It was a miracle—one final day outside.
Shizuku's health had slightly stabilized. The doctor at Kanzaki General Hospital allowed her
one short outing with supervision. Rin was there to catch her hand the moment she stepped
out onto the hospital steps overlooking Kanemachi City.
"You okay?" he asked, holding her arm carefully.
"I've been dreaming of this," she said, inhaling the cold December air. "One last date."
He looked down. "Don't say 'last.'"
She didn't answer. She only smiled.
They went to the small café she always mentioned—Café Lueur, tucked behind the
Tsukiyama Book Center in the Minamisaka district—the one she dreamed of opening one
day. Rin had reserved the quietest corner table. The staff already knew why. They spoke
softly. Moved slowly. They understood.
Rin sat across from her, watching her stir a cup of hot cocoa with marshmallows. She wore a
knit cap, her face thinner, but her eyes still glowing.
"I want to remember this," she said. "Every smell, every sound, every second."
He reached across the table and held her hand. "Then don't leave. Don't go where I can't
follow."
She stared at him, then laughed faintly. "Don't say that either. You're worse than me."
He smiled weakly. "Kazuki's going to lecture me when he finds out I'm skipping school for
this."
"Tell him I ordered you to," she giggled. "Captain Shizuku's final mission."
—
Before sunset, they went to Hoshikawa High School's rooftop one last time. The sky was
burning orange over Asahigaoka Ward.
Kazuki was there waiting.
He handed Shizuku a scarf. "It's cold."
She smiled. "Still treating me like a little sister."
"Still treating me like a spare wheel," Kazuki shot back.
All three stood by the edge. Quiet. Just the wind and their breath visible in the cold.
Shizuku turned to them both. "I'm scared."
Rin stepped closer. "You don't have to be."
Kazuki nodded. "You've got us."
She took Rin's hand again. "Even after I'm gone?"
He nodded silently, holding her close.
That night, they returned to the hospital.
And two days later… she passed.