Chapter 10

The important thing is the feelings towards the other person, so don't think about surprises; just ask straightforwardly.

This was the advice from Yuzen's bad friend and women's enemy, Satake Soichiro.

However.

It is, after all, a gift of gratitude with daily appreciation.

A birthday gift is, after all, a bit different.

A birthday gift, the sense of anticipation of "I wonder what they'll give me?" is also important, isn't it? This is Yuzen's perspective.

Well, last time he asked Soichiro...

It turned out that he was unexpectedly not very helpful.

Sei... considering his family's business, he probably knows how to charm (or deceive) girls, but Yuzen doesn't want to charm Arisa.

After all, it's better to ask the girl directly.

Yuzen made this judgment and sent a message to his childhood friend.

The next day.

After school, Yuzen went to his childhood friend's classroom.

"I'm sorry, Yuduru. I have a future decided with Soichiro-kun. I can't accept your love..."

She had black silk hair and amber eyes with a strong reddish tint.

White skin and a slightly exotic appearance.

A girl with a well-proportioned figure like a model.

One of Yuzen's childhood friends.

Tachibana Ayaka said this to Yuzen.

"Who ever directed love towards you when?"

Yuzen replied with a look of exasperation.

Her attitude was as usual, so there was no point in worrying about it.

They had been friends since infancy.

"I've told you the situation. I have a female friend, and I want to give her a birthday gift."

"Hmm, first of all, Yuduru, do you like this girl?"

"I don't like her."

"Then, it's better not to give accessories."

"Right."

After all, he doesn't know Arisa's tastes, so he can't give her anything.

Even if he bought something like Tiffany, it would probably end up being sold online.

...Arisa doesn't seem like the type to sell things she receives from others.

"What kind of relationship do you have?"

"A complicated one."

He can't tell her that they are in a fake engagement, and he can't even hint at it.

The Tachibana family's information network is not to be underestimated, and Ayaka, despite her appearance, is smart and perceptive.

If he says something wrong, she will quickly investigate Yuzen and Arisa's relationship.

...There's even a possibility that she already has the information.

"She's a female friend. But, not as close as you. It's not that we're not close, but... we maintain a certain distance. And I want to continue to get along with her in the future."

"Hmm. So, you're friends, but not lovers or crushes, and there's some deep connection, and you share some kind of benefit... like comrades?"

"......Well, yeah."

Why is she so perceptive?

Yuzen was inwardly sweating.

"Yuduru, you always give me a box of sweets, right? Is that not good?"

Yuzen and Ayaka have been friends since infancy.

Of course, they exchange gifts on birthdays as a matter of course.

Every year, Yuzen sends her a box of sweets that will keep for a while.

"Well... I did consider that. But, it's... kind of obligatory, isn't it?"

"Well, it's something that could be given as a New Year's gift or a midsummer gift, isn't it?"

Yuzen and Arisa are, in a sense, engaged and lovers.

Giving the same thing as a childhood friend to his fiancée... would definitely lead to his grandparents saying something later.

Besides, if it's sweets, he could just prepare a cake.

It would overlap with the gift, so it's not a good idea.

While they were discussing this...

"Oh, Yuzen-san and Ayaka-san. What are you talking about?"

Another girl appeared from the hallway.

Bright brown hair and hazel eyes.

A well-featured, traditional Japanese face.

She was a bit short, but her chest was noticeable.

Another childhood friend.

Kaneko Chiharu.

Yuzen, Arisa, Ayaka, and Chiharu, plus another girl, Naganae Tenka, are known for their beauty in the school.

By the way, Yuzen doesn't know Naganae Tenka directly, but according to Sei, who is in the same class as her, "She's a devil-like woman."

"Yuduru wants to give a girl a gift."

"Wow, is it spring for Yuzen-san? You didn't consult me, that's cold."

"I was going to consult you after Ayaka. Besides, it's not spring."

After saying this, he inwardly muttered that these two are noisy when they get together.

He's not that he dislikes them; they are close friends, but when these two, who have high energy, get together, it's hard to control them.

However, if he says that, they will get even noisier, so Yuzen decided to quickly finish his business.

"So, Chiharu, what kind of gift would make you happy?"

"Besides sweets, right? How about cosmetics?"

"Cosmetics? ...I don't know anything about that."

Wouldn't it be a bother to receive something like makeup tools? Yuzen tilted his head.

"High-end items have preferences, but things like toner, lip balm, or soap... unless they're really strange, I would use them."

"True, those would be convenient. And they're within the range of not feeling romantic."

Chiharu's opinion was agreed upon by Ayaka.

If he gives something like that, it would be different from what he gives to Ayaka and Chiharu, which might be good.

"I see, thanks. I'll do some research on my own."

"Let us know if it works out."

"Men need courage!"

"It's not about love, I'm telling you."

Yuzen sighed and left the scene.

Well, about a week had passed, it was Saturday.

June 25th.

That day was the day before the birthday.

Of course, their birthdays don't conveniently overlap.

As usual, Yuzen played a light game with Arisa.

Then, after a short break, they ate cake as usual.

"I always feel bad for eating cake, thank you."

"Well, I get meals from you."

It's mutual.

After Yuzen said this, he remembered something and said a bit forcefully.

"Speaking of cake..."

"What is it?"

"Happy birthday. It's tomorrow, right?"

"......Ah, that's right, it is."

After a moment's pause, Arisa responded as if she had just remembered.

It wasn't a reaction of surprise like, "I can't believe I'm getting a birthday wish from Kosegawa-san!"

"......You didn't forget your own birthday, did you?"

"Well... I remember the date, but I don't usually think about it."

Arisa slightly averted her eyes as she answered.

It seemed she genuinely hadn't realized her birthday was approaching.

...Perhaps she has never been celebrated due to family circumstances?

Yuzen felt very sorry for her.

"By the way, why do you know my birthday, Kosegawa-san?"

"It was written in the profile from the arranged meeting... and recently, I received a message from my grandfather."

"I see. ...That's right. As fiancés, we should know each other's birthdays. I completely overlooked it."

"Well, fortunately, my grandfather doesn't seem to doubt that I know your birthday, so don't worry. He was just disappointed."

After Yuzen said this, Arisa lightly bowed her head, looking apologetic.

"Sorry for not telling you."

"That's mutual. By the way, my birthday is... October 16th. Thanks."

Yuzen said this, and she recorded the information on her smartphone.

Now, Arisa won't forget Yuzen's birthday.

"Also, Yuzen."

"Yes?"

"Of course, I prepared a birthday gift for you."

He took out a cute paper bag hidden in the shadows and said this...

This time, Arisa was frozen in surprise.

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