In a secluded area in the gardens, Budo and Hina sat, watching the gardening club plant flowers in remembrance of the lives recently lost.

Budo took Hina's hand. "Oh, I almost forgot. I have something for you."

"Oh? You do?"

Budo nodded, going into his bag and pulling out a ring.

"Is that...?"

"It's not an engagement ring. Even if we are engaged. I didn't think you'd appreciate it as much as this. It's a promise ring."

"A promise ring?"

"It's me, promising you, that... whatever happens, it's you and me. Whether we get married in a huge wedding, or we run away and get eloped. Whether we live in an apartment in the city, a house in the country, or we stay here in our hometown. You'll never be alone because I'll be by your side the whole time."

Hina smiled, putting the ring on. "Budo, that's... that's so beautiful of you."

Budo smiled. "Well..."

Hina looked at the ring. "I've made a decision. Just now."

"Have you?"

"I'm finishing after this year. I'm ending my contract. I'm getting away from my dad."

Budo smiled. "You are?"

She nodded. "Yeah. I'll get a job. I'll apply to university. And we'll live together. I want to get eloped. Just the two of us."

Budo nodded. "We can do that."

Hina smiled. "Then let's do it."

***

Ayano had never experienced anxiety before; at least not the extent she was then.

Under the cherry blossom tree, the pretty pink flowers falling around, she awaited her senpai. As she stared at the ground, she noticed some of the fallen flowers had since rotted and gone brown. She was reminded of Osana, all those weeks ago.

Senpai came running up the hill. He spotted Ayano and paused, as if in surprise.

"Ayano?"

"Hi, Taro."

She realised it was the first thing she had really properly said to him. She wasn't writhing or squirming like she usually did, she was calm.

"You wanted to meet me?"

"Yeah. I did." Ayano took a breath. "Taro, for the last few weeks... I've developed feelings for you. I'm aware we haven't really spoken properly, but... I just had to tell you. I think you're really cool, and it'd be great if you wanted to hang out sometime."

The words coming from her mouth completely undermined what her true feelings for him were. However, she knew she had to rein it in as to not scare him.

"Wow, Ayano... I wasn't expecting that. Well... you seem cool too. I thought you were too popular for me, but... yes. I'd love to hang out. And it'd be nice to be together. It's been a tough few weeks, and..."

Ayano smiled then. Her world changed. There was colour; light: everything she had been missing and looking for. She laughed, feeling herself tear up. It had all come to fruition.

Taro opened his arms and Ayano fell into them. It felt so good to be held, to be alive, to be loved. She loved every person she had come across; she loved her parents, her family, Hina, Budo, even every rival she had eliminated.

And most of all? She loved Taro Yamada.

***

The school year came to an end. The students who were graduating that year were listening to the headmaster's speech.

Hina and Ayano sat with their seats together, holding each others hands. Ayano had made a promise to Hina; she would never murder another person. She planned on keeping the promise... unless something came up.

Taro was next to Ayano, listening to the speech. Budo was next to Hina, and was thinking about their elopement which would be happening that weekend.

"...and with that, I congratulate you, class of 2025. Please, parents, family, and friends, give them a round of applause."

Ayano found her mother in the audience with her father. It was hard not to; she had stood up and screamed for her. She laughed at her.

"Now, our students voted for a student to give a speech. Please welcome, Hina Shio."

Hina stood up. Budo watched her with a proud smile on his face.

"I know it shouldn't be me up here giving this speech. I would like us to be reminded of the tragic death of Megami Saikou. She will be greatly missed." Hina took a breath. "I'd like to tell you all some things I've learned over my time here at Akademi. I've learned that love conquers all. All kinds of love. It doesn't matter what you do, as long as you do it with someone who you love. I love you, Budo, and I'm so excited for what's to come. I love you, Akane, and I know that you'll achieve incredible things. I love you, Uekiya, you're the kindest person I know, and I know the universe has wonderful things in store. And I love you, Ayano. Our bond will never break." Hina met Ayano's eye, and smiled. "And my final message to you all is to love others. Good things will come to you. Thank you."

The crowd cheered, and Hina returned to her seat.

"Thank you, Hina. And with that, I wish you all the best in life. Go on to do great things, and go and celebrate. You did it!" The headmaster said. Everyone clapped, and dispersed.

Ayano and Taro snook off, and found a place to talk.

"That was a great speech from Hina."

Ayano shrugged. "It was okay."

"Just okay?" He laughed.

She smiled, leaning on him. She craved the touch of him every second they weren't together. He wrapped his arms around her.

"Taro?"

"Yeah?"

"I'm pregnant."