Chapter 42: The End of Everything from Myself

Three years had passed. I was now a lawyer, handling many big cases. I had everything: a successful job, a comfortable apartment, and a good reputation. But there was one thing I didn't have: a partner.

I still clearly remember my college days, when I was the center of attention of many girls. But I never truly chose. I was too focused on my work, forgetting that life also needed happiness.

One afternoon, I sat in my apartment, looking at my phone. A message came in.

Ayaka: Akira-kun, are you busy? We're having a reunion at a karaoke place tonight. Would you like to come?

I looked at the message. A reunion. At a karaoke place. The place where all the chaos began. I smiled. Maybe, this was the time. This was the time to end everything, and start something new.

I replied to her message. I'll come.

That night, in the same karaoke room as before, I sat among my friends. Ayaka, Reina, Mika, Sayo... they were all there. Even Renji and Hanamura joined in.

The atmosphere was awkward. Everyone was looking at me, as if they were waiting for me to say something.

"Akira-kun," Ayaka said. "You look different. You look more mature."

"I am more mature," I replied, smiling. "I'm no longer afraid."

"Afraid of what?" Mika asked, looking at me directly.

"Afraid of myself," I answered honestly. "I was afraid of the past. I was afraid of love. But, I've realized, I can't run from my destiny."

I stood up. I took the microphone.

"There's a song I want to sing," I said. "The same song I sang here before."

I sang the song, the same song I once sang for my mother. This time, my voice was stronger, more sincere, and more mature. I sang about love, about affection, about loss, and about hope.

When the song ended, I looked at all of them.

"Before, all I wanted was to live a quiet life," I said. "I wanted to run from all this chaos. But, you all made me realize that life can't be lived alone."

I looked at Ayaka. "Ayaka, you were the first one who made me realize I couldn't keep hiding."

I looked at Reina. "Reina, you were the first one who made me smile. You made me know that happiness exists."

I looked at Mika. "Mika, you were the first one who made me realize I was a prince. You gave me the courage to face life."

I looked at Sayo. "Sayo, you were the first one who made me realize that fantasy can become a reality."

I smiled. "Now, I'm no longer running. I'm ready to choose."

Hearing that, they all fell silent. I looked at them, and I knew this was the perfect ending for me.

I had found my true self, and now, I was ready to choose.