Epilogue

January 4th arrived, the day Livi would return to England. Kanon-san joined us, and together we gathered at the airport to see Livi off.

“Lottie, Akihito, Emma, Kaguya, Kanon—thank you for coming,” Livi said, her smile radiant as the sun. I could sense she was forcing brightness to keep the farewell from turning heavy.

“Livi… I was so happy you came…” Charl tried to mirror Livi’s smile, but her trembling eyes and lips betrayed her. Tears seemed moments away.

Emma-chan, reluctant to part with Livi, buried her face in my chest despite being awake.

“Then it was worth coming,” Livi replied warmly. “I’m really glad I came to Japan too.” Her gaze flicked briefly to me before returning to Charl. She took Charl’s hand gently. “Don’t let Akihito get away, okay?”

“W-What are you saying in a place like this…!?” Charl stammered, flustered.

“I’m not teasing,” Livi said earnestly. “I don’t know when we’ll meet again, so I’m saying it now.”

“That may be true, but…”

“You two, from England and Japan, worlds apart, found each other and you caught such a great guy. Don’t let him go.”

“You’re right… I understand…” Charl nodded faintly, her voice soft.

Livi’s expression was serious, and I stood there, puzzled by their exchange. What were they talking about?

“Good, then that’s settled.” Livi’s tone lightened. “Oh, I almost forgot. Here, Lottie, happy birthday.” She pulled a cushioned box from her carry-on and handed it to Charl.

“Eh, why now…!?” Charl blinked, surprised.

“I missed giving it earlier,” Livi explained. “I thought about taking it back, but… I decided you should have it.”

“Can I open it…?”

“No, it’s embarrassing,” Livi said, crossing her fingers in an X. “Look at it after I’m gone.”

As Charl held the gift, Livi’s eyes suddenly turned to me. “Akihito!”

“Hm?”

“Thanks for everything! I’m so glad you’re Lottie’s husband! Please take care of my cute, kind, precious childhood friend from now on!”

“L-Livi, your voice is too loud…!” Charl scolded, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

But Livi ignored her, fixing me with a gaze full of unwavering resolve. I met her eyes and nodded, summoning my widest smile. “Yeah, leave it to me.”

It felt like the truest response for a girl who’d traveled so far for her friend.

“I trust you!” Livi beamed, her face lighting up. With that, she turned back to Charl. “Actually… I had given up on studying abroad.”

“Livi…?” Charl’s eyes wavered, catching the resigned smile on her friend’s face.

“I didn’t understand Japanese, and Lottie was thriving here… so I gave up.” Livi paused, then her sun-like smile returned, dazzling and sure. “But I’ve decided to aim for it after all! I’ll work hard, learn Japanese, and become fluent! I’ll study at a Japanese school! I want to stay by Lottie’s side forever, and I found things I want to do in Japan! So, wait for me—by the time you’re third-years, I’ll be back!”

Livi’s two weeks in Japan had forged a new determination. Gone was the guilt of chasing Charl; now she glowed with purpose and clear goals. I knew how swiftly someone with such resolve could grow.

“I understand… I’ll be waiting,” Charl said, her voice steady despite the tears in her eyes.

“Yeah! So, this is just a temporary goodbye.” Livi pulled Charl into a tight hug. Charl’s restraint shattered, tears streaming down her face. Livi, too, began to cry.

Watching them, my chest tightened. If only I could ease their pain…

“It’ll be fine,” Kanon-san said softly, standing beside me.

“What’s that…?”

“Charlotte-san has already studied abroad. As long as Livi learns Japanese, following her is possible. If she needs support, my sister or I can help. Language is the only barrier.”

Even if Livi’s school or parents objected, Kanon-san or Sophia-san would likely step in. That was reassuring.

“Then it’ll be fine,” I said. “I think Livi will definitely learn Japanese.”

“Yes, that’s why I said it’s fine,” Kanon-san replied. “But… it wouldn’t hurt to help a friend. Practicing conversation with a partner improves language skills—”

“Right, Charl and I can be her Japanese conversation partners, can’t we?”

“Very good.” Kanon-san smiled, satisfied, and stepped toward Kaguya-san. “This will put some burden on you too—”

“Yes, leave it to me,” Kaguya-san replied.

“Thank you.” Their voices dropped to a whisper.

I turned back to Charl and Livi. “Well, it’s time,” Livi said, pulling away. “I’m going.”

“Yes…” Charl’s voice trembled, her hands clinging to Livi.

Seeing her struggle, I approached and wrapped one arm gently around Charl from behind. “Thank you, Akihito,” Livi said softly, grateful for the support.

She looked at me, Charl, Emma-chan in her arms, and the others. “Really, thank you all! Let’s meet again, bye-bye!” With an energetic wave, she turned and walked away.

“Livi…” Charl murmured her name, tears falling as Livi’s figure vanished. There was no reply.

“It’s okay,” I said gently. “We’ll see her again soon.”

“A-kun…” Charl clung to my neck, careful not to disturb Emma-chan, as if to ease her loneliness. I stood still, letting my precious girlfriend cry as long as she needed.

◆◆◆

“I’m going to open the present…” On the limousine ride home, Charl clutched the gift tightly and began to unwrap it. She peeled away the cushioning and lifted the box’s lid. Inside was a white mug, adorned with a drawing of a silver-haired, long-haired girl and a blonde, twin-tailed girl holding hands—unmistakably Charl and Livi.

“That drawing is amazing!” I exclaimed, stunned. “Is Livi an illustrator!?”

Charl shook her head. “No, she doesn’t draw professionally. Livi’s just very good at it. Um… since we were young, she drew cute characters because it made me happy… so she often drew for me.”

That explained Livi’s skill. To draw so well… she truly cherished Charl. Her earlier hesitation to give the gift must have stemmed from guilt, but she’d resolved her feelings and shared it.

“I see… it’s a great present,” I said warmly.

“Yes… this birthday, receiving so many wonderful gifts from everyone, I’m overwhelmed…” Charl’s eyes glistened as she leaned against my shoulder.

I was grateful my cute, kind, precious girlfriend had such a joyful birthday. Our journey together was just beginning, with countless memories ahead. I wanted her to always feel this happiness.

“Here’s to many more, Charl,” I said softly.

“Yes… please take care of me, A-kun.” We rested our heads together, returning home wrapped in warmth.

—By the way, after we got home, Charl nudged me with, “Say, A-kun, haven’t you forgotten something since Christmas?” Realizing she’d reached her limit, I knew I had to act quickly.