Oh the author's notes :'> Yes I've already read it, four times actually, and I think what she said was that she believed Souma had found a will to live on. However, she didn't really confirm whether he would die or not. That's why I'm just not sure if he was going to make it alive ( ̄∇ ̄") And at the end of the interview the author mentioned Genbu Kaiden from Fushigi Yuugi the ending kinda reminded me of the tragedy :'> and just in case you haven't read it, the main couples didn't get to have a happy ending but they do in the next life. So I'm just guessing so will Masataka and Souma? But well it depends on each person's imaginations. And as you said the stab didn't hit critical parts, and there are servants and maids around the mansion too. So yeah I'll try to be more positive ╥﹏╥

I know that some might not agree with my opinion but I think this is the best ending that this story can have. I mean Souma was gonna confess to the police, which is a righteous thing to do, and just think about all the terrible things he had done :'> Although Souma died, he is and will always be in Masataka's heart. Just like the sakura will continue to wither away and bloom again. Also Masakata has grown and matured a lot from this. He'll continue his path that he chose with confidence and live a happy life for Souma. And just in case you still want to see them together( I do too :'<) , just imagine they' re being reborn in a next life where they can meet and fall in love with each other all over again with a less criticism and prejudice society. And have strong faith that they'll have a happy life there cuz they're meant for each other by fate <3