Chapter 7: A Rosy Life Walking with You

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There’s less than a week until Souhei-kun’s birthday.

I went shopping for a birthday present with Sacchan. We hopped from department stores to fashion malls, wandering around the menswear sections we usually don’t visit. After spending half a day and worrying endlessly, I still couldn’t decide.

Sacchan patiently accompanied me, but eventually said, “I’m tired. Let’s grab some tea!” and dragged me to a café.

While sipping on an iced café latte, Sacchan leaned on her hand, looking exasperated.

“Why is it so hard to pick a birthday present for your boyfriend?”

“Of course it’s hard… I don’t really know what Souhei-kun likes…”

I had thought about it a lot, but I still didn’t know what he wanted or liked. Even though we’ve been dating for over six months. Maybe I still didn’t understand him well enough…

“…What should I do~…”

“Just give yourself as the present♡,” Sacchan said with a smirk. I puffed out my cheeks. I couldn’t believe she’d say that, given her pushy attitude and the tomoe-nage incident. She was just speaking her mind, not considering others.

“Then why don’t you do it, Sacchan? Give yourself as the present.”

I intended it as a counterattack, but Sacchan calmly replied, “Well, that wouldn’t cost anything, so it might be a good idea.” Her nonchalant attitude left me speechless.

“Wait, Sacchan, does that mean you and Hojo-kun…”

“But what about you, Haruko? Any progress?” Sacchan deflected smoothly. I resolved to find out more later and answered.

“Uh, well… I went to Souhei-kun’s family home recently.”

“Really? That’s news to me! You’re really laying the groundwork. Impressive.”

“Stop it! Don’t put it that way. You’ve been to Hojo-kun’s family home too, right?”

“Yeah, but we both live with our families, so it wasn’t a formal introduction or anything.”

“Same here. And Souhei-kun… he said he’s not really thinking about marriage.”

──I can’t think about that yet.

──Becoming family isn’t easy. I don’t think I’m suited for it.

Remembering Souhei-kun’s words, I sighed softly.

“He said he’s not suited for that kind of thing…”

Given his family situation, I could understand his feelings. So I didn’t intend to force it, but… it would be a lie to say I wasn’t sad.

“Well, it shows he’s thinking seriously. Yuusuke, on the other hand, mentioned marriage three days after started dating.”

“That’s a bit too casual…”

Thinking about it that way, it might be better than a casual proposal. At least he didn’t say he didn’t want to marry me. He introduced me to his family, and when Ichika-chan called me “sister,” he didn’t deny it…

“…Sacchan, do you want to marry Hojo-kun?”

“Wow, that’s heavy. I’m not thinking about that at all. We’re still students.”

Sacchan said, waving her right hand.

Apparently, seriously considering marriage while still a student was “heavy.” I thought dating was directly connected to marriage unless you broke up. Maybe that’s not a common perspective.

“Also, Hojo’s family is full of beauties. He has three sisters, and they’re all model-level gorgeous. It takes a lot of courage to join that family.”

“I can kind of understand that…”

“Plus, the pressure of continuing the Hojo genes… what if the kids look like me… though I think Hojo would still be happy…”

“…Sacchan, aren’t you seriously thinking about marriage?”

Sacchan drank her café latte silently at my comment.

Sacchan really loved Hojo-kun and probably wanted to marry him. She just found it embarrassing to say it out loud. Turns out, Sacchan is also one of those “heavy” girls.

“I think I understand Sacchan better now.”

“Oh, you’re thinking something rude.”

Sacchan pinched my cheek lightly. I laughed, “You’re just like me, Sacchan!”

“By the way, aren’t there things to do before marriage?”

“…T-That’s true…”

Marriage aside, I do want to progress a bit more…

Even after Ichika-chan left, our relationship didn’t change, and nothing happened when we were alone. He probably wasn’t ready yet. I didn’t want to be a bother, so I had been holding back.

Hey, Souhei-kun… what’s our pace?

I wanted to ask but didn’t have the courage. I sighed and sipped my mango juice.

After parting with Sacchan, I returned to the apartment. In the end, I still couldn’t think of a present for Souhei-kun.

…Maybe I should just ask him…

He’d probably prefer getting something he wants over something he doesn’t need or like. Resolving myself, I went to Souhei-kun’s room.

“…Oh, Nanase.”

Souhei-kun, who answered, looked a bit groggy, with bedhead.

“You look sleepy. Were you napping?”

“Yeah… Hojo and Kinami kept me out until morning, and I went straight to work.”

He yawned widely. It was heartwarming to think how close they had become, staying out all night together.

“By the way, what’s up?”

“Oh, right… What do you want for your birthday?”

I asked directly. Souhei-kun tilted his head.

“Sorry, I tried to decide on my own, but I couldn’t think of anything… Is there something you want?”

He crossed his arms and thought seriously. He seemed to ponder for a long time. Maybe he wasn’t very materialistic.

Eventually, he looked up and stared at me intently. His serious eyes made my heart race.

“…Nanase…”

“…Huh…”

As I stood there, stunned, Souhei-kun snapped out of it and quickly looked away. He spoke hurriedly to cover up.

“Oh, no, it’s nothing. Really, anything is fine.”

“O-Okay. I-I’ll think about it…”

I awkwardly said, “See you,” and went back to my room. As soon as I closed the door, I collapsed on the spot.

Did Souhei-kun just say he wanted… me?

If I didn’t mishear, he definitely said my name. I replayed his voice in my mind, processing it, and then screamed, “Aaaah!” and held my head.

He wants me… Is that what he meant!? Was Sacchan right all along!?

After flailing around for a bit, I stood up. Determined, I slapped my cheeks lightly.

…I was surprised, but if that’s what Souhei-kun wants, I have no reason to refuse. I feel the same way.

With less than a week until his birthday, I started seriously considering if I should go on a diet or something.

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The cheesecake with a “Happy Birthday” plaque had two big candles stuck in it. It didn’t look much like a birthday cake, but Nanase chose it for me, knowing I’m not a fan of sweets.

“Happy birthday, Souhei-kun!”

Clapping her hands, Nanase looked even more stunning than usual with her perfect makeup, shining brightly. Watching her smile, I savored the joy of spending my birthday with my adorable girlfriend.

Today, September 20th, nearing the end of summer break, was my 20th birthday.

We went to Kyoto Aquarium to see the jellyfish, had lunch at Umekoji Park, picked up the pre-ordered cheesecake, and returned to the apartment.

Everything Nanase prepared was something I liked. I thought I didn’t have any particular likes, but she made me realize otherwise.

“It might not feel like a typical birthday, but I wanted to celebrate without being bound by conventional ideas!”

Nanase smiled brightly. She must have thought hard about how to make me happy. I didn’t know how it looked to others, but it was the happiest birthday for me.

…When I celebrated Nanase’s birthday, did I consider her feelings? I was too focused on being the “perfect boyfriend” and stuck to the template, maybe it was just self-centered.

Next year, I’ll try to think more for myself. Maybe not without effort… but even if it takes some effort, making Nanase happy is enjoyable.

I blew out the candles on the cheesecake. Nanase clapped and said, “Congratulations!” again.

“And here’s your birthday present.”

Nanase handed me a paper bag. Inside was a black leather bi-fold wallet, feeling quite luxurious.

“Your wallet was falling apart… I wasn’t sure if you’d like it.”

“No, I’m happy. I was thinking about replacing it soon.”

Nanase really paid attention to me. I’m sure she agonized over choosing this gift. I understood her feelings when she said the best part was thinking about what to get for me.

“I don’t have any particular likes, so it must’ve been hard.”

“No! It was tough but fun thinking about you, Souhei-kun!”

Nanase always seemed to enjoy whatever she did. She lived life to the fullest, finding beauty in things I overlooked.

Being with Nanase made me feel like I’d find more things I liked. Maybe one day, my empty self will be filled with many wonderful things.

After finishing the mildly sweet cheesecake, Nanase grinned mischievously and held out her right hand like a microphone.

“Now, Souhei-kun, what’s your resolution for turning 20?”

I hesitated but then spoke, “Well, first… I’ll aim for all top marks next semester, so I won’t lose to Nanase.”

“Wow, amazing. Let’s do our best together.”

“Then, pass my certification exam next month, succeed in the cultural festival presentation… and make sure I don’t get sick and trouble Nanase…”

“Please, make sure of that.”

“And, also…”

I reached out and gently held Nanase’s right hand. The ring I gave her reflected the light.

“…I’ll do my best to make sure Nanase has a rosy university life.”

“Souhei-kun…”

“I’m far from being a perfect boyfriend… but I want to be someone who makes you think you can do your best because I’m here when you feel down.”

Nanase blinked her long eyelashes and smiled, “Yeah.” She gently squeezed my hand and whispered, “You know…”