{Greetings Together 2}

Miyu blinked slowly, and I continued.

“If you feel like you can talk to me about the sad and hard things you haven’t been able to share with anyone else—if I’ve become someone you can open up to—then that makes me really happy. I’ve always wanted to be that for you.”

She stood up, her eyes narrowing in a joyful smile.

Then, lowering her eyelashes, she quietly said,

“Thank you. I wanted you to meet my dad too.”

“I’m the one who should be thanking you. May I say hello?”

“Yes, of course.”

After that, we stood side by side in front of the grave and joined our hands in prayer.

Even with my eyes closed, I could feel the strong sunlight and hear the incessant buzzing of cicadas as I spoke silently to Miyu’s father.

—I’m still lacking in many ways, but from now on, I will live my life supporting Miyu. Together, we will find happiness. Please watch over us.

When we finished praying, we extinguished the incense and tidied up the flowers.

We returned the water bucket and ladle to the water station and then left the cemetery.

“Thank you for coming with me today,” Miyu said again.

I couldn’t help but laugh a little.

“Like I said, I’m the one who should be thanking you. I’m glad I could meet your father.”

“Yeah… I think my dad is probably surprised too,” she said, giggling.

“I doubt he ever imagined I’d bring my boyfriend here.”

“Is that so? I hope I made a good impression on him.”

I don’t know if fathers who say things like “I won’t give my daughter to a guy like you!” still exist in real life, but I did my best to make a respectful introduction.

“Don’t worry,” Miyu said, taking my hand.

Her cool, comforting hand gripped mine firmly, filled with emotion.

“Since it’s you, Atsushi, I’m sure my dad is absolutely thrilled and would say, ‘By all means!'”

“Really?”

“Definitely!”

Miyu, always great with compliments, reassured me with a strong nod.

That made me feel happy and relieved, and I couldn’t help but take a deep breath.

I will absolutely make Miyu happy.

I will love her entirely, including all the struggles and burdens she’s carried up until now, and treasure her always.

I renewed that vow in my heart.