They ended up at Sora's house—parents still out.
Sora led him to her room—small, cluttered with books and doodles.
She closed the door.
Sat on the bed.
Akira sat beside her.
Sora spoke first. "That was… intense."
Akira nodded. "I'm sorry."
"Don't be." Sora took his hand. "You stood up for me. For us."
Akira looked down. "I should have done it sooner."
Sora cupped his face. "You did it now. That's what matters."
Akira leaned into her touch. "They might cut support. University fees. Living expenses."
Sora's stomach twisted. "Then we'll figure it out. Scholarships. Part-time jobs. Whatever it takes."
Akira met her eyes. "You'd do that?"
Sora smiled—soft. "I already turned down Tokyo. What's a little financial chaos?"
Akira laughed—quiet, real.
Sora leaned closer. "We're in this together. Okay?"
Akira nodded.
She kissed him—slow, certain.
He kissed her back—deeper.
Hands tangled in hair.
Breath shared.
When they pulled back—foreheads touching—Sora whispered, "No matter what they say… I choose you."
Akira's voice was rough. "I choose you."
They kissed again—gentle, lingering.
Then Sora pulled back—smiling.
"But we still have exams. And graduation. And university applications."
Akira groaned—playful. "Don't remind me."
Sora laughed. "We'll study. Together."
Akira nodded. "Together."
They lay back on her bed—side by side, hands clasped.
Staring at the ceiling.
Sora spoke softly. "What if they never accept me?"
Akira squeezed her hand. "Then they lose me too."
Sora turned to face him.
Akira turned too.
They looked at each other—long, quiet.
Sora whispered, "I love you."
Akira's breath caught.
He leaned in—kissed her forehead.
Then her cheek.
Then—softly—her lips.
When he pulled back, he whispered, "I love you too."
Sora's eyes filled—happy tears.
They held each other—quiet, certain.
The future was uncertain.
But they had this.
And it was enough.