Asahina Wakaba to Marumaru na Kareshi Volume 2 Epilogue

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Note: There is a (not-so-short) extra chapter following this epilogue, telling a part of the story from Haruto’s POV, so we’re not quite done yet.

Epilogue

“Hey, what is going on with this!?”

It was still early in the morning, before homeroom. The classroom was filled in a nonchalant atmosphere, when a shriek broke the silence.

“M-My desk…My desk…! Why is it looking like that!?”

Really, how noisy she is this early in the morning. Does she have a complaint with my fine work?

“Oh my oh my, what’s wrong, Nanase-san?”

“A-Asahinaaaa! Did you do this again!?” Nanase-san slammed her hand down on her desk.

“Don’t be like that. You wanted to see a picture of us kissing, right?”

That’s why I had Haruto help me out, and did the best that I could.

“As a special service, I decorated your desk~ No need to hold back, I know that my kindness will bring you to tears!”

“Who’d be thankful for this!?”

What a shame, I worked really hard. I moved my gaze over at the desk, and observed all the pictures of me and Haruto sharing a kiss. Hmm…maybe a bit more like this? I should probably consider adjusting the light some more.

“Why do you just appreciate how well the pictures turned out!? Ahh, what is wrong with you!? You’ve changed so much all of a sudden!”

“O-On top of that, you keep talking about that guy again and again every single day. This isn’t what I expected!” Shouji-san appeared next to Nanase-san. “As if Date forcing this punishment game on me wasn’t enough! I have to listen to his questionable lectures and be forced on random errands! I can’t take it anymore!”

“Y-Yeah…Maybe being suspended would have been better.” Torimaki-san held her head.

My, now I feel kinda bad. Seems like I bothered them too much.

“If that happens, Haruto and I will come visit you, together!”

“Eeeek!?”

“If you’re pretending to be out, we’ll just call you. From early until late, we’ll take really good care of you—so don’t worry~”

“Noooooo!? Forgive me, please!”

“Fufu~”

Maybe I did go too far? I took the wrapping off of what I held in my hand, and stuffed it into Nanase-san’s mouth.

“Mguh!?”

“…I was joking.”

Honestly speaking, I can’t forgive Nanase-san. But, I wasn’t exactly the victim in this, because I couldn’t muster up any courage. And, thanks to what she did, I managed to meet my most important person in this world. That’s why…

“—Thank you, Nanase-san.”

“Wha…!?”

“This cream puff is my thanks for you. I bought this early this morning, so they’re still fresh. Delicious, right? Shouji-san, Torimaki-san, I have some for you as well. Here, eat up.”

“Ah, okay…”

“T-Thanks…?”

Watching Shouji-san and Torimaki-san accept the cream puff in puzzlement, I let out a snicker.

“Anyway, I’ll get back to my seat now! …Ah, Yajima-san, do you want to eat some cream puffs together?” I turned my back to Nanase-san and the others.

“Ugh, it’s delicious, but I can’t accept this! H-How dare she embarrass me like that! Nom nom!”

“You complain, and still eat everything, huh…Just give up already. If you keep going, we’ll be the ones isolated in the class. Nanase, you agree, right?”

“…Right. I don’t want to be influenced by her any more than this. Just leave her alone! What kind of thanks is this supposed to be…!”

“Nanase…”

“…It really doesn’t help that this cream puff is delicious…”

A week has passed since Haruto and I started going out for real. I doubt I will ever forget what happened that day. After that incident at the infirmary, I apologized to all the people that I’ve troubled, lowered my head while prostrating myself, revealed everything, and announced that Haruto and I were now a full-fledged couple.

Of course, I received lots of voices, ranging from congratulations to confusion. Naturally, it’s not like everybody forgave me for what I did. Normally, I should be insulted, and thrown away from their rows. But, even so, I wanted to get along with them one more time, with everyone from class 1, and properly make up with my precious family.

That’s why I explained everything, as many times as it took, and lowered my head in unison. I always had to rely on someone. I was only pushed along the situation. But, I had to graduate from this childish me. Because I want to cherish the people who are with me, the people I’ve encountered. And, everyone accepted my feelings. They cried, and were angry. I couldn’t have been more thankful. It made me realize that I really was blessed.

Just to let you know, if you dare try to hold back around us, or avoid us all-together, I won’t forgive you, alright! Why’d you think we worked so hard in the first place? You better come visit us tomorrow as well. With a lunch box! We’ll be waiting!”

Iizuka-san flipped her finger against my forehead with these words, and I still can’t forget the smile she showed me.

I accept you being with him…and, sorry…for a lot of things.

Bizen-kun gave me a few awkward words, as he apologized himself.

Don’t just keep everything to yourself, and talk with us! Even more so if you think you did something bad! Do you not have any faith in us, your parents!? You even troubled other people because of this…You idiot!

When I came home, my parents and Futaba were already waiting for me. For the first time in my life, Mom slapped me on the cheek. Dad patted me on the head, apologizing for not realizing it earlier. Futaba clung to me, bawling her eyes out. Even the words ‘I’m sorry’ weren’t enough. I must have worried them beyond what I could even imagine.

Everybody got angry, scolded me, and smiled with me in the end. I found it hard to believe at times. I’m sure I would have never been able to achieve such a result just by my own. Because Haruto was always with me, always watching over me, I could stand strong here. That’s why, I have to change. For his sake, for everyone’s sake, and more than anything, for my own.

Nanase-san and the others weren’t exactly kind to me now, but I won’t lose against them. I lifted up my head in pride, and faced them head-on. Nanase-san is just another girl my age, she’s not some super human or alien. She panics at the weirdest things, and runs away if a boy threatens her—Just like me, she’s a girl you could find anywhere.

The moment I realized that, my heart felt light, more at ease. Together with the change within my heart, my surroundings started to look differently as well. Before, my classroom had been wrapped in a gloomy, depressing atmosphere, as my classmates wandered through it like shadows. Now, everything was different to a level I had to rub my eyes. As if a mist had been cleared, the scary image had vanished. Now, it looked like a normal classroom to me, preparing for the first period of the day.

Sitting down on the window frame, Katou-san and the others talked about their christmas plans. Since she got a boyfriend, she had to cancel the gathering. In front of the teacher’s pult were Ide-kun and Nawaguchi-kun, sharing their answers for the homework.

—Nothing changed. The students of class 1 are the same, everyone just being normal students. On the first day when Yajima-san talked to me, everyone else averted their eyes. Why did I never understand it? Until now, I continued to run away subconsciously. I put on an armor in the shape of my formal language, and avoided people outside my family. I told myself that I was fine on my own.

But, that just works for a short time. Eventually, your limit will come. For me, that probably will be when I leave my family to live on my own. Of course, not everything will work out right away. But, as long as I face forward slowly but steady, I will make it. As long as I’m together with the people important to me.

“Oh, you want to take a picture of us?”

After classes ended, Kujou-san called me and Haruto over to the backside of the school building.

“Right! I wanted to use this new camera I bought, and send it in for a contest!” She said, as she presented us her pride and joy; a digital camera.

“A picture, hm…? Oh yeah, that Yui said she wanted to take one with me as well…” Bizen-kun showed a confused reaction.

“Yup, I can understand Yui-san’s feelings. I want to take a selfie with Mifuyu-chan as well, but she just won’t let me. She seems to be in a bad mood as of late…just what happened?”

“Give up on trying to understand that crafty woman’s thinking. Just cut her off and live a better life…”

Bizen-kun and Namikawa-kun were talking about Haruto’s little sister. I actually made plans with Haruto to visit his family the next Sunday, so I can finally meet the person in question. I’m a bit nervous, but since it’s Haruto’s family, I want to properly greet them.

“I thought that you two would be the perfect models for my picture—And shut up already!” Kujou-san showed a strained expression.

The same usual members were gathered around us. Starting with Iizuka-san, we had the Date-kun brothers, and everyone from class 1 who was up for a party. On top of that, Yajima-san also followed me. They all wanted to take pictures themselves.

“Fufu, everyone from class 1 seems so energetic.” Yajima-san said so, as she smiled.

She had gotten used to this scene, and now observed this in joy. Since she’s good friends with Kujou-san, she might be used to energetic gatherings like this.

“Really, I never get tired of watching them.” The class rep Iizuka-san shrugged her shoulders.

Yeah, this really is fun. Being able to talk and laugh with everyone is something I really treasure. Feeling oddly excited, I glanced over at Haruto, who just so happened to look at me.

“Alright, alright, you are all going to get your turn! But we’ll begin with these two lovebirds over there! Just looking at each other like this, what age are we living in!? The prize is 100.000 yen, you know! I’ll split it if we win, so could you act as my models?” Kujou-san clapped her hands, gathering attention.

I see, that was her goal. That’s very much like Kujou-san.

“Hm…I don’t mind, but what about you, Wakaba?”

“I think we can?”

If we take a good one, I can show it to Nanase-san and the others again, yeah.

“Alright! I already decided on the title actually.”

“You got some crazy motivation at the weirdest times, huh. And, what is it?”

“It’s really exciting. And, we have to decide on the pose, right?”

This takes me back to our first date. I hated the idea of taking a picture with him to a level where it showed on my face. And now, it’s the exact opposite. It feels really weird.

“Make sure your hips don’t give out when you hear this awesome title, okay? I will name it—”

That’s when it happened.

“Oh, the main deal is starting? Hey, Shun! It’s Haruto’s and Asahina’s turn!”

“Oh? But, aren’t they a bit stiff? It’s lacking some energetic youthfulness in there.”

“Hey, no bothering now! I can’t even see it!”

The people from class 1 gathered around us, pushing me back and forth—Ah, eh!? Before I even realized it, I was pressed against Haruto.

“What a chaos. But, I might be able to get a good shot like this. Is this going to be a lucky winner, I wonder?”

Don’t just calmly point the camera at us! This is an emergency situation, you know!? I tried to slip through the crowd, but I was pressed inside further.

“Wah, kya!?

“Wakaba, careful!”

I heard Haruto’s panicked voice from behind me. He embraced me from behind, which led his cheek to rub against mine—

“Got it! This is the perfect chance!”

—Click, I heard the sound of the shutter going off.

…

…..

……

……….

“…..Phew, I totally forgot about time again. Fufu, how nostalgic.” A snicker left my mouth.

I had a big picture frame in my hands. Inside of that was a picture of me and Haruto wearing our school uniforms. How many years has it been? I looked at my surroundings. For a second, I envisioned the nostalgic scenery from behind the school building.

But, that vanished instantly. Because I was currently in my own home. My consciousness must have wandered off while I was dwelling in memories back from my high school days. I only wanted to clean up the closet, but I got too into it. Not good, I have to focus. I put the picture into the drawer. I didn’t make any progress at all. I gazed over at the cardboard boxes, scratching my cheek.

Hmm…I thought I chose only the most needed stuff. After living together for two whole years, I guess a lot of things have gathered up.

“Oh, 3pm already? I have to go shopping for dinner now.”

I need to take proper nourishment. He told me about that again and again as well.

“Your mother is going to eat lots, so be born strong and energetic, okay?”

I gently rubbed my own tummy, speaking to my beloved child. Now then, I better make some delicious food for my husband, who’s working his hardest for both our sakes.

“Alright, let’s do this!” I picked up my bag, and searched for my wallet.

It’s really easy to forget all the various point cards I gathered, so I have to check every time to make sure. Confirming the card that said ‘Iruma Wakaba’, I stood up—when the door of the front entrance opened.

“I’m home!”

“Eh?”

With stomping sounds, my husband—Iruma Haruto came running.

“Wakaba! I’m back!”

Eh, he’s home fairly early.

“What’s wrong? Are you not feeling well?”

“What are you on about? I told you I’d be home early, right? Are you still half asleep?”

“Ah, now that you mention it! Not good, I got lost in looking at older pictures.”

“Pictures? Ahh!” Haruto suddenly screamed, as he threw away his bag, and rushed towards the cardboard boxes.

“I-I told you not to move these heavy things!”

“This is just fine, you know?”

“I-I’ll take care of the rest! Don’t do anything dangerous like that!”

“Okay okay…So noisy~” I wanted to complain, but he immediately rushed to stuff the cardboard boxes into the closet.

Unfitting his body frame, he’s quite the canny and smart husband.

“It’s always been like this…Whenever I leave you alone, you try to carry everything on your own…I’m worried, okay? This is an important time, you understand?”

I can’t say anything back to that. But, I didn’t feel like staying on the receiving end.

“…And who is the reason for that? Who was it who got a maiden pregnant before she got married?”

“Guh!? T-That’s, um…!”

Then again, I was wishing for that myself, and we weren’t minors anymore. We are both proper members of society, so there was absolutely no problem. Though, I didn’t expect that I would end up pregnant right away.

Back then, Haruto and I were dating, with marriage in mind. Once we were to get married, we would be together all the time, so we would find weaknesses and negative character traits about the other, which we would normally ignore as lovers. With these thoughts, we convinced our parents, and acted out this ‘Practice’. In other words, we started living together.

Through various fights and differences in opinion, we deepened our bonds, and spent our nights together—which led to this. As a result, we had to rush the marriage, so that my stomach wouldn’t show during the wedding. Surprisingly enough, it wasn’t that hard to organize. When we announced our marriage, we got a few complicated expressions. I still vividly remember Futaba and my mother-in-law celebrating the hardest.

“W-Well! Leaving that aside, you were about to go shopping right? Why don’t I do that for you?”

“Oh, are you sure?”

“Naturally! Just tell me what I need to buy.”

Um…since I planned to make his favorite curry today, I need…

“Carrots, potatoes, and onions. Next is pork, and—”

“Yup yup.”

“If possible, the ultimate grade Perseus II plastic model!”

“We’re going to eat that!?”

I was going to give him the money for it…so petty.

“Ahh, I can’t believe you! You’ve become a slave to mass-produced robots…! I thought my knees would give in when you let that child inside of you hear ‘100 years of mass-produced M-Suit history’, you know!”

“It’s prenatal care~”

“Is this some sort of gifted education!?” My dear husband dropped his shoulders in defeat.

Is he angry by chance?

“Really…that’s just like you, Wakaba.”

Contrary to my expectations, Haruto smiled. On top of that, he gently rubbed me on the head.

“…Hey, Haruto?”

“Hm?”

“I can finally help in granting your wish, right?”

“…Eh?”

In the back of my head, the scene during that calm evening replayed. It really feels like it just happened yesterday.

“You know, it’s been my own dream to help you achieve anything you want, after you’ve given me everything I could have ever wished for…” That’s right, without a doubt— “You see, I am really happy right now…”

“Wakaba…”

“—Ah.”

He took my hand, and kissed me. We both looked at each other, not moving an inch, we couldn’t move. Love was overflowing between the two of us.

“Ah…wait.”

“Hm? What happened?”

I was the one to break the silence.

“The child just moved.”

“Eh!? R-Really! Let me see!”

“Wah, hey!”

“Can you hear me? It’s Papa!”

“My, how embarrassing you are…Hey! Where do you think you’re burying your head!”

“Ah, no, that was a misunder—Gueh!”

I stopped Haruto mid-sentence, giving him a gentle stab on the head.

“Really…you perverted Manjuu…Still helpless as ever.”

“Now now, don’t be like that!” Haruto rubbed his head, and stood up. “Anyway, I’ll head out now…But, do you want to join me? A bit of fresh air won’t hurt you, Wakaba.”

“Yup, sounds good! It’s been a while since we two went out together.”

“Then, we’ll go to the supermarket…and on the way back, we’ll make a stop at the store manager’s place.”

“Eh?”

“You want to buy a new plastic model, right?”

Ah…! Kyaa! Haruto really understands me! I love him!

We stepped outside, when I spotted a blooming flower next to the street. I was oddly fixated on it, when I realized something. The cold weather from the past view days had vanished. The breeze tickling my cheeks was comfortably warm, allowing the flowers around us to bloom beautifully. The seasons are starting to change.

“…Oh, right. Winter is going to end soon.” Haruto muttered.

His profile gave off a gentle air, and I could look at it forever.

“I guess spring is going to come soon? That sure happened in the blink of an eye.”

“Fufu, you’re right. It still hasn’t fully set in yet.” I stretched my back, and leaned against Haruto’s chest.

The soft sensation of his body relaxed me.

“Because, my ‘Spring’ is always right next to me.”

Ever since then, it’s been like this. I looked up at my husband, who stared at me with a blank expression. I gently put my fingers on his cheek, and gently rubbed it.

“Because you’re with me, I can be as happy as I am right now.”

“Wakaba…”

A gentle expression appeared on his face, which made me smile as well. And then, just like we did back on that evening, we held hands as we started walking. Once this child is born, I’ll raise it with all my love, and thank it for being born. And, once it’s all grown up, I’ll let it know.

—About a fragile lonely girl, with nobody but her family to support her, and a kind boy with the smile of the radiating sun, supporting her, and giving her a reason to look forward to tomorrow.

—About our love story.