Chapter Text
Table of Contents:
Chapter 1: Table of Contents! (No characters, because it's a table of contents)
-You are here. It's probably very exciting and a little confusing, especially since it used to be found at chapter 18!
Chapter 2: No time for worries (Kazuma, July, third year of high school, the day the Curse broke)
-Kazuma is usually not the type of person to worry; if he does, it's almost never on his own behalf. Today, his nerves are entirely for Kyo. Today, Tohru gets out of the hospital. Today, Kyo plans to tell her how he feels. And Kazuma has full confidence that Kyo can make things right, but he also can't help but worry, just a little bit.
Chapter 3: So, you know (Tohru and Momiji, July, third year of high school, the day the Curse broke).
-Ever since the very first day that Tohru learned his name, Momiji has never shied away from hugging her. Sure, he always consequently turned into a rabbit; it was always worth it, to get those brief hugs. Today is the beginning of a new chapter for them. Tohru might miss the rabbit cuddles, but their new hugs are much better.
Chapter 4: No dream (Tohru, Kyo, and Yuki, July, third year of high school, the day the Curse broke)
-The day Tohru was released from the hospital was a momentous one, with too many things all happening for her to truly process. Later, there will be time for her to sit and reflect on it all; right now, she has something far more important to do.
Chapter 5: Up on the roof (Tohru and Kyo, July, third year of high school, the day after the Curse broke)
-It's always been Tohru and Kyo's place, since the very beginning. Now that the Curse has broken, that's one thing that hasn't changed.
Chapter 6: What are the odds? (Tohru and Kyo, July, third year of high school)
-Tohru is back at school after school after her hospitalization with new spring in her step, and it doesn't go unnoticed by a couple of Kaibara High's finest.
Chapter 7: Room for one more? (Kyo, Hiroshi, Yusuke, and friends, July, third year of high school)
-It's the last day before summer vacation, and Tohru has to take her makeup exams. Kyo intends to wait for her, but he doesn't have a plan. Enter Hiroshi and Yusuke, who have the perfect idea!
Chapter 8: Is it serious? (Tohru, OC, and Kyo, August, third year of high school)
-Dating Kyo Sohma is a marvelous thing, but it comes with a few complications. Tohru wishes less of them were walking around in skirts.
Chapter 9: Perfection (Kyo and Tohru, July, third year of high school)
-While he understands irrational thoughts better than most, it still baffles Kyo that Tohru ever doubts herself. But even the most amazing people can have their insecurities; when Tohru's strike, he'll be there to help lift her back up.
Chapter 10: Some things will never change (Tohru, Kyo, and Yuki, July, third year of high school)
-When the Curse broke, a lot of things changed for the former members of the Sohma Zodiac. Kyo had hoped that there would be even more change, but now, it's time to get used to the things that didn't.
Chapter 11: Are you ok? (Tohru and Yuki, July, third year of high school).
-Even with the Curse broken, some things have remained as they were: Yuki still loves his 'secret base,' and Tohru still loves to help him manage and protect it. But there are a few things that have changed, and neither of them will forget it.
Chapter 12: An adventure (Tohru, Kyo, Saki, Yuki, Shigure, July, third year of high school)
-As long as she's known him, Kyo has gone out of his way to do things to make Tohru happy, even if they weren't things he actually liked. Now that they're dating, she's determined to return the favor and to show Kyo that as much as he's willing to go out of his comfort zone for her, she just as badly wants to do the same for him! In other words, Kyo takes Tohru on a mystery date of his choosing.
Chapter 13: Every month (Tohru, Kyo, Yuki, August, third year of high school)
-Even though they've been friends for years, being in a relationship now means Tohru and Kyo are getting to know each other in ways they never before considered. Sometimes those ways can be embarrassing, but even through embarrassment, they can feel the love.
Chapter 14: It's all delicious (Kyo, Tohru, Yuki, August, third year of high school)
-Yuki and Kyo want to do something special to celebrate Tohru, even if it means having to work together.
Chapter 15: A new kind of training (Kyo, Kazuma, OCs, August, third year of high school).
-The Curse is broken and now that he's free, Kyo knows what he wants from his life: to teach karate, and be an instructor Kazuma can be proud of. He knows he has a lot to learn before he's at that point, but he's ready to start that next stage of his training.
Chapter 16: Peaceful and content (Tohru and Kyo, August, third year of high school)
-For Tohru and Kyo, it's the little things that will always be precious.
Chapter 17: Bowling (Tohru and Kyo, August, third year of high school)
-In which Tohru invites Kyo on a bowling date and learns she is his bowling senpai.
Chapter 18: Never a contest (Tohru and Kyo, August, third year of high school)
-Tohru has always loved getting to feed people, especially people that she loves.
Chapter 19: No problem at all (Kyo, Haru, Hiro, Yuki, Tohru, Machi, Kisa, August, third year of high school)
-Last year's beach trip might not have gone the way they wanted, but this year, Tohru and the younger Sohmas are making things up and then some. It's wonderful, being able to spend time at the beach with friends...and that goes for boyfriends, as well.
Chapter 20: You two local? (Tohru, Kisa, Haru, Momiji, August, third year of high school)
-Few people are kinder or more willing to offer aid than Tohru and Kisa, even on vacation!
Chapter 21: Suit yourself (Kyo and Hiro, August, third year of high school)
-Sometimes, it's the little things. Even at the beach.
Chapter 22: So very kind (Tohru, Kisa, Machi, August, third year of high school)
-The beach is a great place to have fun and meet people, but it's also a good place to lose things. Who knew all three of those things could happen simultaneously?
Chapter 23: Nice to be home (Tohru, Yuki, and Kyo, August, third year of high school)
-After spending a week at the beach, there are all kinds of things to make up back at home.
Chapter 24: Unfocused (Tohru, Kyo, Yuki, August, third year of high school)
-Being in love is a wonderful thing. But sometimes, it can also make things slightly awkward.
Chapter 25: Clouds (Tohru and Kyo, August, third year of high school)
-Usually, Kyo likes to agree with Tohru. Sometimes, disagreeing can be much more fun.
Chapter 26: Easy to please (Tohru and Kyo, September, third year of high school)
-Tohru's always been easy to please; even the tiniest things can make her happy.
Chapter 27: It's just a game (Tohru, Kyo, Arisa, Saki, Momiji, Yuki, Haru, September, third year of high school)
-Once in a while, it's fun to play a relaxing game together. Most of the time, the games turn out like this.
Chapter 28: Pretty well-matched (Tohru, Arisa, Saki, Yuki, Kyo, September, third year of high school)
-It's the start of a new unit in PE at Kaibara High, and Tohru couldn't be more excited!
Chapter 29: In charge (Tohru, Arisa, Saki, Yuki, Kyo, September, third year of high school)
-It's time for karate in PE, and Sensei Ando has to step out. Naturally, he leaves the two most experienced karatekas in charge, and Tohru has feelings about that in regards to both of them.
Chapter 30: Changing things up (Tohru and Kyo, September, third year of high school)
-PE has never been Tohru's subject, but she always gives it her all. No one can say she doesn't try, but the results she wants are often out of reach. It's probably time to change her methods a bit.
Chapter 31: Ready to try again? (Tohru and Kyo, September, third year of high school)
-3-D's karate unit has almost wrapped up, with almost nothing left to do except their final demonstrations. Almost the entire class is ready, but Tohru is still struggling; lucky for her, she has her own karate tutor willing to make house calls.
Chapter 32: Call it good (Yuki and Kyo, September, third year of high school)
-There are certain things that Yuki has to get used to now, now that the Curse is broken and all of them are free. Things like Tohru and Kyo actually being a couple, which manifests in all sorts of ways that are both big and small.
Chapter 33: Being idiots (Tohru, Kyo, Yuki, Momiji, Haru, Hiro, Kisa, October, third year of high school)
-Tohru has always loved having her friends around. She just wishes that they all would always get along!
Chapter 34: You startled me! (Tohru and Kyo, October, third year of high school)
-Kyo will always be the first to admit Tohru is beautiful, but that doesn't mean he wants to hear it from anyone else. Especially not like that.
Chapter 35: On your mark (Tohru, Momiji, Haru, Naohito, October, third year of high school)
-Tohru has always loved Sports Day, even if sports aren't her thing. Even when the odds are against her, she'll always do her best!
Chapter 36: Victory isn't everything (Tohru, Arisa, and Saki, October, third year of high school)
-Sports Day is always an exciting time at Kaibara High, and 3-D's final one is no different. The entire school is eager to watch the final event, though some spectators might be a little bit more invested than others.
Chapter 37: Game on (Kyo, Tohru, Hiroshi, friends, October, third year of high school)
-When the Curse broke, Kyo was finally free to be with Tohru. But he was also free to have a normal high school life, with normal high school friends, doing normal high school things.
Chapter 38: How long will it take? (Kyo and Tohru, October, third year of high school)
-Nobody had ever said moving past the Curse or the past as a whole would be easy. Holding Tohru often makes the nightmares fade, but there are certain things that Kyo has to face on his own.
Chapter 39: Free (Kyo, Tohru, Kazuma, Akito, October, third year of high school)
-"Kyo is free to go. And as for that dark place...I'm going to destroy it."
Chapter 40: Too far? (Tohru and Yuki, November, third year of high school)
-Even with a girlfriend who is public knowledge, Yuki still can't shake the attentions of the Prince Yuki Fan Club. Luckily, he has friends like Tohru willing to help him out.
Chapter 41: Full of Surprises (Tohru, Kyo, Kyo's friends, November, third year of high school)
-There's a rumor going around that Tohru got in a fight at school. Kyo knows better, though; there's absolutely no way!
Chapter 42: ...Happy? (Momiji, Kyo, Tohru, November, third year of high school)
-Momiji is happy. Really. His Curse is broken, he has lots of friends, and, perhaps most importantly, he doesn't feel like crap whenever it rains. So yes, he's happy. Very, very happy. And if he keeps repeating that, he might come to believe it.
Chapter 43: This is so much fun! (Tohru and Kyo, November, third year of high school)
-Tohru might look like the sweetest creature alive, and people might think she's a pushover. But Kyo knows the truth: that underneath that angelic exterior lies a spirit every bit as competitive as his own.
Chapter 44: Slip (Tohru, Kyo, Yuki, Arisa, Saki, Mayuko, Hatori, November, third year of high school)
-Tohru's always been clumsy, but falling at school can be painful in a whole host of new ways.
Chapter 45: A bother (Tohru, Kyo, Saki, Arisa, November, third year of high school)
-Tohru's not sure what's worse: the injuries she got after falling down the stairs at school, or how much she has to be bothering her friends as a result...even if none of them actually agree.
Chapter 46: It was because they cared (Tohru, Kyo, Yuki, November, third year of high school)
-Slipping and falling down the stairs at school was no fun, but Tohru keeps reminding herself that things could have gone worse. She didn't break anything, and her friends were all there to help; Yuki and Kyo are still there now, helping her at home. Well. 'Helping,' anyway. It was the thought that counts, right?
Chapter 47: Room for improvement (Tohru, Yuki, Kyo, November, third year of high school)
-With Tohru dealing with some injuries after falling down the school stairs, she is on strict doctor's orders to temporarily lay off her household chores. That means the boys need to step up, and while no one can doubt Yuki's willingness, there is still a lot of room for improvement...especially in the kitchen.
Chapter 48: A point (Tohru, Kyo, Yuki, Shigure, November, third year of high school)
-Tohru takes her responsibilities at the Sohma house seriously, sometimes too seriously for her own good. Fortunately, she has the best advocates anybody could hope for, ready to step in when anyone tries to take advantage.
Chapter 49: Showing around (Tohru, OC, Kyo, November, third year of high school)
-A new student is always an exciting occasion, and Tohru is happy to show him around. After all, Kaibara High is a pretty wonderful place!
Chapter 50: Insecure (Arisa, Saki, Kimi, November, third year of high school)
-Arisa is feeling grumpy, but she should know better than to even think about disparaging Yuki within the walls of Kaibara High.
Chapter 51: Backup plan (Tohru and Kyo, December, third year of high school)
-It always sucks when plans fall through, no matter how good the reason. Fortunately, Tohru has someone else ready to step in!
Chapter 52: Oblivious (Kyo, Tohru, December, third year of high school)
-Waiting alone can be boring, but luckily for Tohru, even strangers can be friendly. Teenage boys, anyway.
Chapter 53: What about him? (Tohru and Kyo, December, third year of high school)
-Kyo is a very thoughtful boyfriend; he only ever wants Tohru to have what she wants.
Chapter 54: Dorky (Tohru and Kyo, December, third year of high school)
-Normally, Kyo always studies by himself. That means on the rare occasion his studying gets interrupted, it's surprisingly easy to forget that others don't know his methods.
Chapter 55: What are you up to? (Kyo and Tohru, December, third year of high school)
-It's adorable how sweet and thoughtful Tohru can be...even when there's absolutely no need.
Chapter 56: What do you do? (Kyo, Kunimitsu, Kazuma, Tohru, December, third year of high school)
-Kyo has always respected Kunimitsu, especially when it comes to matters of the dojo. There's almost no one else who knows the dojo like him, including how to manage its people.
Chapter 57: Maybe I can help (Kyo and Kazuma, December, third year of high school)
-Kazuma has never been good at helping Kyo with school, and that hasn't changed as Kyo has gotten older. But Kazuma has always been good at noticing things about Kyo, which means that this time he might be able to help.
Chapter 58: Good night (Yuki, Tohru, Kyo, December, third year of high school)
-Yuki gets home the night before exams to find he's not the only one who's been up late.
Chapter 59: What do you wish? (Tohru and Kyo, January, third year of high school).
-The first sunrise of a new year is always a special time, but Tohru doubts that any sunrise will ever top this one. It's been an amazing year, but the next one should be even better; there's no way is won't be, with Kyo at her side.
Chapter 60: Our home (Kyo and Tohru, January, third year of high school)
-Graduation is rapidly approaching, and Tohru and Kyo have a lot to figure out before they move. Near the top of that list: finding a place to live!
Chapter 61: Whatever I can do (Kyo, Tohru, Kazuma, January, third year of high school)
-Graduation is getting closer, and Tohru and Kyo think they've chosen their future home. But first they want to run it by Kazuma, who's always happy to support them, anyway he can.
Chapter 62: I bet I can! (Kyo, Tohru, Yuki, January, third year of high school)
-Tohru and Kyo are deeply in love, and everyone knows it. But even the most sappy lovebirds can have their rivalries, once in a while.
Chapter 63: Negotiating (Kyo, Arisa, Saki, February, third year of high school)
-There are things and people that Kyo will miss after leaving Tokyo. Saki and Arisa are currently not on that list.
Chapter 64: Valentine's Day (Tohru and Kyo, February, third year of high school)
-It's Tohru and Kyo's third and final Valentine's Day at Kaibara High, and it's hard for Tohru not to be a little upset about Kyo's popularity.
Chapter 65: Tricked (Tohru and Kyo, February, third year of high school)
-Tohru has been looking forward to making Kyo a special Valentine's meal; after all, on Valentine's Day, it's her turn to spoil him!
Chapter 66: Anyone but her (Kyo, Haru, Saki, Kunimitsu, February, third year of high school)
-Certain people belong at the dojo, but their numbers don't include Saki Hanajima. And yet for some reason she is there; Kyo has no idea why and is almost terrified of what the reason might be.
Chapter 67: Cold (Tohru, Kyo, Yuki, Momiji, February, third year of high school)
-Kyo doesn't like the cold, and he doesn't normally like scarves. Emphasis on 'normally.'
Chapter 68: Against all reason (Yuki, Kyo, Machi, Kakeru, Tohru, Momiji, Saki, Arisa, Haru, March, third year of high school)
-Yuki just wants to enjoy lunch at school with his friends; apparently for some of them, the 'eating' part is optional.
Chapter 69: White Day (Tohru and Kyo, White Day [March 14], third year of high school)
-Even though Tohru and Kyo have spent White Day together before, this year's White Day is something incredibly precious: their first White Day as boyfriend and girlfriend. Tohru can't wait to see what Kyo has planned for them.
Chapter 70: A date (Kyo, Tohru, Arisa, Saki, March, third year of high school)
-Kyo is happy to have a chance to take Tohru out on a date. Now, if only he could get rid of the crashers...
Chapter 71: A different kind of ending (Kyo, March, Graduation day)
-There was a time Kyo was terrified of this day. But now that it's here, he can hold up his head and know those fears are groundless. The Curse is broken. The Cat's House has burned. Kyo himself is free. It's time for him to sit back and enjoy his graduation.
Chapter 72: A new master (Kyo, March, the day after graduation)
-The night before moving away, newly-graduated Kyo reflects on change.
Chapter 73: He's your son, isn't he? (Kazuma and Tohru's Grandpa, March, two days after graduation)
-It's never easy when a child moves out, no matter how happy it makes everyone involved. But Kazuma can comfort himself with the knowledge that above all else, his son is going to be happy.
Chapter 74: The new guy (Matsuda Dojo people, March, five days after graduation)
-After months of waiting, the instructors at the Matsuda Dojo have finally met their new coworker. There's no denying he seems competent, but him being a student is one thing, him being a teacher is another, and at least one of the old guard will need a little time to decide how he feels. However, hiring was never his choice, and, as the others are only too happy to remind him, to doubt this 'Sohma' is to doubt their master himself.
Chapter 75: First impressions (Tohru, Kyo, Sensei Kenichi and Ayako Matsuda, March, six days after graduation)
-Tohru and Kyo have graduated, and moved. Kyo had made his first visit to his new dojo. Now, it's time for he and Tohru both to navigate their latest hurdle: dinner with the dojo master, and the master's wife.
Chapter 76: Dojo exploration (Tohru, Kyo, OC, April, a week and a half after graduation)
-It's an exciting thing, moving to a new place, and Tohru can't wait until the village of Hibe feels like 'home.' Eventually, she'll know it all: the places, and the people. But since she has to start somewhere...why not the dojo?
Chapter 77: Eavesdropping (Tohru and OCs, April, almost two weeks after graduation)
-Sometimes, you overhear things on a crowded bus. And sometimes, the result of that eavesdropping can be awkward.
Chapter 78: Whenever you're ready (Mayuko, April, one week after graduation)
-Mayuko has been waiting for graduation to go public with her relationship with Hatori, to keep things from being weird with her students. Well, graduation has come and gone...but the flow of Sohmas continues.
Chapter 79: You don't know that! (OCs, April, two weeks after graduation)
-Yes, there's an unknown girl in the dojo's courtyard. Yes, it's probable she's waiting for someone. But that doesn't mean she's someone's girlfriend...right?
Chapter 80: I just want to make a good impression (Tohru and Kyo, April, two weeks after graduation)
-Tohru and Kyo have been on their own for two weeks, and Tohru is gearing up for her first job interview. Why is decision making so hard?
Chapter 81: It's ok (Sensei Kenichi Matsuda and Kyo, April, two and a half weeks after graduation)
-So far, Sensei Kenichi is pleased with his new employee; Kyo is everything he would have expected from Kazuma Sohma's son. But while Kenichi respects and admires that Kyo wants to do a good job at his new job, it's also important for Kyo to remember he's still just eighteen.
Chapter 82: Home is where you hang your hat (Kyo and Tohru, April, three weeks after graduation)
-Back on that terrible day in the rain, Kyo had told Tohru that he'd known her mother. He didn't tell her, then, why their friendship had ended. Months later, Tohru and Kyo have moved to their new village and are settling into their new house. Looking around, Kyo realizes that he's finally 'home' and that being 'home' means trusting Tohru with his final secret.
Chapter 83: No fear of forgetting (Kyo, April, three weeks after graduation)
-Settling into his new village and new life, Kyo couldn't be happier with how things are going for him. He has everything that he could ever ask for...except the thing he had never thought to request.
Chapter 84: Not alone (Machi, Haru, Momiji, April, one month after graduation)
-With Yuki graduated and gone to university, Machi is left to deal with Yuki's remaining fans without him. Facing the catty comments is hard, but it's nice to know that even with Yuki far away, she still isn't alone.
Chapter 85: Do you like it? (Yuki and Machi, April, one month after graduation)
-High school is over, and Yuki is officially settled into his apartment and college life in Kyoto. Machi is excited to come visit, but worries that distance might not make the heart grow fonder...
Chapter 86: That's what works (Tohru and Kyo, May, two months after graduation)
-Tohru has been looking forward to hosting Arisa and Saki ever since she first moved away, and they might have finally found some dates that work for a visit. Unfortunately, there's a conflict with those dates. 'Unfortunate' to Tohru, but to Kyo? Not so much.
Chapter 87: Contentment (Tohru and Kyo, June, two and a half months after graduation)
-Kyo is working today, but that's ok with Tohru; just a little time with him is all she needs to make her smile.
Chapter 88: A total sweetie (Kyo and Tohru, June, three months after graduation)
-Kyo wants to make one thing clear: if this is a cat fight, he'll win it.
Chapter 89: Thrilled (Tohru, Kyo, Kazuma, September, six months after graduation)
-Tohru and Kyo have settled in and love their new life together, but there are things they'll always love and miss about Tokyo. Some of those things are different between Tohru and Kyo's lists, but there is one thing, or rather one person, who they'll always want to see.
Chapter 90: Where is it? (Kyo and Tohru, November, eight months after graduation)
-Kyo is perplexed. He's positive he left his sweatshirt right there!
Chapter 91: Today is about being together (Tohru and Kyo, December, nine months after graduation)
-Tohru and Kyo's first Christmas on their own was meant to be something special; this is not quite what Tohru had in mind.
Chapter 92: Never say 'can't' (Kazuma and Tohru, January, nine months after graduation)
-In which Tohru asks Kazuma for a favor and Kazuma finds himself at a loss.
Chapter 93: You didn't! (Tohru and Kyo, October, one and a half years after graduation)
-Ever since her encounter with Kyo's birth father, Tohru has been feeling down. Kyo is desperate to cheer her up and let her know he isn't mad at her, whatever it takes.
Chapter 94: Ouch (Tohru, Kyo, assorted dojo people, June, two years after graduation)
-Karate life is fun, but it occasionally means taking some hard knocks.
Chapter 95: It's broken (Kyo, Tohru, September, two years after graduation)
-It's one of the most basic of basics. Everyone can make a proper fist, right?
Chapter 96: No pressure (Kyo, Yuki, Haru, January, almost three years after graduation)
-When Haru invited Kyo to hang out, Kyo thought he meant alone, but Kyo can't begrudge Haru for taking pity on Yuki. If Kyo was in Yuki's position he'd be going nuts too; it's only an act of human kindness to want to help him out.
Chapter 97: Is she happy? (Tohru and Kyo, March, three years after graduation)
-It's been a long time in the making, but Kyo is finally ready to introduce Tohru...to his mother.
Chapter 98: I've met someone (Tohru and Momiji, May, three years after graduation)
-Momiji might be studying in Germany, but distance is no match for a friendship like his with Tohru. Video chats are a wonderful thing, especially when you have exciting news to share.
Chapter 99: He prayed for me (Saki and Lorenzo, September, three years after graduation)
-Every day, Saki takes the train home from work. Every day, she's always taken the train. And every day, that train ride is the same...until the one day it isn't.
Chapter 100: I won't if you won't (Tohru and Hatori, March, four years after graduation)
-Tohru is excited, nervous, and overwhelmed; for the first time ever, she's not only stepped onto an airplane, but left Japan itself. Being in a foreign country is nerve-wracking, but she's grateful to have Hatori's knowledge and experience to lean on...especially when she can't trust her own language skills one jot.
Chapter 101: Wunderbar (Tohru, Momiji, Hatori, and Hans, March, four years after graduation)
-Three years after Momiji moved, Tohru has finally made it to Berlin. She couldn't be happier to be there with her friend and help him celebrate graduation...or to finally meet his boyfriend properly, language barriers or no.
Chapter 102: Whatever he ‘could’ have done, he didn’t (Kyo and Hatori, March, four years after graduation)
-With Tohru in Germany visiting Momiji, Kyo has gotten a lot of international calls. But until now, all of them have been from Tohru, and all of them have been conversations he's been happy to have. Not like this one with Hatori, who's also in Germany. What Hatori is asking from Kyo is too much. Or it would be too much, if he was asking for his own sake.
Chapter 103: Safe to say (Tohru and Momiji, March, four years after graduation)
-Tohru has had a wonderful visit with Momiji in Berlin, but now it's almost over. Fortunately, there's enough time to squeeze in one last ice cream date!
Chapter 104: Excellent publicity (Kyo and Haru, May, four years after graduation)
-It's just the end of another day at the dojo, until Kyo learns he has a surprise visitor. So much for small towns being peaceful...
Chapter 105: A stranger (Saki and Megumi, June, four years after graduation)
-Saki has looked forward to this moment for a long time: to properly introducing the man she loves to the family she has always held so dear. In so many ways, it's going well...just not all of them.
Chapter 106: Is it really that hard to understand? (Kyo and Kazuma, June, four years after graduation)
-In the karate dojo, Kazuma's skill is unparalleled, especially if you're talking to his very proud son. However, Kazuma himself has to disagree; he is not untouchable, especially not now.
Chapter 107: A duty (Ayame, Yuki, Kakeru, Kyo, Haru, Hatori, Shigure, Yuki and Ayame's parents, June, four years after graduation)
-Ayame has never claimed to be perfect, especially not when it comes to his relationship with his brother. There was a time when he let Yuki down, and he knows he would have deserved it if Yuki had never forgiven him. But Yuki has always been the better man...which is why Ayame, given the chance to be the best man, will never let him down again.
Chapter 108: What were you thinking? (Kakeru, Komaki, Yuki, Machi, June, four years after graduation)
-Kakeru and Komaki have been sitting on some exciting news they've been waiting to tell Yuki and Machi...or at least one of them has. Yeah...Kakeru might have screwed this one up.
Chapter 109: Good news (Kyo and Matsuda Dojo people, August, four years after graduation)
-Another dojo exhibition has come and gone, and Kyo and his peers can finally take a breather. It was a great festival for Kyo, but his tournament placement isn't all he wants to discuss.
Chapter 110: I know we'll love it (Yuki and Machi, December, four years after graduation)
-Machi's been feeling sick for days, just as she's gearing up for university finals. Hopefully a quick trip to the doctor will help figure out what's wrong...
Chapter 111: You wanna hold him? (Kyo, Tohru, Kazuma, Hajime, April, five years after graduation)
-Kazuma had already seen so many things he'd only ever dreamed of, it felt like there was nothing more he could ever want. Not until his son stood before him, Kazuma's first grandchild in his arms.
Chapter 112: Actual and genuine (Kyo, Tohru, Hajime, April, five years after graduation)
-Baby Hajime is nearly eight weeks old, and Tohru feels like things are improving every single day. She wishes they'd improve faster, but she's ok with where they're at: knowing Hajime is growing and thriving is absolutely enough. With the sweetest baby that ever lived and the most perfect husband, what more could Tohru ask for, anyway?
Chapter 113: I hope we'll be friends (Kyo, Yuki, Tohru, April, five years after graduation)
-It's been far too long since Yuki made a visit Tohru and Kyo, but he couldn't be happier to be there now. Good times or bad, happy thoughts or bad, they will always be dear to him, and they won't be alone.
Chapter 114: Complementary (Kazuma and Kunimitsu, May, five years after graduation)
-Two decades have passed since Kazuma first took over the dojo, and in that time, he's come to know about his strengths as a leader. Also about his weaknesses, and the things he really dislikes...Fortunately, he has Kunimitsu there to pick up his slack.
Chapter 115: Darling (Tohru, Satsuki, Hiro, Kisa, May, five years after graduation)
-Tohru and Hiro's mom, Satsuki, have something big in common: they both think their children couldn't be any cuter.
Chapter 116: Growth (Kyo, Tohru, Hajime, June, five years after graduation)
-Sometimes, it's the little things that can cause the most happiness, like spending time together at home, as a family.
Chapter 117: Thanks for the memories (Haru, July, five years after graduation)
-In nearly three years as a model, Haru has come to expect there will be time spent standing around. Sometimes, that's not a bad thing.
Chapter 118: Harmonious living (Yuki, Machi, Tohru, Kyo, August, five years after graduation)
-Yuki and Machi are tired but happy, and the proud new parents of their very own son. Right now Machi mostly wants to rest, but there is one thing she'd like to do now that the chaos is finally over.
Chapter 119: Solid food (Tohru, Kyo, Kazuma, Hajime; August, five years after graduation)
-Kazuma is visiting Tohru, Kyo and baby Hajime and gets to witness an exciting milestone: solid food!
Chapter 120: Catching up (Tohru, Kinoshita, Yuki, June, six years after graduation)
-Young mother Tohru is happy to run into an old classmate while out shopping in Tokyo; it's amazing how much can change in just a few short years!
Chapter 121: Rain (Tohru, Kyo, and Hajime, July, six years after graduation)
-It's a rainy day, and neither Kyo nor Hajime is excited about it.
Chapter 122: At the exact same time (Tohru, Kyo, Hajime, August, six years after graduation)
-Ever since Hajime was a newborn, he's gone through periods of extra-fussy behavior. Tohru and Kyo have always done their best to cope with it, but it's been a frustrating challenge, especially since it always seems to overlap with the rain. It's almost like Hajime knows that Kyo will be 'under the weather...' unless there's another reason for his behavior.
Chapter 123: Practice makes perfect (Kyo, Hajime, Tohru, September, six and a half years after graduation)
-Zen: adjective. Having or showing qualities such as meditative calmness and an attitude of acceptance. Opposites: see 'Toddler.' See also: 'Toddler's father.'
Chapter 124: I'm ready (Haru and Rin, October, six and a half years after gradation)
-Haru and Rin might have gotten older, and things might be changing. But some things only get better with time.
Chapter 125: I think it's very sweet (Kyo, Hajime, Tohru, OC, October, six years after graduation)
-Kyo loves his job and is proud to be a karate instructor, but it's a fact that he could do without the student crushes.
Chapter 126: Whatever you need (Tohru and Haru, October, six years after graduation)
-No matter how much you try to be prepared, new parenthood is always a challenging time. Haru is trying his best but has a lot going on; fortunately, right now he has Tohru to lean on.
Chapter 127: He started it (Kyo, Yuki, Haru, Hajime, Mutsuki, January, almost seven years after graduation)
-As the 'senior' dad of the younger Zodiac group, Kyo is usually happy to share parental wisdom he's learned. However, there are times and places to impart those lessons, and he prefers it when he's not modeling what NOT to do.
Chapter 128: Happy Mother's Day (Tohru, Hajime, and Kyo, May, seven years after graduation)
-Yes, it's the middle of the night, but Hajime has something very important to say.
Chapter 129: Lesson learned (Kyo, Tohru, Hajime, September, seven years after graduation)
-Karate has been Kyo's passion for twenty years and his profession for seven; by now, he more than knows how to put on his uniform. Assuming he knows where to find it all.
Chapter 130: My brother (Momo, Momiji, September, seven years after graduation)
-All her life, Momo Sohma has felt a kinship with Momiji that she never quite understood. As silly as it sounds...she wanted him to be her brother.
Chapter 131: Little changes (Kyo and Kunimitsu, January, seven years after graduation)
-Kyo helps Kunimitsu change some things up at the Sohma Dojo.
Chapter 132: A huge help (Kyo and Kisa, August, eight years after graduation)
-A late-night feeding for baby Katsuro becomes a unexpected chance for Kyo to chat with houseguest Kisa. Even the middle of the night can be nice, with company.
Chapter 133: A special morning (Tohru, Kyo, and Hajime, August, eight years after graduation)
-Tohru wakes up to enjoy a special breakfast made just for her by a couple of her favorite people, on a very special day.
Chapter 134: It's wonderful to meet you (Tohru, Kyo, Kazuma, Hajime, Katsuro; August, eight years after graduation)
-Kazuma meets Katsuro for the first time.
Chapter 135: A bit longer (Kazuma, August, eight years after graduation)
-Things Kazuma Sohma will always love: spending time with Kyo and his family, in any capacity.
Chapter 136: No talking about kids (Tohru, Kyo, friends, October, eight years after graduation)
-Tohru is excited to go out with a friend for the first time since Katsuro was born, but she's also feel nervous. It's hard to leave your baby for the first time, no matter how much you need a break!
Chapter 137: No babies (Hajime, Mutsuki, Yuki, Kyo, October, eight years after graduation)
-Hajime is excited to get to play with his friend Mutsuki, and all of Mutsuki's things. Friends with new toys are always fun, especially when playing with those friends means a break from babies.
Chapter 138: Babies are Boring (Hajime, Katsuro, Tohru, December, eight years after graduation)
-Hajime contemplates the relative disadvantages of babies, specifically his baby brother, Katsuro.
Chapter 139: As long as they needed (Yuki and Hajime, January, almost nine years after graduation)
-Kyo's bout of pneumonia is one of the scariest times of Tohru's life, but she's not the only one who's afraid of what might happen. Hajime is afraid as well, and he misses his parents; Yuki knows he's no replacement, but he's going to do his best.
Chapter 140: One week to go (Kyo and dojo people, January, almost nine years after graduation)
-Teaching karate is one of the only things that Kyo ever wanted to do with his life. Sometimes, it's tough to accept he has to let that take a backseat in the name of his own health.
Chapter 141: This is just our life (Tohru, Kyo, Kisa, and Hiro, March, nine years after graduation)
-It's a very special day for Kisa and Hiro, and Tohru and Kyo are happy to be able to share it.
Chapter 142: Awake (Kyo, Hajime, Tohru, April, nine years after graduation)
-Kyo just wants to take a nap, but Hajime wants to play. And he might only be four years old, but Hajime isn't dumb.
Chapter 143: Wear it with pride (Kyo, Kazuma, Dojo people, August, nine years after graduation)
-Kyo has always loved his dojo's annual exhibition. It's always been a chance to show off his skill and impress on a large scale, and this year is no exception. However, there is one thing that's a little special about this year...
Chapter 144: He's gonna do fine (Tohru, Kyo, Hajime, Katsuro, dojo people; February, almost ten years after graduation)
-After years of anticipation, it's finally Hajime's first time in karate class!
Chapter 145: Stuck (Tohru, Kyo, Hajime, Katsuro, May, ten years after graduation)
-Kyo has a problem: he can't get up from the floor. If only there was someone who could rescue him...
Chapter 146: Where are they? (Kyo, Kazuma, Hajime, Katsuro, Tohru, January, almost eleven years after graduation)
-Kyo doesn't understand; his sons said that they'd be here. But aside of Kazuma and Tohru, there's no one else around. It's just them and a pair of giggling blankets; where on earth could those boys of his be?
Chapter 147: It's tough to be responsible (Hajime, Katsuro, Tohru, Kyo, March, eleven years after graduation)
-With Kyo away on a training trip, Hajime's the man of the house. He takes his responsibilities seriously, but sometimes, they aren't easy, especially when Tohru is sick and his brother...is a toddler.
Chapter 148: You excited, Hajime? (Tohru, Kyo, Hajime, Katsuro, April, eleven years after graduation)
-It's a momentous day in the Sohma household, and almost everyone is feeling the excitement as Hajime prepares for his very first day of school!
Chapter 149: Undivided loyalty (Kazuma and OCs, June, eleven years after graduation)
-Master Kazuma Sohma is beloved for good reason: his students can trust that they will always have his support. It is one of the many things about him that has always been constant, along with his his love for a certain small family.
Chapter 150: A natural (OCs, Tohru, Hajime, and Kyo, August, eleven years after graduation)
-From the very beginning, Kyo told Tohru he could never promise her luxury. His job as a karate instructor would never be the most prestigious or all that lucrative, and she needed to know that, if she went with him. She always has; she's never cared. They've always had enough. And it has always been worth it for her to get to see him like this, in the role that he was always destined to fulfill. He's a brilliant karateka, but that's only part of the story. To excel as a teacher, you have to be something more.
Chapter 151: Why (Arisa and Hajime, January, almost twelve years after graduation)
-Arisa has never harbored any delusions that she's ever been normal; not as a child, a teenager, or even as an adult. Yes, there were things that she regretted when she looked back at her life, but when it comes to where's she's at now, she's happy with her choices. She's also happy to defend them, from even the harshest opponents.
Chapter 152: Undeserved, but deserving (Kyo, January, almost twelve years after graduation)
-There was a time when Kyo once thought he didn't deserve to be happy, or that his 'crime' of being the Cat meant that he never could be. These days, he knows better, and he'll cherish what he has: unfettered, unashamed happiness, with the people he loves the most.
Chapter 153: Is that our baby? (Tohru, Kyo, Hajime, Katsuro, Sachiko, March, twelve years after graduation)
-It's an exciting time, meeting a brand new baby sister!
Chapter 154: Patience and strength (Kyo, Tohru, Katsuro, Hajime, Sachiko, April, twelve years after graduation)
-Having a new baby at home brings a lot of change, especially when there's an old baby that's struggling to adjust.
Chapter 155: I'm happy to just watch you (Tohru, Kyo, Hajime, Katsuro, Sachiko, Kazuma, April, twelve years after graduation)
-There are a lot of things that Kazuma once dreamed of seeing, for Kyo, but the first time seeing Kyo holding his infant daughter is a dream all unto itself.
Chapter 156: Next time, ask first? (Yuki, Machi, and Mutsuki, September, twelve years after graduation)
-Parenting has always had its challenges. Parenting Mutsuki will always be a challenge like no other.
Chapter 157: Daddy's got you (Kyo, Katsuro, Tohru, Hajime, October, twelve years after graduation).
-Too many times in his life, Kyo had been too slow. With the grace of the gods, that would never happen again.
Chapter 158: It's my job (Hajime, Katsuro, Sensei Kenichi Matsuda, January, almost thirteen years after graduation)
-Hajime has always taken his responsibilities seriously, whether that's at school, at the dojo, or at home. As the oldest child, it's his job to help his parents, and he fully intends to never let them down in any way. Sometimes, it's hard to live up to his own expectations.
Chapter 159: Do you think it's fun? (Tohru, Katsuro, Hajime, August, thirteen years after graduation).
-Tohru loves how much her boys take after their dad, but sometimes, it's nice to see herself in them, as well.
Chapter 160: I'll be careful (Kyo and Hajime, May, fourteen years after graduation)
-Hajime wants to go up on the roof, and he's tired of waiting for permission.
Chapter 161: The best thing ever (Tohru, Kyo, Katsuro, Sachiko, Kazuma, Kunimitsu, Saki, Lorenzo Mosca, Rio, June, fourteen years after graduation)
-Katsuro has always been fascinated with music, and he finally has a chance to go see some 'real, live musicians' perform with his family. He can't wait!
Chapter 162: Just a day at the beach (Kyo, Sachiko, Katsuro, July, fourteen years after graduation)
-Between work, three young kids, and the demands of life, it can be a challenge for Tohru and Kyo to get a break. Sometimes, the best break is doing nothing at home; other times, it's running away to spend a day at the beach.
Chapter 163: Sharing thoughts (Kazuma and Kyo, October, fourteen years after graduation)
-Kyo has always respected Kazuma's feedback more than most; no matter the subject, he's always glad to hear it. And Kazuma, for his part, is usually glad to give it, even when it turns out what he thinks is slightly off-base.
Chapter 164: Perhaps this is vain (Kazuma and Kunimitsu, October, fourteen years after graduation)
-After the day that Tohru went chasing Kyo's True Form, Kazuma knew he had no further need for his long hair. Many years later, he's considering growing it out again, but this time, there's someone's opinion he wants to ask first.
Chapter 165: No coincidence (Tohru, Haru, Sachiko, late December, fourteen years after graduation)
-It's been close to ten months since Tohru last saw Haru; something about him is looking slightly different.
Chapter 166: It's totally a thing (Hajime and Mutsuki, March, fifteen years after graduation)
-Hajime is a great big brother; just ask anyone. But even though he's always happy to help out with his siblings, he's always glad when he doesn't have to and can just relax.
Chapter 167: So pwetty! (Tohru, Kyo, Sachiko, September, fifteen years after graduation)
-Tohru doesn't know who likes it more when Kyo can come home for lunch: herself, or their preschool daughter Sachiko.
Chapter 168: Bravo! (Tohru, Kyo, Katsuro, Momiji, Hans, December, fifteen years after graduation)
-Katsuro is proud to show off his new violin skills to some of his biggest supporters.
Chapter 169: More than enough (Kazuma, Katsuro, Hajime, January, almost sixteen years after graduation)
-Kazuma loves being a grandfather, but the thing about children is that sometimes, they ask awkward questions. That's ok, however; Kazuma doesn't mind. Awkwardness is a fair trade for everything that he has.
Chapter 170: A real karateka (Kyo, Tohru, Hajime, Katsuro, Sachiko, March, seventeen years after graduation)
-Kyo and Tohru's daughter Sachiko has been waiting for years, but now her turn has finally come: at long last, it's her turn to start at the dojo!
Chapter 171: More rain (Kyo, Tohru, Hajime, Katsuro, Sachiko, April, seventeen years after graduation)
-Tohru has to go out and run an errand in the rain, leaving her family home without her.
Chapter 172: Special (Sachiko, April, seventeen years after graduation)
-Sachiko meets some new kids at the dojo, and they've got something to say about her eyes.
Chapter 173: Just breathe (Katsuro, Kazuma, Kyo, May, seventeen years after graduation)
-With Kyo and Tohru's daughter Sachiko now in karate, almost the entire family is a bunch of karatekas. Katsuro tries not to let it bother him that he's not, but sometimes it's hard not to feel left out, or to let those feelings take over. Fortunately, Kazuma has a suggestion for him.
Chapter 174: They'll learn, eventually (Kyo and Sensei Yuna Sasaki, May, seventeen years after graduation)
-Kyo is thrilled to have his daughter finally enrolled at the dojo, and he loves how eager she is to learn and do her best. She's determined to prove herself, and he's proud of her...but he looks forward to the day she learns to let a few things go. After all, karate skill is only part of the picture; learning to get along with one's peers is very important, too.
Chapter 175: What rank are you? (Tohru, Sachiko, Katsuro, OC, August, seventeen years after graduation)
-Tohru has always been happy to make friends of her children's friends' parents, and in general she's always happy to talk with them whenever. But sometimes, there are better times and places for certain subjects, especially when the subject is karate.
Chapter 176: Ok, Sensei (Kyo and Sachiko, December, seventeen years after graduation)
-It's always exciting when Kyo's classes get new students, but some new students are definitely more exciting than others.
Chapter 177: It's going to be fun (Tohru, Katsuro, Kyo, Hajime, Sachiko, July, eighteen years after graduation)
-It's time for the Matsuda Dojo staff and students to head off on a training retreat, which means Tohru and Katsuro will have the house to themselves for almost a week, and both of them are looking forward to it.
Chapter 178: My favorite animal (Hiro, Kisa, and family, May, nineteen years after graduation)
-Hiro and Kisa just want to enjoy a nice day out with their family, but expecting little kids to easily come to an agreement is a tall order. Fortunately, Hiro is there to offer an alternative.
Chapter 179: You can always talk to me (Hajime and Kenzo, November, nineteen years after graduation)
-Third year middle-schooler Hajime has had a lot on his mind, enough that some of his friends have noticed and are starting to get concerned. Unfortunately, there's not a lot that he can actually tell them, but it's nice to know that people care...even when that scares him.
Chapter 180: It was hers, wasn't it? (Hajime and Tohru, March, almost twenty years after graduation)
-No matter how experienced you get at saying goodbye, having someone you love leave is never going to be easy. Whether they're simply moving away or something more absolute, it will always be difficult to get used to new distance. Having something tangible to hold onto can help. It's helped Tohru many times before, and now it will help her son.
Chapter 181: We'll all miss this (Tohru, Kyo, Hajime, Katsuro, Sachiko, March, twenty years after graduation)
-The time has finally come for the first of Tohru and Kyo's children to leave the nest. Tohru is proud of Hajime and know he'll do great in high school, but saying goodbye has never been easy.
Chapter 182: Just the way he Is (Hajime, Kunimitsu, April, twenty years after graduation)
-Hajime's begun his new life, both as a high school student and a resident of the Sohma Dojo. You can learn a lot about someone by living with them for the first time, even your own family.
Chapter 183: Family harmony (Tohru, Kyo, Hajime, Katsuro, Sachiko, August, twenty years after graduation)
-Family traditions can be sweet, especially when the whole family gets together to share them. They might not always be the most peaceful, but it's the thought that counts.
Chapter 184: An ongoing journey (Tohru, September, twenty years after graduation)
-Tohru isn't a weak person, emotionally or physically. It's just as well, because being her daughter's mother requires strength.
Chapter 185: Very lively (Hajime, Mutsuki, Kazuma, Kunimitsu, October, twenty years after graduation)
-Hajime's first year of high school is underway, and one of the things he likes best about life in the dojo is how quiet it can be. Usually.
Chapter 186: Have you thought about it? (Hajime, Kinu, Mutsuki, December, almost twenty-one years after graduation)
-Hajime wants to talk to Kinu about something important, before the next school year begins.
Chapter 187: A terrible idea (Hajime, Kinu, Mutsuki, Kyo, Tohru, Yuki, Machi, Hatori, Mayuko, December, almost twenty-one years after graduation)
-Hajime, Mutsuki, and Kinu have pitched the idea of living together to their parents. What's the verdict?
Chapter 188: The master (Kazuma and Sachiko, March, twenty-one years after graduation)
-Kazuma's granddaughter Sachiko is excited to spend some time with him when he's working out in the dojo, but it turns out 'working' doesn't always mean karate, not when you're the boss.
Chapter 189: Bringing back the garden (Hajime and Mutsuki, April, twenty-one years after graduation)
-Hajime and Mutsuki, along with their 'cousin' Kinu, have just moved into Shigure's old house for high school and are excited to live in the place their parents once did. Mutsuki is excited to bring back another part of his father's past, but Hajime is a little less enthusiastic.
Chapter 190: He's too young! (Tohru, Kyo, Katsuro, Sachiko, July, twenty-one years after graduation)
-Tohru loves being a mother, and she always has. But sometimes, letting her children grow up is a tall order.
Chapter 191: Desperate times (Mutsuki and Hajime, August, twenty-one years after graduation)
-It's summer vacation and Hajime is studying, again. Mutsuki thinks he ought to take a little break, but Hajime, well...he can sometimes be too stubborn for his own good.
Chapter 192: No more denial (Hajime and Mutsuki, August, twenty-one years after graduation)
-For years, Hajime has been fighting his feelings. He's officially through with fighting them anymore.
Chapter 193: Real (Mutsuki and Hajime, August, twenty-one years after graduation)
-There are a lot of moments Mutsuki dreamed of. It's kind of amazing to know this one is real.
Chapter 194: That day wasn't today (Katsuro, January, almost twenty-two years after graduation)
-Sometimes, Katsuro imagines that he's his older brother. That he is tall and strong and confident and people respect him. Then he opens his eyes and remembers that he's himself; also that middle school, and middle schoolers, can often suck.
Chapter 195: Who did it? (Hajime and Mutsuki, February, almost twenty-two years after graduation)
-It's hard enough to be a Sohma on Valentine's Day; it's even harder when you're Hajime, and it's also your birthday.
Chapter 196: I was right (Hajime and Mutsuki, March, almost twenty-two years after graduation)
-Hajime is tired, but that doesn't mean he needs to sleep. Or so he says, anyway.
Chapter 197: I wanna hear it (Kyo and Katsuro, March, almost twenty-two years after graduation)
-Even with the best of intentions, parents can screw up. Sometimes, they can screw up massively, over years. And while Kyo wishes he could go back and change how he's behaved, the only thing he can do is change his behavior going forward.
He'll do his best. Katsuro deserves that.
Chapter 198: I just don't get what you expect (Hajime and Mutsuki, April, twenty-two years after graduation)
-Hajime is mostly used to Mutsuki's wild ideas, but this latest one has Hajime unsure. It's one thing when Mutsuki's schemes just involve him, but it's another thing entirely when they involve someone else.
Chapter 199: I'll give you that (Hajime and Mutsuki, April, twenty-two years after graduation)
-Sports Day is coming up at Kaibara High, and Mutsuki can't wait to show Hajime what he intends to wear.
Chapter 200: Do you maybe... (Katsuro, friends, July, twenty-two years after graduation)
-Fourteen can sometime be tough, but sometimes it can be fun. Katsuro is always glad to spend time with his friends...and maybe one, in particular.
Chapter 201: Growing up (Kyo, Tohru, Hajime, Katsuro, Sachiko, August, twenty-two years after graduation)
-Tohru is getting older, and that means everyone else around her is getting older too...even her kids.
Chapter 202: Overheard (Sawa, Mutsuki, Hajime, November, twenty-two years after graduation)
-Sawa is running late for Student Council, literally. Luckily(?) for her, Mutsuki is running late as well.
Chapter 203: A brave new world (Kyo, Yuki, November, twenty-two years after graduation)
-How much parental oversight is the right amount, when you find out your nearly grown kid is dating their housemate?
Chapter 204: What he'd always been (Kyo, November, twenty-two years after graduation)
-It's been a crazy weekend for Kyo, learning that both his father and oldest son are gay. He's happy they finally told him but disappointed it took so long; going forward, he's determined to fix his past mistakes and no longer live in ignorance about what people can be. Including, as it turns out, what Kyo himself can be.
Chapter 205: Exactly as he'd expected (Mutsuki, December, twenty-two years after graduation)
-Hajime has always been a worrier. Mutsuki understands those worries are beyond his control, and he's never held their existence against Hajime. But there is always a special sense of satisfaction in proving those worries are baseless, especially when that's done with a little help from his parents.
Chapter 206: Ready to stop hiding (Hajime, Mutsuki, Michi, Kinu, Riku, Sora, Sawa, Shiki, December, twenty-two years after graduation)
-It's been a long time coming, but Hajime and Mutsuki are ready to tell their friends about their relationship. Now, they just need to figure out how.
Chapter 207: With your boyfriend? (Hajime, December, twenty-two years after graduation)
-Hajime is done hiding, from his parents, from his friends, and from the world. It's what he and Mutsuki both wanted; it's what Hajime had wanted, himself. But when the world has only ever believed him to be one thing, to suddenly be out as something else can be a little...stressful.
Chapter 208: Great representation (Hajime and Mutsuki, December, twenty-two years after graduation).
-Now that all the important people know that he and Mutsuki are dating, Hajime is finally ready for them to take the next step: going out in public, together, on a date.
Chapter 209: Now, when you say- (Kakeru, Mutsuki, Michi, Yuki, Machi, December, almost twenty-three years after graduation)
-Yuki and Machi are glad to have Kakeru's family living so close, to regularly be able to spend time with family and to know their son has those who he loves and who love him so very near at hand. Most of the time.
Chapter 210: I have a complaint (Hajime, Ayame, Mutsuki, December, twenty-two years after graduation)
-Now that he and Mutsuki are out to their nearest and dearest, Hajime is ready for the news to just be known. He's tired of making announcements and explaining himself; at this point, he's ready to rip the band-aid off and be done. In retrospect, he probably should have thought things through a bit more, because there's 'just making things known' and then there's...Ayame.
Chapter 211: We're all here (Tohru, Kyo, Hajime, Katsuro, Sachiko, Yuki, New Year's morning, almost twenty-three years after graduation)
-The first sunrise of the new year is always special, especially when you can witness it with people that you love.
Chapter 212: You got in? (Hajime and Mutsuki, late February, almost twenty-three years after graduation)
-Mutsuki always knew Hajime was capable of great things. The question is, what does Hajime think about those great things?
Chapter 213: Pretty damn great (Kyo, Tohru, Sachiko, Kazuma, Hajime, August, twenty-four years after graduation)
-After years of waiting, Sachiko is finally old enough to start entering the karate tournament at the Hibe Summer Festival, and she can't wait to show the world what she can do.
Chapter 214: Fine (Katsuro and Kyo, October, twenty-four years after graduation)
-Fine: adjective, informal. satisfactory; acceptable. See also: Not fine.. Katsuro is...fine.
Chapter 215: Girl talk (Tohru, Sachiko, Kyo, September, twenty-five years after graduation)
-Teenage daughter Sachiko has a few questions for Tohru. Nothing too personal...not really.
Chapter 216: Still too young (Kyo and Sachiko, September, twenty-five years after graduation)
-Kyo is not ready for the realities of having a teenage daughter, not even a little bit.
Chapter 217: Believe me, I know (Kyo, Sachiko, Matsuda Dojo people, March, twenty-six years after graduation)
-Sachiko has been working towards this day for years, ever since she was five years old and first tied on her gi. Today, it's finally here.
Chapter 218: Like a champ (Sachiko, Katsuro, Kyo, April, twenty-six years after graduation)
-Even the thickest skins can sometimes be pierced, and Sachiko's is no exception. And sometimes, a little reassurance and kindness can go a very long way.
Chapter 219: We got your back (Sachiko, friends, April, twenty-six years after graduation)
-Sachiko is still feeling bummed about a bad experience with a boy. Fortunately, her friends at the dojo are always there to help cheer her up.
Chapter 220: Welcome to our home! (Tohru, Kyo, Sachiko, Takashi, November, twenty-eight years after graduation)
-Sachiko has a new boyfriend, and while Tohru is excited, she also thinks it's a little unfair Kyo already got to meet him and she hasn't. Fortunately, that's an easy fix!
Chapter 221: Personal Selection (Kyo, Kazuma, Saki, Kunimitsu, January, almost twenty-nine years after graduation)
-After Kazuma is laid up by an accident, he's faced with the prospect of a long, boring recovery. Luckily for him, he has a friend who knows just what he needs to tackle the tedium.
Chapter 222: I'm glad you had fun (Hajime and Mutsuki, July, twenty-nine years after graduation)
-Hajime likes his job, and is good at his job. He just wishes, sometimes, he felt a little bit less like a mascot at his job. But mascot or no, Mutsuki will always be there to remind him how amazing he is.
Chapter 223: Grandfathers (Sachiko, Kazuma, July, thirty-one years after graduation)
-Sachiko has been living at the dojo while attending university for over a year now, training at Kazuma's side for the day she eventually takes his place. That means a whole lot more than just karate, and a trip into the Sohma estate leads to an encounter Sachiko had been thinking about for years.
Chapter 224: Take me seriously (Sachiko and Takashi, July, thirty-four years after graduation)
-Twenty-two is shaping up to be a big year for Sachiko, professionally as well as personally, and she's always happy to talk about it.
Chapter 225: Recommended (Takashi and Sachiko, February, thirty-four years after graduation)
-In many companies in Japan, especially in Tokyo, WHERE you go to university is infinitely more important than what you study. So how is a person with a nondescript name from a nondescript university landing so many prominent job interviews?
Chapter 226: More than blood (Kyo, Shiki, OC, June, thirty-eight years after graduation)
-Kyo will never hesitate to step in and do something any of his kids ever needs from him: not an action, and not a word. Not his kids...or his grandkids, either. *This is an outtake from my chapter story 'What Once was Lost' and takes place after chapter 7*
Chapter 227: Will someone tell me what's going on here? (Kakeru, Yuki, Mutsuki, Hajime, Michi, Machi, Komaki, September, thirty-eight years after graduation)
-Kakeru Manabe is many things to many different people. He's a husband, father, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, uncle-in-law, friend, boss, and a whole slew more...including one title he yet doesn't know he's earned.
Chapter 228: I'm glad you thought you could tell me (Kazuma and Yuki, March, thirty-nine years after graduation)
-For seventeen years, Mutsuki and Hajime have been out to their families as a couple, and for seventeen years, Mutsuki has been a welcome and beloved member of Tohru and Kyo's immediate family. Yuki never doubted either Tohru or Kyo's ability to love his son as their own, but he knows all too well that love isn't guaranteed, for anyone. The fact that Mutsuki has been cherished and accepted not only by Tohru and Kyo but their entire family has always been precious, but Yuki never before realized just how significant Kazuma's particular acceptance was.
Chapter 229: Little ears (Yuki, Kyo, Mutsuki, Hajime, Katsuro, grandkids, December, almost forty years after graduation)
-For decades, New Year's Eve has been a time for the Sohmas to spend with their families; this year is no different. Kyo and Yuki are always happy to see their loved ones, especially the youngest members of their families, though sometimes, they really have to ask themselves WHY.
Chapter 230: My mind is made up (Kazuma, Sachiko, Akito, Shiki, Sohma family Board, January, almost forty years after graduation)
-Every quarter for decades, Kazuma has faithfully gone before the Sohma family board to report on the dojo and its status. Every quarter, that meeting has followed a similar, well-worn and familiar pattern. It's time to change things up.