The cherry blossoms swayed gently in the spring breeze, petals drifting across the courtyard of Kaede's high school. The graduation ceremony was simple, yet beautiful—caps thrown into the air, applause echoing across the open grounds. Kaede stood among her classmates, her purple cardigan replaced with a formal uniform jacket, long white skirt neat, hair tied elegantly but still shining silver-white in the sunlight.
She caught sight of Jousuke in the crowd, who had come early to congratulate her. Their eyes met, and she couldn't help but smile, her heart fluttering in the same way it had the first time they confessed to each other in the quiet park.
After the ceremony, they walked together slowly through the familiar paths of the school grounds. The cherry blossoms blanketed the pavement like soft snow.
"Kaede," Jousuke said quietly, "congratulations."
"Thank you, Jousuke," she replied, gently holding his hand. "I… I'm going to miss this place. But I'm glad you're here with me."
He squeezed her hand, feeling the same bittersweet tug of parting from the place that had shaped so much of their youth. "We'll have new memories soon. Together."
-
-TIME SKIP – JOUSUKE'S GRADUATION-
Months passed, and the warm spring became early summer. Jousuke's own graduation approached. He walked across the stage, receiving his diploma, yet his thoughts remained mostly with Kaede. Their hands had met countless times since that first confession, each moment cementing the bond they had formed.
Afterward, the two met outside the school gates. The air smelled of fresh grass and summer approaching.
"So, Jousuke," Kaede said, adjusting her sling bag. "Now that we've both graduated… Canada is next, right?"
He nodded, excitement mixed with nervousness in his eyes. "Yeah. We've talked about it for a while, but… it still feels surreal. Starting over, together."
Kaede smiled, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "I'm glad it's with you. Wherever we go, as long as we're together, I feel like home."
Jousuke's chest tightened with emotion. "Me too, Kaede. Me too."
-
-TIME SKIP – MOVING PREPARATIONS-
Summer turned to early autumn, and they busied themselves with preparations for the move. Boxes lined the living room of Jousuke's home, labels scribbled carefully: "Books," "Clothes," "Mementos." Both families helped, offering advice, encouragement, and, sometimes, gentle reminders about the weight of such a big decision.
Even amidst the stress, the pair found small moments for themselves—quiet walks, visiting the small park behind the old library, or simply sitting side by side reading together.
One evening, Kaede leaned against Jousuke as they packed. "Do you remember the first time we met here?" she asked softly, watching the golden light of sunset filter through the leaves.
Jousuke smiled, resting his head slightly on hers. "How could I forget?"
Kaede laughed quietly. "And now look at us… planning a whole new life in another country."
Jousuke's hand found hers. "I wouldn't want to do it with anyone else."
-
-TIME SKIP – CANADA ARRIVAL-
Winter arrived faster than expected, and soon they found themselves standing outside a small, cozy house in Canada. The snow lay thick on the ground, sparkling in the soft sunlight.
"This… this is it," Kaede whispered, breath visible in the cold air.
Jousuke looked around, taking in the quiet streets, the small park nearby, and the distant mountains. "It's perfect," he said. "But it's nothing compared to being here with you."
Kaede's cheeks flushed, and she leaned her head against his shoulder. "It already feels like home, because you're here."
They spent the next months exploring, attending school, and creating memories—walking through snowy streets, cooking together in their small apartment, laughing when they slipped on icy sidewalks, and sharing quiet nights planning their future.
-
-TIME SKIP – GRADUATION FROM SCHOOL AND FUTURE PLANS-
Years passed quickly. Both Kaede and Jousuke graduated from their respective schools in Canada. They traveled together, learning, experiencing, and growing as a couple. Every small moment—the first snowfall they spent alone, the laughter over a burnt batch of cookies, the quiet afternoons in local libraries—built the foundation of their shared life.
Through all these moments, one truth remained constant: the love they had confessed to each other in that quiet park in Japan had only deepened.
-
-TIME SKIP – EVENING WALKS AND MEMORIES-
On a late autumn evening, they walked through a park lined with orange and red leaves. Jousuke held Kaede's hand, and for the first time, they reflected on the journey that had brought them here.
"Remember that day in the park behind the library?" Kaede asked, squeezing his hand.
Jousuke smiled, his eyes reflecting the warm light of the setting sun. "I'll never forget it. It changed everything."
"And now," Kaede said softly, looking up at him, "we're here. Together. Always."
Jousuke pulled her close. "Always," he whispered back.
The sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in pinks and purples. They paused, holding each other tightly, feeling the weight of their memories and the promise of the future.
The journey that had started with confessions, heartbreaks, and uncertainty had led them to this moment—side by side, hearts intertwined, ready to face anything that came next.
And in the quiet of the Canadian twilight, they silently promised: their story was only beginning.