Chapter 4: Double Flirtatious Birthday Date Arc
"I-I lost..."
After returning home from the Sports Festival.
I instinctively sighed.
I ended up losing to Manaka's seduction and almost kissed her.
Thanks to that, I was teased relentlessly by Manaka on the way back.
"...Even though Manaka doesn't like me."
This situation where it seems like only I like Manaka is very frustrating.
I want to make Manaka look at me.
I want our love to be mutual.
...Above all, the current situation where Manaka's heart is directed at another guy is infuriating.
"I can't win with skinship."
Thinking about it, skinship is Manaka's home turf.
Manaka is the world's most beautiful girl, and her style is outstanding too.
If approached by such a cute girl, you'd end up liking her even if you didn't before.
On the other hand, I don't think my body has the charm to captivate a girl.
I should compete with heart, not body.
Thinking that way...
"A present, maybe."
It's almost her birthday.
Let's give her something that makes Manaka instinctively swoon for me!
However, the problem is what to give.
I don't understand a woman's heart…
◆
I want a wonderful boyfriend.
I, Amasawa Sayuri, always thought that.
I don't go as far as wanting a romance like a shoujo manga heroine, but I want to spend my school life with a cool boyfriend.
I think any girl my age thinks about it at least once.
I was living my life like such a normal girl, looking for romance, but...
I got caught up in some trouble and had to transfer schools.
And in the town I transferred to... I met him.
A single boy with handsome features.
Unluckily, I was being groped on the train, and he saved me.
His name is Takabane Kanata.
He was tall, had handsome features... simply put, he was an ikemen.
Totally my type. And on my first day at the new school, I met him again immediately.
To my surprise, we were in the same class!
And he sat next to me!
It was fateful.
My heart pounded at the development that seemed like the start of a lovely comedic daily life.
This kind of thing, this is what I wanted!
Or so I thought, but unfortunately, he already had someone.
His partner was a super beautiful girl.
Blonde hair, blue eyes, limbs as long as a model's, features as perfect as a doll's, and eyes that looked a little strong-willed.
I thought, Wow, such a cute girl exists in this world.
No matter how I think about it, I can't win.
In the first place, I just want to fall in love.
There's no reason it has to be Takabane-kun, so it's more solid to avoid this and look for another cool boy.
I hate trouble now.
But you know...
Aren't you guys flirting too much?
You kiss openly at school.
You act lovey-dovey in public at the Sports Festival.
It's a level of flirting that makes my mouth feel gritty with sugar just watching.
One day, I received an email from Takabane-kun, one half of the school's most lovey-dovey couple.
Surprisingly, it was an invitation for a date....Well, just to buy something together, though.
"Sorry, Amasawa. I'm a little late."
Takabane-kun appeared about ten minutes later than the appointed time.
Since I had an image of him being serious and precise, his lateness was a bit unexpected.
"Manaka found me. She asked me insistently what I was doing. It took time to shake her off."
Takabane-kun said that by way of excuse.
I see, Himemiya-san found him.
Well, it might be natural to be curious if you see the boy you like dressed up and going out...
"By any chance, you didn't say you were meeting me, right?"
Becoming anxious, I hurriedly confirmed with Takabane-kun.
If I were in Himemiya-san's position, and heard that Takabane-kun and I were going out alone, I'd suspect cheating.
If that caused the school's best couple to break up, my responsibility would be heavy.
I'd be misunderstood by everyone as "Amasawa, the woman who steals other people's lovers."
I've had enough of romantic trouble.
"Rest assured, I covered that up well."
"I-Is that so. Then it's fine."
Is it true? I started to get a little worried.
"Anyway, let's talk over some tea. Is there a shop you want to go to?"
"Umm, not particularly. I don't know much about this area."
"Then let's go to the usual place."
Saying that, Takabane-kun started walking briskly.
The place we arrived at was a stylish cafe.
How should I put it, it's a "shop girls would like."
He surely comes here often with Himemiya-san.
Stupid couple.
After ordering drinks appropriately, I asked Takabane-kun.
"Umm... so, was it a consultation about a present?"
The consultation content was supposed to be "I want to give Manaka a present, but I don't understand a woman's heart, so I want Amasawa's opinion."
I feel like Takabane-kun, being her childhood friend, knows Himemiya-san's feelings much better than I do.
"Yeah. Manaka's birthday is coming up."
"Ah, really. What date?"
"June 10th."
"A week from now, huh. ...By the way, when is your birthday, Takabane-kun?"
I decided to ask while I was at it.
Takabane-kun has helped me, and I want to give him something.
"June 10th."
"...Does that mean it's the same day?"
"Yeah."
"It-It's fateful..."
Could it be that in a past life they were twins in a forbidden romance?
It's a destiny force strong enough to make me think they might have saved the world in another dimension.
"A-Also... actually, um, I want you not to spread this around."
"Yeah."
Takabane-kun's expression became serious.
Surely, it's a private and sensitive consultation.
I braced myself, but...
"Actually, I... um, I like Manaka."
"H-Haa...?"
I know, though...?
I mean, you two are dating, right?
Even as a transfer student, I understood that on the first day.
Not just the class, but everyone in the school knows it.
"Based on that... I want to give her something that will make Manaka turn to look at me."
"Heeh...?"
Something to make Himemiya-san turn to look at him...?
I don't understand.
Turning or whatever, you were facing each other and being lovey-dovey.
"Did you have a fight?"
"No, we didn't."
"...Then, what do you mean by making her look at you?"
"That is... I want Manaka to fall in love with me."
Takabane-kun said while averting his eyes in embarrassment.
It's a slightly cute reaction.
If I could take a picture of his expression now, I could have sold it at a high price to "Takabane-kun's fans" at school.
But now isn't the time for that.
"Aren't you two dating?"
"...We aren't dating yet."
"But you kissed."
"N-No, we haven't been able to kiss yet..."
"H-Haa...?"
So that was it...
No, but even setting that aside, you did a kabedon, hugged each other, and looked lovey-dovey.
"Besides, Manaka seems to have someone she likes."
"...?"
No, that's you, Takabane-kun.
Himemiya-san only makes a woman's face when she talks to Takabane-kun.
"That's why I want to capture Manaka's heart with a surprise present."
"I-I see...? So in short, you want to give her something that makes Himemiya-san instinctively swoon, right?"
"Yes! That's it!!"
I completely don't understand the process or background, but I understood the goal for now.
If it's Himemiya-san, I think she'd be happy with anything unless it's something really weird.
"What did you give her in previous years?"
"Last year I gave her a towel set."
"I see."
A slightly high-class feeling towel set.
Something you wouldn't buy yourself, but would be happy to receive.
I don't think it's bad.
It won't make her... swoon, though.
"Are you thinking about what to give this year?"
"I thought accessories or something would be good after all."
"Ooh, isn't that good?"
If given a stylish accessory by the person you like, you might get happy.
I don't know what Himemiya-san thinks, but I would be happy.
"What candidates are you thinking of?"
"A ring or..."
"A-A ring?!"
"...Is it no good?"
"I-It's not no good, but... isn't it a bit heavy?"
It's not an engagement ring, so...
No, but given how close those two are, I feel like giving an engagement ring wouldn't be a problem.
"Then, what kind would be good?"
"Hmm. Something she can wear to school without issues, maybe? Something not too expensive."
"Like what?"
"A bracelet or something."
"I see."
Takabane-kun started taking notes while nodding seriously.
...He doesn't seem to be teasing me.
"By the way, other than accessories, what kind of things can be considered?"
"Hmm, let's see... hmm?"
While pondering, I happened to look out the window.
Then, I met blue eyes.
The blonde girl hurriedly hid in the shadows.
...It's Himemiya-san!
"What's wrong?"
"Ah, yeah. It's nothing. Ahaha..."
You didn't shake her off at all!! You're being followed!!
Y-You dense man!!
"Anyway, shall we go look at accessories?"
"W-Wait a minute!"
It's bad if Takabane-kun and I go look at accessories like this.
No matter how you think about it, it will be thought of as cheating.
The misunderstanding might be cleared up later, but... I don't want to take the risk.
"What's wrong?"
"No, um... I thought about it. Isn't it better to choose with Himemiya-san after all?"
"Eh? But, then I can't surprise her..."
"Even if you try to force a surprise, you'll just fail! It's not necessarily true that my taste and Himemiya-san's taste match!"
"Well, that's certainly true, but..."
"Besides, you two have the same birthday, right? Isn't thinking about presents together also wonderful!"
"I see. ...You have a point."
Takabane-kun sat back down in his chair and started brooding.
Meanwhile, Himemiya-san outside the window looked ready to charge into this cafe at any moment.
H-Hurry and decide...
"You're, right. It's as Amasawa says. The important thing is Manaka's feelings. A surprise is just my self-satisfaction. I realized something important. Thank you."
Ultimately, Takabane-kun seemed to choose to go buy the present with Himemiya-san.
I instinctively sighed in relief.
"Then, are we done for today?"
"Yeah. Sorry for calling you out."
"No, it's okay! Sorry I couldn't be of help!"
"No, I heard valuable opinions from you, Amasawa. Next time, I'll thank you properly..."
No, no, if I receive thanks, Himemiya-san will misunderstand!
What is he saying, this dense man!
"Then, treat me today. That's enough for thanks."
"I intended to pay from the start. Other than that..."
"Then, teach me studying next time! That's enough!!"
I somehow persuaded Takabane-kun, who was trying to give me a present.
Thus, I escaped from Takabane-kun (or rather, from Himemiya-san).
◇ ◇ ◇ ◇
After settling the bill at the cafe, I parted ways with Amasawa.
I proposed walking her home, but she declined saying, "I have a little errand."
Can't be helped, guess I'll go home.
No, but since I came all the way to town, maybe I should stop somewhere.
As I was thinking...
"Huh? ...Manaka?"
Familiar blonde hair caught my eye.
When I called out, the blonde girl twitched her shoulders and turned around slowly.
"K-Kanata-kun... w-what a coincidence?"
Manaka said with an awkward expression.
Apparently, Manaka had business here too.
There's no way... it's really a coincidence.
"You followed me?"
"N-No... I-I was just shopping!?"
Manaka was blatantly shaken.
Seemed I hit the bullseye.
"I'm not going to blame you or anything."
"I-Is that so..."
Manaka lowered her eyes apologetically.
Even if I was chased around by Manaka, I feel neither fear nor anxiety, so I don't think anything of it.
I wanted to surprise Manaka this time, so I wanted to keep it a secret, but...
That reason is gone now too.
"Want to go home together?"
"Y-Yeah..."
Manaka nodded slightly at my proposal.
During the way home, Manaka glanced at my face repeatedly.
"What's wrong?"
"U-Umm... well, actually..."
Manaka said that much and fell silent for a while.
Then, with her eyes wavering anxiously, Manaka asked me.
"You were... um, having tea with Amasawa-san. W-What were you doing?"
So she saw us after all.
It's a good opportunity, so I'll speak honestly.
"We were discussing a present."
"P-Present?!"
...Is it something to be that surprised about?
I instinctively tilted my head.
"F-For what?!"
"...Birthday present."
While thinking it was embarrassing, I confessed to Manaka.
Then Manaka opened her eyes wide.
"A-Amasawa-san's... birthday is close?"
...? Why is she talking about Amasawa's birthday?
"I don't know, though."
"Umm, then..."
"It's a birthday present for Manaka."
Our birthday is in a week.
If I say birthday, there's nothing else it could be.
Why does it become Amasawa's birthday?
...No, well, she helped me out, so I have to ask her next time, though.
"A-Ahh... I-I see! A birthday present for me!!"
Manaka clapped her hands in realization.
However, her expression didn't clear up.
...I think it's content she should be happy about.
"Is there something bothering you?"
"No, I wondered if it was true..."
Why would I need to lie?
When I tilted my head, Manaka glossed over it in a panic.
"N-No, um... I wondered why you consulted Amasawa-san. And kept it a secret from me..."
"Why, you ask..."
Because I want Manaka to look at me.
I can't possibly say that.
While I was worrying about what to do, Manaka stared intently at me.
"I thought Amasawa might understand a woman's heart that I don't."
"...Woman's heart?"
"L-Like I said... well, I thought I'd give you something different from usual..."
I scratched my cheek.
And said to the bewildered Manaka.
"Because I wanted you to be happy."
I-It's so embarrassing, jeez!
Don't make me say this!!
I looked away from Manaka.
My face is a little hot.
"I see... oh. You should have said so from the start!"
Manaka's doubts seemed to melt away at my reply.
Her previously anxious attitude changed completely, and she nudged me with her elbow.
"So, what are you giving me? Ah, is it better not to ask?"
"Ah, no, well, um. Nothing got decided."
"Hmm?"
"I was told it might be better to choose together with Manaka."
"Ah, I see."
Manaka nodded, looking somewhat convinced.
...Should I invite her here and now?
"So, Manaka."
"Yeah."
"Next week... on our birthday. Won't you go on a date? Let's choose the present together."
While feeling embarrassed, I invited Manaka on a date.
Manaka showed a slightly surprised look, but nodded.
"Yeah, okay!!"
It was a dazzling smile.
◆
"To think Kanata-kun would invite me! What should I wear?"
I worried while pulling clothes out of the closet.
What kind of clothes would be good?
It's a date after all, so I want to look perfect... but I hate being thought of as "trying too hard.” No, but I don't want to have regrets. I should give it my all.
"Even so, Amasawa-san is naive too."
She probably didn't want to choose a present for a romantic rival. But to yield to me because of that.
"...But, why did Kanata-kun try to have Amasawa-san choose a present for me?"
The one Kanata-kun likes is... Amasawa-san, right?
Is it possible to make the girl you like choose a present for another woman?
True, Kanata-kun is a bit dense and has insensitive parts.
But to go that far...
"Ha!"
C-Could it be, choosing a present was an excuse?
He just wanted to date Amasawa-san?
Or, he was trying to find out what Amasawa-san likes?
Intending to give it on Amasawa-san's birthday saying, "Here, this. ...You wanted it, right?"
Y-Yes... that must be it!!
"Gununu..."
F-Frustrating...Even though Kanata-kun is my childhood friend!
I absolutely don't want to lose!!
"I can't just let it end as a simple date..."
If we just have a normal date, we'll buy the present and it'll be over. That's meaningless. "I have to set the mood!"
Seduce Kanata-kun as naturally as possible.
Act like lovers.
Have Kanata-kun take me home.
And a fait accompli on the bed...
"T-That's right! Just stylish clothes aren't enough!!"
I have to choose my underwear too!!
◇ ◇ ◇ ◇
And so, one week later. The day of her birthday.
I took the train from the nearest station to the central hub of the city, waiting at the rotary as arranged.
I felt we could have just left the house together... but Manaka insisted that "a date starts with the meeting."
Because of this, just to facilitate this "meeting," I had taken a train one slot earlier than hers and was now waiting for her arrival.
If she was going to make me go along with such incomprehensible obsessions, I wanted to tell her she should have taken the earlier train, but apparently, "the boy waiting for the girl is the real thrill of it."
In other words, it’s a farce.
Well, I suppose I can understand wanting to cherish that kind of atmosphere...
Just as I was thinking that—
"Ka-na-ta-kun!"
"Whoa!"
I was suddenly embraced from behind.
Turning around, I found a golden-haired girl burying her face in my back.
"Guess who?"
"Manaka, obviously... You know, what would you have done if you got the wrong person?"
"There's no way I'd mistake you, Kanata-kun."
Manaka said this as she looked up. She was wearing a beaming, friendly smile. She seemed to be in a good mood today.
"I'm a little late. Sorry... did you wait?"
"Yeah, I waited. About fifteen minutes."
When I answered, Manaka’s expression turned sullen.
"That's where you're supposed to say, 'I just got here too,' isn't it?!"
"I thought maybe I should say something different for a change."
"Do over!"
Manaka shouted this and pulled away from me.
...Don't tell me we're restarting from the meeting scene? Just as I thought that, Manaka hugged my waist again.
"Ka-na-ta-kun!"
"...It's Manaka."
"Yup! I'm a little late. Sorry... did you wait?"
"...Yeah. I was just thinking about going home."
"Do over! Stop messing around!!"
"I can't do this sober..."
"We're repeating this until you get it right!"
Manaka said with an angry face, pulling away from me once more.
Then, she hugged my waist again...
"Ka-na-ta-kun!"
After this, we did about two more retakes.
"Haa... Come on, let's go."
"Wait a second."
It was finally over. Let's start the date immediately. Just as I thought that, Manaka stopped me.
Is there still something else...?
"Don't you have anything to say?"
Manaka pinched the hem of her clothes and tilted her head as she spoke.
Today, she was wearing a long-sleeved see-through shirt. A black camisole was visible underneath. Below, she wore denim short shorts and white heels.
"Ah, right... You look cute."
I said this while averting my eyes from Manaka.
Cute... or rather, a little erotic.
It looks cool and airy, but isn't that a bit too much exposure? No, it suits her, and it is cute, but still.
"Fufu..."
It seems my compliment was properly conveyed.
Manaka smiled with satisfaction.
"Then, let's go buy a present."
"Are you serious?"
"...Is something wrong?"
The goal today is to buy a birthday present.
So, we are going to buy a birthday present.
I shouldn't be mistaken.
"We're on a date for my birthday, you know? Just shopping and then it's over?"
"Ah, I see."
Manaka is right.
That was my bad just now.
"Shall we hang out before shopping then? Er, is there anything you want to do?"
"Hmm... how about a movie?"
"Alright. Let's go to the movie theater then."
I have absolutely no idea what's screening right now, though...But deciding once we get there is a valid option too.
I started walking toward the theater.
"U-Um..."
"What's wrong?"
"...It's nothing."
Manaka said this while retracting her outstretched hand.
Then, with a faintly red face, she glared at me.
...What's with her?
For some reason, I headed to the movie theater with a slightly grumpy Manaka.
◆
Fufu, Kanata-kun... looking at my outfit, your heart skipped a beat, didn't it?
I felt a little happy about that.
I couldn't hold his hand, but it's okay.
I have a secret plan.
"Is there anything specific you want to see?"
After arriving at the cinema, Kanata-kun asked while looking at the pamphlet.
Of course, the movie to watch is already decided.
"How about this one?"
What I pointed to was a horror movie that's trending right now.
It has a reputation on the net for being super scary.
"Eh? No, but..."
"Could it be... you're scared?"
I provoked Kanata-kun. With this, even Kanata-kun, who is bad with horror movies, will have to play along.
Then, Kanata-kun will watch the horror movie and his heart will pound. He will surely mistake that pounding heart for the thrill of being with me. In other words, the Suspension Bridge Effect.
In addition, under the pretext of encouraging a frightened Kanata-kun, I can hold his hand too.
It is, if I do say so myself, a perfect strategy.
With this, my victory is assured!
"No, I'm fine with it, but... are you okay with it, Manaka?"
"What do you mean?"
"Because, a long time ago, you wet yourself..."
"D-Don't dig up ancient history like that!"
T-True, a long time ago, I did wet the bed in Kanata-kun's bed.
During a sleepover, the horror movie we watched together was so scary I crawled into his bed.
After that, I was too scared to go to the bathroom... but Kanata-kun wouldn't wake up at all...
But that is ancient history, a tale from time immemorial.
The current me isn't that much of a scaredy-cat.
"No, but that was in sixth grade, so it's not really 'ancient'..."
"I am a second-year high school student now! Something like this isn't scary at all!"
Five years have passed since then.
Surely, I have overcome it. ...Probably.
"But still..."
"Well, if Kanata-kun absolutely doesn't want to watch it, if you say you'll be too scared to sleep at night, I could let you off the hook, you know?"
"Gunuu..."
W-Well, honestly, I'm a little scared too...
And forcing Kanata-kun to watch a horror movie when he hates it isn't good either.
Maybe we should pick a different—
"Don't blame me if you regret it."
"Bring it on."
...We ended up watching it.
We purchased tickets and entered the theater room.
Naturally, the theater room is dim.
We're going to watch a scary movie here...? Now, I-I'm getting a little scared...
"Want to stop after all?"
"N-No, I'm not scared or anything!"
Since I was the one who suggested it, I can't say I'm scared now.
Putting on a brave front, I retorted stoutly to Kanata-kun.
Then, Kanata-kun reached out his hand to me.
"Shall we hold hands?"
"Ugh..."
I-I intended to propose that myself...
Frustrating. But, my chest tightened with a kyun. A blunder. I was the one who was supposed to make Kanata-kun's heart pound...
"I-If Kanata-kun wants me to hold it..."
I grasped Kanata-kun's hand.
His hand was larger than I remembered, and rugged.
It's a hand that seems reliable.
I can feel my chest becoming warm.
"T-This is practice for a lover, okay? It's not because I'm scared, you know?"
"Ah, I see?"
W-What is it... that face.
Grinning like that!!
"Phew..."
"Haa..."
The movie finally ended, and I went limp.
The contents of the movie were scarier than I thought.
My heart is still pounding.
Will I be able to go to the bathroom tonight...?
"That was pretty scary. ...Are you okay?"
Kanata-kun peered into my face.
He has a very worried expression.
I hurriedly tightened my expression and puffed out my chest.
"Well, it was so-so, I guess. It wasn't a big deal at all!"
"Ideally, sure."
Kanata-kun has a composed look on his face.
Kuh... acting like it was nothing!
"For someone talking like that, you seemed pretty scared yourself, Kanata-kun."
"Hah?"
Kanata-kun makes a sullen face.
But I know.
Kanata-kun was scared too!
"You squeezed my hand tight so many times. Was it that scary?"
"You're the one who squeezed back."
"You even screamed."
"Manaka's screams were louder."
I glared at Kanata-kun.
It's true I screamed a bunch of times, and I did hold his hand, but...But Kanata-kun was more scared!
"Well then, shall we have a horror movie appreciation party after we go back?"
Kanata-kun said with a smirk.
W-What is he saying...?
"Eh?"
"Ah, if you're scared, it's fine though..."
"Hah? I'm not scared!!"
I definitely won't lose to the likes of Kanata-kun!!
◆
I inadvertently got stubborn and promised a horror movie appreciation party.
Even though I'm not good with them either...
Even though we've already left the theater, my heart is still pounding.
This must be the suspension bridge effect.
It’s not like my heart is pounding because of Manaka.
"What's wrong? Kanata-kun."
"...I was thinking maybe we can let go of our hands now."
Because I somehow missed the timing to let go, I was still holding hands with Manaka.
Maybe because of the cold sweat during the movie, it's slightly damp with both our hand sweat.
I don't want Manaka to think it's gross, and more than anything, it's embarrassing.
"Eh—, it's fine, isn't it? We used to walk holding hands like this in the past. Is there a problem?"
"It's not a problem per se... but that was when we were kindergarteners. We're old enough now..."
If a classmate saw us like this, they would think we were lovers.
...Wait? Wouldn't that actually be convenient?
As I was thinking that, Manaka suddenly pulled my hand.
"Ei!"
"Whoa!"
Before I knew it, Manaka had linked her arm with mine, hugging it.
I felt a soft sensation.
"Fufu..."
Looking over, my arm was touching Manaka's chest.
Because she was wearing see-through clothes, I could tell clearly which part of Manaka's chest my arm was touching.
Perhaps because the fabric was thin, her body heat was transmitted directly.
"What is it, all of a sudden?"
"Lover practice. If we were lovers, this much would be normal, right?"
"M-Maybe, but..."
My heart is pounding even harder than before.
T-This is because of the suspension bridge effect.
It must be, absolutely!
◇ ◇ ◇
After leaving the movie theater, we ate lunch at a nearby coffee shop.
After that, we headed to the shopping mall to fulfill our original purpose.
"So... Kanata-kun. Regarding the present, have you decided what to buy?"
"I was thinking something like an accessory."
Saying it face-to-face again is embarrassing.
Giving a girl an accessory is practically saying you're interested in her.
"An accessory? ...Is that okay?"
"Is it okay... as in?"
"Eh, ah, no, Amasawa-san..."
"Amasawa?"
Why does Amasawa's name come up there?
I tilted my head.
"I-It's nothing! Um... depending on the item, they can be expensive. I wondered if you were okay with that."
"I have a decent amount of savings."
I'm the type to save diligently, so I have a reasonable amount of money.
Though, it's within the range of what a high schooler can save from their allowance...
"But nothing too expensive, okay?"
"Eh—, what should I do?"
Manaka began to grin mischievously.
However, when it comes to money, Manaka actually has common sense.
There's no worry that she'll demand something excessively expensive.
And so, arm in arm, we headed into the shopping mall.
Then, we entered a tenant selling accessories.
"Ooh... they're pretty pricey."
"Are you okay?"
"A-Ah... of course."
I decided to buy an accessory today.
I don't intend to retreat just because it's slightly over budget.
"Which one is good?"
"Hmm."
Manaka put her hand to her chin and began to browse the store.
Holding samples in her hand, asking the store clerk questions.
I watched over Manaka nervously, but...
"Yup, I decided!"
"Oh! Which one will you get?"
"Kanata-kun, you choose."
"...I thought you decided?"
"I decided that I'll go with whatever Kanata-kun chooses for me."
No, no, the point of today's date was "Have Manaka choose her own present."
If I can choose, I should have just chosen with Amasawa and given it as a surprise present.
"I'm not confident in my sense of style..."
"I want something Kanata-kun chose for me."
Manaka said this while staring intently at me with a slightly reddened face.
I'm weak when she puts it like that.
"I'm not responsible if you regret it."
"If I hate it, I'll say I hate it."
"Ah, okay..."
Then isn't that the same as Manaka choosing?
No, I guess the important part is the process of me choosing.
Manaka is the type to cherish... or rather, fixate on things like that.
I steeled myself and began selecting an accessory, but...
"How about this one?"
"Ehh—"
"This one?"
"Hmm—"
Nothing quite meets Manaka's standards.
Too flashy.
Too plain.
Doesn't match her clothes.
Jeez, you choose it then.
I wanted to say that, but if I said it, it would be a breakup.
"Let's see..."
Remember.
Remember Amasawa's advice.
I recall she said, "A design that wouldn't be a problem to wear to school," and "Maybe a bracelet."
Alright, a bracelet that isn't too flashy and harmonizes with the school uniform.
In that case...
"How about this one?"
It was a black leather bracelet.
It has a cute heart-shaped charm attached.
It has a slightly rock vibe and looks cool too.
Wouldn't this go well with a white blouse or black blazer?
The loop feels a bit large, but surely it can be adjusted like a belt.
"E-Ehh!?"
However, Manaka looked at my face with a slightly surprised expression.
...Was something weird about it?
"Are you serious?"
"Eh? Ah, yeah... I thought it would match the school uniform."
"Uniform!? T-This... you want me to wear it to school?"
W-What is it...
W-Was it that strange? I don't think it's a particularly weird design.
"If you don't like it..."
"I didn't say I didn't like it."
Manaka said that, crossed her arms in front of the bracelet, and began to agonize over it.
Is it something to worry about that much?
"Let's look for another—"
"Kanata-kun wants me to wear this, right?"
"Eh? Ah, yeah..."
"And you want me to wear it to school too, right?"
"W-Well... I was thinking of buying something that wouldn't get in the way at school and wouldn't get you scolded."
"I see, is that so..."
Manaka's face as she nodded was dyed red.
She looks a little embarrassed.
"T-Then... I'll take this one!"
"Are you sure? If you don't like it..."
"I said I don't dislike it!"
Manaka puffed out her cheeks.
Then, she turned her face away shyly.
"B-But... since it's Kanata-kun's request, I'll wear it for you. If I got this from anyone else, I absolutely wouldn't wear it!"
"A-Ah... Got it!"
Was a bracelet such a strange present?
I involuntarily tilted my head.
"Then, next is a present for Kanata-kun."
"Mine?"
"Obviously. It's weird if only I get something."
Saying so, Manaka headed to the men's accessory corner.
"Hmm... Since I'm getting a ——. Kanata-kun should get a bracelet... maybe?"
Muttering with a slightly red face, Manaka chose one bracelet.
It's a leather bracelet.
The design is somewhat similar to the one I chose for Manaka.
"There's no deeper meaning, okay?"
"Ah, yeah?"
I tilted my head at Manaka's meaningful words. Then, Manaka let out a small chuckle.
"Kanata-kun is surprisingly bold too... Fufu."
"What's wrong?"
"It's nothing."
I don't really get it.
I don't really get it, but she seems to have ultimately liked the present from me.
She was in high spirits even at the checkout.
"Hey, Kanata-kun. Can I put it on right here?"
Once we left the shop, Manaka immediately said that.
I nodded, saying of course.
Then Manaka happily opened the bag and took out the bracelet.
And then she attached it to her own neck.
...Eh?
"How is it? Kanata-kun. Is it cute?"
Manaka, wearing the black leather bracelet—no, the choker—on her neck, said this to me with a smile.
The heart-shaped charm is swaying back and forth.
"A-Ah... Yeah! O-Of course!!"
I-I see... it was a choker.
No wonder I thought the loop was large...
"Here, Kanata-kun, you put yours on too."
"A-Ah..."
I took out the bracelet Manaka had gifted me.
There was no punchline where this one turned out to be a choker too; it was a normal bracelet.
I wrapped it around my wrist.
It doesn't feel bad to wear.
"Looks good on you."
"That's good to hear."
"Fufu, they're a matching set."
As Manaka smiled happily, the heart-shaped charm swayed.
Naturally, my gaze was stolen by her white neck and the black leather choker.
"What's wrong? Kanata-kun."
"Ah—no... I just thought it was good that we bought it."
It looks like a collar, I ended up thinking.
A little... no, it's pretty erotic.
"Fufu, Kanata-kun is cool too, you know?"
Manaka smiled and let her fingers crawl up my arm.
Then she touched my bracelet.
My bracelet is also made of black leather.
The design is similar to Manaka's charm.
It's not like it's officially a set, but it looked like a pair of items.
A collar and a leash.
I ended up making that association.
Oh, crap... my heart started pounding.
"Kanata-kun."
"Whoa!"
My hand was grabbed.
She interlaced her fingers with mine, holding hands in the "lover's hold."
"What shall we do now?"
"...Should we go rent a movie for the horror movie appreciation party?"
"Ugh!"
Manaka's face twitched.
She seems to have forgotten.
"If you don't want to, we don't have to..."
"I-I don't not want to, okay!? ...But, right." Manaka lowered her eyes. Then, as if she thought something, looked up at my face as the charm swayed.
"I-If I can stay over... we can do it, you know?"
...Eh?
Sleepover?
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