Chapter 1: What Lovers Do Together

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During the latter half of Golden Week, on May 3rd. Today is my long-awaited date with Sagara-kun.

After carefully doing my skincare routine, I opened my large makeup box and began applying makeup. I love the process of transforming my plain face into something glamorous. Finishing with the lipstick that Sagara-kun gave me, I smiled at myself in the mirror.

Hmm. I have to admit, it’s a fabulous job that you can’t even imagine my bare face.

Today, I’m wearing the shirt dress I bought just last week. From my accessory case, I chose gold hoop earrings and a necklace. This necklace is a brand name piece I splurged on, reserved for days when I want to make an impression.

I braided the sides of my hair and did a loose half-up hairstyle. Since we might be walking a lot today, I decided to wear sneakers. Putting on my white canvas sneakers, I stepped out of my room.

The sky was clear, and the fresh morning air was invigorating. Excitedly but trying to keep it in check, I rang the intercom of the room next door. Soon, the door opened, and Sagara-kun appeared.

“Good morning! It’s such nice weather today!”

I said, and Sagara-kun, looking sleepy, replied, “Good morning.” His energy level was as low as usual, but considering he had a late shift last night, it couldn’t be helped.

◆◆◆

May 3rd, Nanase’s birthday.

Following Sudo’s advice, I dressed in the clothes I bought, styled my hair, and reviewed today’s plans thoroughly before heading out for the date. With the tickets I had pre-purchased, we watched a romantic movie, then moved to the fashion mall where I accompanied Nanase on her shopping. Though she hesitated, saying, “I’ve been buying too many clothes lately,” she ended up purchasing a cardigan in a mint chocolate chip color. I subtly succeeded in carrying her bags.

So far, everything was going smoothly. Compared to our first date when I confessed to her, I was doing quite well.

Next, we headed to an Italian restaurant recommended by Hojo.

The interior was stylish, with a real oven for baking pizzas. While dinner might be pricey, the lunch course was reasonably affordable. I was anxious about my choice, but Nanase cheerfully said, “It’s a lovely place,” which relieved me. I should thank Hojo.

After finishing the course meal, the lights in the restaurant suddenly dimmed. The Happy Birthday song started playing out of nowhere, and a smiling waiter brought a cake to our table. The strawberry and cream shortcake had a chocolate plate that read “Happy Birthday.”

“Happy Birthday!”

The waiter smiled at Nanase.

──No way, this is five hundred times more embarrassing than I expected…!

Taking Hojo’s advice, I requested this when making the reservation, but experiencing it in real life felt like my face was on fire. It was so out of character for me. The other customers’ applause made me even more uncomfortable.

…But. Today is not the day to get disheartened.

Looking straight at Nanase sitting across from me, I said,

“…N-Nanase. Happy Birthday.”

Nanase exaggeratedly widened her eyes, then covered her mouth with her hands in an oddly theatrical manner.

“…W-Wow~ I was so surprised~! I-I didn’t notice at all! Sagara-kun, you remembered my birthday?”

Her broken Japanese made me feel deflated.

She was probably trying hard to pretend to be surprised for my sake, but it was obvious. She was a terrible actress. Honest Nanase wasn’t good at lying.

“…Nanase… Did you know from the start that I was planning to celebrate your birthday?”

“…Yeah.”

Nanase nodded, seemingly resigned, then couldn’t hold it in and burst out laughing, her shoulders shaking.

“Why are you laughing!”

“No, it’s just…! I was really happy…! Sagara-kun, it was so obvious that you were preparing for this for a while. I thought you did a lot of research and planning…”

It seemed I hadn’t managed to keep it a secret at all. Surprises are tough…

Sensing my disappointment, Nanase hurriedly said, “S-Sorry.”

“I’m really happy about the thought. Thank you for celebrating with me.”

Nanase’s eyes softened with warmth. The surprise might not have been a success, but if Nanase was happy, then it wasn’t a total failure. Probably.

We ate the cake together, and although it wasn’t very smooth, I insisted on paying the bill. Next up was the most challenging part of the day—choosing her birthday present.

“Sagara-kun, where are we going next?”

“Uh… just follow me.”

I said, leading Nanase into a department store at Shijo Kawaramachi. The first floor was lined with stores selling cosmetics and accessories that Nanase would like. Normally, I’d feel out of place in such a place, but today, dressed properly, I felt more confident. I understood a bit of how Nanase gains confidence from wearing makeup.

Stopping in front of the store I had in mind, I paused. The polished display case was filled with all kinds of accessories. I thought they were all designs Nanase would like. Sudo had also checked and given the go-ahead, so I shouldn’t be too far off…

“…You can pick whichever one you like.”

“Huh?”

“Um… as a birthday present.”

“Really!? Yay, I’m so happy!”

Nanase beamed with a full smile. Her eyes sparkled with excitement as she looked into the display case. She blushed and looked mesmerized as she debated which one to choose, saying, “What should I pick…?”

After looking at all the various designs, Nanase smiled shyly.

“…I want a ring.”

“A ring? Really?”

Her words caught me off guard.

A ring hadn’t been on the list of potential gifts I’d considered. Rings carry a certain significance, like engagement or marriage.

“Is that… okay?”

Nanase asked, looking anxious, so I hurriedly said, “It’s not that it’s not okay.”

For her, it was probably just another type of accessory. Maybe couples generally exchange rings more casually. Overthinking it might make me seem too serious.

“…Okay. It’s fine.”

“Thank you! Excuse me, can I see the rings?”

Nanase asked, and the clerk brought out a large box from under the display case. It was filled with rings. Nanase gently tugged on my sleeve and whispered,

“…I want you to choose, Sagara-kun.”

“Huh?”

This was unexpected. I didn’t trust my own taste, which is why I brought her here to choose together.

“No, I don’t really know about this stuff…”

“But it’s my birthday today!”

With her eyes sparkling like that, there was no way I could refuse. But honestly, they all looked about the same to me. Staring at the dazzling array made my head spin.

“…How about this one?”

“I think it’s nice.”

“…Maybe this one.”

“Yeah, that’s cute too.”

I pointed out various options, but Nanase’s reactions were similar, and I couldn’t figure out which one was right. She seemed delighted watching me struggle. Perhaps it was one of those “I love it when someone I like tries so hard for me” situations.

In the end, I spent nearly an hour choosing a ring, gauging her reactions. It was a delicate gold ring with a small stone. Exhausted, I paid for it and received it in a beautifully wrapped box.

“I’m really happy! Thank you, Sagara-kun!”

As we left the department store, Nanase clung tightly to my arm. Walking arm-in-arm was a bit embarrassing, but today was special. After all, it was my adorable girlfriend’s birthday.

After wandering around town for a while, we sat side by side along the Kamo River. The sun was starting to set, disappearing slowly behind the mountains. Despite my earlier reluctance, I had joined the ranks of the infamous equally spaced couples along the riverbanks of Kyoto.

Since dating Nanase, I understood why couples sat by the Kamo River. It was perfect for sitting down and slowly talking together. This time of year, the weather is warm, and the breeze is pleasant.

“Can I open this?”

Nanase, unable to wait any longer, lifted the bag containing the ring. When I said it was okay, she unwrapped it and took out the small box. She took the ring out and softly extended her left hand towards me.

“…Um, Sagara-kun, could you put it on for me?”

“Eh!? N-No, that’s…”

That was a bit much. The scene of kneeling down and putting a ring on someone’s finger, like on TV, flashed in my mind, and I got flustered. That seemed like something to do in a more appropriate setting.

“Sorry, I was just kidding.”

Seeing my reaction, Nanase laughed. I felt slightly relieved.

After a moment of hesitation, she slipped the ring onto her right ring finger. Since we had her size measured at the store, it fit her perfectly.

“It’s beautiful! I’ll cherish it.”

Nanase held the ring up to the sunset, her expression blissful. The ring sparkled in the orange light, but to me, her eyes looked even more radiant.

“Thank you for today. I had a great time.”

“…I’m glad.”

I sighed in relief at Nanase’s words. Maybe I had gotten a bit closer to being the “wonderful boyfriend” she wanted.

As the sun completely set, the surroundings were quickly enveloped in twilight. The thin crescent moon hung in the pale blue sky like a thread. Even in the dim light, I could see Nanase’s face clearly.

We sat comfortably in silence for a while until Nanase suddenly spoke up.

“Hey, Sagara-kun. Today is my birthday, right?”

What’s she saying, stating the obvious? When I nodded, she blushed and whispered in my ear.

“…I want one more present.”

Then, she closed her eyes, her eyelashes trembling in anticipation. Realizing what she wanted, I looked around, then gave her a quick kiss on her rosy lips.

After the brief touch, Nanase opened her eyes and smiled softly.

“Thank you, Sagara-kun.”

…Even though it was a birthday present, I felt like I was the one receiving far more. Am I able to return even a tenth of the happiness Nanase gives me?

Gathering my courage, I gently took Nanase’s right hand. The ring on her finger felt slightly cool, making me feel a bit uneasy.

tln : c: