At school,
everyone was talking about the fireworks.
I was thinking about it too.
I felt a bit nervous.
I was sweating.
My hands were trembling.
Akashi noticed.
—Hey, Kaji.
—Are you okay?
—Huh? Why?
—You look really pale.
—Is it because of Hana?
I stayed silent for a moment.
—Yeah.
—It's because of her.
—I told her we'd go out.
Saku walked over.
—Then take her to see the fireworks today.
—Yeah.
—She told me that yesterday.
—Wait, wasn't she sick? —Akashi asked.
—She said she feels a little better.
—And that she wanted to go out with me.
I turned to look at my friends.
They were staring at me with weird faces...
and dumb smiles.
—Awww.
—She really wants to go out with you?
—Shut up, idiots!
Time flew by.
I went back home for a moment.
I usually go straight to take care of Hana,
but this time... I wanted to be ready.
I changed clothes.
And I took the ring.
—Where are you going all dressed up, son? —my mom asked.
—I found the perfect person for this ring.
—I'm going to see the fireworks.
—I'll be back at nine.
—Take care, son.
I arrived at Hana's house.
She was outside, sitting there, still sick.
I ran toward her.
—Hana!
—Kaji.
—What are you doing out here?
—My dad left early today.
—Didn't he tell you anything, Kaji?
—Not really.
—He looked in a hurry.
—And why are you out here?
—I came out to get some fresh air.
—Wasn't it hard for you?...
—I told you, I feel a little better.
—And why are you dressed like that?
—Well...
—...we were going out today, right?
I'll take you to see the fireworks tonight.
That's what Dad promised me.
—Well, let's go inside.
—Okay.
While she rested,
I kept thinking about how to give her the ring.
—My head's going to explode from thinking so much...
—Kaji.
—Can you come here for a second?
I went into her room.
She was wearing a dress.
—What do you think about this one?
I looked at her for a second.
She's so beautiful!
—I-it looks good on you.
—Thank you.
—Weren't you supposed to be resting?
—I want to be ready too.
I smiled.
—It would look even better with...
Should I give her the ring now?
No... I'll wait for the perfect moment.
—With what?.....
—I forgot.
—I'll tell you when I remember.
Hana and I spent some time together,
just like always.
Then Mr. Kiro arrived.
—Hi, Dad.
They hugged.
—Oh, Kaji.
—Sorry I didn't call you.
—I was in a hurry.
—It's okay, sir.
We stayed silent for a few seconds.
—Hana.
—Weren't you going out?
Did she tell him?
—Yes, sir.
—I'm taking her to see the fireworks.
—Something you couldn't do.
—Well, I think it starts at eight.
—I won't be able to go.
—I have a lot of work.
—Have fun.
Mr. Kiro looked at me.
—Kaji.
—I'm asking you again.
—Please take care of Hana.
—I'll do anything to protect her.
He looked at Hana.....
—I love you, daughter.
—I'll protect you too.
—We'll always protect you.
After that, we headed to see the fireworks.
We arrived early.
—It's seven sharp.
—We got here too early.
—Then we'll have to wait.
Then we heard a couple nearby.
—Come on, love.
—There's a festival over there.
A festival...
I know.
—Hana, do you want to go to the festival?
—I feel a bit uncomfortable when there are too many people.
—I understand.
—Then let's stay here.
—Do you want to go?
—My job is to take care of you, so I'm not leaving your side.
—So when you're with me...
—...you can't do anything else?
Everything went silent.
—That's not it.
—When I'm with you...
—my whole world changes.
—I found something I had never felt before.
—An indescribable happiness...
—I like spending...
—...time with you.
Hana hugged me tightly.
—I love spending time with you too.
—I'm really glad.
—Let's go to the festival.
—What? But you...
—As long as I'm by your side...
—...I'll go anywhere with you.
We went to the festival and had fun.
—Sorry.
—I didn't bring money.
—It's okay, Kaji.
—I'll always be happy...
—...with whatever you give me.
We returned to watch the fireworks.
Hana sighed, a bit tired.
—Hana, are you okay? —I asked.
—I'm fine, don't worry.
That phrase again...
—Let's sit over there.
We sat on a bench and waited....
A man at a food stand accidentally dropped some things.
—I'll go help him.
—Wait here for a moment.
—Okay.
Then some guys approached her.
—Hey there, pretty.
—Don't be scared...
—unless you do what we say.
Hana tried to call me,
but they covered her mouth.
—We just want to have some fun.
But then...
Akashi and Saku appeared.
—GET AWAY FROM MY FRIEND! —Akashi shouted.
A fight broke out.
Another guy tried to touch Hana.....
—GET AWAY! —she shouted, slapping him.
I ran toward him and punched him hard.
—I don't want you near her.
—DO YOU HEAR ME?!
They ran away.
I knelt in front of her.
—I'm sorry...
—I'm really sorry.
She knelt too.
—Thank you for always protecting me...
—...my knight.
She hugged me again.
My knight?
I looked at my friends.
—Thank you, guys.
—Told you.
—We'll always be with you, bro.
—Thank you too —Hana said.
—No problem.
—So, what are you guys doing here? —I asked.
—We just came after training.
—And decided to come eat and watch the fireworks —Saku explained.
—Well, we're heading out now.
—See you guys.
—Bye —Hana and I said.
Soon, it was 7:50.
A man with a megaphone announced.
—The fireworks are about to begin.
Then I reached out my hand to Hana.
—Come on, Hana.
She took my hand.
And hand in hand, we walked to watch the fireworks.
We found a place with no people around, and the fireworks began.
They lit up the night sky.
And in that moment...
I lifted her hand and placed the ring on her finger.
—What's this? —she asked.
—I found the perfect girl for this ring.
I smiled at her.
And she smiled back.
—Thank you, Kaji —she said.
—How about we take a picture? —I asked.
—Yeah, okay.
After that,
we kept watching the fireworks
for a while.
That's what I had always wanted.
Since the day I met her.
Chapter 5: End