Chapter 162: I Will Love You Forever (Long Chapter)
Fireworks bloomed across the sky, painting vivid colors over the canvas laid out on the grass beneath the night. Scattered across it were light refreshments, fruits, snacks, and flowers.
Deep within the thickets, the grasshoppers and crickets—usually so vocal—remained silent, as if hiding from the thunderous echoes of the pyrotechnics above.
"Shizuka-chan, when exactly do you plan on resigning?"
"I'm not entirely sure yet. Even though my father asked me to come back, he isn't being too pushy about it. Still, I've given it some thought. I've decided to leave once I finish teaching Hikigaya and the others through their second year... so, by the end of next semester. Oh, this takoyaki is great. Here, open wide, say aa~"
Akishin and Shizuka leaned against one another. On their middle fingers sat matching silver rings—the gifts Akishin had prepared for his confession. Engraved upon them was a vow: For a lifetime, may we always be together.
When it comes to rings, each of the five fingers carries its own symbolic weight. The index finger suggests someone is single and looking for marriage; the middle finger represents being in a relationship or engaged; the ring finger signifies marriage; the pinky indicates a single status with no desire for a partner; and the thumb is a symbol of identity and power, often favored by ancient emperors.
By wearing their rings on their middle fingers, Akishin and Shizuka were signaling the depth of their romantic bond. Beyond that, it sent a simple, clear message: This person is taken. They have a lover. Don't even bother.
It was, in a sense, a public declaration of sovereignty.
Shizuka munched on her snacks, watching the massive blossoms of fire appear and vanish in the sky. Every so often, her gaze drifted to the ring on her finger. The smile never left her face, nor did the faint, persistent blush on her cheeks.
They had shared a kiss just a few minutes prior. It was a first for both of them—a simple, tentative touch of the lips that lasted until one of them grew breathless, forcing them to pull apart.
Now, as Shizuka rested in Akishin's arms, she could hear the steady, powerful rhythm of his heartbeat. A sense of profound peace and contentment washed over her. She truly felt that every moment of discomfort she had faced in the past was worth it, all leading up to this single moment.
She ate her snacks, sharing them with Akishin as a gentle breeze brushed against their faces.
"Once I go back, you have to come and help me. You must. Definitely. You have no choice. I won't let you just slack off by yourself, hehe..."
"Of course. How could I ever bear to see you overworked? I won't even let the people at the office give you a hard time." Akishin held her tenderly, an apple in his other hand.
High above, the fireworks seemed to be celebrating just for them.
"What's this? Are you jealous?"
"That's right, I'm jealous. I don't even have enough time to cherish and love you as it is, so there's no way I'd let anyone else push you around. That's strictly forbidden."
In an instant, Shizuka's face turned a brilliant shade of crimson. It felt as though steam might actually start rising from her head.
"...You sure talk a big game."
Her smile only widened. No woman in the throes of love ever tired of hearing sweet words. She pressed herself closer into his embrace, wanting to hear that comforting heartbeat even more clearly.
"Chishima-kun, were you..."
"Call me Akishin."
"Ugh~, fine. Akishin, be honest... have you liked me for a really long time? I'm only just realizing it now, but looking back, I feel like I was slowly being won over by you without even noticing. All the delicious food, the daily care, even asking me out on dates..."
"Yes."
Akishin admitted it without hesitation. He took a bite of the apple; it was incredibly sweet. In the air around him, he caught the faint, floral scent of lavender—the fragrance of Shizuka's hair.
"Since when? Tell the truth."
"The first time I saw you clearly, back at the hospital. Shizuka-chan, do you believe in love at first sight? Because that was the moment for me."
"Of course I believe in it. We're the best proof of it right now. But... do you like me just because I saved you?"
"You could say that. Every feeling needs a starting point. So, Shizuka-chan, since you saved my life, everything I am belongs to you. Don't even dream of escaping me for the rest of your life, haha."
"Then I won't escape. Why would I want to? I want to stay with you until the very end, haha. Even now, I'm still afraid this beauty is just an illusion... but your presence beside me at every moment tells me this is reality."
Shizuka happily held up a potato chip, as if using it to touch the largest firework blooming in the sky.
With one final, thunderous boom that sounded like a cannon blast, the display came to an end. Shizuka's eyes reflected the fading light as she raised her hands and clapped like a delighted child. Then, in a soft voice, she said, "Today is a day to be remembered. I won't forget this for as long as I live."
She sat up, leaving Akishin's embrace, and smiled. "Alright, Chishima... Akishin, we should head back. Otherwise, my parents will start calling."
She reached out her hand to Akishin, her silver ring shimmering under the moonlight.
Akishin took his lover's hand and pulled himself up. He began tidying up the leftover snacks on the colorful canvas, packing the trash to take with them.
Finally, Akishin held Shizuka's hand firmly to ensure she wouldn't trip in her unaccustomed wooden geta sandals as they slowly made their way off the grass.
With the fireworks over, the world fell into a deep silence, though soon the chirping of the crickets returned—a sound more pleasant than the finest music.
Returning to the bustling crowd felt like stepping into a different era for Shizuka. She looked at the silver ring on her finger again, touching it to confirm its presence once more, before happily looping her arm through Akishin's.
Their walk drew several envious glances, mostly because Shizuka looked absolutely stunning in her kimono.
Elsewhere, Hachiman and Yui had also finished packing up to leave.
Hachiman was carrying a large groundsheet while Yui, dressed in her yukata, carried a small fabric bag and hugged a massive Pan-san plushie. They hadn't run into Haruno Yukinoshita.
They had found a quiet corner to eat their snacks and enjoy the fireworks, having a full and happy day themselves.
In truth, Yukino and Haruno had come together, but they were situated in the VIP area...
...
"Mom, how much longer are you going to be? ...You still need a while!? ...In that case, Chishima-kun and I are heading back first... I already told you, he confessed... You didn't hear me? Then never mind, forget it. That's all for now..."
Shizuka's face was slightly flushed as she hung up the phone.
Akishin, who had just returned after buying crepes, asked, "When did your parents say they'd arrive?"
Shizuka handed her things to Akishin and took a crepe, taking a large bite. "They said they still need a while. Apparently, there's still some business to discuss over there, so I told them we'd make our own way back. We'll take the train like we usually do. I'll send a message to Mrs. Sato right away..."
Mrs. Sato was the head of the four housekeepers.
Akishin certainly didn't mind. The trip home offered even more time to be close to Shizuka. Now that their relationship was official, he felt like he wanted to be with her every second.
Akishin felt like something was wrong with him, but even after practicing his breathing techniques, there was no improvement in his restless heart.
Shizuka sent her location to Mrs. Sato, letting them know she was leaving early.
"Well then, let's get going!"
Akishin took Shizuka's hand and they left the festival grounds.
...
Even though they had left early, many others had the same idea. By the time they reached the station, the platform was still quite crowded.
The train schedule seemed to be lagging due to the festival rush, and it arrived a bit later than planned. Inside, the carriage was so packed there wasn't a single seat left.
The journey from the festival site to the station nearest the Hiratsuka residence was five stops away—a decent distance.
While Akishin was buying tickets, Hachiman's voice echoed from behind them. "Sensei? You guys heading home already too?"
Hachiman was lugging a large bag of gear, and behind him was Yui in her yukata, clutching her small bag and that enormous Pan-san doll.
"Yeah, we're heading back now. You two aren't staying longer? I thought there were still dances going on in the field area."
"Nah, we figured we'd leave early to beat the crowd, but it looks like we miscalculated."
Surveying the growing swarm of people around them, Hachiman's expression was one of pure exhaustion.
Yui smiled from behind him, her slightly reddened face partially buried in Pan-san's fluffy chest.
"Ah! Yuigahama, that doll is huge. It must be heavy, right? Here, let me help you carry it."
"Okay! Thanks, Sensei."
Seeing that Shizuka wanted to hold the plushie, Yui happily handed Pan-san over.
"Ugh~, Yui truly is the best."
Shizuka took the doll, burying her face in its soft fur. she had always loved big plushies—she had one on her own bed—and seeing one here made her even happier.
She just wanted to enjoy the fluffiness for a moment, rather than actually wanting to keep it.
Several tourists nearby glanced over at the massive doll.
Yui gave a sweet smile.
The more people liked the doll, the happier she felt, because it was a gift Hachiman had given her.
Akishin glanced at the two of them, asked for their addresses, and helped them buy tickets, though they were all heading to the same general area. The station closest to Yui's house was only one stop away from their destination.
The four of them boarded the train. Hachiman and Akishin stood together, forming a protective barrier for Shizuka and Yui behind them.
Suddenly, Hachiman noticed the ring on Akishin's hand. He instinctively looked at Shizuka's hand and saw the match. He froze in shock. "Sensei, you two..."
Akishin had given him a look earlier, so he had guessed a confession might happen, but he hadn't expected them to already be wearing rings. He knew exactly what the middle finger meant.
Akishin raised his hand to look at the ring, smiling. "Hikigaya, Shizuka and I have officially established a relationship. So, in the future, you should probably refer to her as your master's wife."
"Don't talk such nonsense, you jerk." Shizuka gave Akishin a light smack, her face turning red. She then turned to Hachiman. "Don't listen to a word he says. I'm still your teacher, so just keep calling me Sensei."
"Eeeh!!"
The cry came from Yui, causing half the carriage to turn their heads. Once she realized what was happening, her face went bright red and she immediately buried herself back into the doll's chest.
A few moments later, sensing that people had looked away, Yui cautiously poked her head out from behind the doll. She let out a sigh of relief, then spotted the silver ring on Shizuka's hand. She let out a soft exclamation. "Hiratsuka-sensei, you and Chishima-sensei are really, truly dating now!!!"
Huge news. This was absolutely massive news!
Shizuka's face burned, but despite her embarrassment, she gave a firm nod. "Mhm~"
Yui beamed. "Congratulations, Hiratsuka-sensei! You and Chishima-sensei are finally together. Even though there were always rumors at school about the two of you, there was never any official word..."
"Thank you."
Shizuka gave a small, polite bow. In her beautiful kimono, she looked like the image of a Yamato Nadeshiko—gentle and dignified.
Yui and Hachiman were momentarily stunned. They had never seen a Shizuka like this; she felt like a completely different person from the strict Hiratsuka-sensei they knew.
Just then, the station announcement chimed.
The train jolted to a stop at the platform. As the doors slid open, the humid night air rushed into the carriage.
Yui looked at Hachiman, then at the platform, hesitating on what to do. Unfortunately, the warning chime for the closing doors didn't wait for anyone.
Hachiman gave a nod and a smile to Akishin and Shizuka, then reached out and grabbed Yui's wrist, pulling her out onto the platform.
Yui waved happily at the two of them. "Chishima-sensei, Hiratsuka-sensei, goodbye! I hope you'll be very happy...!"
The doors hissed shut, cutting off the rest of her words, but they still caught that last wish for their happiness.
The two shared a smile. Akishin stepped back, leaning against Shizuka. Shizuka wrapped her arm around his, resting her head on his shoulder and closing her eyes. No matter how much the train swayed, she stood firm.
Ten minutes later, the train reached their stop. They stepped onto the platform, walked through the quiet station, and out into the darkened city streets.
The station wasn't far from the Hiratsuka home, but because Shizuka was wearing geta—which she wasn't used to—their pace was quite slow.
In the quiet street, the only sound was the rhythmic clack-clack of their slow footsteps.
As the night deepened, a breeze began to pick up. Even walking outside, the humidity and heat no longer felt so oppressive.
"Akishin."
"What is it?"
"Could you tell me... what kind of person am I to you?" Shizuka took the initiative to start the conversation.
"I think I've told you that once before."
"Then tell me again."
"Alright then. Let me think."
On the silent night road, Akishin genuinely considered the question with gravity. Finally, he spoke with total sincerity. "In my heart, you are Shizuka. The Shizuka I love most. No one else has the right to define you—not even me."
Shizuka raised a small fist and gave him a playful punch. She smiled. "You just have a way with words. You're not being honest at all."
"What I said is the truth."
They talked and laughed, moving forward through the night, feeling each other's presence in the stillness.
Suddenly, a scream echoed from up ahead. "Robbery!"
Then, Akishin and Shizuka saw two masked figures bolt out from a corner. One of them was clutching a woman's handbag.
Akishin and Shizuka looked at each other. They hadn't expected such a cliché event to happen just as they were walking home. This wasn't a TV drama!
And yet...
When it happened right before their eyes, they couldn't just ignore it.
The thieves likely wanted to take advantage of the festival to make some easy money. Their timing was clever; the police were stretched thin on a night like this.
Shizuka was about to move, but Akishin patted her hand. "Let me handle this. You're in a kimono and geta; it's not exactly easy to move around in."
"Fine."
Shizuka didn't insist, knowing Akishin was more than capable. She stepped back against the wall.
However, seeing that both robbers were armed with knives, she still warned him with a worried tone, "Be careful. They have knives."
Akishin nodded and stepped out into the middle of the street.
The two robbers, seeing someone suddenly blocking their path, brandished their short blades and yelled, "Get out of the way! You want to die? Didn't you hear me? Move it...!"
Akishin said nothing. And he certainly didn't move.
Seeing he wouldn't budge, the first robber lunged forward with his knife.
"Kid, if you're looking for a death wish, I'll grant it!"
Thud!
The first robber had barely reached Akishin before he was sent flying.
Akishin delivered a kick straight to the man's stomach, sending him sailing back more than three meters. He hit the ground, spat out a mouthful of blood, and lost consciousness immediately.
The other robber froze, his short knife still held high.
Akishin responded with a single slap.
Crack!
The second robber crashed to the ground. Blood sprayed from his nose and mouth, and several bloody teeth were knocked loose. Half of his face looked like it had been nearly crushed by the force of the blow.
...
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