Author's Note: Here we are on the final chapter! I thank everyone for reading this story and being with me on this journey.

For this chapter I dedicate it to the late author Kaoru Tada whose manga, Itazura Na Kiss, continues to be a popular and beloved story to this day.

Disclaimer: I do not own Itazura Na Kiss.

Chapter 9

November 21, 2018, Wednesday

Evening

After the hugs to their children, the music began to play once more. Some got up to dance while others remained at their seats or grabbed more food. Kotoko and Naoki got up to look more closely at the table where their photos were everywhere. There were frames of photos, a digital photo frame showing many pictures, and a book made into a photo album on printed pages. A gift from their children.

As Kotoko and Naoki looked through the book, they were both surprised to find many pictures of them. From their beginnings to their engagement, even their honeymoon. However, one picture in particular caught their eye and they gasped.

"How did they get a hold of this?!"

Naoki pointed to a picture of him as a toddler dressed in girl clothes. An embarrassing reminder of what his mother did. Naoki gritted his teeth and turned completely red.

Kotoko laughed nervously. "Well I guess the cat's out of the bag."

"I tried so hard to make sure no one would ever see these again. It's bad enough that it was shown at our wedding, but now are children know the secret."

"Irie…"

"Hey dad, don't worry about the photo. It was a long time ago."

Naoki turned to see his daughter looking at him. "Kotomi…"

"We wanted to find some toddler photos of you and these were all we could find. Grandmother explained it to Itsuki and I. I knew she was eccentric but…"

"Let's not talk about it more."

Noriko could be heard over the microphone as the music died down. "Alright everyone! I hate to interrupt the party but we still have two more people to give speeches. Kotoko and Naoki please come up."

"That's us Irie. I'll go first." Kotoko went over to their table and grabbed her speech out of her purse. She then went up to the microphone. "Hello everyone! I am Kotoko and celebrating twenty-five years with Irie. Yes, I still call him by his last name." Everyone laughed. "I first laid eyes on Irie when he gave the first year speech in high school and I was in love right away. It was not until third year that I finally got to know him, but it wasn't easy. He rejected my love letter and wanted nothing to do with me. One thing lead to another though and we began to get to know each other. Whether it was over studying or doing our homework. Outings with family and friends. Or simply sharing our fears together. We grew closer. In many ways, he helped me to grow up and rather than spoil me, became tough with me. Most would call it cold but I call it tough love. He wanted me to be my best. As for Irie, he does have a kind heart. He has more patience with teaching, an affection towards children, and loves our children. I love him more now than I ever did before and I will love you till the end of my days. I will continue to make you a good cup of coffee. Share your thoughts and dreams as you did when you told me you wanted to be a doctor. And share in the happy years to come. Like you, I plan to enjoy many more anniversaries. Happy anniversary!"

Everyone clapped as Kotoko finished her speech and left the stage. She went over to Naoki who kissed her cheek in thank you.

Naoki then left the table and went up to the microphone next. "Thank you Kotoko. I would first like to thank everyone for coming tonight in celebrating my twenty-five years with Kotoko. For those of you who know me, speaking about my feelings is never easy. I can remember anything after hearing it once, give a speech about academics easily, and manage any task. However, public displays are not that easy. However, when it comes to Kotoko, Itsuki, and Kotomi, I am at a loss. I cannot deny a public display with them."

Everyone laughed or awed at Naoki's speech as Kotoko looked on. 'This reminds me so much of his past speeches. So many memories are flooding through my mind.'

"As Kotoko and my mother will probably tell you, I did not warm up to Kotoko when we first met. However, feelings change when they do. The more and more I spent with Kotoko, the more I grew affection towards her. Studying together, eating meals together, and attending school events together. She made my life chaotic but gave me new experiences. Kotoko made me laugh and enjoy life. More importantly, she helped me find myself. When I was unable to decide about college, she encouraged me to do so in order to find my passion in life. When I struggled to find what I wanted to do for a career, it was Kotoko who said, become a doctor. Having a big brain made sense to her for me to become a one. When I decided to become a doctor, she is the first person I told. The only one I wanted to tell. For the rest of my days, I too want to tell her my thoughts and dreams. You've impressed me with your determination, courage, and cheerfulness. Your perseverance. You've given me happiness. And you've given me two wonderful children. With the three of you, I want continued excitement till the end of my days. Kotoko, happy anniversary and as I told you twenty-three years ago, I hope to have more anniversaries with you."

Everyone clapped and whistled as Naoki left the stage and walked to Kotoko who kissed him on the lips. As they hugged, Noriko came up to the microphone and wiped the tears away from her eyes. "Let's all get up and dance! It's time to party!"

The music started playing again as some got up from their seats and went over to the dance floor. Kotoko and Naoki were left at the table to enjoy a few more minutes alone. As they parted, they kissed once more.

"That was so wonderful Irie. I love you."

"I love you too, but there's one anniversary gift I would like from you Kotoko."

Kotoko stared at him. "What's that?"

"Please call me Naoki."

The two laughed and spent the rest of the evening enjoying each other's company. While everyone else may have danced the night away or ate at their tables. Kotoko and Naoki only had eyes for each other. They had reminisced about their ups and downs. Their struggles to understand each other when they first met. Yet ultimately they found each other. In the end, they married and shared twenty-five years of happiness. As Kotoko held on to Naoki, she smiled and whispered, "Happy silver anniversary to you and I."

End

Thank you again for reading this story. I am glad that many of you who read and reviewed enjoyed my first multi-chapter Itazura Na Kiss story. It was fun to write and focus a bit on the what-ifs of Kotoko and Naoki's marriage as they celebrate twenty-five years.

Thank you again!