Seven years had passed.
The morning sun streamed gently into a quiet room. Aqua stood by the window, buttoning up his shirt. The sound of soft footsteps came from the other room where Akane was changing.
"You know we might get late," Aqua called out with a smirk.
"I'm almost ready, darling," Akane replied cheerfully.
Just then, the door creaked open and two small children ran in. A little girl, with radiant blonde hair and vivid ruby-red eyes—her left iris shimmering with a six-pointed star—grabbed Aqua's hand.
"Papa! Are we really going to see Aunt Ruby's concert today?" she beamed.
"Yes, Sarina-chan," Aqua replied, kneeling to her level. "We're going to cheer for her together."
He looked at her eyes—those familiar, sparkling eyes—and spoke in his thoughts:
I named her after Sarina. Her eyes have the same light Sarina once had. And just like Sarina admired Ai… she looks up to Ruby the same way.
His phone buzzed. Ruby's voice came through the speaker, bright and teasing.
"Don't you dare be late, onii-chan! I want Sarina-chan to see my best performance. She says she wants to be an idol like me… like Ai. I want her to become a light for other Sarinas out there. I'm so glad she's following this dream."
Sarina tugged on his sleeve. "Papa… do you think I can really become like Aunt Ruby?"
Aqua smiled warmly. "Yes, my angel. You can be anything you want to be."
Her eyes sparkled. "Yay! I'll become an idol like her!"
Back on the phone, Aqua reassured Ruby. "Don't worry. We'll be there on time."
"Good. See you at the concert!" Ruby said before hanging up.
Aqua turned to the boy beside him—quiet, composed, and thoughtful. "And what about you, Gorou? Do you have a dream?"
The boy looked up. His dark hair mirrored Akane's, and his eyes were clear and calm—without stars, like his father's in his previous life.
"I want to be a doctor," Gorou said. "I want to help people who are hurting. I want to ease their pain."
Aqua's eyes widened, and emotion welled in his chest. He pulled his son into a hug.
"You really are my son, Gorou," he said, voice trembling. "I'm already so proud of you."
"D-Dad, stop! You're embarrassing me!" the boy squirmed.
Aqua laughed. "I don't care. I want to be the best father I can be for you."
Just then, Akane stepped into the room, dressed in an elegant outfit. Aqua looked at her, momentarily stunned.
"You're getting more beautiful every day," he said.
Akane blushed, brushing back her hair. "You've changed so much, darling. I love this version of you… more than ever."
Aqua smiled, looking at his family. In his heart, he whispered:
It's thanks to her… Tsukuyomi. She gave me this second chance. I'm glad I used it to change. I'm truly happy now—with my family.
Sarina and Gorou each took a parent's hand. Together, the four of them stepped out the front door into the shining daylight—toward a future with no regrets.
The End.
…But then, a familiar voice cut through the silence.
"Wait, wait. Who said it's over?"
Tsukuyomi's voice echoed in the void, playful and knowing.
"Yes, I'm talking to you. You didn't really think I didn't notice you, did you?
This Aqua got his happy ending, sure. But there are many others—Aqua's in other worlds. Some who failed. Some who still carry the weight of regret. Some are waiting for a hand to pull them out of their despair.
Next time… we'll explore the story of another Aqua. One who took a different path. One who may find joy—or fall into eternal despair.
But for now, let's let this Aqua rest—surrounded by love. His soul, at last, is at peace.
See you in the next story."
The End.
(The real one this time.)
Next: Kana Route – "The Girl Who Waited"