A/N: Katsuna is now 17 and Moroboshi is 18.

(No Pov): Three years passed...

-------------Final days of classes before Graduation Month------------

"What if we create a 'Bucket List' together?"

Dan Moroboshi lifts up from his book and with a scoff, he leans back in his chair with a dismissive wave of his hand, "A bucket list? Really, Katsuna? That's the kind of thing people do when they're bored or trying to fill some existential void. I don't have time for that."

"It's not about being bored!" Katsuna pouted, crossing her arms over her chest, "It's about living without regrets. Don't you want to make the most of our time before graduation?"

He rolled his eyes, though the corner of his mouth twitched slightly. "Regrets are overrated. And besides, I'm not the type to make lists about things I'll probably never do."

Katsuna's pout deepened, and she leaned forward, jabbing a finger at his chest. 

"You're so stubborn, Moroboshi-kun! What's wrong with having a little fun? You're always so serious!"

Dan smirked, catching her finger mid-air. 

"And you're always so naive." He mutters under his breath, "Life isn't some grand adventure where everything works out perfectly."

Katsuna huffed, pulling her hand back and launching into a playful flurry of punches on his arm. "You're impossible! Why do I even bother with you?"

Dan chuckled softly, letting her tire herself out before gently catching her wrists. 

"Because you're stubborn too," he said, his voice softer than he intended. He quickly released her, turning his attention back to his book, though his mind wandered.

He thought about the Christmas party three years ago, how being around Katsuna had made him feel... different. 

She had a way of pulling him out of his shell, even when he didn't want to be pulled. It was because of her that he'd found the courage to submit his army application, to take a step toward a future he'd always dreamed of but never thought he'd pursue. 

He should've been feeling accomplished and excited, but instead, he had this empty feeling in his chest, and he knew it was because of her. He'd always told himself it was better to leave people behind and keep his distance.

But Katsuna had somehow slipped past his defenses, and now the idea of saying goodbye felt impossible.

Still, he kept his plans to himself.

He didn't tell her about the military, about the life he was about to start. He told himself it was for the best, that she'd be better off not knowing. But deep down, he knew it was because he was afraid—afraid of how she'd react, afraid of the feelings he couldn't quite name.

But now, as graduation loomed, he felt an unexpected weight in his chest. He should have been happy, proud even, but all he could think about was how much he'd miss her.

Katsuna, oblivious to his internal struggle, leaned back in her chair with a sigh. 

"Fine, if you won't make a bucket list with me, I'll just have to make one for both of us. And you'll have no choice but to go along with it!"

Dan shook his head, hiding a small smile. "You're relentless."

"And you're stuck with me," she shot back, grinning.

The graduation ceremony day was finally here, and Dan stood with his classmates, diploma in hand. He glanced around and caught sight of Katsuna, who was all smiles celebrating her own achievement. 

Uncle Jack's loud voice echoed through the auditorium as he cheered, "That's my niece!" Katsuna laughed and hugged him tightly, her face lighting up with pride. 

Watching her made Dan's chest tighten. He wanted to go over and say something—anything—but he just couldn't do it. So, he turned and walked away, heading for the military bus parked at the stop. 

He kept telling himself it was for the best and that she'd understand someday. But as he boarded the bus and took his seat by the window, he couldn't shake the feeling that he was making a mistake.

Back at the ceremony, Katsuna looked around, her smile fading as she realized Dan was nowhere to be seen. 

"Where's Moroboshi-kun?" she asked, her voice tinged with worry.

Jack frowned, scratching the back of his head. "I think he already left."

A classmate nearby overheard and chimed in, "Oh, Dan? Yeah, he's joining the army. Didn't you know?"

Katsuna's heart sank. 

"What? No... he didn't tell me."

The classmate shrugged. "Guess he didn't want to make a big deal about it."

Katsuna felt a surge of betrayal and hurt: 'How could he leave without saying goodbye? Without telling her?' She turned to Jack, her eyes pleading. "Uncle Jack, we have to catch him!" Jack didn't need to be told twice. He grabbed her hand and led her to his motorbike. 

They sped through the streets, the wind whipping past them as Katsuna clung to Jack's back. Her mind raced, memories of the day she and Dan had met flashing before her eyes. She couldn't let him leave like this—not without saying what she needed to say.

When they reached the bus stop, Katsuna jumped off the motorbike before it had even fully stopped. 

"Dan!" she shouted, her voice breaking.

Dan, startled from his window gaze, turned as she ran toward the bus, cheeks flushed, hair disheveled. He quickly stepped off, signaling the driver to wait. "Just give me a minute," he said. Katsuna stopped in front of him, her chest heaving as she caught her breath. 

"Is it true? You're going to the army?" 

Dan hesitated, his heart pounding. 

He hadn't expected this—hadn't expected her to chase after him. He nodded slowly, unable to meet her eyes. "Yeah. It's true."

Katsuna's eyes filled with tears. 

"Why didn't you tell me? Was everything we did... did it mean nothing to you?"

Dan's head snapped up, his expression fierce. 

"No! That's not true!" He took a deep breath, his cheeks flushing as he struggled to find the words, "I... I didn't care about anything at first. But then you came along, and... you became my guiding light. You made me want to be better, to do better. I... I care about you, Katsuna. More than I should."

Tears spilled down Katsuna's cheeks as she listened. 

Without thinking, She rushed towards him, her arms wrapping around him in a fierce hug, her face pressing into the fabric of his chest. The unexpectedness of the embrace took him by surprise; Dan stood frozen for a fleeting moment, a flicker of hesitation crossing his face. 

Then, his arms moved, responding to her unspoken need. 

One hand gently rose to cradle the back of her head, his fingers softly brushing against her hair, while the other hand slowly, deliberately, drew her even closer, deepening the connection between them. 

He held her tightly, mirroring the intensity of her embrace. Her strawberry-raspberry lotion filled his senses, igniting a deep longing within him. 

A longing for her.

He glanced over her shoulder and saw Jack grinning, giving him a thumbs-up. 

Dan rolled his eyes but couldn't help the small smile that tugged at his lips.

"I'm going to miss you," Katsuna whispered, her voice trembling, "I wish you'd told me sooner. I wish we had more time..." 

Dan's grip tightened around her. "I'll...miss you too," he admitted quietly, his voice barely above a whisper. "Even if I don't want to admit it."

The bus driver honked impatiently, snapping them out of the moment. 

Dan sighed and reluctantly pulled away. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a piece of paper, scribbling something on it before handing it to Katsuna. "This is the address where I'll be training. You can write to me... if you want."

Katsuna's eyes lit up as she took the paper. 

"I'll write to you every day!" she promised, her voice filled with determination. "You'll never be bored!"

Dan chuckled softly, his heart warming at her enthusiasm, "I'll look forward to it." As he boarded the bus and took his seat, Katsuna waved enthusiastically, shouting, "Goodbye, Dan!" He waved back, his expression softening as he mouthed the words, 'I love you.'

Katsuna's eyes widened in shock, but before she could respond, the bus pulled away, leaving her standing there and her heart racing. She slowly turned to Jack, her voice barely a whisper. 

"Uncle Jack... what does 'I love you' mean?"

This caught Jack off guard for a minute before he slowly smiles and starts laughing, ruffling her hair. "You'll figure it out one day, kid." 

"Can't you tell me now?" She whines, only for him to shake his head in denial, "Nop, sorry. That's only for you to figure it out." 

Katsuna frowned at that response, her gaze drifting back to the road where the bus had disappeared. "Do they allow letters in the military?" she asked, sounding hopeful. 

Jack shrugged. 

"It's complicated, but yeah, you can send letters. Just gotta follow the rules."

Seeing her doe-grey eyes shining with determination, he smiled when he heard her telling him, "Then I'll get a job and write to him every day. He won't feel left out—not if I can help it." 

Jack smiled, placing a hand on her shoulder. "That's my girl."

As the sun set and the cherry blossoms danced in the wind, Katsuna stood there, clutching the piece of paper Dan had given her. She didn't know what the future held, but she knew one thing for certain: she wasn't going to let Dan Moroboshi slip away without a fight.