Chapter 36 – A New Beginning

The final day of the school festival had arrived, marking not just the end of an event but the closing of an unforgettable chapter in Haruto and Nasaki's lives. The vibrant energy of the festival was still in full swing, with laughter echoing through the corridors and colorful decorations swaying gently in the afternoon breeze.

Haruto Kirigami stood at the entrance of the class café, his face expressionless but his mind racing. He had always steered clear of these sorts of places, where throngs of people congregated and noise abounded. But this time was special. Nasaki Kitta was by his side—and that made all the difference.

"Haruto!"

Nasaki's familiar voice rang out, pulling him from his thoughts. She approached him with her usual radiant smile, her brown eyes sparkling with excitement.

"You ready?" she asked, tilting her head playfully.

Haruto's lips curved into a small smile as he nodded. "Yeah."

The festival was at its peak, with students and tourists swarming about, appreciating the different booths and activities. Haruto and Nasaki navigated through the busy throngs, their hands touching lightly on each other from time to time.

"Let's see that takoyaki stall," Nasaki said, her eyes sparkling.

"Again?" Haruto raised an eyebrow, a twitch of amusement in his voice.

"Come on," Nasaki pouted, pulling at his sleeve. "You enjoyed it last time, didn't you?

Haruto sighed softly but followed her lead, unable to resist her enthusiasm. As they stood in line, Nasaki leaned closer, her shoulder brushing against his.

"Haruto," she murmured, her voice barely above the noise of the crowd.

"Hm?"

"I'm really happy we're spending today together," she said softly, her eyes reflecting warmth.

Haruto's heart skipped a beat. He wasn't used to expressing his feelings so openly, but with Nasaki, words felt easier.

"Me too," he conceded, his voice softer than it normally was.

They savored the takoyaki, Nasaki jokingly presenting Haruto with a piece and teasing him when he delayed before taking it. The moments were ordinary yet charged with a warmth that neither of them desired to have over.

After having wandered around the festival, Nasaki guided Haruto to a less crowded area of the school.

"Let's take a break," she proposed, her voice gentler now.

They ended up in the rooftop garden of the school, free from the commotion and din. The sky was colored orange and pink as the sun set.

Nasaki plopped down on the grass and patted the space next to her.

"Sit down," she said with a mischievous grin.

Haruto hesitated for a moment before sitting next to her.

"Lie down," she pressed gently, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

Haruto blinked, confused. "What?"

"Come on," Nasaki laughed softly. "You've been on your feet all day. Just lie down for a bit."

Haruto's cheeks warmed as he complied, resting his head on Nasaki's lap.

"This is… unexpected," Haruto murmured, his face turning slightly red as he looked up at her.

Nasaki's fingers gently brushed through his hair, her touch soothing. "You've been working so hard," she whispered. "You deserve a break."

Haruto sensed an unusual calm descend upon him. His demeanor, one he was always hyper-vigilant about, appeared to break in her presence.

"Is this alright?" he whispered softly, his tone nearly imperceptible.

Nasaki's smile was kind, her eyes warm with love. "It's fine."

Haruto's tension was just starting to ebb when a spurt of laughter sounded from behind them.

"Look who we found!"

Haruto's eyes flew open, and he immediately sat up, only to be met by the sight of Yuna and Saki standing a few feet away, their faces filled with mischief.

"Haruto, taking a nap on Nasaki's lap?" Yuna teased, her grin widening.

Saki covered her mouth, trying to stifle her laughter. "And blushing too! How cute!"

Haruto's face twisted into crimson as he refused to meet their eyes. "You shouldn't think. it isn't what it seems.," he mumbled, his normally stoic expression utterly destroyed.

Nasaki, however, just grinned, her hand touching the top of Haruto's head as she rose from the bench.

"Jealousy?" She asked teasingly, the light note of her voice belied by the knowing glint in her eyes.

Yuna folded her arms, feigning a pout. "Perhaps."

Saki snickered. "You two were cute.

Haruto looked over at Nasaki, who offered him a warm smile. Though he was embarrassed, he couldn't help but appreciate such moments—moments in which he could let on how much Nasaki mattered to him.

The sun set with the closing of the festival being celebrated by a closing ceremony. The courtyard had been turned into a dance floor, upon which danced friends and couples alike under the soothing melody in the background.

"Haruto…" Nasaki's voice was gentle, her eyes filled with hope.

"Hm?"

"Dance with me?"

Haruto's breath caught in his throat. He wasn't one for dancing, especially in public. But when he looked into Nasaki's eyes, he couldn't refuse.

"Okay," he murmured, his voice barely audible.

Nasaki's smile brightened as she took his hand, guiding him onto the dance floor.

The music was slow, and Haruto was acutely aware of how close they were. His hands were slightly shaky as he placed them gently on her waist, while Nasaki's arms draped around his neck.

"You're doing fine," she whispered softly, her lips close to his ear.

Haruto's heart pounded, but he managed to relax as they swayed to the rhythm of the music.

"Haruto," Nasaki whispered, her voice barely louder than the soft melody.

"Hm?"

"I'm really… really happy I met you."

Haruto held her tighter, his feelings getting the better of him. "Me too, Nasaki," he breathed back, his tone full of sincerity.

As the song finished, Nasaki leaned her forehead into his, her eyes closed, basking in the moment.

After the dance, they walked away from the crowd, escaping to a quiet area under the stars.

"Haruto," Nasaki said quietly, her voice more solemn now.

"Yeah?"

"I know we've been through a lot," she started off, her eyes scanning the night sky. "But… I want us to move forward. Together."

Haruto's heart was overflowing with feelings as he gazed at her, her face vulnerable yet filled with hope.

"I do too, Nasaki," he answered softly.

Nasaki's eyes met his, and for a moment, there was only silence between them—a silence filled with unspoken promises.

"University… life after school… things will change," Nasaki murmured, her voice tinged with uncertainty.

Haruto gently took her hand, his thumb brushing against her skin.

"Whatever happens," he said softly, "we'll face it together."

Nasaki's eyes shimmered with unshed tears, but her smile was radiant.

"Together," she whispered.

As they stood beneath the night sky, the festival lights slowly dimming in the distance, Haruto pulled Nasaki into a gentle embrace.

"Thank you… for staying by my side," he murmured, his voice filled with gratitude.

Nasaki's arms tightened around him, her head resting against his chest.

"Always, Haruto," she whispered softly.

They stood there for a while, the world around them fading into the background.

Finally, Nasaki leaned back ever so slightly, her gaze colliding with his. "Walk me home?" she said, the tone light but the eyes warm.

Haruto nodded, a slight smile working its way onto his mouth. "Of course."

Together, side by side, their hands clasped together, Haruto couldn't shake the feeling of calm that had eluded him for far too long.

With Nasaki by his side, he was no longer afraid of the future.

As they reached Nasaki's house, she turned to face him, her eyes reflecting the quiet happiness that filled her heart.

"Goodnight, Haruto," she whispered softly.

"Goodnight, Nasaki," Haruto replied, his voice warm and gentle.

As Nasaki disappeared into her home, Haruto stood there for a moment longer, his thoughts filled with everything that had happened.

This wasn't the end.

It was only the start of something new—something they would have to deal with together.

And for the first time in his life, Haruto was prepared for whatever lay ahead.

The End