The kindergarten's parent-child stargazing event was scheduled for Friday evening.
Before the sun had completely set, the playground of Futaba Kindergarten was already lively. Parents unfolded small chairs, children ran around with toy telescopes, and laughter filled the air.
Yoichi arrived early, carrying a large picnic basket. Inside were strawberry cake and hot cocoa—Matsuzaka's favorites—as well as carefully prepared star-shaped cookies for the children.
"Uncle Yoichi! Over here!"
Shin-chan waved enthusiastically, squeezing through the crowd with Kazama, Nene, and Bo-chan right behind him.
"You're all early," Yoichi chuckled, patting Shin-chan's head as he handed out the cookies. "Here, something to keep you busy."
"Thank you!" the children chorused, immediately digging in.
Not long after, Matsuzaka arrived.
She wore a soft off-white dress, her hair loosely tied back, giving her a gentler, more natural look than usual. When her eyes met Yoichi's, a quiet smile appeared—one she didn't even try to hide.
"You're early," she said, sitting beside him.
"I didn't want you to have trouble finding a spot," Yoichi replied, handing her a cup. "Careful, it's still warm."
She accepted the hot cocoa, the warmth spreading from her hands to somewhere deeper.
"You're surprisingly thoughtful," she murmured.
They sat side by side, watching the children play.
Their conversation drifted lightly—from small daily things to quiet, comfortable silence.
It felt—
Peaceful.
As darkness settled, Principal Takakura stepped forward with a large telescope.
"Everyone, let's begin! Tonight's sky is clear—we should be able to see Orion, Ursa Major, and more."
Excited chatter filled the playground as children lined up.
When it was their turn, Yoichi gestured.
"You go first."
Matsuzaka leaned forward, peering into the telescope.
For a moment—
She froze.
"…It's beautiful," she whispered.
The stars shimmered clearly, as if scattered just within reach.
Yoichi stood quietly behind her.
"When I was younger, I used to watch the stars from the rooftop," he said softly. "It always felt like they were so close… like I could almost touch them."
Matsuzaka straightened slowly, her eyes still reflecting the night sky.
"My grandma used to take me out to the fields," she said. "She told me every star was someone watching over us."
For a moment—
Silence.
But this time, it wasn't empty.
Yoichi took a breath.
Then—
"Matsuzaka Ume… there's something I want to tell you."
She froze.
Her heartbeat quickened instantly.
"I know Dr. Tokuro will always be important to you," Yoichi said, his voice calm but unwavering. "And I'm not asking you to forget him."
He stepped closer, meeting her eyes.
"But I like you."
"Not out of pity. Not on impulse."
"I like your stubbornness… your kindness… the way you care about your students."
His voice softened slightly.
"I want to make new memories with you."
"I want to stand beside you… and watch many more skies together."
He held out his hand.
"Matsuzaka Ume… will you be my girlfriend?"
Her vision blurred.
Memories overlapped—
Tokuro's smile.
His promise.
And then—
Yoichi's quiet, steady presence.
The way he never forced her.
The way he stayed.
Tears fell—
But they felt different this time.
Warm.
"…I will."
Her voice trembled, but her answer was firm.
Yoichi smiled—
Brighter than she had ever seen.
He gently took her hand.
Their fingers intertwined.
Under the vast sky—
Time seemed to pause.
"WAAAAH!"
A sudden shout shattered the moment.
"Uncle Yoichi and Teacher Ume are holding hands! Are they getting married?!"
They turned simultaneously.
Shin-chan stood there proudly with his toy telescope, as if he had just discovered a major secret.
Parents nearby began to smile.
Children started whispering excitedly.
Matsuzaka's face turned completely red.
She tried to pull her hand away—
But Yoichi held it firmly.
He looked at everyone—
And said clearly,
"Yes. We're together."
Applause broke out.
Yoshinaga smiled warmly. "That's wonderful, Matsuzaka. I'm really happy for you."
Matsuzaka lowered her head slightly—
But her smile was undeniable.
For the first time—
She didn't hide.
After the event, Yoichi walked her home.
At the apartment entrance, she stopped.
"…Today… thank you."
"For what?" he asked gently.
"For liking me."
Yoichi chuckled softly and reached out, brushing her hair aside.
"Silly… I should be the one thanking you."
"Thank you for choosing me."
He leaned forward—
And gently kissed her forehead.
Her face burned instantly.
But this time—
She didn't run immediately.
Instead, she stood on her tiptoes—
And lightly kissed his cheek.
Then—
She turned and hurried inside.
Yoichi stood there for a moment, touching his cheek, a quiet smile forming.
Above him—
The stars shimmered brighter than ever.
And for the first time—
They truly felt like they belonged to him.