"…Given those sounds, I realized that forbidding you from seeing each other for three years might be a little too cruel.
If Kazusa found out about such a decision, she might even stage a rebellion.
So, after taking everything into consideration, I think letting you two meet once a year should be just right."
Before Chisato could respond, Youko leaned in close, lowering her voice conspiratorially.
"Besides, this arrangement should work out in your favor too. With Kazusa away, you'll have some time to… handle things with the other girls in your life, won't you?"
"..."
Fortunately, Kazusa entered the living room at that moment and told him to go freshen up.
Chisato, as if receiving a pardon, immediately got up and escaped.
Youko watched his retreating figure and laughed happily.
Kazusa glanced at Chisato before turning back to her mother with a puzzled expression.
However, Youko only gave her a mysterious "Secret~" in response.
In the afternoon, shortly after one o'clock, at Tokyo International Airport—
The moment had finally arrived.
On the train ride to the airport, Kazusa had clung to Chisato's arm the entire time, completely ignoring the odd looks from other passengers.
But as the actual moment of departure approached, it was as if she had suddenly come to terms with it. She became composed, no longer showing reluctance.
However, Chisato knew it was all a facade.
The way her large eyes trembled despite her forced composure, the glistening moisture in them, the way her small nose twitched—these were clear signs that tears could fall at any moment.
In Chisato's memory, Kazusa had always been a headstrong girl who did things her own way, someone undeniably cool no matter how one looked at her.
And yet, now, just because they were about to part ways, she was showing such an expression—one that made her look like a vulnerable young girl.
Chisato tightened his grip on her hand. Initially, he had been rather optimistic, believing that although they would be apart for now, they would surely meet again in the future.
He had been at peace with the situation.
But after seeing Kazusa's expression, he found himself struggling to suppress his own reluctance.
And as the departure time drew nearer, that feeling only grew stronger.
"Honestly... If you two keep acting like this, you're just making me look like some kind of villain here. This was your own choice, after all..."
Youko sighed as she shook her head slightly.
"President, I think it would be best if we gave them some time alone."
Kudo Miyoko, Youko's personal assistant, had also come to the airport for the farewell.
Since Youko was temporarily stepping away from all activities to take an extended vacation, Miyoko no longer needed to stay by her side and would instead remain in Japan to handle matters related to Youko's company.
Additionally, under Youko's instructions, she would also assist Chisato in establishing his own business.
In other words, for the foreseeable future, Chisato would be working closely with her.
Youko shrugged, agreeing with Miyoko's suggestion.
She stood up and followed her assistant to a seat farther away, leaving the young couple to spend these final moments together.
"Chisato..."
"Hm?"
"It'll be a long time before we see each other again... To put my mind at ease, I want you to promise me a few things."
Kazusa spoke with an unusually serious expression, making a clumsy request.
Chisato looked at her, then got up and knelt on one knee before her, signaling his sincere attention.
Noticing the gazes from those around them—especially from her mother and Miyoko, who both covered their mouths in amusement—Kazusa's face flushed red, but she still continued.
"Don't forget me."
"How could I?"
"Don't go flirting with other girls."
"Alright."
"Don't get intimate with any girl besides me."
"Uh..."
That last one was a bit too demanding, no matter how he looked at it.
Kazusa must have realized that her request was somewhat unreasonable because, after a brief silence, she let out a quiet "Never mind" before leaning forward and hugging him tightly.
The next moment, Chisato felt warmth and dampness on his shoulder.
Once her emotions had settled a little, Chisato gently held her shoulders, making her look into his eyes.
"I don't think I can ever live without you, Kazusa. To be honest, it's a little embarrassing to say this, but...
Ever since I first started secretly pursuing you, I've had countless fantasies in my mind—imagining every little detail about your body after you take off your clothes, picturing our life together after we get together, daydreaming about starting a family and raising a child with you...
More than anything, I'm afraid of you leaving my side.
So, even though this might seem sudden, I want to make a promise here and now—one that ties me to the future I once dreamed of..."
Kazusa stared blankly as she watched Chisato pull out a small box from his pocket.
Not far away, Youko, who had been observing everything, smiled in delight.
Chisato opened the small box, revealing a stunningly elegant diamond ring sitting in the center.
"Kazusa, will you... accept this?"
…
The flight to Vienna departed right on schedule.
Kazusa sat in her seat, her head lowered, gently rubbing the diamond ring on her left ring finger over and over.
She had always thought she didn't care much for formalities—like the trophies and certificates she had won in piano competitions.
But today, she realized she had been wrong. It wasn't that she didn't care about formalities; she had just never encountered something, or someone, she truly cared about.
Youko watched her daughter grinning foolishly and shook her head helplessly.
"If you want to practice piano, you can't wear a ring while playing."
Kazusa's expression immediately changed.
She clenched her right hand tightly with her left and glared at her mother, both defensive and aggressive at the same time.
"I'm not trying to confiscate it."
"Taking it off isn't an option either. What if I lose it?"
"...It'll be fine if you just put it somewhere safe when we arrive at the new house."
Youko let out a long sigh.
"In that case, when we get to Vienna, I'll buy you a necklace. You can wear the ring around your neck—no problem with that, right?"
This time, Kazusa did not object.
Chisato gazed at the deep blue sky until the plane vanished from sight.
"Let's go back, Chisato-kun."
"Yeah."
With a quiet sigh, Chisato turned around and left the airport with Kudo Miyoko.
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50 advanced chapters on p@t re on (.) com/SenatusTheta
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