The Girl Nextdoor

Chapter 6: Deceit

"Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed faculty, proud parents, and to all of my fellow graduates, congratulations," Kiyotaka smiled and clapped before he paused, and then looked at his batch-mates' expressions——some were teary eyed, some were happy, and others were already crying in joy.

"Can you all believe we are finally here? Time flies so fast. It's like we blinked, and suddenly graduation day is upon us."

One of his classmates answered to Kiyotaka's question, trying to contribute on lifting up the mood, "You've been with us for just a couple of months starting from first year college, of course it's fast for you."

The crowd laughed, including Kiyotaka.

"Precisely. But even though I have been with you guys for just a couple of months, we couldn't forget the rollercoaster of emotions we've all been through and ridden together. All of it started from, 'I got this' atmosphere to the 'fuck that shit, I'm going to sleep' moments, we've been through it all. But somehow, somewhat, we are all standing here looking fabulous in these graduation gowns."

The crowd laughed at Kiyotaka's joke, and later realized that they were surprised of the way he delivered his speech.

They have only known Kiyotaka personally, not the one in front of their screens, for a couple of months. And for someone so smart, talented, and famous, they would have never thought this is his way of delivering his speech, like cracking jokes and giving it in a very casual way.

After the laughters died down, Kiyotaka pretended to clear his throat and continued,

"Ahem... Remember that one class we all thought was impossible? Well, look at us now, we conquered it! Our time together has been more than just textbook and exams; it's been a journey of self-discovery, friendships forged, and challenges conquered. In my short time spent with you, my fellow graduates, we laughed together, faced setbacks, and emerged stronger. Today, we not only celebrate academic achievements but also the tenacity and resilience that define our graduating class."

Kiyotaka turned his head towards the direction of the teachers that taught his batch with a smile and then lowered his head to a bow,

"To our professors, we give you all our sincerest thanks for being the real MVPs. You turned our boring subjects into eye-opening experiences, and for that, we are forever grateful. Once again, thank you..."

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"Ehhhhh~ To think you'd still be the valedictorian after just two months in college, with a perfect 100% grade too at that... Congratulations, Kiyopapa!"

Kiyopapa... hearing that sounded rather strange. At least that's what Kiyotaka thought. Ai however doesn't look like she minds it, in fact just looking at her reaction he can clearly tell she was liking it so he didn't protest but just accept it.

"Thanks, Ai."

Ai's joy was peaking. This was not the future she had foresaw when she formulated her plan, to bear Kiyotaka's child or children. In contrast to the vibrant color that made up her world now, she initially thought that it will be a colorless and a bland one with the latter leaving her behind to raise the growing children inside her alone.

When she thought back on it now, she felt guilty of robbing off of Kiyotaka's freedom.
However, she deliberately turned a blind eye to it. Perhaps, love can truly make someone blind.

"I should make a feast then!" She enthusiastically announced to Kiyotaka.

The act of preparing a feast might be a little challenging with her stomach ballooning but thinking that her boyfriend purposely denied a dinner with his family just to be with her not only warmed her heart but inspired her to make a feast for him.