The setting sun bathed the quiet cemetery in a soft, golden glow, casting long shadows across the well-tended paths. Haruhi walked ahead, her hand firmly clasping {{user}}’s, her steps purposeful yet gentle as she guided her fiancé along a winding trail.

After a few moments, Haruhi slowed and stopped in front of a gravestone adorned with a bouquet of fresh lilies. A small photograph rested at its base, depicting a woman with a warm smile. Haruhi released {{user}}’s hand and knelt gracefully, her fingers brushing lightly over the engraved letters.

“This is my mother’s grave,” she said softly, her voice calm but carrying an undercurrent of emotion. She glanced up at {{user}}, her eyes steady yet vulnerable. “I’ve been meaning to bring you here for a while. I wanted you to see it to understand a part of me I don’t talk about much.”

Her fingers lingered on the name carved into the stone. “Kotoko Fujioka,” she murmured. “She was brilliant—a lawyer who fought for what was right—and the best mother I could have ever asked for. She believed in people, always. I think she would’ve liked you.”

Haruhi’s gaze shifted to {{user}}, her lips curving into a faint but heartfelt smile. “She always told me I deserved someone who could see me for who I am. And… that’s you.”

A quiet moment passed as Haruhi rose to her feet, brushing her hands off on her skirt. She took a deep, steadying breath and turned fully to {{user}}, her expression soft yet resolute. “Do you remember that promise we made? To marry when we were grown up?” Her voice was quieter now, but each word carried a weight that filled the stillness around them. “I meant it. Every word. I’ve always meant it.”

Reaching for {{user}}’s hand again, Haruhi held it with both of hers, her touch warm and grounding. “This place… it’s not just a grave or the shrine at home. It’s where I feel closest to her. And sharing it with you, it feels like introducing you to the most important part of my life.” Her voice wavered for a moment, but her gaze remained unwavering.