All right, here's the last chapter. This brings it up to just before the beginning of the first chapter's 'Twenty Minutes Ago', while this chapter's TMA brings it up to just before the first chapter's 'Now'.
There will be an epilogue. It's still being written.
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Chapter 8
Twenty Minutes Ago:
“Well, I for one think that before we get started, we each understand exactly what we’re battling for.”
“And how do we do that?” I inquire.
“With a kiss,” she signs with a mischievous grin.
“I think that can be arranged,” I sign in return, returning the grin as well.
We hold hands as we approach. I’m as excited as she obviously is. This was to be our first kiss, after all.
The fireworks at the festival three months ago were nothing compared to what I feel when we kiss. Magical. Even sweet tasting. I get just a little bit of her tongue, as if more is promised for later.
Finally we part. She’s as happy with the results as I am. “That… was… incredible. Win or lose, I’m looking forward to more like that,” she signs.
“So am I.”
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Earlier Today:
Suddenly the confident look on Hanako’s face faded. She sat down in the chair and leaned forward. She held her head low, and I could see she was taking large breaths.
From this display, I surmised that Hanako’s new found confidence was still in need of work. I kneeled in front of her and put my hands on hers. She lifted her head and looked at me. Her eyes held the same wonderful depths I had seen before, but her lip trembled slightly, holding in her anxiety.
I simply smiled at her. She saw my smile and gave a little one of her own. Releasing her hands, I signed, “Well, that was quite a surprise.”
Her smile widened. “I thought it would be. I don’t think I can do this all the time, but I figured that hiding like I had been was no way to go through life. Besides, if I want to, I can just do this.” She pulled her hair out of its ponytail and ran her fingers through her hair.
The effect reminded me of a yeti: Hair covered her entire face. I had to laugh at the ridiculousness of it. “But then your beautiful eyes would be hidden. And we can’t have that,” I signed.
“That reminds me. I think you look so cute when you cross your arms and look over your glasses. Even when you’re trying to be angry, I think some of the effect is lost because of how cute you are.”
Hmm, I never noticed anyone else being happy to see that look. The only person I remember not fearing that look was Tezuka. Nevertheless, I demonstrated it for Hanako. “You mean like this?”
As I crossed my arms, I dropped my chin a little to peer over the edge of my glasses. I pressed my lips together to make it clear I was being stern. Hanako jumped up, cleared the hair from her face, and grabbed me in a hug. Even if I really was mad, I think it would be difficult to maintain while being pressed to Hanako’s chest.
Releasing me, Hanako stood back and signed, “Yes, that’s it exactly!”
“All right, Hanako, we’ve now discussed your change in appearance and what we each find cute in the other, but it’s time to discuss other things about us.”
“Like what?”
“Like
us. It’s been a month since we’ve seen each other. Let’s go on a date, like we discussed.”
“I don’t think I want to do that right now.”
As surprised as I was by Hanako’s appearance, this surprised me more. “Why?”
“Because I think I’d like to get to know you better right here. Right now.” Hanako’s face had a look to it that I hadn’t seen before. I realized it was a leer.
Hmm, I think what they say about absence making the heart grow fonder is true in our case. This sounded like a good idea. “All right. But how about we make a game of it?”
“A game?”
“Yes. We’ll play a game of chess. That will be our date today.”
“How is that a date?”
“Because I’ve made up some rules additions.” I opened one of my bags and pulled out a printout I’d done. “Here they are. Do you have a chess set in your room?”
“… No. There’s one in the tea room.”
“Good thing I brought a portable set then.” I grabbed the set out of the same bag. “Take it to your room and read the rules. Be sure to put on your normal school uniform. I’ll join you there after I’ve settled in here. Oh, how about we determine who plays which color first?”
“… Okay.”
I took one pawn of each color and shook them together in my hands. Then I held one of each in my closed fists and held them out to Hanako. She seemed a bit bewildered by all this happening at once; I don’t think she expected me to be this eager to take a pass on a normal date. Nevertheless, she tapped my left hand with her right. I opened that hand to reveal a white pawn.
“Okay, I’ll see you in a few minutes.”
“Okay.” And she left my room while I got ready for our ‘date’.
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Now:
“Yes, Shizune, I surrender.”
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Chapter 7 Epilogue
Grats on being the first to spot it 
