Epilogue
Shizuki Tokisaka arrived at Seisen Academy in her limousine, as usual.
But this time… something had changed.
Amazingly, she was smiling as she looked out the window. A soft, calm smile… a real one.
"Milady Shizuki?" asked the driver, glancing at her through the rearview mirror. "Has something good happened lately?"
"Let's just say… this year's going to be more interesting," she replied with elegance, just as the car stopped in front of the school gates.
She stepped out with grace, gave the driver a small nod of thanks… and walked into class with a lightness in her steps. As if, at long last, something inside her had awakened.
The driver watched her walk away, a bittersweet smile on his face.
"I'm glad you're happy, milady… If only your grandfather could see that smile," he murmured, before driving off.
Shizuki walked down the main path, sakura petals swirling around her, as if time itself wanted to accompany her.
That's when she saw him.
Touma, as usual, in the middle of total chaos.
Surrounded by Hinata, Mirai, Akari… and even Jake, who was currently arguing with Akari while she shoved him without mercy, Touma seemed to never catch a moment of peace.
Shizuki stopped for a moment, watching the scene.
A mischievous smile spread across her lips.
And then—she ran toward him.
"Hey, Touma!" she called out.
He turned, just in time to receive a kiss on the cheek.
"Thanks for the other day. See you at the club~" she said sweetly, almost sing-song, before walking off like it was the most natural thing in the world.
Silence.
Absolute silence.
Everyone froze with the same expression…
"…What just happened?"
Shizuki shot a bold look at Hinata, one that clearly said…
"I'm not letting you keep him to yourself."
Hinata frowned and cracked her knuckles. Challenge accepted.
"What was that?" Jake asked, stunned. "Who is this imposter dressed like the Ice Princess?"
Mirai clutched her chest. Something inside it was beating fast… though, as usual, no one noticed.
"I'd be more worried about something else," Akari muttered, glancing around with a dark expression.
A number of male students had started whispering ominously.
Jealous.
Envious.
Furious.
Their eyes turned toward Touma like daggers.
"Touma-sama," came Ellie's voice through his glasses. "Based on my analysis, I recommend running—immediately—to your classroom."
"That doesn't sound very reassuring, Ellie…"
"Don't say I didn't warn you! Tehe~"
Too late.
A mob of angry boys charged after him, screaming accusations of romantic betrayal, unfair favoritism, and "waifu theft."
Touma ran for his life, cursing his luck and every star in the sky.
"Nice evasive maneuvers," Jake commented, impressed. "Well, time for class."
As chaos consumed Touma and the gardens of Seisen Academy exploded in shouting, flying shoes, and declarations of vengeance…
Shizuki walked calmly, her favorite book in her arms.
And for the first time in a long time… she smiled.
A soft, warm happiness, almost unimaginable from the Shizuki Tokisaka of before.
Her story had begun to move again… But the clock of feelings never stops for anyone.
~END~
~Author's Note~
And that's the end of Volume 1 of Astral Resonance!
If you've made it this far, thank you.
Seriously—thank you for giving this chaotic blend of romantic comedy, astral battles, mysterious girls, and a protagonist who just wants a peaceful life (and clearly won't get it) a chance.
This first volume focused on Shizuki, our beloved "Ice Princess," who learned that even frozen hearts can beat again for the right person.
Watching her grow little by little, until she could smile for real, was one of the most fulfilling parts of writing this.
Maybe the pacing felt a bit fast because of all the elements—introducing the academy, the teachers, the classmates, the Nulvoids, etc.—but I hope to keep the focus on romance and not drift too far into pure action like I did in Celestaris.
Thank you for walking with me on this journey.
As an author, I make mistakes—a lot of them—but the most important part is that we enjoy this story as a journey.
In Volume 2, we'll dive into the arc of Akari Tsubasa, our fiery redhead, strong, intense, and wildly unpredictable.
Prepare yourselves for punches, jealousy, and some… very compromising situations.
Thank you for reading, commenting, sharing, and supporting this story.
I'll see you in the next volume!
P.S.: If you have questions about Shizuki's arc, I'd be happy to answer them!
Many unanswered details will unfold over time, especially since I'm aiming for this to be an 8-volume story. (Assuming Touma and I survive that long, lol.)
Lastly, here are the final three concept sketches of Shizuki.
Since I'm broke (lol), I can't hire a real artist right now, but I truly hope that one day I'll be able to bring our British waifu to life with the help of a talented illustrator.
See you all next time in Volume 2!