Ashito and Hana's confession scene in Ao Ashi chapter 409 puts many romance manga to shame

With the release of Ao Ashi chapter 409, the Yuugo Kobayashi manga released its penultimate chapter. While fans are looking forward to seeing Aoi Ashito fulfill his dream of becoming a Pro Footballer, there was one other thing fans wished to witness before the manga ended, i.e., the conclusion to Ashito and Hana's mini story arc.

As fans must remember, Aoi Ashito and Hana Ichijou have been a thing from the beginning of the series. However, neither of them was ever able to express their feelings to each other properly. Amidst this, Hana was shown confessing her feelings to Aoi in chapter 336. Unfortunately, instead of showing the entire scene, the manga skipped over it to focus on Aoi's conversation with Fukuda.

Thankfully, with the manga soon set to end, mangaka Yuugo Kobayashi finally revealed what happened during the confession scene. Needless to say, Ashito and Hana's confession scene in Ao Ashi chapter 409 might put many romance manga to shame.

Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers from the Aoi Ashi manga.

Ao Ashi chapter 409 finally reveals Ashito and Hana's confession scene

Hana Ichijou as seen in Ao Ashi chapter 336 (Image via Shogakukan)

As fans must remember, during the prelude to the Arkas Cup, Ao Ashi chapter 336 saw Hana and Fukuda visiting Aoi Ashito's home in Ehime. During this, Hana shared with Ashito everything that happened with her and her brother during their time in Spain. She shared how her brother had to retire after a career-ending injury, and how she decided to become a doctor after that to prevent other players from facing the same fate.

As part of this, she dreamt of going to Spain to study. However, she started to feel like her dream was going to shatter as she had fallen in love with Ashito. Given her feelings, she wanted to stay back in Japan and keep watching over him. While she could not do that, she asked Aoi to say something. This is where the manga cut off previously, leaving fans to speculate how Aoi must have responded.

Aoi Ashito as seen in Ao Ashi chapter 409 (Image via Shogakukan)

Ao Ashi chapter 409 finally resumed this conversation, as Aoi reciprocated Hana's feelings, telling her he had probably started liking her from the first day they met. Ever since that day, Hana had been there beside him whenever things had been tough. So, considering that he had already made it this far, Aoi was certain that even if Hana were to go to Spain, his feelings would not change for her.

That's when Hana asked Aoi if their reciprocating feelings meant they were dating. Aoi was flustered but said yes, asking her if she wanted to go out with him. As expected, Hana said yes, leaving both of them flustered. Not knowing what to do next, Hana brought Aoi's notice to a nearby landmark. While they did not know the landmark's significance, Hana wanted to ring the bell hanging from the same and asked Ashito to lift her.

Aoi Ashito and Hana Ichijou as seen in Ao Ashi chapter 409 (Image via Shogakukan)

While both Ashito and Hana were shy about the experience, Ashito was especially disturbed as he could not fathom the new emotions he was undergoing. Unbeknownst to Ashito and Hana, the landmark at the Futami Seaside Park was called "The Bell of Happiness." As per the legend, if one were to ring it with their partner during sunset, they would be blessed with happiness. Coincidentally, that's just what Aoi and Hana did together.

Momentarily, Ashito lost his balance and fell in Ao Ashi chapter 409. While neither of them was hurt, Hana was worried if she would get in Aoi's way of fulfilling his dreams. However, Ashito was certain that as long as it was with Hana, they should both be able to see the same dream.

Hana Ichijou as seen in Ao Ashi chapter 409 (Image via Shogakukan)

Ashito was also certain he would follow her to Spain after becoming a pro player. Hence, he asked her if she would wait for him. Hana, overwhelmed with emotions, started tearing up, expressing how much she liked Ashito and would be willing to wait for him. Just as both promised not to cheat on each other, Ashito asked Hana to keep sending him his nutritional plans. Hearing Aoi say this, Hana hugged him, giving him a peck on his cheek.

As fans must know, Ao Ashi manga is the farthest thing from a romance manga. However, the fact that it did its "confession" scene so well by leaving fans speculating the same for years surely puts several romance manga to shame.

To top it all off, even the chapter title of Ao Ashi chapter 409 was a reference to the anime's second ending theme song "Color Lily no Koibumi (カラー・リリィの恋文)" performed by Kami wa Saikoro wo Furanai. Some excerpts from the song's lyrics include "Your voice gives me strength" and "If you ever lose your way, I will bring you back with these magic words to the other side of the world." Both these lyrics suited Ashito and Hana's relationship in the best way possible.

Now, fans can only hope that the manga's final chapter does justice to this mini story arc by giving fans a glimpse of their future together.