Aoi a light shove. "You're just jealous we're not including you, Aoi."
Aoi stuck her tongue out. "Whatever. I'll just find my own way to have fun without you two lovebirds."
Kazuki chuckled and leaned back, closing his eyes. Despite Aoi's jokes, he knew that this summer had brought him closer to Shizuka, and he couldn't shake the feeling that things were just beginning to change between them.
---
As evening descended, Kazuki, Shizuka returned home. They had a quiet dinner together, exchanging stories and laughter one last time before life resumed its usual rhythm. Later, Kazuki found himself alone in his room, contemplating the first day back. He felt an odd mixture of excitement and reluctance. School meant the end of long, lazy days, but it also brought a fresh start, and he couldn't deny the thrill of seeing where things would go with Shizuka now.
Just as he lay down, his phone buzzed with a message. It was from Shizuka.
Shizuka: Hey, tomorrow's a new beginning, huh? Don't forget our promise to meet for lunch!
Kazuki smiled, texting back.
Kazuki: Wouldn't miss it for the world. Let's make it a year to remember.
With that, he turned off his phone and closed his eyes, filled with anticipation for what was to come.