Sunlight filtered through the stained glass windows, scattering golden hues across the polished floor of the auditorium.
At the podium stood Souta Minami — blazer crisp, tie perfectly straight, eyes filled with calm pride.
"Three years," he began, his voice steady.
"They passed before I even realized. I thought I'd always be with you all… but time doesn't wait.
Today, I'm turning a new page."
A gentle pause followed — then soft applause rippled through the hall.
Smiles and tears mingled across familiar faces.
From the second row, Shion Amano watched quietly.
His usual stillness hid a flicker of emotion. Beside him, Kasumi sat straight, clapping softly, her gaze never leaving Souta.
Souta and Kasumi, their eyes met for a moment.
No words — just the silent understanding of one chapter ending and another beginning.
Outside, sakura petals drifted in the air.
The school gates stood open — waiting for the next journey to start.
From his seat, Ren stared at Souta. His usual grin had faded—eyes shimmering with a shine that looked dangerously close to tears.
"…President," he whispered under his breath, "without you… school's gonna feel empty."
On stage, Souta's gaze swept across the hall. His eyes found Ren, and his lips curved into a reassuring smile—gentle, almost like an older brother's teasing.
"What's wrong, Egret? Already missing me?"
Ren jolted, then let out an awkward laugh, rubbing his neck. His attempt to cover up cracked the tension. A small wave of chuckles rippled through the auditorium.
---
Then came Yeamori's turn. Her name was called, and cheers followed as she stepped onto the stage. Her stride was confident, but a faint blush painted her cheeks.
"I'll do my best to continue Souta Minami's leadership," her voice steady but tinged with nerves, "but… I'll bring my own style too."
From the seats, Kasumi clapped softly. Shion sat still, face blank—but his eyes held the faintest flicker of acknowledgment.
Kasumi leaned closer, whispering near his ear.
"…Everything's changing. isn't it ?"
Shion casually adjusted his bag strap.
"Yeah. But some things will stay the same."
Kasumi turned to him, confused. Her cheeks warmed, and she quickly averted her face.
Between them,like an invisible thread connecting the two.
---
Graduation Aftermath
The ceremony had ended.
Students lingered near the courtyard, laughter mixing with farewells. The afternoon sun shimmered softly over the school's gate.
Souta Minami walked ahead, blazer slung over his shoulder, the faint breeze ruffling his hair.
For the first time, he wasn't walking to class—he was walking away from it.
Behind him, a quiet voice called out.
"Hey."
He stopped.
Turning around, he saw Shion Amano, standing at the edge of the path, his expression unreadable as always—yet his eyes held something different.
Souta smiled faintly. "Didn't think you'd call out."
Shion walked closer, stopping a few steps away.
"I just… wanted to say it properly."
Souta tilted his head. "Say what?"
"…Thank you. For everything."
For a moment, neither spoke. The breeze rustled the sakura trees above them, scattering petals between their shoes.
Souta's smile softened, calm and proud.
"You don't need to thank me, Shion. You've grown a lot on your own."
Shion looked down slightly. "Still. You were the one who taught me what it means to stand beside people."
That made Souta chuckle quietly. "Guess I did something right then."
He adjusted the strap of his bag, stepping back toward the gate.
"Take care of them for me—Kasumi, Ren, everyone. You're up next, Amano."
Shion nodded slowly. "…I know."
As Souta turned to leave, Shion's voice reached him once more.
"Souta—"
"…What university are you going to?" Shion's voice stopped him.
Souta turned, surprised—but smiled faintly.
"Still in Tokyo. If you ever need me… call."
Shion's stiff shoulders eased. A faint smile traced his lips.
"…Yeah."
Souta tilted his head, teasing softly.
"So? Who's finally gotten under your skin?"
Shion blinked, confused.
Then… for the first time, a small, genuine smile cracked across his face.
"…Goodbye, Souta Minami."
Souta froze. Then his own smile softened—gentle, proud.
"You just smiled at me. That's the best farewell I could've asked for.
Goodbye, Shion Amano."
Without looking back, he walked away.
Shion stood there silently, watching Souta's figure disappear—sealing the moment deep inside his heart.
---
Streetlamps lit the path in pale yellow. Shion and Kasumi walked side by side, their shadows stretched long across the ground.
Kasumi's lips curved faintly.
"School's going to feel different without Souta, huh?"
Shion's steps slowed. His hands pressed tighter into his pockets. His breath grew heavier.
"…Yeah. Different."
Kasumi glanced at him. His face was pale, his eyes clouded with exhaustion.
A quiet ache tugged at her chest.
---
Back at his apartment.
As Shion stepped inside, his body stumbled. He fell forward. Suddenly start shion nosebleeding.
Blood streaked across his white sleeve.
Hours later—at 2 a.m.—he opened his eyes again. He was still in uniform, bag slung over his shoulder, as if time had frozen the moment.
He sat by the entrance, wiping blood from his face. His hands trembled faintly, but his expression stayed blank.
"…My illness… it's getting worse."
His voice was flat, almost detached.
"I'll have to tell doc—."
In the mirror, he wiped his face with a towel.
And there—he saw him.
The other Shion smiling.
The reflection he hadn't seen since Kasumi entered his life.
This time, the figure was crystal clear.
Eyes calm, but haunting.
Shion stared back at it, heart pounding.
"For years… this illness was quiet, lurking.
Now… its voice is louder.
Every time the blood comes… it gets harder to endure."
---Chapter 28 end---