Stringed (Nino Nakano x Male Reader)

(III) Chapter 26 - Forward

[Nino's POV]

"Babe! You almost forgot!" I held on to my boyfriend's hand who was in a hurry to leave home.

"Oops! Sorry about that!" He exclaimed after looking back then took the bento from my hand.

"It's okay. It's just the first day. I know you're excited but, you shouldn't forget this kind of thing, alright?"

"Got it, baby. See you later, okay?"

"And, you're also forgetting something," I remarked.

He drew his face close to mine and gave me a kiss on my cheek.

"How can I forget? You take care on your way to your Uni later, okay?"

"I will. Don't worry. You go now. I'll just message you if I need anything."

"Got it! See you later!"

"I love you."

"I love you too!" I smiled at him as he leaves.

Spring has arrived and the second year of our university life has begun. We're trying to adjust with our schedules since we don't have the same one. He initially planned to drop me off at my Uni before he goes to his but because our schedules don't align, I told him that I'll be fine with the commute since our place is not that far.

Almost a year had passed and we've been comfortable with our setup. There might be some adjustments here and there but things are going okay so far. We share the household chores and try to spend some time together on the weekends.

I've been busy with my own life that I sometimes don't have time for my sisters anymore. I already told Ichika about my situation and she doesn't have any issues with it. Even my other sisters understand that this is just the start.

"We'll be going in our separate directions where we'll chase our own dreams."

I could still remember that phrase when we all graduated from high school. I haven't even told them about my boyfriend back then. 

A lot has happened ever since.

And now, we're on a brand new chapter of our lives. We're trying to live out what's waiting for us. Chasing our dreams, meeting our goals, and ultimately, being successful. Or at least how we define one.

My boyfriend has gotten busier and more occupied since he was able to win a championship in the last year's inter-university Tennis tournament. He's gotten more and more recognized for his talent and I'm just really happy about how his career has turned out so far.

As for me, I've noticed that I'm changing in a good way; at least how I see it.

I've been comfortable with the life I have and the path to take.

I want to continue and pursue my dreams of getting my own restaurant, and be one of the best chefs out there.

Since I don't have classes at least two hours from now, I decided to do a bit of cleanup from what's left of the breakfast that my boyfriend and I had earlier.

"So this is how it feels? Ichika had it earlier than all of us but... This isn't so bad..."

I can't help but smile while doing my chore. I've dreamt of this situation before and now that I'm in the midst of it, there's nothing but appreciation that I feel. Who would've thought that even though I wasn't chosen among the four of us back then, is that I will have this kind of life?

Everything happens for a reason. I guess that's one of the things that my boyfriend mentions from time to time.

I would not exchange this life I have now for anything. I'm happy with what I have and thankful for whatever good that's waiting for me.