Hʏᴏ̄ᴍᴀ's Wɪɴᴛᴇʀ Pʀᴏᴍɪsᴇ | Chigiri Hyōma √

14: Flowers

Three Years Later

The grand halls of Oxford University buzzed with anticipation as rows of seats filled with family and friends, adorned in their finest attire, awaited the commencement of the graduation ceremony. Amid the crowd stood Ego Jinpachi, a proud figure with eyes gleaming with a mixture of emotions.

Ego Ohara, his niece, was moments away from receiving her degree, having excelled throughout her academic journey. It wasn't just any degree, but the highest honor, a testament to her relentless dedication and brilliance. Ego watched with profound pride as she walked across the stage, her radiant smile echoing her triumphant achievement.

The announcer's voice resonated through the hall, "And now, presenting Ohara Ego, graduating with the highest honors, awarded the distinction of excellence in her studies..."

Applause erupted as Ohara's name echoed in the hall. Ego felt a swell of emotions within him, a mixture of joy, pride, and a hint of nostalgia as he remembered the challenges she had overcome.

Amidst the celebrations, Ohara was engrossed in conversation with her new friend, Ashley. They had met during her time at Oxford, sharing stories of their cultural differences and their mutual interest in art and fashion. Ashley, with her charming British accent, had plans to visit Japan and was excited about exploring the vibrant culture with Ohara. Their conversation continued, delving into the finer details of their plans, interrupted briefly by the subtle announcement of Ohara's exceptional achievement.

As the ceremony concluded, every graduate swarmed around, taking photos with their families and celebrating their accomplishments. Ashley excused herself for her turn, leaving Ohara to spot Ego Jinpachi raising his hand at her from afar.

"Well, well, my dear uncle finally came." Ohara teased before enveloping him in a warm hug. "How have you been?"

"Not too bad, dear." Ego said as she pulled away, wearing a smile. "Been occupied with the Bluelock project while dealing with your monkey friends."

"Oh, don't call them monkeys; they're the best players." Ohara chuckled as Ego playfully tsked at her. "So, they're playing for Japan now?"

Ego nodded, and she continued, "I watched every match live. I wished I could congratulate them after all those matches. How's Hyoma?"

"He's fine, but recently..." Ego paused, noticing a puzzled look on his niece's face. "He left Japan to meet someone."

"Someone?" Ohara arched her eyebrow, feeling a pang of concern. "Who's that?"

"A girl, I presume." Ego mentioned, letting out a heavy sigh. "You know, he's liked this girl for a while, even in your absence."

Ohara stepped back slightly, her mind reeling with disbelief. There was no way he was about to end things, was he? Just yesterday, Hyoma had spoken to her, expressing pride in her graduation as a fashion designer. He hadn't mentioned anything about this. Was he cheating on her?

"By the way, there's someone I want you to meet." Ego said, noting his niece's downcast expression. But as Ego Jinpachi moved aside, there stood none other than the person she had missed so much. The person she had been worrying about, thinking he might have found someone else to replace her. Though their virtual contact had been limited due to the phone ban during Hyoma's participation in the Bluelock project, here he was in the flesh, with a radiant smile and a bouquet of flowers in his hand. Happy tears welled up in her eyes as he smiled broadly.

"I suppose that joke went a bit too far," Ego remarked, noticing Ohara's scowl directed at him.

"Ohara!"