Girl Next Door

Chapter Sixty-Five

More months pass, and for the seniors down at Yoshiba High School, it was time for graduation.

Kyosuke had been preparing for this one day, the day that he finishes school and steps onto the threshold of college. We was of course, saddened by the news as well, for there comes a time when friends must say goodbye during graduation, for they will be going their separate ways from then on.

He was in his room putting on his school uniform. He gave a sigh as he remembered the day Risa agreed to be his girlfriend. That was several months ago, during Christmas Eve.

"After this, I may never get to see her again," he muttered. "So much for asking her to go out with me." He sighed once more. "Good things never last, I guess."

He then went downstairs to meet his proud family, Matsuko and his sister Hinako.

"Hello, dear," said Kyosuke's mother, clad in a dark blue kimono for the occasion.

"Hey, guys," said Kyosuke, rubbing the back of his neck, smiling

"I'm so pround of you for this," said Matsuko as she hugged her son tight.

"Thanks, Mom," said the boy, hugging back.

"Congratulations, Onii-san," said Hinako with a cheerful smile. She was dressed in her school uniform, since second-years are required to attend the graduation ceremony.

"Thanks, Hinako," said Kyosuke, patting his sister's head. "So, shall we go?"

"Of course," replied Matsuko.

The three then headed outside to the family sedan, for Matsuko was going to drive them to school today. It took only a couple of minutes for them to reach Yoshiba High, and it was filling with students and parents dressed in kimonos.

Kyosuke caught sight of Takeru in the crowd and approached him.

"Yo, Takeru," he said.

"Oh, 'sup, Kyosuke?" said Takeru with a smirk as the two performed a handshake.

"Are your parents around?" asked Kyosuke.

"Uh, yeah, they're over there," said Takeru, pointing to a young couple dressed in kimonos in the distance.

"Hey, have you seen Risa around?" Kyosuke asked.

"No, I'm afraid not," said Takeru. "Hey, I heard the two of you are dating. Is that true?"

"Y-Yeah," replied Kyosuke with a sheepish smile.

"Since when, bro?" said Takeru excitedly.

"Since Christmas Eve," said Kyosuke before uttering a sigh. "That was also the last time we talked in person."

"Well, dude, if you gotta say anything to her, say it now," said Takeru. "This may be the last time you guys will be together. Well, see ya later." He waved at Kyosuke before heading to the direction of the auditorium.

Kyosuke thought deeply about Risa after what Takeru had said. He then headed to the same direction as the other students.

Little more than forty minutes later, everyone in the auditorium was settled. Graduating students sat in the middle rows while the parents and faculty sat on either side of them. The second-years attending sat at the back rows. Everyone rose and sang the Japanese national anthem as the ceremony began.

The principal gave his speech onstage later on as the audience watched. Almost everyone kept quiet, for this was the turning point in the lives of the third years and it was really important to them. Even Takeru kept quiet; a firm expression was on his face.