Munakata Souta, age 12

The Munakata bloodline of closers will probably end with me... right?

It's okay, we're not the only ones capable of this job. The others will be able to do the work in our place.

Souta stood before the black and white photographs of his parents, trembling slightly. He bit his lips, trying to hold his emotions at bay, succeeding barely.

But all it took was a pat from his grandfather's warm, large hand before he broke down into stifled sobs.

Souta was a kind boy, though slightly selfish, and he couldn't bear to let anyone suffer the same fate as his parents for being made to carry the burden of their bloodline.

Closers were, after all, always dancing with danger.

Munakata Souta, age 15

It's just me now...

Souta's grandfather collapsed, not unexpected for his old age. Without his parents, the old man had to bear the burden of the family all alone.

This was really inevitable.

Souta felt trembles below his feet. He looked into the distance, at the dark red tentacle emerging from a decrepit hill.

I... I have to do this.

Although he wished for safety, he couldn't abandon what his family had lived for just for the sake of his selfishness.

Munakata Souta, Age 16

There isn't much left...

Travelling all over the place took a toll on his savings.

But I can't stop doing this. I just need to get a job so I can continue travelling around to close those doors.

That was when Souta decided to continue working towards becoming a teacher.

That was his dream before his grandfather collapsed. He dreamed to be able to guide people who didn't know where to go.

Perhaps it stemmed from his inner conflict of doing what he had to do and what he wanted to do.

If I become a teacher, I can earn enough to continue travelling and closing doors.

Munakata Souta, age 22

He met Suzume Iwato for the first time.

This was the first time he thought:

Is this why Father and Mother always went around together closing doors? This sense of comfort and security...

His younger self would never approve of his current thoughts.

Munakata Souta, age 25

"Suzume, are you willing to accompany me for as long as the future allows us?"

He followed with lines Suzume thought was unnecessary,

"We'll always be battling with danger, but I promise you, no harm will come your way as long as I am alive. Even if I become a two-legged chair this time, I will still jump off a roller coaster in order to reach you."

"Geez, what are you saying!" Suzume laughed in exasperation, the backdrop of Ever-After's starry skies reflecting in her watery eyes.

"There's no need for you to say all that, of course I'm willing!"

Munakata Souta had spent twenty-two years thinking he would be single till death came for him.

But he wasn't alone anymore.