What Yet Lies Ahead

The next morning, Itsuki was sitting at his desk with an expression that screamed he was in a bad mood.

Usually, Amane arrived at school first, but today it seemed that Itsuki had set off unusually early. Judging by the redness on his face, he must have only arrived several minutes earlier, forgetting about how cold it was

outside. Despite that, Amane could sense that Itsuki's irritation had eased somewhat compared to before the parent-teacher meetings. This meant

that his meeting hadn't ended with the worst possible outcome. "Mornin'," Amane greeted. "You don't look so hot."

"Morning. That's the first thing you say?" Itsuki replied.

Amane greeted him like normal, and Itsuki turned his eyes away from

the window he'd been gazing out of, now looking toward Amane with a wry smile. After studying Itsuki's attitude, Amane confirmed the suspicions he had, and with a shrug, replied, "I mean, it was written all over your face.

How was yesterday?"

"Huh? You really wanna know?"

"It's not that I want to know, but wouldn't you feel more awkward if I

pretended not to notice or if I acted like I was avoiding it? Wouldn't you find it weird if I tried to be considerate?"

"Gotta say, I'm not sure how to feel about you knowing all that." "Just embrace it."

Itsuki preferred people to confront him directly rather than showing him half-hearted consideration. If someone tried to walk on eggshells

around him, it would likely end up upsetting him even more. Therefore,

Amane believed it was better to ask him bluntly, even if he came across somewhat rude. Given the slightly relieved look he found on Itsuki's face, it

was clear that he had taken the right approach.

"Well, we didn't really get anywhere. He's dead set on me enrolling into a university he's already decided on himself, so we couldn't see eye to eye. I got scolded for picking my subjects for the entrance exam on my own."

"Ah…"

Amane had actually done something similar, but his parents wanted to support the choices he made, and Itsuki's father was one to disregard Itsuki's choices, so their results were complete polar opposites. Realizing this, Amane felt a little guilty.

"Even so, I've already submitted 'em," Itsuki said. "So you're standing strong against him, huh."

"That's the best thing to do. If I show weakness, then my dad will definitely force me into doing what he wants. That's why I'm hoping to push through with all my might—well, you could also say that's the only option I have left."

Rather than moping around, Itsuki chose to defy his father. Sighing, he said, "Really, what a royal pain in the neck this is," but his eyes still shone with a hopeful glimmer.

"Luckily, Mom was actually on my side. She told my dad stuff like, 'See? You won't get anywhere trying to force someone that's standing up against you!' 'What did I say? If you force him too hard, he'll reach a breaking point and stop listening to you entirely!' and 'Just give it up already!' so things aren't all that bad," Itsuki explained.

"Your mom is something else, dude," remarked Amane.

"She's strong-willed, but she's also straightforward and decisive. Always speaks her mind clearly and hates anything illogical or unfair."

So far, Amane's impression was that she spoke more directly than any other mother he had ever encountered. It seemed that Itsuki—her child—felt the same way.

"I don't think my parents are like your average family," Itsuki began. "It's not that my mom doesn't care for my future, but she's extremely

laissez-faire. She basically lets me do whatever as long as it's something I actually want to do."

"Well, you have her approval, so isn't that great thing for you?" Amane

replied.

"In exchange, though, she's all 'Work as hard as you can to make sure you pass. Since you wanted this, don't come crying back to us later. Always take responsibility for what you say.'"

"…I-I mean, that's wonderful, I think. Yeah…"

She has quite the way with words, Amane thought, but since she served as a source of motivation for Itsuki, he refrained from making any comments.

"Exactly. So I just have to work hard. That's all there is to it," stated Itsuki "We both just have to do our best."

Next year, they will both be students taking university entrance exams.

When all was said and done, all they could do was strive harder and do their best together.

"You've already decided what you want to do, right?" Itsuki asked. "Kind of. I don't have anything specific in mind yet, but I do have fields I

want to study in. Also, I just want to be able to stand on my own two feet. I'll find what I want to do after that, and if I can't make it into a career, I can always just make it a hobby instead."

"Having a clear goal is great. I bet you're super motivated because you want to spend more time with Shiina-san, eh?"

"Shut up."

"Heh heh heh, maybe you'll be living together for real in university." "Hey, c'mon."

Now that Itsuki had perked up and began teasing him once again, Amane's cheeks started to tense up. At that very moment, someone with a calm voice could be heard chiming in. "Hey Itsuki, keep teasing Fujimiya like that and he might just give you a taste of your own medicine."

Turning to where the voice came from, Amane's eyes met Yuuta. He had his usual gentle look on his face as he took off the backpack he was carrying.

"Oh, Yuuta? Morn'," Itsuki said.

"Good morning, you two," replied Yuuta. "Good morning," Amane greeted.

Calm as ever, Yuuta softly chided Itsuki with a "Take it easy, man," before

dropping his backpack onto his chair and returning to join them. "Anyway, what made you bring that up?"

"Ahh, we were talking about the meetings," Amane explained. "We were talking about our future plans when this guy decided to stick his nose where it doesn't belong."

"Bit harsh there, don'tcha think!?" Itsuki exclaimed.

"You tease Fujimiya at every opportunity, Itsuki. You had that one coming," Yuuta added.

"You have no intention whatsoever of taking my side, do you?" "Nope." Yuuta shook his head casually, as if he'd just heard the most

obvious thing in the world. Itsuki, pretending to be shaken to his core, staggered backward, but both Amane and Yuuta knew he was just putting on an act. They exchanged glances and let him do his thing.

"Everyone's been going on and on about the meetings lately, haven't they?"

"Yeah. I guess they're a painful reminder that our exams are approaching."

"How can you lot casually be so cruel?" Itsuki spouted, quickly recovering from his theatrical despair. The slightly resentful tone in his voice carried no real anger as he rejoined Amane and Yuuta's conversation. This was all part of their playful banter, something the three of them all understood extremely well.

Meanwhile, from a little distance away, Chitose and the others commented, "Maybe Ikkun actually enjoys getting treated like that?" and "He really does give off those vibes, doesn't he?" Amane only wished that they had at least been quiet enough for Itsuki not to hear.

"Kadowaki, your meeting is the day after tomorrow, right?" Amane asked.

"Yeah. I'm really glad that my sisters won't be with me that day." "I bet they wanna tag along—!" chimed Itsuki.

"Aha ha… I absolutely refuse to let that happen."

Amane had never met Yuuta's sisters in person, but he had heard enough from others about how intense of a personality they had. As an only child himself, he couldn't help but feel a bit sympathetic toward Yuuta.

He really has it tough.

"Kadowaki, have you already decided on your career path?"

"Yeah, I'm aiming to get a sports scholarship. If that doesn't work out for me, then I'll just apply through regular admissions."

"You left your mark at your last tournament… It's totally possible for you, Yuuta," Itsuki replied.

Even as a second-year student, Yuuta had already achieved notable results in various tournaments, and Amane had even seen him on stage at award ceremonies multiple times. There was no doubt in his mind that Yuuta had the potential to earn the prestigious spot he was aiming for.

Besides, not only was Yuuta excelling in sports, but he also had excellent grades, which gave him plenty of options to choose from.

"I hope I make it, but there are actually quite a few other guys at my level. I need to keep stepping up my game."

"Yuuta, you really undervalue yourself, don't you?" "Undervalue? Isn't that Fujimiya's speciality?" "Hey!"

"Ha ha, just kidding."

"See, even Yuuta thinks that's your thing." "Oh, just zip it."

Amane himself acknowledged that he had a tendency to undervalue himself, but compared to before, he had now gained a lot more confidence. Even during times he felt unsure of himself, Amane could now recognize that and have a positive mindset. He had worked very hard to improve himself and had overcome many personal challenges.

Since their teasing was just another form of playful banter, Amane simply made a show of being slightly annoyed.

"There's no denying that I still have a long way to go," Yuuta continued. "My coach says I have a lot of potential and room to grow, so I need to keep working hard, both in sports and my studies."

"The track team sure has a hard-working ace."

"If I don't keep giving it my all, my spot as ace will be taken from me in no time. I'll never give up this position, not until I retire. As the team captain, I want to stand proud as I lead the members."

"Oh, right, you're the captain… Must be tough."

He must be even busier now, Amane thought, remembering that Yuuta had become the team captain right after summer break. However, Yuuta showed no signs of it catching up to him and casually said, "Well, everyone is capable already, so there isn't much I need to do," sounding thoroughly unconcerned. "Kazuya's the vice-captain, and our coach is always there for us too. I'm happy to have such reliable club members—sometimes I feel guilty for not doing much myself."

"They must've grown by following their hardworking captain's example," commented Itsuki.

"Right?"

"Praising me won't get you guys anywhere, you know." "Just thought I'd try making you blush," Itsuki joked.

Yuuta wasn't the least bit shaken by Itsuki's teasing grin and simply looked back at him with a smile just as bright.

"Really now? Then maybe I'll try to make you blush too, Itsuki. Hey, Fujimiya, just the other day Itsuki actually—"

"I'm sorry. Please let me off the hook."

Amane was in disbelief at how quickly Itsuki changed his tune. Seeing him apologizing profusely, Amane realized that Itsuki must have done something he wouldn't want anyone else to find out about. Unluckily, the conversation derailed before Amane could get the details, but whatever it was, it was clear that it could be used as a potent weapon against Itsuki.

"What did you do? Or tried to do?" asked Amane. "Nothing—just don't ask."

"Aha ha. Since Itsuki's pleading with his eyes for forgiveness, I'll spare him this time."

"Kadowaki, are you actually the one who has the biggest hold on Itsuki…?"

There was no sarcasm behind Yuuta's lighthearted smile.

Kadowaki could be a powerful ally to keep Itsuki in check. Although Amane imagined that he himself would feel awkward if he caught on, Amane was convinced of his strength. He turned his gaze to Yuuta, whose smile still shone brightly.

✧ ₊ ✦ ₊ ✧

Mahiru's parent-teacher conference was scheduled relatively late, so Amane passed the time by studying in the library. When he received a message from her saying that the meeting was over, he headed to their meeting spot by the shoe lockers.

Once again, Amane had taken the day off from work today. He didn't want to let Mahiru go home alone.

As the light from the sunset spilled through the windows beside him, Amane walked through the now considerably quiet school building, where he soon arrived at the entrance. Mahiru had already gotten there before him, already having changed into her loafers. She stood there with her smartphone in hand.

Through the open doors leaked the reddish hues of the setting sun, vividly illuminating Mahiru's flaxen hair. With no other students around, her standing figure seemed somewhat lonely.

"Good work." Wanting to say something, Amane called out to Mahiru. She was staring down at her phone, but immediately lifted her head and gave him a soft, gentle smile.

"Thank you for waiting. I'm sorry for making you stay behind."

As Mahiru hurried over to him and stopped at the edge of where she was still allowed to walk with outdoor shoes, Amane felt as if he could almost see a wagging tail behind her. Though he almost let out a sound of amusement, he thought that might seem strange, so he disguised it with a hum and gently patted her soft hair instead.

"No, it's totally fine. I stayed behind because I wanted to. In fact, that should be my line. It must have been cold here."

"That's just like you, Amane-kun. Taking the blame for things yourself so as to not make me feel guilty."

"Don't go getting me all figured out."

"Hehe, I can read you like a book, Amane-kun. As such, I would like to thank you."

"Don't sweat it." While he was glad that Mahiru understood his way of

thinking, it was also troublesome to have her see through everything. This time, the feeling of embarrassment won out.

However, it appeared that Mahiru had seen through even that. A soft, amused giggle escaped her lips. Feeling embarrassed, Amane turned away and opened his shoe locker.

✧ ₊ ✦ ₊ ✧

"…How did it go?"

After leisurely making their way home, Amane hesitated for a moment before asking Mahiru. She immediately understood exactly what he was referring to and let out a slightly troubled "Hmm." Despite that, her voice carried no trace of distress. This was likely because she had already come to terms with it in her own way, which was reflected in her cheerful attitude.

"It's quite difficult to describe how it went. As for how my parents were absent, it seems that the teachers had finally come to terms with the unlikelihood over the past year and a half. When I said that they weren't attending, our teacher accepted my answer, although not without a frown."

"Can't blame them, really."

"In reality, there's no longer anything I can do about it. I already assumed that they wouldn't attend." Mahiru said this in a matter-of-fact voice and looked to the ground, letting out a tired sigh as if to say, 'Goodness me'. "Truth be told, it's a bit awkward if you worry about this. It's too late to change anything now. Despite me informing them in advance, the meeting proceeded with a gloomy atmosphere… It made me feel self-conscious instead."

"It's a touchy subject, so I think they're just unsure how to approach things."

"I understand that, but seeing them trying to tiptoe around the matter isn't exactly pleasant, especially when I'm not actually concerned about the situation."

"Even so, our teachers are bound to be worried. Did any problems arise during the meeting itself?"

"Well, I have been working fairly hard. They had no concerns about my

academics at all. Since my grades and behavior are also a non-issue, they said that I should easily be able to enroll in my university of choice, considering its entry requirements. Ideally, I'd prefer to secure a recommendation for early admission, but if that doesn't work out well, I plan to apply normally."

Their teacher had a fair evaluation. Had Mahiru been considered a problematic student, then so would most of the student body. If there was one thing, it was that she wasn't a part of any clubs, which was something that Amane had been told as well. However, since Mahiru had been actively taking practice exams to pursue her qualifications, it seemed it wasn't a major drawback.

What Amane was curious about was the path Mahiru wished to take, a topic they had both deliberately avoided discussing deeply until now.

"What course are you thinking of, Mahiru?"

"Ideally, I'd like to enroll in the same university you are aiming for.

Though, we would be in different departments," Mahiru replied casually, leaving Amane stunned. Showing a faint smile, she added, "Ah, I didn't choose this only because I wanted to be with you, Amane-kun. I made the decision on my own for myself. I wouldn't choose my course based on romance."

"Yeah. I know you wouldn't let others decide your future, Mahiru."

She giggled, "I wouldn't go that far…but there are actually some things that make me hesitant."

"Like what?"

"For example, um, say we both get accepted into our university of choice… Our current apartment might be a bit inconvenient. That is, the campus would be quite the distance from here. I do like this place, though, given the area."

"Hmm, yeah, it would probably take over an hour to get there one way," Amane agreed. "That's not awful, but a shorter commute would definitely make things easier."

Their university of choice was located within the 23 wards of Tokyo, but since they lived outside of the wards and had to walk a fair distance to the nearest station, commuting from their current place would take quite a bit

of time.

Although they wouldn't lose as much time compared to those commuting from another prefecture, they still wanted to minimize their travel time as much as they could. The shorter the commute, the more energy they would have for their classes. Living closer would provide a greater sense of ease and peace of mind.

"Then again, if we stay at student dorms, I won't be able to see you as often, Mahiru. Plus, I'm not really a fan of sharing a living space with others. I don't like shared bathrooms and toilets, and I don't like too much noise.

It's just not my kind of thing."

"I feel the same way," Mahiru replied. "I would feel lonely if I couldn't see you, Amane-kun."

"So, that only leaves us moving into a different apartment together… Mahiru, am I selfish for not wanting to be apart from you?"

Despite the fact that they were dating and living next door to each other, Amane was inherently opposed to the idea of being separated due to university. Mahiru shook her head gently, causing her flaxen hair to ripple ever so slightly, and blushed. It seemed she felt the same way.

"U-Um, I was actually thinking the same thing myself… I too would like to stay by your side if possible."

"Sure. That makes me happy."

If we end up moving, we'd better discuss things with my parents first, Amane thought, being realistic. He was ecstatic to know that she didn't want to be apart from him.

Since he had already informed his parents that he would be attending a local university and they had agreed to him continuing to live on his own, Amane figured that getting permission to move wouldn't be too difficult as long as the rent remained the same. However, he was concerned about whether they could find a place with the same rent, good security, and enough space—even if he compromised on the size of the rooms. And even if they chose a location a bit further away from the university to save on costs, there would still be a significant difference between living inside and outside Tokyo's 23 wards.

Considering these factors, Amane realized that moving wouldn't be an

easy feat.

What to do, then…? Letting out a thoughtful groan, he brought his hand to his mouth. Mahiru looked up at him with a concerned expression.

Seeing the look on her face, an idea suddenly popped into his mind. "It would be much easier if we just lived together," Amane blurted out. "Huh—?"

Amane heard Mahiru's bewildered voice, but he continued to speak. "If we lived together, we could keep our rent relatively low. Also, it would make it easier for me to walk with you to and from university."

It was a straightforward idea: renting a larger apartment together would undoubtedly make the utilities and other expenses cheaper compared to renting two separate apartments. It wasn't a bad idea at all. In fact, Amane felt that his parents would probably be on board—if not outright encouraging—about the idea of him sharing a place with Mahiru.

As Amane casually checked the rent for properties near their desired university on his phone and did some calculations, Mahiru responded with a vague, "…Well, yes, I suppose so," neither fully agreeing or disagreeing.

"Mahiru?"

I thought it was a great idea though.

Mahiru's expression was tense and far from cheerful. Instead, it painted a feeling of confusion and embarrassment.

"So, you really don't mind living together with me, Amane-kun?"

In response to the words Mahiru whispered faintly, Amane dropped his phone onto his thigh.

…Was that— Did I just…suggest we should live together?

Having mentioned it so casually, Amane hadn't given much thought to the meaning of his own words. Still, that was indeed the implication behind them, and Mahiru had clearly interpreted them in that way too.

Once he became aware of it, his thoughts quickly became a chaotic swirl, almost as if they were boiling over. Overwhelmed by embarrassment, frustration at his own lack of awareness, and guilt for confusing Mahiru, Amane hurriedly waved his hands in an attempt to clear things up.

"S-Sorry! That was really selfish of me, wasn't it!?" Amane exclaimed. "You need your own private space too, and this isn't something I can just

decide on my own! I was just thinking about our future, and that, well, you know, we might be happier if we stayed together, and that way, we could focus even harder on our university life… Um, s-sorry."

Realizing that he had been making decisions on his own without confirming Mahiru's wishes, Amane desperately tried to convey his apologies to Mahiru with frantic gestures. However, after seeing his reaction, Mahiru's eyes softened slightly.

Instead of angry, she appeared more exasperated.

"When you apologize like that, it makes it sound as though I was against the idea," Mahiru voiced.

"Th-That's not what I meant. Um, I just couldn't deny that I was saying something selfish."

"When you say 'selfish', are you implying that you disregarded my wishes for your own convenience?"

"Exactly."

"…If so, then that wasn't selfish."

He thought he must have misheard her.

Mahiru's response was far too beneficial—too favorable—for him that Amane even doubted his own ears. When he briskly looked at Mahiru, her cheeks were as red as they could get. She peered up at him with hope reflecting in her moist, glistening eyes, as if awaiting his response expectantly.

Amane wasn't so dense as to mistake this for rejection. Realizing that Mahiru desired to spend time together, to live under the same roof, made him feel as though a fire had been ignited within his chest. The heat spread through his body, rushing up to his eyes.

"It's okay for me to…accept that invitation of yours, right?" Mahiru asked softly.

"…Yeah."

Amane's heart raced, a loud thud reverberating through his body as he processed what she had said. Mahiru had spoken through the rising embarrassment, voicing her words in a demure fashion. Amane replied quietly with a nod of his head.

"That makes me very happy."

"Me too."

No matter how much time he had spent with Mahiru, no matter how close they had become, he still couldn't alleviate the awkwardness he felt in this very moment. It was only natural, given that they had just confirmed their desire to live together. For now, Mahiru visited and spent most of her time with him, but living together was on an entirely different level.

Despite all his denials when Itsuki teased him about living together, Amane had unconsciously been wishing for it. After realizing that fact, overwhelming embarrassment rose up within him. But at the same time, the joy of Mahiru accepting his wish washed away that embarrassment, leaving only pure joy.

Mahiru shyly met Amane's gaze. She wore an innocent smile tinged with embarrassment.

"I'm already so happy, it means that we could greet each other every day, say good night to each other before bed, and leave together from the same house. Just imagining it feels so wonderful. It makes me incredibly happy."

As Mahiru giggled away contentedly, her words reflecting her emotions perfectly, Amane was captivated by her bashful yet fulfilled expression. But then, she seemed to realize something and looked at Amane with a hint of worry.

"Ah— Should I, um, maybe, g-greet Shihoko-san and Shuuto-san? You're their precious son, it wouldn't be right to decide this without their approval…"

"Hmm, well, you have a point. I do think Mom and Dad would be happy about it, though. If that's the case, should I also greet Koyuki-san…?"

Mahiru's biological parents, especially her father, were a conundrum, and her mother seemed largely uninterested in her. Amane deliberately avoided mentioning them to avoid dampening her mood. Fortunately, she did not notice his careful choice of words. If push came to shove, Amane was ready to reach out to Asahi and declare his desire to take Mahiru away. He wanted Mahiru to only focus her attention on happy thoughts.

"I'm sure Koyuki-san is worried sick about you, and I can only imagine she would be anxious about you living with a guy she doesn't know well. We should probably greet her sooner rather than later."

"I—I would like to go as well. I want to meet her again and introduce you, and catch up with her by telling her stories all about us… So we should definitely make some time for that."

"Y-Yeah, let's do that."

They continued talking about their plans for a while, but it was clear they were getting ahead of themselves as they hadn't even been accepted into university yet. Realizing how premature their discussion was, they both couldn't help but laugh at their own eagerness and hasty assumptions.

Even so, the fact that they had made this firm promise for the future was enough to fill both their hearts with great hope and immense happiness.

"We both need to give our best effort on our entrance exams, don't we?" "Yeah, I'll definitely try my hardest to pass. There's plenty to do."

"You just added to your own workload, though."

"Well, this is something I chose to do while keeping entrance exams and the like in mind, so I'll take full responsibility and see it through until I achieve my goals, and I won't slack on my studies either."

As for his part-time job, Amane had already accepted it as something he needed to strive for in balance with his other responsibilities. He had no intention of using it as an excuse to slack off. He chose this path because he believed he could handle it.

"Since it's your decision, Amane-kun, I won't make any comments," Mahiru said. "All I can do is support you and help you out day by day."

"No, Mahiru, you should prioritize your own needs first. The things I'm doing are for my own convenience."

"Well, that is what I want to do. I will continue to do so within reason,"

Mahiru insisted

"...You really won't budge on that, huh?" "Hehe, that's just the kind of person I am." "Definitely."

Over the past year, both Mahiru and Amane had slowly come to figure out and understand each other's personalities. They knew that once either of them made a decision, they wouldn't back down so easily. They both cherished one another, and this mutual respect for each other's choices was crucial—it was the secret to living together in harmony. As he realized this

once again, Amane held Mahiru's hand, who had leaned in close to fawn all over him.

...A chance to talk, huh?

Amane recalled their earlier conversation, and he mulled over those words silently in his mind. He decided that once Mahiru went home, he would finish writing the half-written email saved into his draft folder.