Kikyou's POV
March 26, 2024 (Original Timeline)
Cemetery, Horikita Suzune's Grave
"I didn't think I'd see you visiting today, Kushida."
As I laid down my flowers to Horikita's grave, I heard the monster speaking from behind me.
"Why wouldn't I be? It's the anniversary of her death today." I said, turning to him, who's also holding flowers in his hands. "I'm more surprised by you, though. Why isn't Kei with you?"
"She's busy with taking care of Honami and Suzuki, so she couldn't come. She simply asked me to send her regards." he said as he approached the grave himself, laying down the flowers he brought.
"Your kids, huh? How old are they again?" I asked.
"They're turning two this April 1st." he answered.
"I see. I wish them both a happy birthday." I nodded, before approaching her tombstone and tenderly caressing it. "Hey, Ayanokouji, I have a question for you."
"Ask away."
"Do you think it would have been better if I had joined in the White Raid?" I asked.
"You mean physically participate in it, like Horikita or Ichinose?" he clarified.
"Yeah. I'm satisfied with what I had achieved with Shiina-san, but... I wanted to do so much more."
"There was nothing more you could have done there. What you did was more than enough. If you had come, there's a high likelihood that you would have joined the people resting here." he remarked. "Or maybe that's what you wanted?"
I winced at having been called out by him.
"Kushida, you..."
"I never thought that I would come to care about this girl the way that I have now. It's crazy." I chuckled bitterly. "Fate is truly fickle, isn't it? Shit turns out like this without us even knowing it."
He didn't say anything for a moment as he simply stared at her grave.
"Kushida, did you know that Horikita wanted to become a teacher, just like you?" he said, causing my eyes to widen with shock.
"When did you hear this?"
"Before graduation. She talked about what she wanted to do. She said she was going to apply to Kyoto University as a teacher there."
"Kyoto University..." I muttered.
"If you really want to do something for Horikita Suzune, your path forward is clear, Kushida Kikyou."
This was a turning point in my life, in more than one way.
"Oh, and Kushida, I have a favor to ask from you as well."
"What is it?"
"After having a talk with Kei, we realized that it wouldn't be advisable having only me be the one to teach my kids. They need another person to be their mentor besides their parents." he explained, causing me to be shocked once again.
"Ayanokouji! Does that mean...?"
"Kushida Kikyou, once my children are old enough, I want you to be their tutor."
*****
July 16, 2014 (New Timeline)
Kushida's Classroom
I can't believe I'm remembering that now.
YOU ARE READING
COTE: New Game+
FanfictionIt's been 19 years ever since Ayanokouji Kiyotaka had graduated from ANHS, and a lot has happened since then. With both of his parents dead, the White Room completely destroyed, him regaining the true and permanent freedom as well as the emotions th...
