Chapter 37: A Formula for Happiness (Semi-Canon)

After the graduation party, Reina and I walked along the quiet campus corridor. The evening breeze blew, carrying the scent of the past and the hope of the future. I remembered Kazuki's words. He was right, I had to choose. And I already knew who it was.

I looked at Reina, the girl who was always calm and understood me the most. Our relationship wasn't built on drama, but on comfortable silence and the books we read together.

"Reina," I called, my voice trembling slightly.

Reina turned, her cold gray eyes looking at me.

"I know you probably don't like things that are illogical," I said, "but I have one thing I want to tell you."

"What is it, Akira-kun?" she asked.

I knelt down, taking out the ring I had bought. "Reina," I said. "Will you fill my life, and be the book I read every day?"

Reina was silent. Her face, which was usually flat, now had a faint blush. A small smile appeared on her lips. It was the same smile I had seen in the park when she was playing with the cat.

"Akira-kun," she replied. "If that's the formula for our happiness, then of course, I will."

Five years had passed since that day.

Now, I was a lawyer. Reina was still a doctor, but she was also a mother. We had two very cute children. Sougo, our five-year-old son with brown hair and black eyes who looked like me. And Misuzu, our two-year-old daughter with black hair and green eyes who looked like Reina.

That afternoon, we were walking in Tokyo Park. Sougo was running ahead of me, while I held Misuzu's hand.

"Daddy! I want to play on the swings!" Sougo called, pointing toward the playground.

"Of course, Sougo," I said.

We walked to the playground. Reina sat on a bench, opening the book she had brought. I sat beside her, watching Sougo and Misuzu.

"Akira-kun," Reina called, without taking her eyes off her book. "Aren't you tired, taking care of two children and also your job?"

I smiled. "I'm not tired, Reina. I'm happy."

Reina looked at me, a small smile on her lips. "I know. I am, too."

We sat in comfortable silence, just like we used to do in the campus library. I knew life wouldn't always be quiet. There would be problems and challenges. But as long as I had Reina and our children, I knew everything would be okay.

I looked at Reina, her cold hand now felt warm in mine. I kissed her hand. Reina blushed shyly, but didn't pull away.

"Thank you, Reina," I said. "You gave me a formula for happiness."

Reina looked at me. "The formula wouldn't work without you, Akira-kun," she replied.

I smiled. And I knew this was the perfect ending for me.