Shiori's Heart and Soul. A Message For Them All!

Principal Ai steps to the side as they awkwardly stand in front of the mic for a moment.

Hikigaya "Uh… hi-"

He says before accidentally hitting the mic with his hand, reaching for it. The mic shakes a bit as he laughs awkwardly.

Hikigaya "I think I'll just.. Leave it there.."

Touma shakes his head as Haru face palms. Shiori stands there shocked and confused as Hikigaya does his best to come up with something.

Hikigaya "Yeah, so, we weren't given much time to prepare. Well, actually, we were just told about this, this morning. So uh, yeah we're a little ill prepared for a speech but we'll try our best!"

He says with a big smile, cheering up the crowd a bit. 

Daiki "Hey, I've seen you pull off more with less!"

He shouts with a supportive smile on his face as the crowd laughs a bit, trying to alleviate the pressure. Hikigaya giggles a bit and points to him.

Hikigaya "Haha, you may be right! Okay, well, first of all, let me congratulate each of you for…"

His voice begins to trail off as Shiori continues to panic under the sudden task of speaking in front of the entire school.

Shiori 'What am I doing? I'm freezing up as Hikigaya is trying his best. But… what do I do?..'

She thinks as her grip on her arm tightens. She then slowly looks to her left only to see Samuel standing behind her a bit with a soft smile on her face, scar and all. She subtly motions for Shiori to try her best and supports her as Shiori digs deep for her determination and nods a bit. She looks forward again before taking a deep breath in.

Hikigaya "Uh, yeah, you know. Good job! To.. everyone? I'm not sure-"

Shiori "Listen, everyone!"

She suddenly grabs the mic from Hikigaya and shouts to the crowd. They all look at her surprised as she freezes up a bit again, suddenly realizing her position. She nervously smiles a bit before continuing speaking.

Shiori "Sorry, that was.. A little sudden. Listen, there are some things I need to say to you all."

She speaks softly.

Shiori "When I came to this school on my first day, just like all of you, I expected things to play out the exact same as they had every year prior."

She thinks back to the way she used to be and visions how things could have played out differently.

Shiori "Every day I would come to school alone, study alone, eat alone. I even liked it that way, because I thought that everyone around me was cruel or selfish and only cared about themselves. I figured the less people who saw me meant the less trouble I'd cause. I assumed that everyone thought the same way I did."

She pictures herself walking through the halls of Iris High by herself as the other students and even her now friends pass her by without giving her a second glance. Her head hanging lower and lower until she stops.

Shiori "But then… on my first day of school, someone showed me that it wasn't true."

The darkness surrounding her begins to fade away as a bright floral light begins surrounding her as she looks up to see Chizuru, just like she was on the first day of school, offering her hand of friendship to her.

Shiori "She showed me that people really do care. That people… aren't as bad as you might think."

She smiles warmly as her eyes shine. The group's eyes glisten, knowing what she's talking about.

Shiori "On my first day, my entire worldview was shattered into a million pieces by someone who cared deeply about everyone around her. That's why… I'm happy I've gone through everything I have."

She says with a big smile.

Shiori "I'm happy with the way things ended up despite all the pain and loss we've endured along the way."

She thinks about the many things that have happened over the course of the past few years. 

Shiori "I love these memories I've made with my friends, my teachers, my classmates. The memories I made will be cherished in my soul forever and I hope you all feel the same!"

She smiles as her friends, teachers and classmates tear up a bit at her words. She then raises her fist into the air, smiling proudly.

Shiori "So let's cheer for everyone who couldn't be here with us today and for the bright future we have ahead of us!"

She shouts as Hikigaya watches her with admiration before raising his fist too, cheering loudly as the entire student body does the same, cheering loudly with joy, excitement, anxiety, fear and love filling their souls. Shiori looks at the crowd before her with a warm, proud expression as she feels the overwhelming emotions flooding her heart. A soft hand is placed on her shoulder as she looks back to see Ai behind her.

Ai "I'm so proud of you."

She says softly as Shiori smiles one more time. Soon, the ceremony is completed as the students begin leaving the auditorium with family and friends. All the students spread out as families come together with laughter and hugs, pride and love filling the air. Ryuji approaches his mom who hugs him tightly then his dad pulls him in to do the same. Natsu and Fuyu pull in Haru as Sugawara smiles when Aki pulls him in for a family hug. Touma's sister teases him as his parents chuckle behind them. Yamato does the same to Lucy who punches him in return. They are all enjoying the achievement of their students. Down the hall, Daiki talks with Airi. 

Daiki "I was thinking about getting together a roadtrip before we all get settled down and become full fledged adults haha!"

He says with a laugh as Airi nods.

Airi "Yeah, we definitely should. It'd be good to see some of the other Districts, broaden our horizons. I might even find a new place to call home!"

They say as Kuzan gets distracted by a passing, handsome teacher.

Airi "What do you think, Kuzan? Maybe we should invite the others?"

Kuzan "Yeah, yeah, you do that. I think I got some business with Mr. Thomas though so I'll see you guys later."

He says walking away as they get disappointed looks.

Daiki "You know, it's still weird even if you graduated."

Kuzan "Hey, worth a shot, no?"

He says with a cocky smile and a shrug before following after Mr. Thomas. Walking down the hall to their families, Kitaro and Hisana hold hands as she smiles warmly, pulling his arm close as he blushes in embarrassment but is still quite happy. As Alice talks with Suiyoubi and Mormo along with a few others, a student taps her on the shoulder revealing herself to be wearing a mask and a cape similar to the ones Alice wore back then. Alice turns around happily with a big smile as they both excitedly talk about heroes and how Alice motivated her to be true to herself, Suiyoubi giggling as she watches. Shiori looks around with a warm smile on her face as she sees the many smiles on her friends faces and the warmth in the air when suddenly a boy approaches her with an embarrassed look. 

Boy "H-hey, Shiori?"

He gets her attention as she stops and looks at him confused.

Shiori "Hi."

The boy looks nervous and fidgets a bit.

Boy "Hey, so, I just wanted to say that your speech really spoke to me. It was really incredible. You're really incredible honestly.. I was wondering if maybe… D-do you want to go out with me?"

He asks, mustering up the courage at the last moment as Shiori looks shocked.

Shiori "Uh, well no, I-"

Tsuki "Okay, that's enough of that. Why don't we leave the pretty lady alone, she's taken."

Suddenly, Tsuki approaches them and starts pushing the disappointed guy along as he looks back and smiles at her.

Shiori "Tsuki? What are you doing here?"

He turns and looks at her with his hands on his hips.

Tsuki "What? I had to come see my hero off. Afterall, I don't graduate until next year so it'll be awhile. But you'll wait for me, right? You guys won't leave me behind?"

He asks softly with a smile as Shiori smiles at him before playfully punching him on the arm.

Shiori "Nah! How could we forget about a cool guy like you?"

She says with a playful smile as Tsuki nods a bit.

Hikigaya "Yeah, how could we?"

He says with a droopy look as Milo giggles, attached to him by a hug.

Milo "Obvi! You could never forget my cute little face!"

She turns and looks at Shiori with a soft smile.

Milo "Right shortie?"

Shiori sighs a bit but smiles back.

Shiori "Right."

Amy "S-speaking of heroes…"

They hear from behind them as Shori turns around to see Amy standing behind them with a slightly shy look.

Shiori "Amy? You're here too?"

She nods a bit before getting a pouty look and looking away definitely.

Amy "Well, I had a cousin who was graduating too so I just happened to be here."

Shiori sweat drops a bit.

Shiori "Right."

Amy's look softens before she hesitantly approaches Shiori, unsure of how to convey what she wants. Shiori notices her struggle and offers her hand to Amy, surprising her.

Shiori "Here."

Amy stares at her hand for a moment before reaching out her own hand then suddenly pulling Shiori in for a hug.

Amy "Thank you for helping me achieve my dream.."

She whispers warmly as Shiori softly embraces the hug. After a moment, Amy lets go and steps back.

Amy "Heh, well I better get going. I think my brother needs me."

Milo "I thought you said it was your cousin?"

Amy blushes in embarrassment before rushing off.

Amy "Okay bye!"

They laugh a bit.