The next day, July 7th.
Today, as usual, a boundless blue sky stretched out, and the sun was energetically shining down on the earth. It was refreshing weather.
Under that blue sky, I was commuting to school on my bicycle as always. I had the present I bought yesterday in my bag, but... well, when should I give it to her?
Is it better to give it to her before the morning assembly? No, if it's before the assembly, other people will see us.
The only ones who know about my relationship with Riran are Tatsuya and Neika. Also Rion and Hiyori. My other classmates don't know that Riran and I are tied by a red thread or that we're dating.
In the midst of such a crowd, it's impossible to give a present to someone people think I'm on bad terms with.
In that case, I only have times when I don't have to worry about people's eyes. ...Alright, I'll give it to her during the lunch break. Yeah, let's do that. At the usual stair landing, no one will bother us.
I parked my bicycle in the parking lot and looked at the present in my bag again.
...I wonder if she'll be happy with the present. I'm starting to get anxious now... no, it's fine. It should be fine. She'll be happy... I think. Probably. Most likely. Maybe.
...I'm losing confidence... Anyway, for now, it won't start unless I invite Riran to lunch. Just like usual. Business as usual, me.
When I arrived at the classroom, Riran was already in her seat, talking to Rion about something.
"Hey Riran-chan, shall we have lunch together today?"
"Yeah, sure."
Notification: Operation Terminated.
Hey, are you serious? Then the only timing left to give it to her is after school. It can't be helped. I'll invite her casually later.
While I was reworking today's plan, Riran noticed me and stood up vigorously.
"A-Akito! I thought about that message from yesterday, and that was totally skipping school!"
"So you found out."
"What do you mean 'found out'?! It was totally obvious!"
No, you were totally fooled. Why that triumphant look?
I walked past Riran and sat in my seat. Then, Tatsuya and Neika, who were sitting behind me, put their arms around my shoulders.
"Hey, hey, Akito, 'sup!"
"Akki, morning. Skipping school yesterday, you're quite something."
"Morning. Well, a lot happened."
Also, don't cling to me, it's stifling. I mean, it's hot.
"Oh, right. Akki, do you want to hang out today?"
"Oh, that's right! Akito, come with us!"
"Eh."
Ah... as expected, I don't have time to play. I'll have to decline today.
"Sorry, but—"
"Ah, Kurashiki-kun and the others are hanging out? Can Riran-chan and I come too?"
"Eh. Wait, Rion?"
"Oh, that's great, Ryuguin! Let's all hang out today!"
"Then it's settled."
"U-Um. What about my opinion...?"
...Somehow, it feels like the conversation is moving along faster and faster?
Hmm? Something's fishy.
"Tatsuya. Are you plotting something?"
"Do you think I'm the kind of man who can think of something like that?"
"My bad."
"As long as you understand."
"Ryu-ya, I think it's okay to be angry at that."
◆
In the end, throughout the day, I looked for an opening with Riran and tried to talk to her several times.
"Riran-chan."
"Kuonji—"
"Rira-tan!"
"Rira~"
"Kuonji-san."
I failed every single time. What is this? Why is everyone talking to Riran specifically today?
Because of that, even now that school is over, I haven't been able to give her the present. ...Well, I guess I can give it to her after we hang out.
"So, where are we heading?"
"Now, now. Akki, don't worry about the small details."
"I am worried."
"A man who's too meticulous will be disliked, ya know! ☆"
Shut up! ☆
And they haven't answered anything like that for a while.
"Riran, have you heard anything?"
"Actually, I don't know anything either. They've been like that since this morning."
So Riran hasn't been told anything either? These guys are definitely up to something.
I looked at the backs of the three of them and thought in silence.
At this time, at this timing, keeping a secret...
............Ah. I see, I see. I get it now.
In other words, these guys... they're planning a surprise birthday party for Riran!
Ha-ha. I see, I see. So if they told me, there's a possibility it would be leaked through me. Okay. If that's the case, I'll pretend not to know too.
Heh heh heh. Riran will be surprised.
Led by Tatsuya and Neika, we walked in front of the station for a few minutes. We entered a national chain karaoke shop. If it's here, we can be loud at a surprise birthday party and it'll be forgiven... they've thought this through.
Rion spoke to the clerk and handled the reception. Then, just then...
"O-Oh? Everyone, what are you all doing here?"
Hiyori entered the shop alone. She's probably pretending it's a coincidence to join the surprise birthday party, but... her delivery is incredibly robotic. You're going to get caught like that.
"Oh, Tsuchimikado. We're going to do karaoke now, do you want to join us?"
"I-Is it okay, Kura-tan? Then I'll take you up on that offer."
As expected, Tatsuya casually invited her. I knew it. They've gathered for Riran's birthday after all.
"Yo, Hiyori."
"Sa-sasasasa, Sana-tan...!"
When I spoke to her, her eyes were swimming, her mouth was flapping, and she wouldn't look at me properly.
Geez, this girl has zero talent as an actress.
I'll give her a warning for now.
"Don't be so restless. You'll get caught."
"Eh...!? I see, so Sana-tan has already figured it out..."
"Well, when everyone's moving this blatantly."
"Gunu-nu. My perfect plan...!"
No, it's far from perfect.
"Sa-Sana-tan. Keep this a secret until we get to the room, okay!"
"Yeah, I know."
If I expose it here, the hard-earned surprise will be ruined. Before that, I'm worried it'll be leaked by Hiyori's hammy acting though. Fortunately, Riran is talking to Rion and hasn't noticed us.
Well, it's a rare chance at karaoke. I might as well enjoy it, or it'll be a waste.