That night, Hiroshi stayed over at Miyu’s house, lying side by side with her on the bed. The room was dimly lit by the faint glow of the moonlight streaming through the curtains. The cold air of the early spring night seeped in, and Miyu shivered slightly.
“H-Hiroshi…” she whispered softly, turning to face him. “Can you… hug me? I’m so cold here!”
Hiroshi’s face turned a shade of pink, but he nodded. “Y-Yeah, sure…” He wrapped his arms around her, feeling her warmth as they lay close together.
Miyu smiled, her head resting gently on his chest. “You know… tomorrow we’re officially a couple at school. Everyone’s going to know. No more hiding, no more pretending.”
“Yeah…” Hiroshi whispered, his voice steady yet nervous. “I’ll always be by your side, no matter what.”
The next morning, they walked to school hand in hand, the sunlight casting a warm glow over their intertwined fingers. When they entered the schoolyard, heads turned. Students whispered among themselves, confused and curious.
Miyu’s friends quickly ran over, their eyes wide. “Miyu, what’s going on? Are you seriously holding hands with… Hiroshi?”
Miyu stood tall, her cheeks faintly red but her voice confident. “Yeah, we’re a couple now. I’m his girlfriend, and he’s my boyfriend.”
Her friends froze in shock, unable to process the news. Some looked at Hiroshi, their expressions baffled, while others exchanged uncertain glances. But Miyu didn’t care; she held Hiroshi’s hand tighter, as if to declare to the world that her decision was final.
Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.
Meanwhile, Hiroshi’s friends, Mani and Styan, approached him during lunch. “Yo, Hiroshi,” Mani said, his tone incredulous. “What’s this we’re hearing? You and Miyu? For real?”
Hiroshi nodded, smiling sheepishly. “Yeah, we’re together now. Boyfriend and girlfriend.”
Styan chuckled, clapping Hiroshi on the back. “Man, I don’t know how you pulled this off, but congrats! You’re living the dream!”
Miyu smirked, overhearing them. “Hey, it’s not like he didn’t work for it. He’s not just a ‘nerd’ anymore—he’s my nerd.”
The couple spent the day walking through the halls together, unbothered by the stares and whispers. Their love was unshakable, and they knew it.
Five Months Later
Graduation day arrived, and with it came a mix of emotions. Hiroshi and Miyu stood side by side in their caps and gowns, holding hands as they posed for photos. They’d both grown so much over the past year—not just academically, but personally.
After the ceremony, they celebrated with their friends and family, but as night fell, Hiroshi had something special planned.
Under the soft glow of streetlights in the quiet park near their old school, Hiroshi took Miyu’s hand and knelt down on one knee.
“M-Miyu…” His voice trembled slightly, but his determination was clear. He held up a small velvet box, revealing a delicate silver ring with a sparkling gem. “Will you… will you become my wife?”
Miyu gasped, her hands flying to her mouth as tears welled up in her eyes. She stared at him for a long moment, her heart racing.
Finally, she nodded, her voice breaking with emotion. “Yes! Yes, I will!”
Hiroshi stood, slipping the ring onto her finger as they embraced. The world around them seemed to fade away as they held each other tightly, their hearts beating as one.
Their journey had been filled with challenges, misunderstandings, and moments of vulnerability. But through it all, they’d found something truly precious—each other.
This was just the beginning of their next chapter together.