April 1, 2026. Graduation ceremony in one week.
The school halls smelled of cherry blossoms and nostalgia. Third-years wore their uniforms with the top buttons undone, ties loose, voices softer. Final homeroom periods were filled with speeches, yearbook signings, and quiet goodbyes.
Sora sat at her desk, staring at the university application packet in her bag. Local national university—solid program, close to home. Safe. Second-tier.
Akira sat two rows ahead, back straight, already filling out Tokyo University's confirmation form. Top-tier. Far away.
They hadn't talked about it yet.
Not really.
After school, they walked to the café near the station—their café now.
Sora ordered matcha latte. Akira ordered black coffee.
They sat outside—early spring sun warm on their faces.
Sora broke the silence. "Graduation's next week. Then exams results start coming in."
Akira nodded. "Tokyo U posts acceptances April 10."
Sora stirred her latte. "And local U posts April 12."
Akira looked at her. "You applied to local?"
Sora met his eyes. "Yeah. I… didn't want to compete again. Not with you."
Akira's cup paused halfway to his mouth.
Sora continued. "I know you're going to Tokyo U. You've always planned it. Your parents expect it. You deserve it."
Akira set the cup down. "You deserve better than local."
Sora laughed—soft, sad. "I'm not second place anymore. I don't have to chase you to prove something."
Akira reached across the table—took her hand.
"I don't want you to chase me. I want you beside me."
Sora's throat tightened. "Even if that means I fail the Tokyo U entrance exam? Even if I end up somewhere else?"
Akira's voice was steady. "Even then."
Sora searched his face. "You'd do long-distance?"
Akira squeezed her hand. "I'd do whatever it takes."
Sora smiled—small, uncertain. "We haven't even survived one month of being official. Long-distance is… hard."
Akira leaned closer. "Then we make it not hard."
Sora laughed again—this time lighter. "You make everything sound like a project plan."
Akira's mouth curved. "Some projects are worth the effort."
They sat in silence—hands clasped, watching cherry petals drift past.
Sora spoke softly. "I'm scared. Of failing. Of holding you back. Of us drifting."
Akira lifted her hand—kissed her knuckles gently.
"I'm scared too. Of losing you to distance. Of my parents winning. Of not being enough without the rankings."
Sora's eyes softened.
Akira continued. "But I'm more scared of not trying."
Sora leaned across the table—kissed him softly.
Right there, in public, under cherry trees.
Akira kissed her back—gentle, certain.
When they pulled apart, Sora whispered, "Then we try. Together."
Akira nodded.
"Together."