Later, Takao learns Yukari is a literature teacher, facing isolation and harassment at her school. When she resigns and prepares to leave Tokyo, Takao confesses his feelings, only to be gently turned down. Their emotional parting leads to a heartfelt embrace, where both realize how much they’ve helped each other heal.

In the post-credits scene, Takao revisits the garden in winter and leaves the completed shoes for Yukari, vowing to find her again. In the manga and novel adaptations, their story continues with letters, unspoken emotions, and a final reunion years later. The Garden of Words is a delicate exploration of unspoken love, growth, and the healing found in unexpected connections.