Hodaka gazes at Hina's bright blue eyes, with tears streaming down uncontrollably. Engulfed in the moment, he thinks to himself, never will he ask anything more from God again. Everything he has ever wanted and needed is right in front of him. He brings Hina close to his chest, wrapping his arms around her, embracing the feeling that was only too familiar.
"Hina-san... Hina-san... I'm so happy to see you again."
"Hodaka... I missed you too. I missed you so much."
The heavy rain blankets them. The redolent lavender scent of Hina reminds Hodaka of the air after a downpour. It was something that he could only experience back on his home island. And yet, he still chose Hina, and not one bit does Hodaka regret this decision. He will still choose Hina over the blue sky any day. Never again will Hodaka let Hina slip away from his arms.
"Hina... I have something to return to you."
Hodaka takes out the gem-topped silver ring. He holds up Hina's hand, and slides the ring onto her finger.
"Hodaka.... Thank you."
"Have you eaten yet? Would you like to come over for lunch? Your senpai is there." Hina says, showing a cheeky smile.
"No..no, I don't want to trouble you."
"It's ok, we always have too much to eat anyway."
Hina slides her hands into Hodaka's, interlacing their fingers as tightly as she can. She pulls Hodaka towards her, and they walk home.
"We're here!"
In front of Hodaka is a two story building which givws off the same vibe as Hina's old home.
"What happened to your old house?"
"Unfortunately, we lost it in the flood. But Mr Suga was generous enough to help us rent this comfy place until we are ready to become independent."
"Mr Suga?! I always thought of him as the stingy type..."
"Well, ever since his company expanded, he has been looking after me and Nagi. Please come in!"
Hodaka and Hina kicks off their shoes excitedly at the front door.
"Pardon the intrusion!"
As Hodaka steps into the house, he feels a whoosh of nostalgia sweeping across him. The interior of the house looks almost the same as before.
"Take a sit, Hodaka. I'll go and prepare lunch," said Hina as she trotts towards the kitchen.
"Sis, I'm home!" shouted a familiar voice.
"Welcome back!"
Hodaka turns his head around and gasps,, speechless, until his lips curve into a smile.
"Senpai!" Hodaka shouts.
"Hodaka! Long time no see! We missed you so much, especially Hina, right sis?" Nagi grins at Hina.
"Th... That's not... not true!" Hina says with a quivering tone. Her face turned as red as a beetroot, giving her game away, and that was something Hodaka loved about her. She quite simply, was unable to sustain a lie. Whenever she felt flustered was when he found her to be the cutest, like a puppy. Hodaka finds himself smiling as the siblings quarrel. This is home, where I truly belong, Hodaka thinks..
"Aaand lunch is served! Today we shall have my special Katsudon!"Hina proudly announces as she walks out of the kitchen carrying 3 bowls of katsudon.
"Itadakimasu!"
Hodaka digs into his bowl of katsudon without a moment's delay and scoops it into his mouth. It tastes marvellous, and just like something Hina had cooked the first time he visited her home, a savoury dish with a hint of cushiness and fishyness. Turns out, Hina had added fish crackers to the katsudon. While it was unique, it was definitely enjoyable.
"I'm stuffed"
"Same here. That was some seriously good food"
"Glad y'all enjoyed it!"
"Ring... Ring..."
"Whoops, that's my soccer team calling. Gotta go. Have fun catching up, you two!" Nagi says with a wink, as he rushes out of the house, leaving Hodaka and Hina blushed.
"Hina-san..."
"You can just call me Hina"
"Hina, would you... like to go out for a walk?" Hodaka asks timidly. For some inexplicable reason, his head goes blank, and his heart starts beating like a drum.
"I would love to!" Hina replies enthusiastically. She tries her best to contain her excitement, but it's hard to when she thinks of spending time with Hodaka. Whatever time she could spend with Hodaka, she would treasure and never forget about them. They mean the world to her.
As they exit the house with umbrellas, Hodaka suddenly turns and says, "Hina, before I get too scared, will you be my girlfriend? I promise I will find a job, get paid and allow you to live a comfortable life. You are my world, my sunshine, and just being with you will turn my worst days into the best days. I want to be beside you, through thick and thin, so please, allow me to accompany you." Hodaka bursts out.
"Hoda... Hodaka... I thought you were never going to ask! Of course I will, Hodaka, and I too will forever love you with all my heart. Let's move on into the future, with me by your side and with you by my side," Hina replies and she falls into Hodaka's embrace yet again. She will never get tired of his warmth. It is something she desperately needs after being apart for the last three years.
Hodaka looks down on the soft body that was clinging on to him and places his hands around her shoulders. He too, loves this flawed maiden with all his heart. He is ready to do anything to protect his love, even if it means going against the weather again. Through hell and heaven, he will ensure the safety and happiness of Hina.
"Shall we continue the walk?" Hodaka asks when Hina breaks away from him.
"Mhm!" Hina replied, looking lovingly at Hodaka. She loves Hodaka more than ever before, and she prays that she will never fall out of love with him. Unbeknownst to her, Hodaka has the same image and feelings towards her. They live for each other, fight for each other and love each other.
They walk down the stairs of their home, holding each other's hands. For the first time, Hodaka notices how silky smooth and soft Hina's hands were. It is like grabbing onto a cotton pillow. His heart is beating as fast as it could. It's the first time they are going out as a couple, after all. Could things get any better than this?
