And so, We began to Move Forward

◇Graduation Night

“…Wow, we really graduated, huh?”

“Yeah.”

We all went to karaoke and sang graduation and farewell songs to our hearts’ content. By now, our throats were starting to hurt.

Sitting on the sofa, I gazed at the TV, reflecting on the early days.

The view from here was something I had grown accustomed to.

“…Is there something outside?”

“Oh, no… I was just thinking about how familiar this view has become.”

“Yeah. It’s true.”

“…”

The silence no longer felt awkward.

Then, I felt the weight of Marin-chan’s head resting on my shoulder.

“…You know, I used to imagine something, like, in the early days? I’d picture us in the subway or something, but since you walked to school, that dream never came true.”

“…I see. Well, how about we go to the subway now?”

“Huh?”

“Even though the situation doesn’t fit—just two people who don’t know each other well, but who are very aware of each other,” I said as I took Marin-chan’s hand and led her out.

◇

My name is Marin Shiosaki.

At school, I’m often called the “Three Heavens Beauty,” a fairly popular girl. Receiving confessions is a daily occurrence, but I never dated anyone.

The reason is simple.

I had someone I liked.

And that person is sitting next to me now.

His name is Aoi Yamaguchi.

He’s a boy who is always low-energy, a bit detached, and quiet.

From the latter half of elementary school through high school, we were always together… though, it was more that I adjusted to him. Unfortunately, we seldom ended up in the same class, and even when we did, I never knew how to approach him, maintaining a subtle distance.

However, as the third year started, that distance had still not closed.

And today…

On the way home from school, I managed to sit next to him by chance on the subway.

We both probably noticed each other but lost the chance to speak, riding the subway in silence.

I know this is a big opportunity.

But… Being the timid person I am, I couldn’t bring myself to do anything.

At this rate… I can’t stay like this!

I thought to myself and finally decided to take action.

I closed my eyes, swayed a bit, and made a sleepy gesture as I leaned my head on his shoulder.

Honestly, my heart was pounding so hard I thought it might burst.

Wondering if he could hear it, I kept pretending to be asleep.

“Uh… Shiozaki-san?” he called out, but I deliberately chose to ignore him.

Actually, I continued pretending to sleep.

However… he kept his shoulder still and didn’t move, which meant I could just bask in this happy moment.

His warmth was transferred to me.

Before I knew it, I had actually fallen asleep, and I woke up to the announcement for the last stop.

The sound of people getting off…

I suddenly jolted awake and noticed something dripping from the corner of my mouth.

Yes… I had drooled in my sleep.

“Ah!! Um… well!! S-sorry!” I stammered.

This was the worst. He must hate me now. He probably thinks I’m a disgusting girl who drools… This is the end…

“I’m sorry… I actually meant to wake you up before, but you were sleeping so deeply… You don’t have to worry about your drool on my shoulder. I really don’t mind at all.”

“I-I’m sorry! I-I have to get this cleaned…”

“It’s really okay?”

“No, it’s not okay! // I got my drool all over you!”

“…Then… as a substitute for the cleaning cost… um…”

“?”

“Could you… go… on a… d-date with me?”

His words made my mind go completely blank.

What? What did he just say? A date? Is this for real? Is he joking? What is this? A prank?

“…I’m sorry…! I got carried away…! I mean, sometimes we made eye contact and you smiled at me… I misunderstood and thought… w-well, someone as popular as Shiozaki-san wouldn’t ever be interested in someone like me… haha.”

When our eyes met and you blushed, it wasn’t just my imagination.

I’m so happy. I want to tell him I’ve always liked him too, but I don’t know where to start… I can’t find the words.

“So, I’ll be going now,” he said, and I took his hand.

“Shio…zaki-san?”

“…I’ve liked you too… I’ve always been watching you, Yamaguchi-kun.”

“…”

In that moment, I forced myself to kiss him.

“…!!//” He blushed but didn’t resist, and we shared a brief moment of happiness.

“…I love you.”

“…I love you too.”

We were interrupted by a station attendant who called out to us, bringing us back to reality. We both hurriedly left.

“That was so nerve-wracking, right?”

“Yeah. And… it was super embarrassing//”

“…Yeah//”

“But… I think it suits us. Our way of meeting was just right.”

“…Yeah. It was.”

Holding his hand, I said, “I love you… Aoi.”

“…I love you too, Marin.”

And so, Our high school life ended.

(TL: Fuuuu~ Finally caught up!!! Basically there is a university part continued but it’s getting revised to so it’s been removed. Well, Thank you for reading all the way, hope you enjoyed!!)