"ahhhh-hhaaaaaa"
While yawning, I ── Kiyotaka Ayanokoji starts the day.
As usual, I took a shower for about 5 minutes and put the leftovers of yesterday's supper in the fridge into the microwave to warm them up. While the food is reheating , I change into my uniform and put the things that I need for today in the school.
When I turned on the TV, I was seeing the latest news.
"Well ... Is that demon extermination cartoon movie starting this week ..."
A anime adaptation of the popular manga.
Incidents and accidents happening outside the school grounds.
Things that are popular in Tokyo these days.
"... this macaron looks delicious"
It seems that sweets are popular in the news, and it seems that there are 15 macaroons that are popular these days in a box, and all of them have a strong taste.
"──But what I want most is this."
I said that and saw the wireless earphones that was introduced in the commercial for about 30,000 yen. I was thinking about buying a new earphone because the sound quality of the earphones I am using is not good.
To be honest, it doesn't matter to me now, just because I want it. The other day, the special exam was finally over.
After watching the news for a while, I heard a sound from the microwave, so I had my breakfast. When I finished eating, washed the dishes and looked at the clock, I had about 40 minutes to go to school.
"... I got an email from Kei ."
I received two emails from Kei.
"Happy Birthday, Kiyotaka"
"I'm coming to your room after school today, so leave a schedule."
"It's unprecedentedly forcible"
However, it was only a blessing at this school to celebrate birthdays . Kei remembered my birthday from the profile of my email account, as I didn't tell her about it .
It was also surprising that I had the feeling that I was happy to have someone celebrate my birthday.
"Will she bring me a birthday present?"
Last year only she celebrated my birthday.
I sent a simple sentence to Kei by e-mail saying, "OK, I'll leave it open."
After replying to Kei , I turned off my cell phone, put it in my bag, and got out of the front door.
It looks like I will have my birthday celebrated again this year. I'm not lonely about that. On the contrary, if there is even one person who cares about me, I think it's a happy thing.
"... Why are you here. Sakayanagi"
"Good morning. Ayanokoji-kun"
The moment I opened the door, a familiar A-class leader stood in front of my room.
"Today is October 20th ... Happy birthday. Ayanokogi-kun."
"Did you come here to celebrate my birthday?"
"Yes, that's right. I ambushed you in front of the room because I wanted to celebrate with you earlier than anyone else."
I just received a celebration from Kei , so it's not your first time. Well, let's say thank you honestly without saying anything useless.
"... Thank you. First of all, thank you for celebrating. Let's just move somewhere It does stands out here."
"Okay, let's go down together."
"Yeah"
Sakayanagi , Is she ambushing me from the morning just to celebrate my birthday? It can be said that she like her, such as taking the risk seen by other boys .
I took Sakayanagi to the elevator, and during the descent, Sakayanagi took out a small paper bag from her bag.
"what is this"
"Don't you see ? It's a gift for Ayanokoji-kun. Please."
"... Isn't it a trap?"
"I understand that it's something that you don't do on a daily basis, but it's a little shocking to be suspicious from the front. Please open it."
"..."
When I opened the paper bag I got from Sakayanagi, I found a small wristwatch in it. A white watch was embedded in a leather band, and a small black second hand was moving every second.
"──Isn't this costly ?"
"Yes but the person who I'm giving it is Ayanokougi-kun. I thought it had to be something of a high value."
"... How much did it cost?"
"Even if it's a brand, something that is too expensive will affect this private point. It's just under 60,000."
"60,000 ..."
I'm really surprised now.
I never thought that Sakayanagi would give me such a gift. Moreover, it is not too big and never gets in the way. Therefore, a wristwatch that is convenient and easy to use on daily basis .
"Is this really not related to future testing strategies?"
"That's not true. I'm just celebrating Ayanokogi-kun's birthday in good intentions. I'd be happy if you could accept it honestly, right?"
"... Thank you. I've never been given such a high-quality product."
"──"
When I said so from the bottom of my heart, Sakayanagi stopped looking at me for some reason. I should have thanked her honestly, but does that mean it's not enough?
"Tell me when is your birthday Sakayanagi "
"Why ask that all of a sudden?"
"If you celebrated my birthday this time, I wouldn't be fair if I didn't celebrate your birthday ?"
"Ah ... well, it's March 12th."
"It's March 12th, I will remember your birthday . And I'm honestly happy with this watch .... I'll say it again, but thank you."
"Fufu. Then I'm looking forward to Ayanokoji-kun's present for my birthday."
"Well ... I don't have as much money as class A, . So don't keep your hopes up."
"No, that's not the case. If Ayanokoji-kun is celebrating, it's okay if you don't have any presents. ."
"Really"
It was an incredibly humble word from her warlike personality . ‥‥ Somehow, today's Sakayanagi is a different person. She seems to be really celebrating my birthday with me.
After listening to Sakayanagi's playful words, we got off the elevator.
I went to school according to Sakayanagi's stride, sent her to class A, and then took a seat as usual.
"Good morning, Ayanokoji-kun"
"Oh. Good morning Horikita"
We have changed our seats during our second semester, but the frequency of discussions hasn't diminished. She is in front of my girlfriend seat when she is in the class, but she has moved to my seat.
"Um ..."
"what?"
Horikita sat next to my seat without saying anything. When she looked at the classroom, she was still alone with me and felt uncomfortable when she was alone.
"What's with that paper bag?"
"What's wrong with this?"
"... I wonder if someone gave you a present?"
"... That's right."
From her point of view, Horikita must also knows my birthday I guess.
"Yes ... So today is your birthday. Ayanokoji-kun."
I wasn't interested in it last year. I was surprised that she remembered my birthday .
"Yeah. So, for the time being ... I brought this as a thank-you gift."
"What?"
"Yes, It's a gift for you Ayanokoji ."
"Is it okay? Is it okay for me to take it?"
"Who do you think I'll give it to other than you?"
"‥‥That's right"
What I got from Horikita was a high-class fountain pen. ‥‥ It's a Horikita-like choice again. It doesn't compare to Sakayanagi's watch, but I am honestly grateful and honored for giving me a gift in her own way.
"Thank you for taking the trouble"
"Yes ... and my birthday is in February 15th."
"What?"
"February 15th."
"Is there a reason you told me your birthday?"
"Yeah. I'm expecting a wonderful present."
Was this usually the aim?
Well, I can't say she's not straightforward.
"I've never seen anyone tell me their birthday and urge me to get a birthday gift."
"You received it. That fountain pen."
"..."
──I wonder, this feeling of deja vu.
First, the request after I received it, believing it to be in good faith. It was the usual Horikita way.
"Okay ... February 15th. Remember."
"Yes. I hope this year will be a wonderful year."
"That's right"
Horikita raised her hand lightly and went back to her seat. After she sat down, was she in the middle of reading? She resumed reading and she spent her time quietly.
During that time, I was curious about the fountain pen I received from Horikita, so I searched online.
"This was also quite expensive ..."
If you look it up, it's 16,000 yen.
Well I didn't want to check the price. When I was looking up the brand name purely, the price just came out. I am impressed that she got me a expensive pen with the current situation of private points.
This is something that can be urged for a present on your birthday. Rather, it's the first time I've touched a luxury fountain pen.
"Kiyopon"
"Good morning, Kiyotaka!"
"Oh, good morning for both of you."
After that, as I was spending time in the classroom by seeing my cell phone for a while, there were two female students who gradually gathered and called out to me.
Airi Sakura and Haruka Hasebe.
They are girls from Ayanokoji group and usually get along with each other.
"Today is Kiyopon's birthday, isn't it?"
"Oh, that's right."
"This is from Airi and me! Hey, Airi"
"Uh, yeah! I'd be happy if you could let me know what you think."
Haruka gave me a new mobile cover, and Airi gave me a muffler. Both seemed to be practical and easy to use, and I was usually happy.
" I'm was going buy a new cover, so I'm grateful. The muffler can be used in chilly season , so I'll use it."
"Thank you for being pleased."
"Kiyotaka-kun, happy birthday again!"
"Thank you"
It's not a bad idea to have a birthday present from friends you usually get along with. or rather, I'm happy normally. It was surprising that Sakayanagi and Horikita gave me a gift, but Haruka and Airi also gave them in good faith.
Let's use it carefully.
"Hey, Ayanokoji! It's your birthday. I bought this morning, so if you like it, drink it!"
"Kiyotaka, this is from me. For the time being, it has a relaxing effect on studying."
"Kiyotaka, happy birthday. This is from me."
"Happy birthday, Kiyotaka-kun. I'm always indebted to you. This is from me."
After that, Sudo, Keisei, Akito, and Yosuke each came to my desk and handed me presents. Drinks from PET bottles from Sudo. Keisei is a cute eye mask that is fluffy. Akito with a sports towel and a training glove from Yosuke.
I felt that Keisei, Akito, and Yosuke seemed to celebrate somehow, but it was a little surprising that Sudo came to celebrate. Well, I'm going to get close to them these days. Let's celebrate their birthday by all means.
During the lunch break, I was contacted by Hiyori to come to the library, so I went there.
"Hello Ayanokoji-kun"
"Yeah.Is there a reason you contacted me ?"
‥‥ Well, I'm pretty sure.
"Ayanokoji-kun's birthday is today, isn't it?"
"Oh ... did you know?"
"I'm ashamed to know Ayanokoji-kun's birthday three days ago. Ishizaki-kun and his friends are celebrating Ryuen-kun's birthday, so I was wondering when Ayanokoji-kun's birthday was. , It was October 20th when I saw it in the email. "
"Is that so ... Well, Ishizaki said that he is celebrating Ryuen's birthday now, but is Ryuen's birthday also in October?"
"It's October 20, the same as Ayanokoji-kun."
"Are you serious"
I wasn't interested in his profile. No way it was the same as me.
"Today, some of us in B class will rent out the shop and have a birthday party for Ryuen-kun."
"Unlike last year, when It was dictatorship but it's seems quite peaceful now."
"Thanks to you, Ryuen-kun is a bit better to us than last year."
"Originally, I wanted to celebrate Ayanokoji-kun's birthday tonight, but I promised Ryuen-kun and others earlier. I'm sorry."
"... Eh? Did you intend to have a party for me Hiyori ?"
"Yes, at first I thought we could have dinner together."
"Oh, oh ..."
It's a birthday party like a lover. Hiyori doesn't seem to have that sign at all.
"Happy birthday again. Ayanokoji-kun"
"Thank you, Hiyori ... If you bother to celebrate my birthday, you don't have to call me by email?"
"Did it bother you?"
"No, that's not the case. I'm glad to be celebrated by Hiyori."
With Hiyori's happy smile , she handed a black paper bag from a bag that would always contain the large number of books she carried with her.
"this is?"
"It's a birthday present for Ayanokoji-kun."
It was small, so it was relatively easy to take out, and what came out of the bag was a small stylish bag cover that was a mixture of dark blue, red, and white.
It seem good and you can carry it around with your favorite novel. It can be said that it is a thing that is unique to us as a reading friend.
"Ayanokoji-kun I have a lot of things I would like to talk about reading in the future ... I hope you will continue to get along with me."
"This is where I want to get along with Hiyori forever ... It's a great and beautiful cover again."
"Yes, it's a gift from me."
"Well, thank you for this. I really appreciate it. Thank you."
With that said, put the bag cover in a paper bag and turn to Hiyori again. Then, I was worried that Hiyori was moody somewhere.
"What's wrong?"
"No ... that ..."
Horikita told me her birthday earlier. I don't think so, but ──.
"When is Hiyori's birthday?"
"────"
‥‥ It seems that she was hit.
I mean, are all women creatures who want to be celebrated by the people they celebrate?
"January 21st"
"Well, I'll remember it well. Of course, I'll celebrate your birthday properly."
"Oh, thank you ... Thank you ..."
"Oh"
After talking to her, who seemed happy with her heart,I left the library.
"Ayanokoji-kun!"
"Ichinose?"
After a quick lunch at the cafeteria, I went out to the courtyard to go to the vending machine, and Ichinose called me.
Perhaps she was searching for me a lot, she somehow shook her shoulders and was out of breath.
"You are there, I finally found you."
"You seems like your out of breath."
"Well. Actually, I thought I'd come to you it in the morning ... When I saw you in the morning, Sakayanagi was next to you ..."
"... Um"
"Well. Happy birthday, Ayanokoji-kun!"
Having said that, Ichinose handed me a cute hand wrap. It was a pink hand wrap and contained a red rectangular box.
"... is it okay?"
"I wanted to celebrate Ayanokoji-kun birthday ... You helped me many times. This gift is also my pure feeling."
"..."
"That's why this is ... it's not like lending or borrowing, it's just because I wanted to celebrate with you!"
Perhaps she was a little embarrassed to say, I stared at her, her cheeks are red . Well, in the case of her, rather than thank you, she seemed to give it in good faith.
Thank you for receiving it.
"Can I look at the contents?"
"Ah, yeah. It contains an ice pack, so put it in the fridge as soon as you get to the dormitory, right?"
"Is this food?"
"Come on. That's what you enjoy after seeing it."
If you say so, I can't help but be worried.
I took the box out of the pink bag and slowly opened it, which contained fifteen colorful macaroons.
It's definitely a brand.
It's exactly the same as the macaroons I was looking in the morning news today. Certainly, it was a genuine luxury item that cost nearly 5,000 yen when bought in Tokyo.
"It looks delicious"
"Ayanokoji-kun, are you not good with sweet items ?"
"That's not the case. Actually, I ate Valentine's chocolate properly."
" ha, by the way, that's right ... I'll make it again this year."
"Did you say something?"
"Yeah, nothing. I hope you like it."
"Oh, let's taste it slowly in the room"
Ichinose laughed as if she was shy, and she took the trouble to explain the taste of macaroons.
"No, I'm glad that Ayanokoji-kun, who is usually expressionless, looks happy."
"Did I loosen my face so much?"
"Yeah"
I have never eaten macaroons in my life. Furthermore, since it is a brand, there is no reason not to expect it.
‥‥ Only when I'm in front of food I've never eaten, I may have an expression on my face. Like ice cream, like ramen ...
"Anyway, I've given what I can give, so I'll go! See you, Ayanokoji-kun!"
"Oh, thank you, Ichinose."
While her cheeks were bright red, I raise my hand lightly and responds to Ichinose waving.
I kept seeing off in the courtyard until she disappeared. After I left Ichinose, I picked a macaron and ate it.
"This is definitely a rose flavor. Yeah, it tastes sweet and refreshing .... I'm sure there are too many fifteen. When I get home, I'll give it a little."
Anyway, when I eat sweet food, I want something bitter. Moisture in the mouth was taken away by the texture peculiar to macaroons, so let's fix it with coffee as soon as possible.
With that in mind, I was about to buy black coffee at the vending machine corner.
""Ah""
At the vending machine next door was a familiar face, Ryuen , one of the most problematic children in the second grade.
Well, even if we meet face to face, we are enemies between classes before there are people. I didn't say hello, and I and Ryuen line up with each other at the vending machine to buy coffee.
When I took Black and sat on a nearby bench, Ryuen also sat on a bench a little away from me. There is no one around. ‥‥ If you bring out the contents of the conversation, it is a condition that is more than sufficient.
"By the way, Is it your birthday today."
"Ah? who did you hear from?"
"From Hiyori"
"..."
Ryuen drinks coffee with an attitude that says he wouldn't t want to say anything extra.
"I started talking to Ishizaki and others normally. I've made a lot of progress compared to when I was lonely."
"Good for you."
"Well, I feel like I'm nostalgic again compared to when I left the front line .... Is there a birthday party?"
Ryuen had a face that was asked about something unpleasant.
I didn't hate Ishizaki and his friends having a party, but I couldn't stand being taken care of by them somewhere else.
"I'm happy to have good friends"
"First, it's something that Ishizaki and Albert idiots planned without permission. I can't say a word to go."
"Anyway, I'm glad to come and celebrate, and I'm excited to come. There's no demand for a man's tsundere, Ryuen."
"I'll kill you"
It seems that my joke wasn't funny.
Well of course.
Anyway.
"Ah? What are you giving ?"
"It's a birthday present I got."
Having said that, I presented Ryuen with one of the macaroons I had received from Ichinose earlier. Was it a pistachio flavor in terms of color?
"... Who did you get it from?"
"From Ichinose"
"I don't want to"
"... Do you hate Ichinose?"
"Don't say that.You have a really congratulatory head. Usually, can I eat the gifts that others have given you?"
He's quite disciplined.
I felt like Ryuen would eat without hesitation.
"In addition, if I told that I had one from you I could be killed by Ichinose."
"Ichinose isn't the one who gets angry ?"
"... You're really stupid about this kind of woman situation."
"eh?"
"Nothing. I don't want receive it anyway. "
"... Yes, it's a shame that it's delicious."
No, I'm really sorry.
I wanted to repay the debt because I was introduced to a ramen shop before the summer vacation.
When I heard that Ichinose gave it to me for some reason, Ryuen changed her blood phase and refused to receive it.
"Today is your birthday, Ayanokogi."
"That's right ... Did you hear from Hiyori?"
"Well"
Well, it's like I heard Ryuen's birthday from Hiyori's mouth. Ryuen had the atmosphere that I knew from the beginning that he know my birthday today through the exchange of macaroons.
"How about Hiyori's gift? Are you happy?"
"Oh. I think I can continue to get along with her."
"Kuku, I'll tell Hiyori exactly what that is. Why don't you give her a contraceptive as a gift?"
"I'll kill you"
"It's a joke"
The position was the opposite.
First of all, I don't think Hiyori recognizes me as the opposite sex.
"Ah? Isn't there something you want to say to her?"
"... There is nothing about Hiyori. I think we are only good friends with each other. It won't be what you expect. Hiyori can't see me as a man in the first place ? "
"... I'm glad I didn't have hiyori here. If you ask me, I'll probably be stabbed."
"What?"
I'm confused because Ryuen told me that it wasn't favourable. As soon as I thought so, I was given two sheets of paper-like objects from Ryuen.
"this is?"
"It's a coupon for that ramen shop. It's a surplus, it's just garbage for me. I'll give it to you. It's my birthday present."
There were two coupons that offered a 100 yen discount on ramen. I think it's a common discount.
"Then take a macaron after all?"
"I don't want to"
Ryuen turned away, perhaps refusing to receive the goods from Ichinose. I stare at two coupons.
‥‥‥ Wait? For two people?
"Hey Ryuen. I only need one."
"It's noisy. You will need one for your partner."
"eh?"
Ryuen pauses and speaks to me.
"Take Karuizawa next time. Well, that girl doesn't seem to like ramen shops."
"Wait a minute. Why does Karuizawa's name come out?"
"Kuku ── What is it, you are in a relationship ?"
‥‥ Wait a minute.
──how does he know
"Did you think I wouldn't notice?"
"... When did you notice ?"
"It's from the beginning. It's just after the second grade begins."
"Are you serious"
‥‥ I never noticed.
How could he see through my poker face, or should I be amazed at the insight and observing eyes so far?
"Well, I don't want to spread it. I'll keep silent so don't worry."
"What are you talking about?"
"For the time being, if you want to hide it, hide it properly. If you keep it as it is, it will eventually come out normally."
There is no point playing dumb
"I will listen to the advice."
"Then, do contraception properly."
Perhaps he had to vomit his curse and off-color humor until the end, Ryuen stood up as if the story was over, threw his coffee in the trash can, and left.
after school.
It was when I was about to go straight back to the dormitory.
"Senpai!"
"..."
"Senpai , don't ignore me! Senpai !"
"... There are Senpai's everywhere."
"I'm talking about Ayanokoji-senpai?"
It was Amazawa of A class for 1 year that stuck behind me. She's a kind of dangerous woman who comes in contact with me everywhere she's out of school these days.
"Senpai, it's your birthday today, right?"
"..."
How does she know
"Hello, this is a gift from a cute Kohai!"
That said, what Amazawa gave me was the same muffled box as last time. She was clearly disrespectful of people found older than her and found to be ridiculous.
"You are the only one who really gave me a contraceptive as a birthday present ..."
Even though I was joking about that Ryuen earlier, I didn't think there was anyone who would give it to me. Well, Amazawa doesn't care about that.
"Oh? Senpai , You don't seem happy. I chose the thinnest one you can buy at a convenience store."
"It's none of your business"
"You have to take care of the bottom?"
"Shut up"
Even if it was a joke, Amazawa laughed without any ill will. However, if the condom given by Amazawa was found by Kei , a troublesome situation would be inevitable. Let's return it normally.
"return"
"Eh? Maybe you want to do with me?"
"I'm sorry, but I'm not interested in younger people."
"Ah! That's the word you shouldn't say to me! Even though I'm only one year younger!"
"Correct. I'm not interested in children."
She's still noisy.
If you talk to Amazawa here, I will stand out. Let's leave early.
"Then Amasawa. If you have time to play with your senpai , make it with your boyfriend as soon as possible."
"right now, your the only boy I am interested in Ayanokoji-senpai."
"... I'm not happy with it."
"What? A such cute kohai like me think about a Senpai are nothing but happy people, right?"
"Tell me what you want"
It's about time that I don't have to talk to Amazawa properly. It seems that Kei will come tonight. She should return early.
"That's cold. Really."
"──"
The next moment, her emotions were missing from Amazawa's voice.
"... Well, the condom I just mentioned has passed the prank. ──── This is the real gift for my senpai !"
"── This is"
I thought that her emotions suddenly disappeared from Amazawa, but after a few seconds, She returned to her usual smile.
"Hmm? Senpai , didn't you want this?"
Having said that, Amazawa handed me a "white" wireless earphone. It's exactly the same kind as the guy who was on TV this morning, and the market price is about 30,000 yen.
"... Is this really for me?"
"Yes. Senpai , You wanted this the most."
"..."
"What's wrong? Maybe you don't need it?"
Amazawa looked into my eyes with a smile. I can see the darkness inside her.
I was worried that "the current line of Amazawa" was mysterious, but I dared not say anything. I don't know what will happen if I say that. The correct answer is to keep silent here.
"Don't you think it's expensive ."
"Well, but I am in class A, so I didn't have much trouble with money. Well, I think I'm lucky that you accept it."
"Well... then, Amazawa"
"Yeah. Bye bye, senpai "
I went to my dormitory while being sent off by her, remembering my eerieness to Amazawa who kept her smile until the end.
After finishing the work in the dormitory room and waiting for a while, as usual, I heard a knock exclusive to Kei.
It was Kei Karuizawa who appeared in front of me.
She is the one who I'm dating right now.
She didn't talk to me in the classroom today, and when she heard "Today is Ayanokoji-kun's birthday" from other girls, she said "Yes, congratulations" and played the usual Karuizawa Kei .
"Kiyotaka, haven't you eaten yet?"
"Oh, I was thinking of making something to eat."
"Then I'll make anything fore you."
"eh?"
"... It's Kiyotaka's birthday, so I thought you would like to eat your girlfriend food... or you don't want to taste my food ?"
"No, it would be a great help if you could make it. Can I leave it to you?"
"Yeah, leave it to me"
Kei stood in the kitchen with a happy expression that only I could see, completely different from her uninteresting attitude in the classroom.
"What, this macaron"
"Ah, that's the one I got from Ichinose."
"... Ichinose-san, why?"
"If you like, you can eat it too."
"... Yes, I'll eat it later."
"... Kei?"
I was confused by her low-tone , but Kei began preparing her dishes as if nothing had happened.
I have something to do while she is cooking.
"Kiyotaka. Do you have any requests today?"
"Can I make a request?"
"Yeah, that's okay. If Kiyotaka wants to eat, I'll make anything."
"That's right ..."
I was thinking desperately while watching the attached TV. To be honest, I have nothing specific I want to eat. Speaking of force, it's Ryuen's ramen coupon , but if I say it to Kei, she'll definitely be in a bad mood, so let's keep quiet.
Then, in the special feature on TV, a scene where the hamburger steak was baked deliciously appeared.
"I would like to eat a hamburger"
"You decided by watching the news right now, right?"
"Well, honestly, anything is fine as long as Kei makes it."
When Kei heard my words, she blushed and her cheeks were red.
"Ah ... that. It's the first time I'm embarrassed to have someone serve me home cooking."
I felt that Horikita was sneezing somewhere, but it was probably because of that. However, when Kei heard my words, Kei mysteriously tilted her head.
"No one ever made you homemade food... What about your mom or dad?"
"──────"
"Kiyotaka?"
"... No, it's nothing. We hired a housekeeper or something. If you didn't count that person's home cooking, then I never ate one"
"‥‥‥‥‥‥I see"
I don't know how I felt unwilling to talk about my family situation, but Kei had a cheerful look on her face.
"Then, I'll make a really delicious hamburger steak than the housekeeper, so wait."
"Is it okay?"
"Yeah, it's today's protagonist's request."
With that said,Kei chop-up the meat she brought and onions ,shiitake mushrooms. ‥‥ It's a medium speed.
I was impressed by her cooking.
She then puts spinach and vegetables such as cabbage in another pot and puts the consomme all at once. Is it consomme soup? She made the hamburger steak while making soup at the same time.
She grinds the kneaded meat chunks with oil and puts them on a hot frying pan. It seems that she is making a salad while baking the hamburger.
After a while, She started making side menus, etc., and it was about 30 minutes.
"Should I cook rice early, is that okay?"
"No problem "
She waited until the rice was cooked, probably because the side dish that Kei was making are ready.
After a while, the table was lined with dishes for two people, with demiglace sauce on it, a hamburger with a little white sauce, consomme soup, Caesar salad, french fries, gratin, and so on.
"... Is it a little too childish?"
"No, they all look really good."
"I'm more satisfied with being thankful ."
"... That's right. Thank you Kei ."
"Yeah, let's eat it."
I didn't think Kei would bother to serve me home cooking like this. At best, I thought she would give me a present.
"Itadakimasu"
"Enjoy it."
I got to eat her hand made hamburger, of course, in the first place. ‥‥ It's an exquisite baking. It tastes better than I make.
Perhaps Kei has practiced her cooking a lot.
Otherwise, you can't move so efficiently when cooking. The taste is also solid. There is no doubt that the meal is delicious enough to pay points.
"‥‥How about"
"You don't need to hear it. It's delicious."
"Yeah, I'm glad ..."
Kei looked anxious until she started cooking, but she was completely weakened, perhaps because she was relieved at once.
She said, "I'm glad I've been practicing for today ..."
"........."
Kei is relieved and talks about her cooking.
But she didn't seem to be completely satisfied, though not very much.
"Hmm ... I still have a lot to do. I had a great time once, but I wanted to feed you..."
"Is there more?"
"It's just an ordinary food. Was it really delicious? ... You don't have to force it."
"It's delicious .You made it for me today. It can't be bad."
"... Ehehe. Thank you."
We continued to eat while talking with each other. What kind of impression would you have if you were showing the current scenery to me and Kei a year ago?
A year ago, it would be just around the paper shuffle. After that, the search for the mastermind behind the D-class of Ryuen began ... There were various things, and now I'm having a meal together while staring at Kei.
"I would be surprised if I see this current senery a year ago."
"... I agree."
Kei also said that same thing I was thinking .
That's right when I was told.
From the standpoint of Kei , I think that my existence was not only a parasite but also a fear.
"Because you were training Manabe and others to oppress me ..."
"I think it was really bad at that time. I wanted you with any hand."
"... Yes, that's right. It's over, and I'm glad you apologized."
After that, we talked about last year, finished the meal, and the time was already about 8 o'clock.
"Feast. It was delicious until the end."
"Since you like it I will make a cake next year ."
"Eh? Do you have a cake?"
"Yeah. I bought the best one at Keyaki Mall. It's impossible for two people in the hall, so I sliced it."
"I'm so happy that it's more than enough."
After Putting all the dishes we have finished eating in the sink, and shortcake is placed in front of me and kei is decorating the desk.
"Kiyotaka, you don't have a lighter..."
"Hmm? What's wrong?"
"No, I can start from the stove."
Kei said so and put out a fire from the stove and lit something.
"... candles?"
"Yeah, for the time being. To celebrate your 17th birthday."
With that said,Kei laughed with satisfaction, extinguished the stove,holding her candle in silver paper. When I turned off the lights, only the candlelight shone beautifully in the dark room.
"... It's amazing, it's the first time I saw it."
"........."
When I muttered so,Kei quietly turned her face down, wondering if she had something to think about.
"Don't worry I am really happy to celebrate with you.
"Then I am going sing its a bit embarrassing "
Kei shyly clapping her hands and started singing that song.
"Happy Birthday to You"
A candle illuminated me and Kei.
Kei singing while clapping her hand shyly, and I am seeing it silently.
"Happy Birthday to You"
It is the first time someone had done something to me like this.
"Happi Birthday Dear ... Kiyotaka!"
A scenery that would never be possible when I was in the white room.
I didn't even know the concept of a calendar there, so I didn't even know my birthday, and I was just studying and training every day. It's been a year since I noticed, and by that time I saw the number of students in the same class decreasing.
"Happy Birthday to You!"
I've never had that man, my mother, or anyone celebrate this way.
But I didn't even think it's a sad thing.
I've been ────.
"Congratulations! ... Is that Kiyotaka?"
"──────"
The visibility was hazy.
Why? The inner corner of the eye is very hot.
The back of my chest is hot and my ears are warm.
But it's not too hot and I don't like it. It makes me feel warm to the heart that I thought it had disappeared somewhere.
"Kiyo ... Taka ...?"
The joy and this confusion of feelings ,I have never experienced it before.
"Should I put out this candle?"
"Um ... that's right ..."
"I'm sorry for the bad setup .... It was the first time that someone celebrated my birthday...."
I blew lightly and extinguished the candles. Then, with the smell of smoke, the room instantly turned into total darkness.
"I'll turn on the electricity, Kiyotaka"
"Yeah"
When she turned on the light,Kei has a sore face in front of me. She just approached me and put her arm around my back.
"You were lonely all the time."
‥‥Lonely?
Then she continued
"... It's okay, I'll be by your side all the time, and I'll celebrate Kiyotaka's birthday every year ..."
"..."
"... So don't cry. Kiyotaka"
"Are you crying?"
Kei was also enthusiastic about what she had in mind about me now. Wipe off the tears in each other's eyes, and Kei made me grab something from back.
"This is a birthday present for Kiyotaka. The other day, when we dated together, Kiyotaka looked at this with a great desire ..."
That said,Kei gave me a blue wireless earphone. It's not pure white. A solid colored one.
"To me ...?"
"Yeah, It's for you Kiyotaka."
I took it from Kei and slowly placed it on my desk .
"Happy birthday Kiyotaka again. You're 17 years old."
17 years old. I don't realize it, I feels like I came back to life.
"Thank you for meeting me. Thank you for being involved with me. Thank you for saving me. ── Thank you for being born."
Kei Karuizawa.
My girlfriend.
She said so, she cried, she kissed me gently and smiled to thank me from the bottom of her heart.
I will return her those honest feelings with honest feelings.
I don't know why but I felt like I should do it.
"I am glad that I met you."
I will never forget today.
──On my 17th birthday, things more than 17 years old were definitely starting to sprout in me.