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I've already cried so much over this one. I relate to shizuku a whole fucking lot and seeing her grow made me feel like I could too. This manga feels so personal to me because of that. Kaori is such a good character, she lives for others but keeps her own pain silent. This fits well with Shizuku because she wants to see even the sad parts of Kaori, no matter how much it may hurt. They understand eachother and they learn from eachother.
Now onto the ending. I believe it won't be a 'happy' ending, because this latest chapter has hinted that a good ending is one where the characters are content. This doesn't mean together or alive, just content. Funnily enough I actually enjoy this kind of ending as well as dark endings, but with Kaori and Shizuku I just don't think I can handle it. All this time they've spent together will end. But I don't want it too. I want them to end up staying together and living life freely with one another.
However, I think the only way for Shizuku to truly grow is for her time with Kaori to come to an end. She'll take what she learned during their relationship and live for the both of them. She'll continue to grow remembering the lessons Kaori taught her. I think that will be the final progression of her character. I really hope it isn't though.
Either way, I'll stick it through until the very last chapter. Even if I have to cry my eyes out to get there.