Epilogue
“The ocean is so nice.”
Minami, Ayaka and Hideki were relaxing on the beach. Naoko, Ai and Makoto had left, so the house was a little quiet.
“I’m going to the bathroom.” Ayaka said and left.
After Ayaka left, Minami asked softly, “Hideki, did you hear the story about the legendary couple?”
“Uh-huh.”
“I feel very envious about them.”
“Really.”
Minami felt irritated by Hideki’s lack of interest. “Yukiko said they were like us. But I don’t have a clue. You’re not my wonderful boyfriend.”
“Humf! You’re not a famous detective either!”
“Oh, just shut up!”
Minami became so irritated that she was about to cry.
Hideki held Minami’s hand and said, “But the degree of how much I love you is probably as much as the legendary couple.”
Minami smiled and went closer to Hideki.
They kissed and turned red.
“What are you...”
“The same goes to you...”
“Hey, why is Ayaka so late?”
“Yeah, she’s late. I wonder what she’s doing.”
For a while, they were silent. Minami felt so happy under the sun that she came close to sleeping.
Then, a voice said, “Happy birthday!!” and Ayaka and Hiroko came holding a cake. There were sixteen sparkling candles on the cake.
“Wow, I’m so happy!” Minami jumped up and shouted.
“At last, you’re the same age as me.” Hideki said, smiling.
“Your birthday was just yesterday!” Minami said.
“C'mon, let’s eat!” Ayaka said, jumping excitedly.
“Okay, Minami, don’t forget to make your wish before blowing out the candles.” Hiroko said with a smile.
“Okay.”
Minami thought for a while, and then blew out all of the candles. As she inhaled the sweet scent of smoke that came from the candles, she reflected everything that happened during this trip. She heaved a sigh of relief. I’m so glad I made it safe...
She was no longer afraid of anything! With such confidence and hope in her heart, she faced Hiroko, who was taking a picture of her and her friends, Hideki and Ayaka. The three of them showed Hiroko their happiest smiles ever.
