The only acceptable way to answer the question, "but what about the third year separating?"
Sure, they're going to be in different parts of the world, but that doesn't mean they're going to drift apart.
This type of Nico is my favorite. She obviously likes Rin and wants to be pet, but she rejects the offer at first and pretends to be all above it.
And Rin is well, Rin. Sweet and straightforward, winning Nico over.
This dynamic is just so damn good.