Chapter 31
[In the evening, Asano Nao lay in your arms, asking about your plans for the future. You told her you wanted to renovate or rebuild this house, either in an old-fashioned or period style, and then marry her in this house. The wedding could be either Japanese or Western style, and after marriage, you’d like to have a child, preferably a girl, and name her Rikka.]
[She asked about your career plans, which you hadn’t given much thought to. Music was your goal, not a career plan. A career is often associated with status and money, neither of which you pursue. You believe in your abilities and are confident you can do well anywhere.]
[You honestly told Asano Nao, asking if she was worried about your future. You assured her that nothing mattered to you except her.]
[Asano Nao, resting her head on your arm, said she believed in you. You reiterated this in another way, recalling when you first met, saying you had long harbored intentions and hoped she would understand.]
[You watched the sparkle in her eyes, the flutter of her eyelashes, the rise and fall of her breathing. Apart from the obvious teasing, you had never deceived Asano Nao, and you were certain she believed your words.]
[In the third semester, returning from the orchestra’s practice room, you unexpectedly found a guest at home. You never thought this guest would return to the Asano household.]
[Sitting on the living room sofa next to Asano Nao was Chitose Kazumi in her winter uniform. Seeing you, she stood up and greeted you.]
[You thought the farewell after high school graduation was forever, never expecting to see her again. Sitting on the other side of Asano Nao, you talked about the past. The slightly awkward atmosphere became warm through conversation, and the year apart had not changed you much. You both tacitly avoided discussing the reason for Chitose Kazumi’s sudden departure.]
[Through the conversation, you understood the reason for Chitose Kazumi’s visit. Passing by the Asano household, Asano Nao recognized her at a glance, opened the window, and called her name, inviting her in.]