Chapter 65: White Day

The final exam came to an end, only the ending ceremony was left.

During this period, the entire school atmosphere seemed relaxed.

In the first place, there were no classes, and the only thing was preparation for the graduation ceremony.

And even if he did go to school, he would only chat with friends.

Therefore, Asahi inevitably had fewer opportunities to interact with Fuyuka during this season.

Asahi was lying on his back on the bed, lost in thought by himself.

Although they were neighbors, they didn’t see or talk to each other unless there was a reason.

School was almost out for the entire spring break, and all he could do was wait for the weekend when Fuyuka would come to his home.

Asahi calmly took in the situation.

And then,

―Hang in there, because if you don’t, your rivals might overtake you.

Chiaki’s words flashed through his mind.

“…I know that.”

On one hand was the former “Ice Lady” and the other was the soccer club’s ace.

If the two of them were seen getting along, that was all it would take to start a rumor.

He actively talks to her, engages with her, and sometimes mentions Fuyuka’s favorite romance novels.

Ryoma was making an appeal that he could not step up to.　

Meanwhile, Asahi slowly closed the distance between them.

Of course, he felt anxious.

And yet, he continued to move at his own pace.

He was also aware that he was being overly cautious.

More than that, he didn’t want to ruin their current relationship.

“But now that I’m backed into a corner, I’ve got to make a move.”

Asahi slowly got up and headed for the kitchen.

From the beginning, he had decided to be brave and move forward a little today.

He had already sent a message that would be a milestone.

「I want you to come to my house on March 14th.」

The reply was immediate.

—

“…Did you do all of this by yourself, Asahi-kun?”

 

“Yeah, I did.”

It was a little past evening. The girl’s eyes sparkled as she looked at the dining table at Asahi’s house.

What reflected in her beautiful caramel eyes was an array of lavish, liquor-soaked dishes – though with tea instead of liquor.

“Can I really?”

“I told you in my message that I’d treat you to dinner today in return for your Valentine’s Day gift, right?”

“But I don’t think such a lavish dish is a match to my gift…”

“It’s fine. You know what they say, you pay tenfold in White Day.”

“I’ve never heard of it though.”

“That’s what my mom said.”

“I see.”

 

The fact that she was strangely convinced proved that Fuyuka understands who Touko was.

Asahi was curious to know how much they keep in touch, but he would put that aside for now.

“Besides, it’s fair trade. The chocolate that you made for me was really delicious. So, I took how delicious it was and made a return gift and this is what I got.”

“…I’m glad you said that.”

Fuyuka turned her head slightly and nodded modestly, as if she could feel that Asahi was speaking from the heart.

The small ears peeking out from her long hair seemed to be slightly red.

Certainly, a few chocolates and a table full of food was not equal in terms of quantity.

Of course, even based on taste, there would inevitably be a difference between their gifts.

Naturally, there was a gap between the two in terms of the amount of money spent.

However, he knew the feelings behind the gift were the most important.

Knowing this, a bit of his real intention leaked out from his mouth.

“It’s more like I’m the one wondering if my gift is good enough. When it comes to White Day, I guess I should give some kind of thoughtful gift…”

“No, it’s not!”

It had been a while since he heard Fuyuka’s loud voice.

When he turned around at the sudden and unusual voice, their eyes met perfectly.

Her expression was a little sad or troubled.

The way she denied his words and seemed to want to express something. He felt such a strong will.

“I really love your cooking, Asahi-kun. That’s why I’m very happy that I got this as a gift.”

“…I’m glad then.”

Both of them looked away with a slight embarrassment to their faces.

Of course, it was a fondness for the food, but he couldn’t help but be conscious about the word “Love.”

Even though he understood that feelings were important, the reason why he thought negatively about the gift was probably because he was dealing with Fuyuka.

Even so, if Fuyuka herself affirmed it.

Then, there was nothing to be afraid of.

“Itadakimasu.”

During the third semester, the two of them had less time alone, so they had a lot of things to talk about.

Asahi made a joke about Chiaki and Hinami’s stupid and loving behavior.

Fuyuka talked about her school life, which had changed drastically, and also about Touko.

In these friendly conversations, the word “delicious” was used over and over again.

Each time, a warm heat flowed in his heart.

Giving a thoughtful gift was not something he could do.

Even though they had spent so much time together, he knew only a little about Fuyuka’s hobbies and preferences.

He was ashamed of his inadequacy, but he was confident that he knew more about Fuyuka’s favorite food than anyone else.

So he was determined to make an egg-centric feast in return for Valentine’s Day.

“This egg soup is really great.”

Fuyuka laughed softly along with the magic words.

That smile was the best gift for Asahi.

‘I need to return something for that smile…’

The meal was coming to an end as he was taking such ridiculous thoughts seriously.

The time to make the announcement was now, so Asahi made up his mind and put his hands in his pockets.

“…Actually, there’s something else I want to give you in addition to dinner.”

“Eh…?”

 

Asahi’s face was a little tense, and he was clearly nervous.

Fuyuka looked at him with a surprised expression on her face.

“This is for me?”

 

Fuyuka politely accepted the two sets of tickets presented to her.

“I was wondering if you had time over spring break.”

As he said this, Asahi remembered the words he needed to say.

Go with me, that was what he should be asking.

He had a hard time putting it into words.

Even so, now that he got pushed in the back, he couldn’t exactly stand still.

“If you don’t mind…”

 

“Then, I want to go with you, Asahi-kun.”

“Will you… Eh?”

He heard his name being called.

Looking at the owner of the voice, he was able to see a gentle smile on her face.

“Are you sure you’re alright going with me?”

He tried to invite her, but instead Fuyuka invited him.

Surprised by this fact, Asahi confusedly confirmed it.

“Yes. It’s alright if it’s with you, Asahi-kun.”

It was an immediate answer.

She answered immediately without any hesitation.

And before he could ask “why,” the answer was presented.

“Because it’s definitely going to be fun with you, Asahi-kun.”

That was probably what she truly felt.

There was no way he could doubt or refuse the invitation from the person he loved.

“…I’ll tell you the schedule later.”

“Sure, I’m looking forward to it.”

The pure, angelic smile on her face made his heart soar.

Asahi was still unaware of the special feelings that lay behind that smile.

For now, they were just chewing on their small little happiness together.