12 Graduation (2/2)

”Nn”, Yuri nodded meekly.

'There is definitely something wrong with her', Otonashi couldn't help thinking, looking at her reaction.

After arriving at school hall, Yuri found all core members of SSS were still waiting there. They looked like normal highschoolers, with no strange accessories they usually worn.

”Ehh?! What is this, Otonashi?”, Yuri asked in confusion.

”We decided to held a graduation, Yuri. Seeing that we would leave this place, we opted to hold graduation. It was Rafi and Kanade-chan's idea at beginning, but we decided to leave the memories of us here together for a last time.” Otonashi explained while smiling.

”Nn.”

And so they hold the graduation together. Hinata was acting as the school principal. Yuri was chosen as the student's representative. At her end of speech, she prayed, hoped that they would meet again in their next life later. As the graduation was finished, some of them was crying slightly as they said their farewell. In the end, there were only Otonashi, Hinata, Yuri, Kanade and Rafi still remaining in Afterlife.

”So, this is it then. It was a fun things founding SSS and doing various Operations with everyone. Now Yui might be waiting for me, I will be going first. Take care you four.” Hinata was smiling longingly as he remembered Yui. He was waving to them as he disappeared.

”Uhh, this is rather awkward now. Then, we will be going first. Let's go, Yuri.” Otonashi said as he hold Yuri's hand.

”Nn.”

”But you are not permitted to forget me, Yuzuru. If you dare, I will find you and kick your ass later.” Yuri said as she was pinching his ear while her other hand hold his hand tightly.

”Yes..yes..of course isn't it.” Otonashi and Yuri were holding hands as they disappeared, leaving Kanade and Rafi alone.

”We become the last huh. Sure they like to show off aren't they, Kanade?”

”Un. It is our time to go, Rafi.”

”The preparation are completed. Later if there are anyone come here, they should have seen the things we left behind. Hope they can realize it sooner, the purpose of Afterlife.”

”Un.”

”We will definifely meet again later, Kanade.” Rafi said with conviction as he embraced her lightly.

”Un. We will.” Kanade blushed slightly as he took her to his embrace.

She looked up at his face, gazing at him silently. She looked worriedly at him and her eyes was full of love and reluctance, as she felt that they might be separated for a long time. She was afraid that she would forget him and their times together in Afterlife when she passed on next life.

Seeing her worried face, her reluctance eyes, Rafi took her in his arm like carrying a princess. Gazing at her calmly, Rafi kissed her deeply as though reassuring her feelings. Being kissed by him suddenly, Kanade was shocked at first. Then, she started to return his kiss deeply, like she wanted to imprint their kiss in her heart.

After some times, their lips finally separated as Rafi and Kanade were gazing at each other. In their final moments, they were embracing each other as they disappeared from Afterlife.

~~~