To say Akari hadn't expected that to happen was an understatement. She let out a surprised yelp when he pulled her towards him.

She listened to his words, with her palms pressed against his chest. Slowly, her hands curled into fists and she clung to him like her life depended on it.

She couldn't stay strong until the very end, after all.

"...thank you. I won't forget you either, Shirogane-san."