Epilogue:The Smile of Gratitude

Haru drifted into a deep sleep, exhaustion overtaking him after the emotional journey he had endured. The dreams that came were vivid, yet different this time. He stood in a sunlit field, the sky a perfect shade of blue. The air was filled with the gentle rustling of sakura petals, dancing like memories on the wind.

Ahead of him stood Aito, his figure glowing faintly. His face bore a serene smile, free of pain, radiating gratitude and peace.

"Thank you, Haru," Aito said, his voice steady and warm. "For everything. For giving my love to Aika, for living a life I couldn't, and for being the bridge that connected the fragments of my heart."

Haru's throat tightened. "Aito… I don't know if I've done enough. You deserved more. You deserved to live and—"

Aito shook his head, his smile never faltering. "What you've done is more than enough. My memories, my feelings—they've reached where they needed to. And now, it's time for you to live for yourself. You're not just my vessel; you're your own person. Be happy, Haru."

Tears welled up in Haru's eyes as Aito stepped closer, his form growing faint. "Live fully, Haru. Love deeply. And know that I'll always be a part of you."

The vision began to fade as Aito turned, walking toward the horizon. Haru called out, his voice breaking. "Aito! Wait—"

But Aito didn't stop. Instead, he glanced back one last time, his smile etched in Haru's heart forever. And then he disappeared, leaving Haru alone in the sunlit field.

Haru woke up with a start, tears streaming down his face. The emotions from the dream clung to him, but they didn't weigh him down. Instead, they filled him with a profound sense of peace.

As he sat up, he realized something extraordinary: the gaps in his memory—those blank spaces that had plagued him since the accident—were gone. His mind was whole, and with it came a deeper understanding of who he was and what he had become.

He pressed a hand to his chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heart. "Thank you, Aito," he whispered, his voice trembling. "I'll live for both of us."

For the first time in years, Haru felt truly at ease. The burden of uncertainty had lifted, replaced by a quiet resolve. He had honored Aito's legacy, and now, he would honor his own life.

Haru stood and opened the window, letting the morning breeze wash over him. The sun rose on a new day, its light warm and inviting. In the distance, he imagined he could hear Aito's voice, carried on the wind, saying goodbye.

And with that, Haru smiled—ready to face the future, knowing he was never truly alone.

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The next morning, Haru heads to school with a lighter heart, ready to embrace his life anew. The spring air carries the scent of blooming sakura, and as he walks, he notices a girl standing beneath the sakura tree near the school gate.

Her back is to him, her long hair flowing gently in the breeze. Something about the scene feels achingly familiar—just like his dream. His breath catches as a sense of déjà vu washes over him. Could it be…?

He approaches cautiously, the soft crunch of gravel beneath his shoes breaking the silence. The girl turns slowly, and his heart skips a beat.

It's Hana.

She smiles, her gaze warm and knowing, yet carrying a depth that suggests something more. Haru freezes, the world around him fading into silence as questions swirl in his mind.

"Haru," Hana says softly, her voice carrying a sense of familiarity that sends chills down his spine. "We've been waiting for you."

Before Haru can respond, the school bell rings, snapping him out of the moment. Hana turns and walks toward the school, leaving Haru rooted to the spot, his heart racing.

The story ends here, with Haru standing under the sakura tree, a new mystery blossoming in his life—one that he can't wait to uncover.