better start kiyotaka x suzune

16

Chapter 16: A New Beginning

The spring sun bathed the campus in a warm glow as the graduation ceremony drew to a close. Cheers filled the air as students tossed their caps, and friends and families hugged, laughed, and congratulated each other. Kiyotaka and Suzune stood near the edge of the crowd, watching as their classmates celebrated their accomplishments. Though they shared a quiet smile, their sense of accomplishment ran just as deep. After years of striving to reach the top of their classes, they had done it—they were graduating at the pinnacle of Tokyo Metropolitan Advanced Nurturing High School.

Suzune turned to Kiyotaka, her eyes reflecting the sunlight, a hint of a smile on her usually serious face. "We really did it, didn't we?"

Kiyotaka nodded, his usual calm softened with a rare expression of pride. "We did. And to think we managed to survive all the challenges—and each other."

Suzune laughed softly, nudging him. "You mean you managed to survive me."

Their journey had been nothing short of remarkable. Starting as two individuals with guarded hearts, they'd built a connection that had seen them through the ups and downs of school life. The years of friendship, shared secrets, and quiet support had cemented their bond, and now they were ready to step into the world together, side by side.

After taking a few more photos with their friends, they turned toward the future they had planned together.

Chapter 16, Part 2: From School to Career

Suzune and Kiyotaka had both received offers from top banks in Tokyo, an accomplishment that was no small feat. They had navigated interviews, tests, and presentations, impressing executives with their intellect and determination. After discussing their options, they decided to join the same bank. Though some might have thought it strange for a couple to work in the same place, Suzune and Kiyotaka knew that, together, they could excel.

Their new banking positions came with a six-month training program that would allow them to master everything from financial analysis to client relations. Kiyotaka took to the work with his usual efficiency, while Suzune found that her keen analytical mind allowed her to thrive in the field. As they settled into their roles, they enjoyed the challenge, each encouraging the other whenever the stress of work took its toll.

The paychecks that followed were satisfying but humbling. Though their annual earnings amounted to over 16 million yen combined—one of the top salary brackets for professionals their age in Japan—they were mindful about their finances. They wanted to plan carefully, saving for a home where they could build a life together.

One night after work, they sat together on the balcony of their temporary apartment, talking about their goals for the future.

"I think it's time we start looking for a place of our own," Suzune said, a touch of excitement in her voice.

Kiyotaka nodded, his usual calm demeanor shifting slightly as he considered the prospect. "Agreed. Somewhere we can both relax after work—an escape from everything."

They spent the next few weekends visiting properties across Tokyo, searching for a home that felt just right. Finally, they found it—a modern, two-story house with large windows, a cozy garden, and just enough space to host family and friends. The cost was significant, but they'd managed to save well during their training period, and with the funds from selling their school apartment back to the academy, they had enough for a down payment.

Chapter 16, Part 3: Moving In

Moving day arrived with a flurry of excitement and activity. Boxes filled with memories, books, and essentials filled the truck as they loaded up their belongings. Suzune took charge of arranging the kitchen, making sure every utensil and ingredient was in its perfect place. Kiyotaka focused on setting up the living room, arranging the furniture just the way Suzune liked.

As they unpacked the last of their boxes, Suzune took out a framed picture she had painted in their final year at school. It was simple yet meaningful: a white canvas with the words "Kiyo and Suz" written in her careful, looping script. She hung it on the bedroom wall, stepping back to admire her work.

"It's perfect," Kiyotaka said, standing behind her, his hands resting gently on her shoulders.

Suzune smiled, leaning back into his touch. "I thought it'd be nice to have something that reminds us of where we started."

That night, they shared their first meal in the new house, laughing over their amateur cooking attempts. Suzune tried her best to make a special meal, though they both admitted it was far from perfect. Still, it didn't matter. They were home.

Chapter 16, Part 4: Building a Future

As the days turned into weeks, Suzune and Kiyotaka settled into their routines. Each morning, they commuted to the bank together, working long hours but always returning home to one another. The balance they'd struck felt rewarding, a testament to how well they complemented each other.

One evening, as they cuddled on the couch, Suzune looked over at Kiyotaka, her eyes filled with warmth and a glint of mischief. "Do you remember all the times I teased you about... making a family?"

Kiyotaka smiled, a soft laugh escaping him. "How could I forget? You must have asked me at least fifty times."

Suzune grinned, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "Well, it's still something I think about. Not right away," she added quickly, "but someday."

Kiyotaka's gaze softened as he looked at her. He took her hand, intertwining their fingers. "I think about it too. When the time is right, we'll know."

The room filled with a quiet sense of anticipation as they considered the possibilities ahead of them. They were young, successful, and in love—a perfect foundation for the life they envisioned together.

The days continued in a blissful routine, each one bringing them closer together. They shared quiet mornings over coffee, laughed over takeout dinners, and even argued over minor details, only to end up laughing about them later. Their love deepened, growing stronger with each passing day.

One evening, after a long week of work, they both collapsed onto the bed, exhausted but content. Suzune snuggled into his side, her voice barely a whisper as she spoke.

"Kiyo, do you ever wonder what our lives will look like five or ten years from now?"

Kiyotaka stroked her hair, his voice gentle. "I do. I imagine us here, maybe with a little one running around, creating new memories together."

Suzune's face lit up, and she looked up at him with shining eyes. "Do you really mean that?"

He nodded, pulling her closer. "Yes. When the time is right, we'll make that dream a reality."

They lay in comfortable silence, dreaming about the future they would build together. And in that quiet moment, they both knew they were exactly where they were meant to be.