The rainy season has ended.
The rainy season, has ended.
The rainy season... has ended...!
I said it three times because it's important!
Wonderful. I feel refreshed. A clear blue sky that stretches out endlessly, and a sun that makes my skin tingle. Today's temperature is supposedly going to rise to nearly 30 degrees. Even so, a refreshing breeze strokes my cheeks. It feels good. It feels super good.
Plus, summer vacation starts in just two more weeks! The long-awaited first summer vacation of high school!
Man, what should I do? It would be nice to go on a trip with Tatsuya and Neika again, but I also want to go with Riran. I want to go out and play, and I also want to have study sessions. It might be nice to hang out at Leeza-san’s place too.
Heh heh heh. My heart is racing!
“Akito-kun. You know Riran-chan's birthday is July 7th, right?”
Rion blurted that out at our usual ramen shop.
“...Seriously?”
“Dead serious. Or rather, you're her boyfriend and you didn't even know that?”
Stop. Don't look at me with those 'Are you an idiot? Do you want to die?' eyes.
Today's date is July 5th. Moreover, it's 10 PM at night.
“There's only one day left.”
“You really didn't know, did you...?”
“Yeah. I thought I should ask her eventually, but things have been so busy.”
Between the stuff with Tatsuya and the others, the situation with Rion and her family, and greeting Riran's parents.
But... I see, July 7th, huh...?
“Thanks for telling me. I'll treat you to this meal.”
“Really? Thanks for the food!”
Rion slurps her ramen with a happy smile.
Now then, a present... What should I give my girlfriend as a present? Something Riran likes? Dogs? Strawberries? Hmm...
“Hey, Rion. Have you already bought a present for Riran?”
“Of course.”
“Then, just for reference—”
“No way.”
“—Tell me... wait, isn't that rejection a bit too fast?”
You could at least tell me a little. Stingy.
Rion bit into her chashu pork and glared at me with cold eyes.
“Listen. A girl gets a heart-flutter from something her boyfriend chose with all his heart for her. You shouldn't be getting advice from others.”
“Tch.”
But Rion has a point. Something I chose with all my heart... though, there's only one day left. And tomorrow is a weekday. I have no choice but to skip school to go buy it.
...Oh, right.
“Playing with your smartphone while eating? Your manners are lacking.”
“Forgive me.”
“That didn't sound like an apology.”
While muttering “Honestly...”, Rion let it slide. Looking at her from the corner of my eye, I sent a message to Tatsuya.
Akito: Tatsuya, you awake?
Tatsuya: I'm awake! Hey, hey, hey!
As usual, he replies as soon as it's marked as read. And his tension is high.
Akito: I want to ask, what are you planning for Neika's birthday present?
Tatsuya: A 10,000 yen top-up card and a bunch of snacks.
Akito: That's just the usual for you guys.
Neika: I'm fine with the usual! In fact, the usual makes me happier.
Whoa, a message came from Neika all of a sudden.
Neika: Heh heh heh. I can see Akky panicking, wondering why I'm the one messaging.
Tatsuya: Yes, we're not hiding anything!
Tatsuya/Neika: Because we're hanging out together!
Being this high-energy at this hour is a bit annoying.
Akito: Is it okay? Hanging out this late. Especially since Neika's parents are strict.
Neika: It's fine, it's fine. We're hanging out at my house.
...Huh?
Tatsuya: Since then, things happened and I got on Neika's parents' good side. I come over to stay pretty often now.
Akito: Didn't way too many things happen while I wasn't looking?
What on earth happened while I was dealing with Rion's family and Riran's parents...?
Akito: Well, I got it. Thanks for the info about the gift. Later.
Neika: Bye-bye.
Tatsuya: Make sure you choose something proper for Kuonji!
I guess he figured it out. I put my phone away and slurped my ramen, which had gone soft.
The usual, huh... Something chosen with all my heart, but also the 'usual'. Hmm... this is tough. With a high schooler's allowance, there's only so much I can buy.
...Well, anyway, I'll go to the shopping mall tomorrow.
◆
So, the next day. I skipped school and agonized over various things at the shopping mall, bought something, and was relaxing at a cafe. I realized that countless messages had arrived on my phone. Crap, I was so focused on choosing that I didn't notice at all. Let's see... Riran?
Riran: Akito, aren't you coming to school yet?
Riran: Hello? Akito?
Riran: Class is starting!
Riran: Don't ignore me!
Riran: ...Um, Akito?
Riran: D-did I do something to make you angry...?
Riran: Sorry, I'm sorry.
Riran: I'm so sorry.
Riran: Please forgive me...
Riran: Akito...
20 more apology messages followed.
No, that's scary. It's scary. Riran, you have a talent for being a yandere.
Akito: Sorry. I'm at the hospital because I wasn't feeling well. I'll contact you later.
Riran: Eh, are you okay!? I'm coming to visit!
Akito: I'm fine. The hospital visit revealed I have an illness called 'faking it'. I'll go to school tomorrow.
Riran: Really? Thank goodness.
Akito: So, see you tomorrow.
Riran: Yeah, get well soon!
She must have been seriously panicking, because she was easily tricked. If she doesn't call me out on the joke, it's actually embarrassing for me.
“...Well, that's just like Riran.”
As I stroked the paper bag, Riran's face crossed my mind. I hope she'll be happy. Imagining Riran's happy face, I slowly sipped my coffee. Still... I feel like I'm forgetting something. ...What was it?