Showered by the Stars

1. Extra Chapter

“Whoa. I still can’t believe we’re already graduates.” Ken said, putting his arm on Rena’s shoulder.

“You better believe it. Look at our diploma!” Rena said, leaning on Ken’s chest and showing the diploma.

“Uh-huh. It feels just like yesterday when we enrolled as first years.” I said, eating a slice of chocolate cake.

Kana chuckled. “Don’t repeat Konoe-kun’s words again, Mizuki-chan.”

I laughed. “Oops. Sorry. Well, it was a really great speech Eri-kun.”

“Thank you. But I couldn’t do it without your help guys. So, thank you.” Eri-kun said.

“And let’s have a toast for that!” Ryu-kun said, raising his glass.

We toasted.

“Ah! I just remembered, Ken-kun—you’ll go to Keio University?” Ran asked.

“Yes. I’ll be taking Engineering.” Ken said.

“Hmm—Have you found a place to stay yet?” Ryu asked.

“No. Not yet.” Ken said.

“Really? Then why not share a room with me. My roommate said he’ll transfer schools so he’ll be leaving the dorm.” Ryu said.

“Ah? Is that so? Let me consider it. I still have to talk about everything to my parents.” Ken said.

“Ah—by the way, Ren-chan—where will you study for College?” Jun asked. It seems that Kana told Jun to ask that question.

“Umm—I already took the entrance exam for Keio University and I passed.” Rena said.

“Oh? Congrats!” Jun said.

“Then you and Ken-kun will be together even in College, right?” Kana blurted out. Rena and Ken blushed.

“Eh? You’re both so red. What’s up with the two of you? Are you—“ Kana said.

Ken and Rena raised their holding hands. “We’re like this.”

Instinctively, Ran, Kana and I clapped our hands. The couple blushed.

“So, Ran, Ken, and Rena will go to Tokyo. Then Kana and Jun will both study in Juilliard. That’s great!” I said. They will be together with their special person.

“Eh? How about you?” Ran said.

“Ah! I won’t be going to College anymore.” Eri-kun said.

“Oh. That’s right. You already have your decree.” Ran said.

“Yes. So starting next month, I’ll be working in my grandfather’s company.” He said.

“Is that so? And Mizuki?” Jun asked.

“Eh? Me? Umm—I’ve already decided to study Nursing in Cambridge University.” I said.

“Cool! But, you won’t get to see each other often.” Kana said.

I just smiled. She’s right. I won’t be seeing Eri-kun who is supposed to be my fiancé. I don’t know what the future will bring us. We’re not really in any romantic relationship. We’re only tied by a single contract.

The conversations we had in the Cake Shop were like buzzing sounds in my ears. Even when we separated from the group, my mind hasn’t come back to reality, only when Eri-kun held my hand that I snapped out.

We were walking towards my house. We didn’t even bother to call for Chou to pick us up. We just walked while holding hands.

I wished that he’ll give me something as an assurance. Since the time that I confronted Takeshima, I started to look at Eri-kun a little differently. For me, he became more than just a friend. But, I dared not to confess to him. It’s like I was traumatized when I did that to Takeshima but he betrayed me in the end.

When we reached my house, I stood there with him still holding my hand. He leaned. I met his eyes. My heart thumped madly. He leaned closer until his lips were about to touch mine.

Is he going to kiss me? Is this the assurance I was asking for? Maybe he thinks of me more than just a friend.

I just stayed silent, our breathing in sync.

What’s taking him so long? Is he going to kiss me or what?

My confusion made me hard to breathe.

Then he kissed me, on the cheek.

I blushed.

I’m so ashamed at myself for expecting something more than that.

“What was that for?” I said, a little annoyed.

“I think I won’t get to see you much often. I’m sorry. This is what I can do for now. I don’t want to take any drastic actions.” He said.

Is that why he’s reserved? He’s also unsure of what’s going to happen to the both of us.

He kissed me again on my cheeks, forehead, tip of my nose, chin and sometimes, he looked as if he’d kiss my lips but didn’t in the end.

I like Eri-kun. No. I think and feel that I love him already. I don’t think I’ll be happy with not seeing him in College. I’m already used to having him by my side every day except at night.

If I won’t take initiative then maybe our relationship will remain stagnant. And with us separated on the future, we might grow estranged to one another.

I know I’m afraid to get hurt. I might become weak if that’ll happen. But I also know that I have to take risks for this to work. This time, I won’t give up on the person I love. I won’t undergo the same thing. I’ll say it out even if I get hurt in the end. At least I tried.

My heart beats fast.

I cupped his face. He looked stunned.

I tip-toed and kissed him gently on his lips. I met his eyes. He was blushing.

“Konoe Eri. My heart beats for only you.” I said, seriously. He blushed more.

He leaned. I kissed him again. He responded.

I may not know what’ll happen next but at least I feel a little bit confident. I hope that he’ll also feel the same way even if time passes by and that we’re separated by distance.

“Ahemm—Ahemm—“ Mom chortled.

I moved away from Eri-kun, blushing.

“Kids—“ Mom shook her head, smiling.

We laughed.

Mom was partly right. Eri and I still feel like kids sometimes. But this time, we'll go through life with as much maturity as we can get, making responsible decisions, such as deciding to be together for the rest of our lives.