The gymnasium was packed—caps straightened, uniforms pressed, the air buzzing with soft sobs, laughter, and the sharp scent of spring flowers.
Kaito stood among his classmates, heart thudding in a way he hadn't felt since the first time Ren sat beside him in 2-B. He clutched his diploma, fingers tight around the ribbon.
Ren stood just across the row. His gaze met Kaito's—and held.
They didn't smile.
They didn't have to.
They just looked.
Like always.
Later, after the speeches and tears and photos and too many handshakes, they slipped away. Just the two of them, walking the tree-lined path behind the school.
Ren was quiet. Kaito didn't mind.
They reached the foot of the old cherry blossom tree—the same one they'd once sat beneath after that long, rainy week of silence and tension. Back when they hadn't known what this would become.
Kaito leaned against the trunk. "It's weird, huh? No more lunch breaks. No more whispered insults in history class."
Ren smirked. "You're gonna miss my distractions."
Kaito rolled his eyes. "Maybe a little."
Ren hesitated. Then reached into the pocket of his blazer.
Pulled out a small box.
And held it out.
Kaito blinked.
"What—"
Ren opened it.
Inside was a simple silver band. Nothing flashy. Just a quiet, honest promise.
"I know we're still figuring things out. College. Careers. The rest of our lives," Ren said, voice steady but low. "But I know this. I want you with me for all of it."
Kaito stared at him. His throat tightened.
"You're—are you serious?" he asked.
Ren nodded. "Not asking you to plan a wedding tomorrow. Just asking if you'll keep saying yes. Even when it's hard. Even when I mess up."
Kaito stepped forward and took the ring gently from the box.
Then looked up, eyes shining.
"Yes," he whispered.
Ren let out a breath—half-laugh, half-sigh of relief—and wrapped his arms around him.
The cherry blossoms stirred overhead.
The wind shifted.
And two boys stood beneath the fading bloom of one chapter, facing the beginning of something far more real.
Together.