The Sun Hung Softly Above The Courtyard As Students Began Pouring Out From The Ceremony Hall, Still Holding Their Certificates, Still Dressed In Neatly Pressed Uniforms That Somehow Felt Different Today. The Sound Of Laughter, Congratulations, And Camera Clicks Filled The Air — The Kind Of Sound That Could Only Belong To An Ending That Felt Like A Beginning.
Ren Walked Out Among The Crowd, His Diploma Folder In Hand, Still Trying To Process Everything That Had Just Happened Inside. The Air Felt Light, But His Chest Carried That Strange Warmth Of Realization — That It Was Over. Yet, Before He Could Drown Too Deep In Thought, A Familiar Voice Broke Through The Noise.
"Ren! Over Here!"
Kaito Was Waving Wildly From A Distance, Chika, Mahito, And Vicky Beside Him. Ren Lifted His Hand, A Small Smile On His Face As He Walked Toward Them. Just As He Reached The Group, Another Voice Came From Behind — A Soft One That Made Him Turn Instinctively.
It Was Miyu, Walking Out From The Hall, Her Hair Gently Moving With The Breeze, The Sun Catching Against The Edges Of Her Graduation Ribbon. She Looked Calm — Almost Too Calm — But The Slight Pink On Her Cheeks Gave Her Away.
Kaito Immediately Grinned. "Well, Look Who Showed Up Right Behind Him. Perfect Timing As Always."
Chika Folded Her Arms With A Teasing Smile. "You Two Should've Walked Out Together Holding Hands. Would've Been A Scene Worth Photographing."
Mahito Nudged Ren With His Elbow. "Top Ten Of The Year, Huh? Guess Having The Top Student Around Finally Rubbed Off On You."
Vicky Chuckled. "Yeah, Bro, Admit It. It's Miyu's Magic."
Ren Rubbed The Back Of His Neck, His Usual Defense Against Teasing. "It's Not Like That…"
But Miyu, With That Rare Mischievous Glint In Her Eyes, Joined In. "Oh? So It's Not My Influence Then?"
The Whole Group Burst Into Laughter As Ren Fell Quiet — A Small, Surrendered Smile Playing On His Lips.
Before The Teasing Could Go Any Further, Kaito Pointed Toward The Far End Of The Courtyard. "Looks Like Everyone's Parents Are Here."
Vicky Nodded. "We'll Regroup After Talking To Them."
And With That, The Group Separated — Each Heading In Different Directions, The Air Still Buzzing With Excitement.
Ren Spotted His Parents Near The Gate, Riko Standing Beside Them, Clearly Waiting. His Mother's Eyes Lit Up When She Saw Him, And His Father Gave A Proud Pat On His Shoulder.
"You Did Well," His Father Said, A Rare Smile On His Usually Reserved Face.
His Mother's Eyes Softened. "You've Grown So Much. We're Proud Of You."
Ren's Words Came Out Quietly. "Thanks… For Everything."
And Then, Of Course, Riko Broke The Moment.
"So, Big Brother In Top Ten, Huh? Impressive." She Tilted Her Head, Grinning. "I Bet It's Because Of Your Girlfriend. She's Really Pretty, You Know? I'm Going To Meet Her."
Ren Almost Choked. "Riko— Don't You Dare—"
But She Was Already Walking Ahead With That Evil Little Smile.
Across The Courtyard, Miyu's Family Waited Too. Her Mother Hugged Her Tight, Her Father Patted Her Head Proudly.
"We're Proud Of You, Miyu," Her Mother Said, Voice Gentle. "You've Worked So Hard For This."
Her Father Smiled. "You've Always Been Diligent. But Now, You Should Live A Little Too."
Yui, Of Course, Didn't Miss Her Cue. "So, When's The Wedding?"
Miyu Nearly Dropped Her Diploma. "Y-Yui!"
Her Sister Just Laughed. "What? You Two Are Practically Perfect Together."
Her Mother Tried Not To Laugh But Failed Miserably. "Yui, Don't Tease Her Too Much."
But Yui Only Smirked. "I'll Stop When He Finally Proposes."
And Before Miyu Could Even Recover From That, Yui Announced, "I'm Coming With You. I Want To Say Hi To Him."
Meanwhile, Her Older Brother Was Still On His Phone, Half Paying Attention, Half Smiling At The Chaos.
By The Time Ren Returned To The Spot Where The Group Had Planned To Regather, Riko Was Walking Right Beside Him, Practically Humming. Miyu Arrived A Moment Later, Yui At Her Side.
And Somehow, The Two Siblings Locked Eyes Almost Instantly — Like They Had Been Waiting For This.
Riko Was The First To Speak, Folding Her Arms. "So You're The Famous Miyu I Keep Hearing About. My Brother Doesn't Stop Looking At His Phone Lately, You Know?"
Miyu's Cheeks Flushed Instantly, But She Smiled Softly. "Ah… He's Probably Just Checking Messages."
Yui, Never One To Miss A Chance, Stepped Forward With A Smirk. "And You Must Be Ren. Miyu Told Me You're Quiet, But You're Actually Pretty Cute. No Wonder She Fell For You."
Ren Froze. "Uh— I— Thank You?"
Riko Snickered. "So, What Do You Like About My Brother Then?"
Yui Raised A Brow. "Oh, That's A Fun Question. What Do You Like About My Sister?"
Ren And Miyu Both Looked Equally Mortified, Glancing Away As Their Siblings Waited, Clearly Enjoying The Chaos They'd Created.
Yui Leaned Toward Riko, Whispering Loudly Enough For Them To Hear, "I Think They're Both Too Embarrassed To Say It Out Loud."
Riko Whispered Back, Just As Loudly, "Definitely. They Probably Text It Instead."
The Two Burst Into Laughter While Ren Covered His Face And Miyu Lightly Hit Her Sister's Arm, Her Voice Soft But Flustered. "Yui! Stop It Already!"
Riko Giggled. "Aww, Don't Be Shy! You Two Are Really Cute Together."
Yui Smiled And Added, "Seriously. She's Never Been This Happy Before."
There Was A Small Pause Then — The Teasing Fading Into Something Gentle. Riko Looked At Her Brother With A Warm Smile. "You Look Happy Too. It's Nice To See."
Ren Looked At Her Quietly, The Corner Of His Lips Turning Up. "Yeah… I Guess I Am."
After A Few More Exchanges, The Two Younger Sisters Exchanged Contact Info — Laughing, Promising To Chat Later, And Saying They'd "Share Embarrassing Stories" Next Time.
Finally, After A Round Of Smiles And More Teasing, Riko And Yui Waved Goodbye, Heading Back Toward Their Parents.
When They Were Gone, Ren And Miyu Stood Side By Side, The Laughter Still Lingering In The Air.
"They Got Along Well," Ren Said Quietly.
Miyu Nodded, Smiling Softly. "Too Well, Maybe."
Ren Chuckled. "Yeah… I'm A Little Scared For The Future."
Miyu Turned Her Head Slightly Toward Him, A Playful Glint Returning To Her Eyes. "You'll Survive. Probably."
They Both Laughed, The Noise Of Celebration Still Around Them But Somehow Feeling Distant — Like The World Had Grown Softer For Just The Two Of Them.
For A Moment, Neither Spoke. The Warm Wind Moved Gently Between Them, Carrying The Sound Of Bells, Voices, And The Last Echoes Of Their School Days.
Ren Looked At Miyu, His Voice Almost A Whisper. "It's Hard To Believe It's All Ending."
Miyu's Eyes Lowered, Her Smile Tender. "Maybe It's Not Ending. Maybe It's Just Changing."
He Nodded Slowly. "Yeah… I Like That."
And There, Standing Amidst The Noise Of Farewells And The Glow Of Late Afternoon Sunlight, They Waited For Their Friends — Two Hearts Quietly Aware Of How Much They'd Grown, How Much They'd Found, And How Much They'd Still Yet To Begin.
—
When The Warm Breeze Passed Through The Courtyard, Ren And Miyu Were Still Lost In Their Quiet Conversation Near The School Gate. The Ceremony Had Ended, But The Weight Of The Day Still Hung In The Air—Like A Gentle Echo That Refused To Fade.
Miyu Tilted Her Head Slightly, Holding Her Certificate Against Her Chest. "You Know," She Said Softly, "I Still Can't Believe It's Over."
Ren Looked At Her, The Corners Of His Lips Curling Up Just A Bit. "Yeah… Feels Strange, Right? Like We've Been Waiting For This Day, But Now That It's Here…"
"It Feels Too Fast," Miyu Finished His Sentence, Smiling.
Ren Nodded. "Exactly."
There Was A Small Silence—The Kind That Wasn't Uncomfortable. Just The Sound Of Distant Laughter, Footsteps, And The Whisper Of Wind Passing By The Flower Beds.
Miyu Looked At Him, A Playful Glint In Her Eyes. "You Know… You Look Weirdly Cool When You're Being Quiet."
Ren Blinked. "Weirdly Cool?"
"Mm-hm," She Teased, Leaning A Bit Closer. "Like A Main Character In Some Drama… But Only Sometimes."
Ren Let Out A Short Laugh. "Only Sometimes, Huh? That's Generous Of You."
Before He Could Add More, Familiar Voices Broke Through The Air.
"Oi, Look Who's Still Standing Here Like It's A Date Scene!" Vicky's Voice Rang Out, Followed By Mahito's Laughter. Kaito And Chika Trailed Behind Them, Waving As They Approached.
The Group Finally Regrouped—Their Faces Bright With The Kind Of Happiness That Came From Shared Years And Countless Memories.
But There Was Something Different This Time. Ren And Miyu Noticed It Almost Instantly—The Way Kaito's And Chika's Faces Turned Slightly Pink When Their Eyes Met, How They Stood Just A Little Too Close Yet Tried Not To Make It Obvious.
Ren Glanced At Miyu. She Met His Eyes.
A Shared Understanding Passed Between Them Without Words.
Miyu Smirked Slightly And Whispered, "Should We?"
Ren Gave A Small Nod. "We Should."
And So, It Began.
Ren Grinned. "So, Kaito… You Look A Bit Nervous. You Didn't Fail Anything, Right?"
Kaito Stiffened. "Wha—No! Why Would I—"
Before He Could Finish, Miyu Joined In Sweetly, "Hmm, Maybe He's Nervous Because Someone's Standing Next To Him?"
Chika's Face Flushed Instantly. "H-Hey! That's Not—!"
Mahito Looked Confused. "Wait, What's Going On?"
Vicky Tilted His Head. "Yeah, Why Are They Acting Weird?"
Ren Turned To Them Casually. "You Two Really Can't Tell?"
Mahito And Vicky Shook Their Heads.
Miyu Crossed Her Arms, Smiling Like She Was About To Drop A Secret. "They're Clearly In The Middle Of Something~"
It Took Only A Few Seconds For The Realization To Hit Them Both.
"Wait—You Mean—?!" Mahito's Eyes Went Wide.
Vicky Gasped Dramatically. "No Way!"
Ren And Miyu's Teasing Intensified Immediately—Unhinged, Relentless, And Absolutely Chaotic.
"Look At Them! Blushing Already!" Ren Laughed.
"Ah, How Adorable~" Miyu Added With A Sing-Song Tone. "Should We Leave You Two Alone? Maybe You Need Some Privacy?"
Kaito Covered His Face With His Hands. "Stop It Already!"
Chika, Embarrassed Beyond Words, Suddenly Raised Her Voice, "L-Let's Go Make Some Memories For The Final Day, Okay?! No More Teasing!"
The Group Froze For A Moment. Then Ren Shrugged. "Good Save."
"Yeah," Vicky Grinned. "Let's Do That Before Kaito Dies From Embarrassment."
They All Burst Into Laughter And Started Heading Back Toward The School Grounds.
The Next Hour Was A Gentle Blend Of Nostalgia And Warmth. They Took Pictures All Around The Campus—By The Cherry Trees, Near Their Old Classroom, Beside The Field They Used To Play On. Their Homeroom Teacher Even Joined Them For A Few Photos, Laughing As She Said, "Make Sure You Remember This Place, Okay?"
They Did. Every Smile, Every Shot, Every Step Felt Like Etching The Final Chapter Of Their High School Days.
When The Sun Began To Dip Lower, Kaito Suddenly Spoke Up, "Hey, How About We Celebrate? Miyu Got Top Student, And Ren Got Into The Top 10. That Deserves A Treat!"
Chika Nodded Firmly. "I Agree! Let's Go To Our Usual Café."
"Seconded!" Vicky Said Immediately.
So, They Went.
At The Café, The Atmosphere Was Cozy As Always. The Familiar Bell Rang When They Entered, And They Took Their Regular Corner Booth—Ren And Miyu Side By Side, Kaito And Chika Opposite Them, And Vicky And Mahito On The Parallel Table.
Kaito, Ever The Curious One, Suggested, "Let's Try Something New Today."
Miyu Browsed The Menu, Then Pointed At A New Drink. "I'll Try This One."
When It Arrived, The Drink Looked Almost Too Pretty To Touch—Soft Pink With A Whipped Cream Top.
Ren Looked Over. "How Does It Taste?"
Miyu Smiled Mischievously. "Why Don't You Taste It Yourself?"
The Words Were Barely Out Of Her Mouth Before Everyone Erupted.
"OOOOH!" Mahito And Vicky Said In Perfect Sync.
Kaito Slammed His Hand On The Table. "Now That's Bold!"
Ren's Face Turned Red Instantly. "W-Wait, That's Not What She Meant—"
"Oh, But It Is," Miyu Said Sweetly, Tilting The Straw Toward Him.
Ren Groaned, Realizing He Was Cornered. He Took A Small Sip, Trying To Pretend Like It Was No Big Deal.
"Good?" Miyu Asked, Her Eyes Amused.
"…It's Fine," He Said Quickly.
"Just Fine?" She Smiled Wider. "Maybe You Need Another Sip To Be Sure."
Everyone Laughed. The Air Around Them Was Warm—Filled With Jokes, Shared Memories, And That Quiet Sadness That Comes From Knowing Something Precious Is Ending.
After A While, The Conversation Softened.
Mahito Leaned Back In His Seat. "So… What's Everyone Gonna Do Now?"
The Group Fell Silent For A Moment.
Vicky Went First. "I'm Going To Focus On My Entrance Exams For Engineering. I Think I Finally Know What I Want."
Kaito Nodded. "I'm Planning To Study Sports Management. Maybe I'll Join A Club And Work Toward Coaching Someday."
Chika Smiled. "That's So Like You. As For Me… I Think I'll Go For Psychology. I Want To Understand People Better."
Ren Looked Down At His Drink, Then Said Quietly, "I… I'm Thinking About Going To College. Haven't Decided The Major Yet."
Miyu Looked At Him, Surprised. "Really? I'm Planning To Go To College Too… Maybe The Same One."
They Both Froze For A Moment, Realizing What They'd Just Said.
Vicky Let Out A Loud Laugh. "Ah, There It Is! The Couple Telepathy!"
Mahito Joined In. "Of Course They'd Pick The Same College Without Even Talking About It!"
Ren And Miyu Couldn't Even Deny It. They Just Looked At Each Other And Laughed, Their Faces Light With Embarrassed Warmth.
The Rest Of The Evening Passed Gently. They Talked, Laughed, And Remembered Everything—The Projects, The Field Trip, The Group Chats, The Chaos, The Quiet Moments.
When The Sky Turned Deep Orange, They Finally Decided To Leave.
They Took Their Usual Route, Walking Together Until They Reached The Corner Where They Always Split Paths.
"Guess This Is It," Chika Said Softly.
She Hugged Miyu Tight, Then Turned To Kaito And Ren, Giving Them A Quick Pat On The Shoulder. "Good Luck, You Idiots."
Ren Smiled. "You Too."
Then, Out Of Nowhere, Chika Turned Back. "Wait! I Want A Hug From Ren Too!"
Ren Raised An Eyebrow, Remembering Their Exchange From The Field Trip. "You'll Survive," He Said With A Smirk.
But Then He Smiled Gently And Pulled Her Into A Brief Hug.
Chika's Eyes Went Wide. "You—You Actually Did It This Time!"
Then, Realizing What Just Happened, She Quickly Pulled Back, Her Face Turning Bright Red. "You Have A Girlfriend, And You're Hugging Another Girl?!"
Miyu Chuckled From Beside Him. "Didn't You Ask Him Yourself? As His Girlfriend, I Don't See A Problem."
Chika's Face Turned Red Instantly. "Ugh, You Two Are Impossible!"
They All Laughed. Then, After A Few More Goodbyes, Each Pair Went Their Separate Way—Kaito And Chika Together, Mahito And Vicky Heading Off With Loud Jokes, And Ren And Miyu Walking Side By Side Down The Familiar Street.
The Evening Was Quiet Again.
Miyu Looked Ahead. "It's Kind Of Sad… That It's Over."
Ren Nodded. "Yeah. But It Was Fun, Right?"
"It Was." She Smiled Softly. "Maybe We'll Still Be Together… If We Get Into The Same College."
Ren Looked At Her, His Voice Low But Sure. "Then I'll Try To Get In The Same One As You."
Miyu Stopped Walking For A Moment—The Streetlight Glowed Against Her Hair As She Looked Away, Trying To Hide Her Smile.
"…I'm Glad I Met You," She Whispered.
Ren Smiled Too, His Voice Just As Quiet. "Me Too."
They Walked On—Side By Side—As The World Around Them Slowly Turned To Twilight.
And That Marked The End Of The Day.
The End Of High School.
The End Of A Chapter—
But Perhaps, The Beginning Of Another.
— × —
Author's Note:
The Next Chapter Will Be The Epilogue & Afterwards.