In the third-year section, Ichin's class—
When the unexpected confessions rang out, all eyes naturally shifted toward Utaha.
But instead of the anger some had anticipated, she only wore a faint smile, her gaze fixed firmly on Ichin at the podium.
After a brief pause, Ichin stepped back to the microphone, smiling at the girls who had stood up.
"Thank you for your feelings. But as everyone probably knows, I already have a girlfriend. Strictly speaking, calling her my fiancée wouldn't be wrong—we're definitely going to get married in the future. So, to my juniors here, I'd say this: during your remaining high school years and later in university, focus on improving yourselves. You'll surely meet the right person for you."
With that, he turned and left the podium, heading backstage.
The principal, who had been watching from the start, didn't instruct any teachers to intervene. He smiled.
"They're young—it's understandable. And Ichin-kun responded perfectly. No need to make a fuss. Let's just move on to the final part of the program."
The last segment of the graduation ceremony was the awarding of diplomas to each graduate.
Ichin rejoined his class's lineup for the presentations.
A few male classmates gave him teasing looks, to which he responded with a calm smile, clearly unfazed.
Utaha, over with the girls, mirrored his attitude. She didn't see it as any big deal—after today, they'd be fully graduated and would likely never cross paths with those girls again. Even if they did, it wouldn't affect their lives in any way. She simply saw it as giving those underclassmen a harmless moment to let off steam.
Before long, the ceremony ended, and the graduates were free to spend their final moments at school taking photos and making memories.
Leaving the auditorium, Ichin and Utaha returned to their classroom to collect their belongings. As they stepped out, they bumped into both of their parents.
"Ichin!!"
Ichin's mother rushed forward, hugging her son tightly.
"Congratulations on graduating!"
"Mom, it's just high school," Ichin said helplessly, pulling free. He handed her his diploma. "Let's go. It's getting crowded, no need to squeeze through."
His father agreed.
"That's right. It's nearly noon—let's find somewhere to eat. We'll need to head back this afternoon."
Ichin blinked in surprise.
"Wait, you're leaving already? Didn't you just arrive the day before yesterday?"
"What else? Today's not a holiday," his father replied. "I still have work to do—I carved out time especially to be here."
"Alright then. Let's go have lunch together. I'll pick the place."
As they exited the building, they spotted Hiratsuka Shizuka being pulled into photos with students.
"Hiratsuka-sensei~~!"
Hearing Ichin's call, she finished a photo and walked over. After greeting both sets of parents, she asked,
"Leaving already?"
"Yeah, it's lunchtime—we're going to eat," Ichin said. "Want to join us?"
"I'll pass," she smiled. "Once things wrap up here, we third-year teachers have our own gathering. Family time is for you. But I will come to the party tonight."
"Hazuki told you?"
Seeing her nod, Ichin understood. Hiratsuka was close in age to Hazuki, and they got along well. Plus, she meshed with the group, so of course she'd be invited. He figured Hazuki had probably invited Haruno and Machida Sonoko as well.
"In that case, see you tonight."
After saying goodbye, Ichin and Utaha headed toward the school gate.
"Did you message Eriri and Yukino? They're coming tonight, right?" Ichin asked.
Utaha nodded.
"Mm. They said they'll go home, change, and then come over."
The party that night would be at Kō's dorm. Since the old studio had been converted into their dorm, and thanks to their decorations, every non-bedroom space had turned into a cozy lounge—perfect for hosting large gatherings.
As they stepped out of the school gates, Ichin and Utaha both turned to look back at Toyogasaki's school building.
From today, their high school lives were truly over.
They found a nice restaurant for lunch, then went home to grab luggage before Ichin drove their parents to the airport.
Before boarding, Ichin's mother looked at her son and future daughter-in-law with a warm smile.
"Now that you've graduated, it's on to university. Your father and I won't come for the opening day since you won't be living in dorms. We're not worried about your studies—you're both excellent students. But, Ichin, I do want to remind you: outside of school and work, take good care of Utaha. Just because you're together now doesn't mean you can neglect the relationship. Love needs effort."
Ichin listened patiently and nodded.
"Don't worry, Mom. I know."
Utaha smiled softly.
"Auntie, Ichin treats me very well. You don't need to worry."
"That's good." His mother hugged Utaha warmly.
"Once you're in university, you'll have more free time. Come back with Ichin whenever you can—I'll cook something special for you."
Her words filled Utaha with warmth. She agreed sweetly, and together with Ichin, waved the two elders off at the gate.
On the drive back, Utaha glanced at Ichin behind the wheel.
"You heard what Auntie said earlier, right? You'd better be good to me."
"Oh? Have I been bad to you in any way?" Ichin teased. "If I have, just tell me—I'll fix it."
"No, I'm just reminding you, in case you forget." She smiled and switched on the car's audio system.
"In half a month, we'll be reporting to Todai. I wonder what university life will be like…"
"Didn't Haruno-san and Hiratsuka-sensei tell us? Outside of classes, it's all about self-discipline. For us, that won't be a problem."
While Todai's classes were important, Ichin's real goal was to use the professors to gain deeper knowledge—and to connect, through their networks, with technical experts in related fields.
His company's current development capabilities were sufficient for now, but Ichin had no intention of stopping there.
*
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