Epilogue
By the time the afterparty ended, the night had grown late.
After parting with everyone at the okonomiyaki restaurant, Takumi and Katori walked home together.
The small city had few streetlights, leaving it dark.
But the starry sky was breathtaking.
Being out this late was a first.
The familiar streets felt like another world.
Katori was in high spirits, chattering away.
“Today, I checked off a ton of achievements. Heh, cosplaying and singing on a big stage? That’s peak youth, total normie vibes. I’m not fazed by much anymore. But talking? Still a work in progress. I didn’t know what to do back there and fell back into my usual mode. That’s the next hurdle. Clear that, and I’m way closer to my goal!”
“…Yeah, sounds about right.”
Takumi’s response was half-hearted, his mind elsewhere.
Akira's request to help her live as an ordinary girl consumed his thoughts.
She’d promised details later, but he couldn’t imagine what it entailed.
Hopefully nothing shady under the sun—he shook his head weakly.
He wanted to believe Akira wouldn’t ask that of him, given who she’d been.
But could he even handle it?
Doubt gnawed at him.
Sighing heavily, he caught Katori’s suspicious glance.
“What’s up, Takumi? Didn’t get to give Akira-senpai the gift?”
“No, I gave it to her. I think… she was happy.”
She’d laughed her head off but accepted it, so it wasn’t exactly a lie.
“Then, something bad happen?”
“Not exactly…”
Takumi trailed off vaguely.
He couldn’t tell Katori about Akira.
She’d kept it hidden for a reason.
But his evasiveness only made Katori more suspicious, her lips pursing in annoyance.
“That’s basically admitting something’s up.”
“Ugh.”
He had no comeback, feeling even more awkward.
Under her scrutinizing stare, an idea hit him.
It was selfish, no doubt.
But he couldn’t just say nothing.
Worth a shot. With an apologetic look, he spoke haltingly.
“So, um… when I need confidence or courage, like today, could I maybe ask you for… that kind of thing again?”
“!? You mean… God, I was so embarrassed today…”
“Please, I’m begging you!”
Katori’s eyes widened in shock, her cheeks flushing as she looked away.
Takumi clasped his hands, pleading.
He didn’t know what Akira's cooperation would involve.
But for someone like him, lacking social experience, the ritual would be crucial.
After a tense silence, Katori let out a long sigh and probed his intentions.
“Are you, like you mentioned before, trying to seriously tackle youth like me?”
“…Yeah, something like that. Today got me thinking.”
“Hmm… Fine. You’ll have to keep up with my routine too, you know. …It’s embarrassing, but okay.”
“Katori, thanks.”
It was a slight misunderstanding, but not entirely wrong.
Maybe this was his chance to chase youth like Katori.
Today had shifted something in him.
Katori held out her right hand, smiling.
“Then you’re not just an accomplice—you’re a comrade. The Youth Conquest Alliance.”
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“Yeah, sounds good.”
Youth Conquest Alliance. Not bad.
Whatever lay ahead with Akira, Takumi took Katori’s hand, and they shared a quiet laugh.
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