"I suppose you're most interested in knowing how I've been all this time." Kurono's words hadn't lost sight of the two pillars standing before him, but at that moment, for him, what was genuinely close was the memory of his parents and, in turn, the figure of both that he had never forgotten. "You don't need to worry too much. Everything has been fine, I haven't suffered from any illnesses, and work is calm compared to before."
The reality was that Kurono was letting all his thoughts out, but sadly, they weren't receiving any kind of response or words about them. Perhaps that scene would be quite melancholic for anyone who saw it at that moment, but for both Kurono and Shizune, that didn't seem strange or have any negative meaning.
"I know, Mom. I really did exaggerate in the past, and I know that no matter how many excuses I might give, they weren't a reason for me to push myself so hard… But like I said, all of that is in the past, and I must say that even I feel more at ease." Kurono's expression had become calmer as he continued speaking, and although no one besides him could feel his words being answered, that didn't stop him from continuing. "Yeah, I don't think I've done anything that could hurt Shizune either, so you don't have to worry about my relationship with her. I think it's obvious that everything is still perfectly fine between us since she's here with me."
"Kurono is right. Everything has been going wonderfully between us, and I can say that every day that passes, I feel happier being by his side." As if Kurono's words were some kind of cue, Shizune didn't miss the opportunity to take a similar position to Kurono's before standing next to him to join him in that small talk. "It's also nice to meet you again."
Kurono couldn't help but smile at Shizune's attitude, but that very thing made him relax even more, and he simply continued to let his thoughts out little by little. The minutes continued to pass, filled with small conversations between Kurono and his parents, although it was perfectly obvious that Shizune was also involved. However, that only made the slight strangeness or peculiarity of the situation fade into the background, and only the feeling being transmitted at that moment mattered.
Kurono's words carried with them many descriptions of what he had done since the last time he had visited them. He talked about his work, about the orphanage, about how Kazumi was doing, but especially about everything he had shared with Shizune. The entire conversation was quite fluid, so much so that Shizune had found herself completely wrapped up in it, and at the same time, she enjoyed that moment of tranquility with Kurono, regardless of the passage of time.
"Perhaps you've already guessed or assumed, but I have something important to tell you." If someone were to ask Kurono, he would claim that most of the time he visited his parents, he always had a reason that he considered quite important for doing so, and that was also one of the things he was trying to change in the future. "Last time, I wanted to introduce you to Shizune and convey how important she is to me, as well as how she's changed my life, and what I want to tell you is related to her once again…"
Listening to Kurono's words, Shizune was clear about what he was going to say, but at the same time, she could feel him taking her hand to further emphasize what he was trying to convey. Although Shizune was prepared, that was no reason for her not to experience the same warm feeling brewing within her, which grew even stronger after hearing Kurono's words.
"Mom, Dad. I proposed to Shizune. I love her like you have no idea, and I want to spend the rest of my life with her, so please, I hope you give this troublesome son your blessing." Once again, the seriousness in Kurono's words made it so no one could doubt him, especially because of the way he had just bowed in the direction of his parents, and at the same time, it was possible to notice the determination he had to go through with it all.
"What Kurono said is true. And although this is only the second time we've met, I also wanted to express the feelings I have for him. In the same way, Kurono has completely changed my life. His love is something I don't want to lose, and I don't want to stop loving him either, so I didn't hesitate for a second in my response to him. Kurono is incredibly important to me. I'm deeply in love with him, and although it may be a bit sudden, I also hope you can accept me and give us your blessing since what I want most is to share the rest of my life with Kurono." Repeating the same action, Shizune bowed in the same direction, causing the light silence of the area to return once more.
This time, it was accompanied by a small breeze that was enough to move the leaves of the trees and bushes in the area. Although it didn't have a true meaning, it was enough for both Kurono and Shizune, and it caused a rather peculiar calm to take over both. As most people could have guessed, there was no real response to their words, but it wasn't necessary in and of itself. Both Kurono and Shizune only intended to share the news with Kurono's parents in this way because they felt it was the right thing to do, and at the same time, doing so made Kurono feel more at ease.
Shizune and Kurono remained in that position for a few seconds before rising again. It seemed like that would be the end of that little scene, but just as Kurono saw those pillars, many memories flooded his mind. He felt a little strange since those memories seemed quite foreign to him, but each one of them reminded him of happy moments from his childhood, especially those in which he was accompanied by both his mother and father, memories he had lost long ago, and in which he was happy without even knowing it. Perhaps no one could say it, not even Kurono, but if that were the case, if his parents were still in this world, they would surely be genuinely happy for him and support him wholeheartedly. But even in the present, Kurono could think that his parents still wanted the best for him.
"Is everything all right?" Hearing that voice that had accompanied him for so long, Kurono returned to reality, only to be greeted by the curious expression that graced Shizune's face.
"I can honestly say that everything is fine." The small smile that graced Kurono's face had been enough to stop Shizune from worrying about anything else. If anyone were to ask, she could tell that Kurono felt much freer than before, so to speak. "Mom, Dad. It's time to go, but I promise I won't be long in coming back to visit you this time."
"Even if Kurono forgets, I'll be sure to remind him and accompany him, hehe." Shizune didn't mind Kurono's words, especially since it wasn't long before nightfall, but she didn't miss the opportunity to express her thoughts. "Mr. and Mrs. Kurosawa, I didn't get the chance to say it before, but I want to thank you for bringing Kurono into this world and thank you for the love and care you've given him. And while it may not be the same, I want to tell you that I will love and care for him with the same strength you do."
Kurono was speechless after hearing what she had said. Shizune, not only because of the content of these, but also because the memories of the past were still present in him, and although it was true that he greatly appreciated Shizune's feelings and wanted to say something like her, he kept the words that were forming in his mind in his heart. He would find the right time to say them, and although it wouldn't make much of a difference since Shizune would appreciate them at any time, Kurono wouldn't miss any opportunity to make Shizune even happier; after all, her happiness was now also his...