The sky was overcast, the air still with the weight of things unspoken. But Narumi found her again—Hanabi—at the corner of the school rooftop, staring out over the city.
He approached slowly. His hand lifted, then gently touched her cheek, thumb brushing the corner of her eye.
"Why does a beautiful girl like you always walk the most dangerous paths..." he murmured.
She didn't pull away. Her eyes were tired—but softer now.
He pulled her into an embrace.
"I don't want you to collapse again. Or lose yourself chasing people who don't see you. I'm still here. Let me be here."
She didn't answer, not in words. But her fingers curled into his shirt.
That night, they didn't say much. But the next morning, Narumi greeted her with a small smile and casual words.
"Good morning, Hanabi-chan. How's it going?"
She blinked at him, surprised by the ease in his voice. And maybe a little relieved.
"I was thinking... maybe we go on a date today. If you're free?"
She hesitated—but then nodded slowly.
"You should act the way you like to. Don't be nervous. Don't lose your cool."
He texted her a few hours later: "Just meet me under my house, okay?"
When she arrived, he smiled, reached behind her, and gently covered her eyes.
"Don't sneak. Not until I say."
He led her—carefully—down the familiar path, footsteps echoing with memory. When she opened her eyes, they stood beside the river. The same river where he used to take her when they were young.
She gasped slightly. Her eyes softened.
"Hanabi," he said, turning to her. "I think I've forgotten her by now... Akane. You're the only one in my heart."
He hugged her again.
Then pulled away with a quiet breath.
"Close your eyes again. Just for one more moment."
When she opened them, he was kneeling, holding a simple silver ring.
"It's not a real diamond... but would you marry me?"
Hanabi's hand trembled. Her breath caught. Her lips quivered—but this time, the tears fell freely.
She didn't speak right away.
She just nodded.
And for the first time in years, the future didn't feel heavy.
It felt possible.
It felt theirs.
She was once called scum, tangled in hollow desires and borrowed warmth. But in the end, that girl isn't scum anymore—because this time, her wish was truly granted
The End.