-RIVERSIDE-
-5:55 PM, MARCH 11, 2017-
The sky dimmed slowly.
Colors fading into evening.
Rikuu and Ichika sat down.
Not rushed.
Not tense.
Ichika looked at the river.
"…Everything we went through…"
A pause.
"…It led here."
Rikuu nodded.
"…Yeah."
A long pause.
"…It all mattered."
Ichika turned slightly toward him.
"…Are you proud?"
Rikuu thought for a moment.
Then—
"…I am."
A small silence followed.
Not empty.
Just peaceful.
Ichika smiled.
"…Me too."
The wind passed gently.
Carrying the last light of the day.
Rikuu looked ahead.
"…This is a good ending."
Ichika nodded.
"…It is."
A quiet moment.
Then—
Rikuu spoke softly.
"…Thank you."
Ichika looked at him.
"…For what?"
Rikuu met her gaze.
"…For staying."
Ichika didn't hesitate.
"…Always."
The river flowed.
The wind moved.
And they sat there—
Together.
