Upon entering the bustling cinema lobby, she spotted Takahata was in watching a plasma screen broadcasting news.

"Okay, let's go!"

Takahata pointed excitedly at the screen. "Look!"

Reading the headline scrolling across the bottom, she learned that 'That Spring When We Meet' had received Oscar nominations.

"The film adapted from the best-selling novel has just been announced as one of the nominees for this year's Oscars," the newsreader acclaimed enthusiastically. "'That Spring When We Meet' is nominated for four categories: best screenplay adaptation, best cinematography, best actor, and the featured category: Best Picture...."

"What's the best screenplay adaptation?" asked Takahata.

"That's a category for films whose scripts are adapted from existing material, such as novels or theater performances," she explained.

The newsreader continued, detailing the novel's success and the accolades received by the film's cast and crew. Other moviegoers gathered around, nodding in agreement and applauding the film's achievements.

"Let's give our full support to this film so it can win!" exclaimed the newsreader with a radiant smile. "In celebration of this remarkable achievement, 'That Spring When We Meet' will have its theater run extended for three more weeks all across Japan."

"It's a fantastic movie," said a woman wearing sunglasses. "Saw it with my daughter. I can't wait to watch it again!"

"The novel as well," added the young man in the parka jacket beside her. "Very honest."

"It was inspired by the author's own life," chimed in a girl with short hair. "I heard that he's not even 30 years old, that Yūki Fujiwara."

"If I'm not mistaken, the novel got rejected by sixteen publishers and ended up in the trash," said the short-haired girl.

"And now it's an international bestseller," the man in the parka jacket remarked, looking stunned. "You never know when your chance will come, do you?"

"The ending of the novel was tweaked a bit," she added. "In the original manuscript, Shun took his own life due to depression following Nagisa's death and his ongoing struggle to get his writing published. However, in the version we're familiar with, Shun chooses to embrace life and pursue his own happiness."

"He found a new partner," the woman wearing sunglasses nodded in agreement.

"How do you know?" the young man in the parka jacket asked, his eyes wide with curiosity. "Do you know Yūki Fujiwara personally?"

"Not really," she stumbled over her words. "I mean, I just... read about it on a gossip blog."

"But after watching the film or reading the novel, maybe people out there will get the wrong idea and say that our country is bad," an older man joined in. "That scene of Shun being beaten by his father could be considered too... cruel."

"The scene where Nagisa was hit by her hockey coach with a stick too," added the young man in the parka jacket.

"Japan isn't flawless," Takahata remarked. "It has its pros and cons, just like any other country. No nation is perfect, after all."

They all nodded sympathetically in agreement with Takahata's sentiment. "We can work on improving what's not good, can't we?" said the woman wearing sunglasses.

They stayed there and discuss the book and the movie for a bit more until the news ended.

"Now where are we going?" Takahata asked.

"Let's go eat. You're hungry, aren't you?"

Takahata nodded vigorously, leading her towards the escalator. They descended to the food court arena and began looking for food. Takahata suggested steak, and she agreed. They entered a fairly popular steak restaurant. After being handed the menu, she immediately ordered the most expensive item. Takahata's face turned pale at the sight of the price.

"Don't worry, I'll pay for it myself," she reassured him.

"But... we're dating."

"There's no rule that says a man must always pay everything on a date. You have a job, and I'm not homeless. We both want to go on this date, right?"

Takahata grinned nervously. "Then you should stop calling me 'Takahata'."

"You're right. But... what's your first name, anyway?"

"Kaoru. Well, then from now on I'll just call you 'Chie'."

"I don't mind if you call me 'darling' or 'future wife'," she taunted playfully.

Kaoru playfully tickled her palm, and she responded by pinching his elbow. A waiter approached their table and they placed their order.

"By the way, how is Nakano-san?" Kaoru asked.

"Haru is going home to Yoshino with Yu— I mean, Hirose-san. It's his birthday this Saturday."

"Oh, we should send a gift to Yoshino."

"Nah, no need. They'll be back in Tokyo on Monday. Let's wait until then."

"I'm still amazed by the Nakano-san family in Yoshino," said Kaoru. "They're so accepting of his situation and even welcome Hirose-san. Where else would you find a family like that in Japan?"

"If your own family can't accept you as you are, then who will?" she replied. "They love Haru and want to see him happy."

Kaoru pondered for a moment before nodding deeply. "I'm still curious, what does Hirose-san actually do? You said he used to work in a cafe, but lately he's at home most of the time. And I've heard he's been traveling a lot too."

"About that..." she hesitated, remembering her promise to Haru to keep his secret. "He's a freelancer. He... writes."

"Writes?" Kaoru frowned. "Hirose-san is... a writer?"

"He contributes to a travel website," she replied. "I don't remember the site's name."

She was sorry to have to lie to Kaoru like this. If Haru allowed her, she'd definitely tell Kaoru who Takeru Hirose really is! After all, Kaoru was already familiar with Hirose-san, at least by his pen name: Yūki Fujiwara. But for now, Chie had to keep her mouth shut.

"I see," Kaoru remarked. "Last week you mentioned that Nakano-san is now working at a travel company? It's a bit of a shame to let go of his job at the bank."

"Haru didn't enjoy working at the bank," she explained.

"Oh, so he enjoys traveling more," Kaoru speculated.

"Not exactly. Haru wants to find his biological father. He's convinced that his father is still alive somewhere. Plus, Hirose-san and Nishii-san support his decision to change jobs."

"He's so brave. Both of them," Kaoru chuckled admiringly. "Nakano-san and Hirose-san really make a great couple, don't you think? Every time I see them, I feel envious. How long have they been dating? Four years?"

"This is their fifth year together," she confirmed. "And yes, they both are cute together."

 Kaoru's eyes sparkled. "I hope we can be like them too."

"Yeah, I support that," she said.

"Thanks," Kaoru nudged her leg under the table, prompting her to giggle. "By the way, how is your job, Chie? Does your boss still drive you mad?"

"Huh, when your boss is your own sister, what can you do?" she replied.

Kaoru snorted in amusement. "You and your sister are very similar, you know."

"You're not the first person who said that!" she grinned. This guy really enjoyed teasing her, but that's what made her love him. "And what about you... Are you enjoying your new position? Becoming a manager at the age of twenty-five is quite extraordinary."

"Well, the workload has increased," Kaoru said as he folded the paper towels. "But it's not a problem. I'll work even harder! Weddings are expensive."

"Wedding?" she asked, her heart fluttering.

"Yes," Kaoru affirmed. "I'm saving up money. Once everything is ready, I'll propose to you, Chie Maruyama. Then you won't just be a 'future wife', but 'my wife'."

Tears of joy welled up in Chie's eyes as she smiled. "I love that," she whispered happily.

終り - Owari

(The End)

For every Haru and Yūki out there.

May you find the courage to always be true to yourself.

https://youtu.be/TE-RGGXEmds