Chapter 29: A big opportunity

So we really are a couple now huh? This feels like a dream. I'm so happy right now that I could fly. And from what I'm seeing, Yukino seems to be just as happy as I. I'm really glad that I made this decision. I know that this path the two of us decided to take on won't be easy, but we'll face it together. 

"So you got the shoes huh?" 

"You noticed? He-he." I replied with a smug face. "Though it cost me almost half of my pay." 

Yukino laughed. I missed this laugh. I guess I'll be seeing this very often nowadays so I'll be sure to cherish it. I'll cherish every moment with her.

"So should we tell the others about it?" Asked Yukino.

"I guess we should. They would notice anyway."

"But let's keep my condition a secret for a while. I'm not ready to tell them yet." 

"Sure, just take your time." 

We fell in deep silence as I continued to play the piano for her. I should thank the one who left this piano here. I found joy in playing for Yukino as she would listen and close her eyes while swaying her body left and right slowly in rhythm with the tune. 

"You know, I used to keep my friendships on a shallow level. It was to not form a deep relationship knowing that I'll be leaving them soon. I don't want them to get too attached and fall into sadness when I'm gone."

"I think you should stop doing that." 

"Why? Thinking about it rationally, wouldn't that be the right thing to do?" 

"I don't think so. Just like the way you did just by being there at my side. You changed me. I believe that you could change people just by being close to them. You shouldn't think of what will happen when you're gone, instead, think of what you can do while you're still here." 

"I've never thought of it that way. But you do have a point." Said Yukino, her eyes widened as if surprised to hear those words from me.

I felt my phone ringing from my pocket that made me stop from playing the piano. I checked and it was from my editor so I quickly answered.

"Aoi?" 

"Yes mister Nakamura?"

"I have good news and bad news. Which one would you like to hear first? Actually nevermind I'll tell the good news first." 

Look at this man, telling me to choose then deciding for himself. Well, I would've chosen the good news first anyway.

"Your novel has been gaining lots of attention even after uploading only a few chapters. In fact, it won the weekly ranking. So the branch director decided something. He decided to send your novel to a publishing company in Europe saying that this country is too small for you. He wants the world to read your novel or rather novels."

Really?! This is big news, and to receive it just after Yukino and I started dating. I guess the wind is finally blowing to my favor this time around. Does this mean that I have a great chance at becoming a world renowned novelist? I don't want to get ahead of myself but this is really something. I'm so happy.

"Really? I'd be delighted to. What's the bad news?" 

"You're in a slump." 

"Don't worry about that sir, I think I got over it already so I'll be writing as soon as tonight." 

"Really? That's good! I was getting a bit worried. But anyway, don't get ahead of yourself. Even after sending your story, it would still be under approval so don't lose your focus!" 

"Yes Mr. Nakamura" 

The phone call ended and Yukino was a bit confused as to why I look so happy right now. I put the phone back in my pocket and quickly hugged Yukino ever so tightly. 

"What's it Aoi? Why do you look so happy?" 

"Yukino… My novel is about to be sent to a publishing company in Europe." Said I as tears of joy are building up in my eye.

"Isn't that really good Aoi? I'm so proud of you! I told you! Never let go of writing ever again okay?" 

I simply nodded as I hugged her once more. Me enveloped in her arms as she is in mine felt so warm despite the air being so cold. I wish I could stay here forever with her. But I know too well that this won't last forever, so I should cherish these moments with her as much as I can. 

The two of us rode my motorcycle to university and decided to attend our afternoon lectures. I was in a bright mood all throughout the afternoon lectures. I listened attentively which probably surprised Arata and Kaito. After all, I would usually sleep or spend the entirety of the lecture staring out the window. 

The lecture ended as Kaito and Arata waited for me outside the lecture hall. 

"What's up with you Aoi? Are you really Aoi?" Asked Arata.

"It seems like you're in a good mood today. What's up?" Added Kaito.

"I'll tell you later." 

The two of them pouted as we made our way to meet the others. We walked through the field and met up with the rest at the entrance of the university. The others waved at us and we made our way to the usual diner where we would frequent after classes. 

On our way there, Yukino stuck by Shin's side as I instructed her. This is for the element of surprise as to not give the others a headstart who might notice that the two of us are already dating. While I, on the other hand, walked behind the group like I would usually do. Hina went to the back as well and talked to me. I'm guessing that she already knew what's up considering her sharp observation skills.

"So I guess you two made up?"

Did she not see through it all yet? Then that's good. I hope she'll be cool about this.

"Yeah" 

"Knew it! It's written all over your face anyway with that ear to ear smile you're wearing." 

We arrived at the diner as Yukino and I sat beside each other which seemed to already surprise Shin. We placed our orders and the group started talking about how the lectures were so boring.

"I can't believe the professors started teaching already. Shouldn't we introduce ourselves first?" Said Haruto.

"Are you dumb? Why introduce yourself to people who already know you. Why did I even date you?" Said Shin.

I guess the two are getting along perfectly fine. I would be worried if they're acting all lovey dovey which is way out of character for the both of them. This suits them better. I tried to gather the attention of everyone by standing up. It was time for the surprise so Yukino was a bit embarrassed turning red beside me while remaining seated. 

"Ehem Ehem. So I would like to make an announcement." I felt a sudden nervousness from all this as the others looked at me with attentive eyes. "A-actually.. Yukino and I are dating."