Feb 08, 2026
Oh, this was a lovely way to wrap it up. As a reader, I never doubted that her parents would permit, even be happy for their relationship -- but I guess both Kaho and Shuhei were in the mindset of 'hoping for the best, but expecting the worst'... Anyway, them going to see their new house in Nikko is just perfect.
I've really enjoyed the time I spent with Kaho and Shuhei. And while I know Kaho has come a long way, it's still Shuhei's journey that shines brighter for me. I know you said this was written as a first draft, and while it definitely shows in places, the flow and pacing were mostly great, easy to follow, and the prose beautiful.
You've created a heartwarming story about two broken souls getting on the path to healing (I really appreciated that it never turned into a 'love heals everything instantly' trope). While you deal with some heavy themes, it never feels heavy; there's a warmth going through even the chapters with deep sorrow and melancholia that makes this a very comforting and at times meditative read (and, yes, I'm talking especially about the Nikko chapters).
I'd totally be up for a slice-of-life sequel. 💜💜
