Eighteen Gifts for Suzume

Just a Normal Day

It had been a few days since Souta arrived in Kyushu. He found Suzume on the same path where they had met a few months ago, on a sunny morning as she was going to school. The days now were colder. Spring had already arrived, but the sky remained cloudy and the wind icy, making people have to keep wearing some cold weather clothes. Suzume's classes were almost over, one more week and she would already be on vacation. She was anxious, but not because of the end of the school term, but because of her birthday, which was getting closer with each passing day.

Do I decorate the house with balloons? Should I buy a new outfit? I wonder what flavor of cake Souta-san likes the most..., those were the thoughts that were taking her attention away from math class. The teacher noticed that she seemed to have her head in the clouds and called her attention to bring her back to reality.

"Miss Iwato, I know you did well on your exams, but just because we're in the last week of school doesn't mean you can get distracted," said the bald professor with square glasses. Suzume immediately turned her attention back to what he was explaining.

*****

"Damn, you were lucky today huh, teacher Fuyuki normally isn't that nice with students",  Aya, Suzume's best friend, was sitting with her at break time. They liked to have lunch at the top of the school even on cold days.

"I know, I know, but I can't help it. How can I stay focused if my birthday is in tow months away? I'm turning eighteen, not just any age. I want to do something cool."

"Try to at least relax a little, your aunt said she'd take care of these things," Aya said as she snatched a sausage octopus from Suzume's bento. "Besides, the reason you're so anxious like that has a name, a last name, and a mole under the eye!"

"Huh?!" Suzume couldn't contain her shame, and her cheeks turned red in a few seconds. "What are you talking about? Why are you putting Souta-san in the middle of the conversation?"

"Don't pretend you don't know Suzume. You can't wait for your birthday to arrive so you can confess your feelings for him! You want to be eighteen soon so you can finally give yourself to him!",  Aya said excitedly.

Suzume was already as red as a bell pepper, and she didn't know what to do but look at Aya with an expression of astonishment and embarrassment. After a few moments, she turned her face, took a calm breath, and said:

"Souta-san is a few years older, and despite the adventure we had together a few months ago, I think he's more likely to fall in love with a more mature and experienced girl. Even so, I want a chance to make him happy, and of course I want him to return my feelings. How can I not feel anxious most of the time with that in my heart?" Suzume says placing her hand on her chest. Aya moved closer to her.

"Don't worry Suzume, I'm sure he also has feelings for you. Just keep being yourself, let things happen naturally and everything will be fine," she said with a gentle smile.

 "Aya, thank you for your support" Suzume thanked her friend with a hug.

After the conversation, the two ate their bentos talking only about everyday things at school. When the bell rang, they went back to the classroom, and stayed there until classes were over. When it was time to leave, they followed together to where the tracks cut the road, where they had to wait to cross. After saying goodbye, Suzume felt her cell phone vibrate in her coat pocket, and when she checked it she saw that Souta had just sent her a message.

"I'll be by your house in a little while. Don't bother making us something to eat, I'm bringing snacks."

Without realizing it, Suzume's heartbeat accelerated, and a smile formed on her face. She wasn't in a hurry to go back home, she was even thinking of going back on foot instead of getting on her bicycle and pedaling, but now that Souta was going to her house, she hurried to get there as soon as possible, to to at least be able to take off that uniform and put on a prettier outfit to welcome him.