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…
Two knocks came from the other end of the door, waking Yukari up.
“Yukari, I think it’s time to get up.”
“Minato, it’s 5am. It’s way too early to be up for school.” She uttered back, albeit groggily.
“The student council recommended me to wake up at this time today, so why shouldn’t you?” He responded blankly. “Minato, i know you’re trying to help but you’re forgetting that I am not the one who’s going to make a speech here!” She got up on her bed and rubbed her eyes
“Oh, that’s right…my apologies.” She heard him walking away.
…she got up on her bed and rubbed her eyes. The ceromony would start at eight, and Minato was very busy trying to prepare for it. It kind of reminded her of Mitsuru.
Speaking of her, it’s kinda weird how she never saw her come over to their dorm or seen her and Minato interact as of late. Perhaps it’s her being prestigious as always.
Or…it could be her trying to hide her very obvious crush, even though she thought that faded a while ago.
That’s not important though. Just gotta focus on her. Even if she’s now unable to sleep. Yukari sighed to herself, she knew he was probably stressed but to go to this extent was annoying.
…
Well, if he’s that stressed, it wouldn’t hurt to try to help him practice. Would it?
__________________________________________
Junpei’s eyes opened.
He stretched his arms and got out of bed.
…
For some reason, he heard the voices of Minato and Yukari downstairs. Minato specifically seemed to be repeating something and Yukari kept adding onto it kinda?
That’s weird.
…
He felt like he was missing something.
He got up and looked at his calendar.
…
Oh. Wait a second.
It’s graduation day.
That means two things!
A. Minato is gonna say his lines at the ceremony, if anything he’s probably practicing for it right now!
B. Chidori is going to come today and experience her first spring. He’s gotta call visit her, well…after he gets fully dressed.
Today is a big day!
…
He immediately looked at the time.
7 in the morning!
Perfect! He’s just gotta get dressed!
He cracked his knuckles and went into the bathroom!
__________________________________________
Woof!
“I know! I know!” Ken chuckled as he pet Korumaru. “Graduation happens today! We’re definitely going, I promise!”
“…Minato will be the one making a speech now, right?” Aigis wondered. “Yeah! Apparently him and Yukari are practicing.” Ken answered enthusiastically. “How do you know that-?”
Fuuka came downstairs, her gokkoukan outfit already on.
“…They’ve been practicing for an hour and a half now. The only reason they’ve stopped is because Minato is leaving.” She answered. “If only these walls wasn’t so thin…”
“Oh yeah, you all are graduating, right?” Ken spoke again. “…Huh, do you think we’ll still be connected with each other?”
Fuuka immediately answered “of course! Don’t believe for a second that we’ll cut each other off!”
Aigis nodded at it. “Of course, after the dark hour, we’ll always be together somehow…” she hummed. “This place gave me so many memories, I won’t forget it that quickly.”
Korumaru barked again.
…
“Wait, it’s the final graduation right? How are we gonna bring him inside the school?”
…
The silence was deafening…
__________________________________________
“Remember, you should also make sure to wear black and white.” Akihiko advised as he got a formal suit they had shopped for.
“You’re practically a legal adult, so if anyone asks you why you’re there, just say you’re there for a friend.” He fixed her tie.
“Speaking of, I know you were thinking of wearing your cotton robe to there…” Aki trailed off for a second. “Don’t do it, you’ll draw attention to yourself.”
“You don’t have to do all of this, Sanada.” Mitsuru sighed, a part of her embarrassed at how Akihiko is the person telling her this.
“Is that so?” He said blankly. “That’s surprising coming from you, especially when it’s graduation day.”
A slight grin escaped his lips “besides, you wouldn’t want to displease your boyfriend Minato, would you?”
“W-well…that would be a good point.” Mitsuru, clearly caught off guard uttered. “I-if we were actually dating, but thankfully we aren’t.”
The silence was deafening. Akihiko knew that was a bold face lie, and Mitsuru could tell that right from his wide smile he’s giving her. Before he could shoot through her lie, she quickly went into the bathroom.
He sighed and continued putting on the rest of his accessories. He was also there for the rest of SEES. A part of him was curious on how Junpei turned out, now that the little study group meetings they had weren’t really a thing anymore.
He put his jacket on and looked in the mirror.
…It worked for the time being.
__________________________________________
8 o clock. The ceremony will start soon.
“You’ll be fine!” Chihiro said…for the fourth time to the question. “There’s a reason you were chosen to speak, Minato! It could’ve been any other person too!”
“I’m just unsure if I’m going to do this right, even after practicing with Yukari…” He shook his head. “Hm, alright, imagine it like this then…”
“You’re saying your speech upon a lot of people who either don’t care about any speech or won’t care about any mistakes you make on it.” Hidetoshi…reassured. “There’s a high chance that even if you do mess up, it won’t be the end all be all. Really.”
“W-well that’s a little pessimistic.” Chihiro looked away. “I…I don’t disagree but I don’t think that’s the right way to say it…”
A teacher entered the room. “Arisato, the assembly is starting.” He nodded and looked to the others.
“You got this!” Chihiro smiled cheerfully.
“Break a leg, if they don’t enjoy it, we will.” Hidetoshi nodded dutifully.
__________________________________________
They were outside of the school.
“This feels weirdly nostalgic.” Mitsuru hummed. “Nothing’s changed after all. Huh?” Akihiko smiled. “I wonder if the others are inside already or not-“
“Akihiko! Over here!” Junpei yelled out to him. Well that answers that. He turned around to see him.
“Hey Junpei.” He said, half enthusiastic and half unenthusiastic at what he’s going to say next. “Didn’t expect you guys to be here, did you hear about Minato’s speech?”
“Minato’s…speech?” Mitsuru turned around. “Yeah! He’s still in the student council and everyone voted for him to speak.” Junpei held his cap. “So, when the assembly starts, the principal will start talking and then introduce him…probably.”
Mitsuru didn’t say anything, but a slight smile was etched onto her face. “How interesting..”
“…You’re still as cryptic as always…” Junpei sighed. “Don’t worry about her, she’s just star struck that her boyfriend is following her footsteps.” Akihiko grinned
“AKI!” She scolded. “Quit saying that so loudly! I don’t like him like that!”
As Akihiko continued to tease Mitsuru, Junpei stared at them confusingly. “…Am I missing something?” He tilted his head. “I thought it was common knowledge that You liked him, on nights you even invited him into your room.”
Mitsuru froze as Akihiko turned to hide his face. Meanwhile she could hear the rest of SEES listen in. “Mitsuru likes Minato?” Yukari asked “that’s news to me.”
…
“JUNPEI I SWEAR TO GOD-“
__________________________________________
People gathered in there seats and got ready for the speech that was going to happen. It was hyped up apparently by the school.
Yukari sighed, Junpei led patiently led Chidori to a free seat, Ken, Fuuka, and Aigis came Korumaru-less, as he knew they would not give him a pass again, Mitsuru and Akihiko sat together, ready to see what’s going to occur.
People started to hush up as the principal started speaking…
__________________________________________
Minato took deep breaths, doing the most difficult parts again and again.
This was important, sure it wouldn’t be anything Mitsuru could do…but it had to be something, something to go out with a bang.
He got this.
He took a deep breath.
…a beautiful butterfly flew in. That’s…weird. Perhaps one of the windows was open.
It appeared to look unnatural, more of a blue shade.
…
It gave him solace.
He brushed his hair gently as it flew on top of it.
He’s got this.
__________________________________________
As the clapping from the previous speech stopped, Minato went onto the stage.
A few of the students were surprised, especially because people expected it to be one of the teachers.
“…Hi.” He said.
…
“The last year, when I was a second year. I was asked by someone special to be in the student council for the time being.”
“Before said year, I’ve encountered many problems in my life, specifically, I wanted to know why I wanted to keep going, this seemed like another obstacle to solve.”
“But, something changed last year, I’ve gotten many friends, people who have supported me and loved me for who I am..”
“And…I’m happy to say that I’ve changed for the better. Even if I’m still searching for my “answer.””
Mitsuru gasped as he did something that she’d never thought he’d do publicly…
He…smiled.
“For everyone who’s supported me, even when times were rough…I’m thankful for you…and I hope everyone here gets their “answer”. For one way or another.”
He finally placed the mic back into the slot.
The clapping started. And he turned to walk back off stage, but he heard specifically loud clapping from someone familar.
He turned, and it was junpei.
“THAT WAS AMAZING, DUDE! GREAT JOB!” Junpei clapped. “10/10! I DONT EVEN KNOW WHY YOU WERE WORRIED!”
“Junpei…! Shut up! You’re bringing attention to us!” Yukari said through tears.
He smiled, and walked off.
__________________________________________
“You did amazingly! Just as we said!” Chihiro beamed. However, Hidetoshi simply walked up to him. “…I’m glad we were able to do that to you Minato.” He gave a warm smile. “It’s the least we could do for you.”
…
This really is their last meeting, huh?
…
He hugged him.
“H-hey!” We’re not close enough for that!
Chihiro just looked at them stunned. “Well…why not! Group hug for making it through the year! Come on everyone!”
“W-wait! Let’s hold on a second-“
But the rest of the students joined in anyway, much to his slight dismay.
…Yes, this was what he wished for.
…The butterfly seemed to agree too…
__________________________________________
He stepped outside, the butterfly seemed to be ready to be taking off.
But for some reason, it stayed, unbeknownst to it there was a teenager running up to him that was going to-
“MINATO-! MEVER MAKE A SPEECH AGAIN!” Yukari grabbed him and shook him. “Dammit, I wasn’t expecting to cry today! You’re not supposed to do that!”
She wiped her face and smiled. “You did great, Minato. I taught you well.” Two people seemed to approach him.
“So that was a ceremony?” Chidori questioned. “Yeah! And here’s the guy who was saying it!” Junpei’s grin was ever so present. “His name is Minato Arisato, and he’s kinda in the same predicament as you!”
“He…is?” Chidori questioned. “Well yeah! Both of you are living to find a meaning in something, right?” Junpei responded. “Hm…I guess so.” She turned to him. “Well it’s nice to meet you, Minato.”
He didn’t know how to respond, it still felt surreal seeing her alive and well.
…plus the last time he saw her alive, she was fighting them. But uh, that’s not important-
“Minato.”
He heard his name be called by a familiar voice.
He immediately looked around, knowing who it’s coming from.
And a person he thought would’ve abandoned him by now approached him…
“Mitsuru?” He said, taken off guard. She aged a bit, her hair was a darker shade of red, she grew just a little which wasn’t very notable…
…If that didn’t still mean that she still surpassed him in height! She smiled as he noticed the difference right off the bat.
“You’ve changed a bit.” She sighed, smiling. “The speech was amazing. Never doubt yourself again Minato…“
“…Arisato!” She internally cursed herself for letting that slip by. But he continued smiling with the remark.
“Thanks, Mitsuru…” He smiled, yet he was caught off guard by her. Was she really keeping her promise? Even after he ignored her?
…Was there a place he could talk with her that was semi private…?
…
The rooftop!
Usually he wouldn’t go there with someone, especially Mitsuru. He thought it would betray her. But if anything she’d want him to go through with it.
“Mitsuru, can you follow me to the rooftop for this?” Minato held her hand. “I…I just realized this was the perfect opportunity for something.”
“Of course…Let’s just try to make sure nobody’s looking, okay?” Mitsuru hummed. “We’ll meet you guys at the mall! We’re just gonna talk about something!” Minato called out to his friends.
“…It’s still weird seeing them date, did they start recently?” Fuuka asked. “…They’ve been dating since 2009, Fuuka.” Junpei answered. Akihiko put his finger to his head, Mitsuru’s gonna kill him when she notices this…
__________________________________________
They finally arrived. Nobody was up there fortunately.
The view…he always went here when his head was clouded. It felt relaxing looking out to sea, thinking about what could’ve been.
But now, he kind of preferred this outcome. If anything, he actually wanted this if anything.
It’s just like what she predicted, he would have them to support him…
Hopefully, she would approve of what he’s going to do…
“Mitsuru…I’ve been thinking about our relationship…And I just wanted to say…” He took a deep breath. “I’m so sorry! God, I ignored you for the better part of a year, I barely talked to you outside of phone calls-!” He quickly said before sighing. “I was still stuck on Elizabeth and all.”
Mitsuru nodded. She put her hand over his, just like when she first confessed to him…
“I kept thinking that she wouldn’t want me to move on from her, to forget about her…but..I want to move on, and I think she’d want me to do so too. But then when this date came I felt like if I called you for it, I would be using you and I just…”
“Take a deep breath, it’s no rush.” She calmly nodded.
“But then you came…I didn’t expect you to actually come here-“ Minato stuttered over his words a bit, now feeling a tad embarrassed for this whole thing. “So I’ll just say it now.”
“Mitsuru…I don’t want to keep hiding myself from you, I want to make this work.” He forced out. Mitsuru smiled though, wanting to egg him on further. “Make what work? Elaborate, Mina.”
“O-our relationship, Mitsuru.” He looked straight at her, trying to be as serious as he could. But she smiled, knowing the side of not being used to love was still there. “Ugh this is taking too long-“
“Mitsuru! I want to move in with you!” He said swiftly. “I expected so.” Mitsuru smiled. “If that’s all, then we easily could’ve-“
“I…also want to do something else here.” He looked out to the sky. It reminded him of her.
“I think I want to work with you, I want to stay with you, side by side together…”
“I heard that you’re planning to form an operation where you and others defeat shadows…I want to help in anyway necessary!”
Well that was…less than expected, but it was doable. She felt her hand being squeezed by Minato’s…
“You’re slowly becoming your old calmer self, Minato.” She hummed. “I am?” He questioned.
“You’re no longer stuttering with each sentence, and you’re finally talking to me willingly.” She turned to him. “Oh…you’re right.” He said to himself, the windmills flowing. “I think that’s because I’m learning to adjust without her.”
“Her?”
“Elizabeth, I mean.”
She sighed at the mention of her. “I’m sorry I wasn’t able to do anything while you were hurting, I just wanted to check on you and see if you were okay.”
“Don’t be, Mitsuru. I’m just happy that you didn’t abandon me.” He uttered, calmly.
“Minato, I would never abandon you unless you want me to.” She said, her tone a tad solemn. “I promised that to you, remember?”
“Of course I do…thank you, Mitsuru.”
He could see the butterfly flutter on top of the fence overlooking the city…
It made him strangely mournful.
…
“I think it’s time to go back to the others.” He said as she turned to him.
She nodded. “Come on, Mina.” She took his hand. “Let’s go, together this time.”
Together they ran out into the school and out into the rest of tatsumi port…ready to take on the world together…
…
…
The butterfly flew onto the seat, getting ready to rest, one more time…
“You were always right there with me,”
“Always, always, always, right there smiling by my side…”
“Even if I lose you, I will get you back, I will never leave you…”