Chapter 7: The Worst Valentine Ever

The morning on campus felt sweet. Not because of the scent of flowers, but because of the strong competitive aura emanating from the chocolate and cake boxes carried by the female students. Among them, two girls carried the heaviest burdens.

In a crowded cafe near campus, Ayaka Shirogane stared at the heart-shaped chocolate box in front of her with a serious expression. Her fingers trembled. This wasn't just chocolate; it was the manifestation of her regret, of her resolve to make Akira smile.

"Come on, Ayaka!" she whispered to herself, her face flushed. "This is for Akira! Prove that you can do it!"

She imagined a romantic scene where she would hand the box to Akira. Akira would be surprised, his cold eyes would soften, and a faint smile would appear on his face. She had rehearsed this scenario countless times in front of the mirror, complete with memorized dialogue.

On the other side of town, in a tidy apartment kitchen, Reina Akamatsu calmly decorated a small cake. The brush in her hand moved with precision, adding the final details to the cream layer. This was a recipe calculated mathematically to not be too sweet—perfect for someone who disliked anything excessive.

"Emotions are unnecessary," she muttered to herself. "What's needed is precision and logic. A perfect gift will be appreciated, regardless of who gives it."

Beside her lay a small card. Reina had written a short, concise message, true to her personality. She imagined Akira receiving the cake, nodding in approval, and perhaps, for a moment, his eyes would show a little warmth.

They both walked toward the campus, unaware that their paths were about to cross.

Ayaka, walking in a hurry, suddenly bumped into someone.

Thump!

"Ouch! I'm sorry!" Ayaka cried, falling to the floor. The books in her arms scattered, and her chocolate box flew out.

"It's no problem," a flat voice said.

Ayaka looked up, and her eyes widened. Reina Akamatsu stood before her, expressionless. In her hands, the cake box she had just made had fallen, its contents a ruined mess.

"Reina! I... I'm so sorry!" Ayaka immediately panicked, trying to gather her scattered books.

Reina just stared at the ruined cake at her feet, then at Ayaka. "My cake... it's destroyed."

Ayaka felt terrible. Suddenly, she saw a chocolate box next to Reina. It was heart-shaped, exactly like her own. Without thinking, Ayaka picked up the box.

"This... is yours, right?" she asked, her voice choked. "This is a gift for Akira..."

"Yes," Reina replied. "But it seems we can't give it to him."

Ayaka felt devastated. This was all her fault. Reina, who was always calm, now looked sad. In her despair, Ayaka picked up her own chocolate box that had been thrown and handed it to Reina.

"Here," Ayaka said, her eyes welling up with tears. "This is for you... as an apology. But... could you give me yours?"

Reina looked at her, then took the chocolate box from Ayaka's hand. She glanced at the floor, seeing a small card that had fallen from the broken cake box. She bent down, picked it up, and handed it to Ayaka.

"Take this too," she said, her voice still flat. "I have to go."

Reina walked away, leaving Ayaka standing alone in the hallway, holding a chocolate box and a small card.

They both waited.

Ayaka waited in front of the Law faculty, holding Reina's chocolate box tightly. She imagined handing it to him when they met. But hours passed. Akira didn't show up.

Reina waited on a campus bench, holding Ayaka's chocolate box tightly. She had sent a message, but there was no reply. Akira didn't show up.

Ayaka finally gave up. She looked around, searching for Reina. She saw her sitting alone on a bench, her shoulders slumped. Ayaka walked closer.

"Reina..."

"He's not coming," Reina whispered. "I already tried to message him. He's not on campus." Reina sighed. "I ran into Kazuma. He said today is the anniversary of Akira's parents' death."

Ayaka froze. Her heart sank. She felt like a selfish idiot. While she was busy with this ridiculous drama, Akira was facing his own sadness.

"This is... the worst Valentine's Day ever," Ayaka whispered, tears beginning to well up.

"Yes," Reina replied. "It is very illogical."

They both sat in silence. The boxes now felt cold in their hands, and all the hopes they had were now shattered.

"Here..." Ayaka said, handing over her own chocolate box that had been thrown. "I'll give this to you. Anyway, I can't give it to Akira. This is my apology for ruining your cake."

Reina looked at her, then took the box. "Thank you."

Ayaka took the chocolate box Reina had given her earlier that morning. "In that case, I'll eat this," she said, and then she opened the box. "Whose is this?"

Inside, among the chocolates, was a small card. Ayaka read it.

To you, from A.

Ayaka stared at the card, and her eyes widened. Her face, which had been pale, now turned red. "A... from A? Reina, this is from Akira!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with immense joy.

Reina was surprised. She opened the chocolate box Ayaka had given her. Inside, she found a small piece of paper.

I hope you like it, this is from someone who admires you.

Reina was silent. Her usually flat face showed a hint of confusion. Someone who admires her? Could it be...

"Reina, look at this!" Ayaka showed her the chocolate in her hand. "This chocolate is from Akira! He returned my feelings!"

Reina looked at her, then at the chocolate in her hand. This chocolate... was neatly made, just like the ones she often saw in magazines. On the back of the card, she found her name.

"I... me too..." Reina whispered, unable to finish her sentence.

They both stared at each other. Ayaka looked at the chocolate box in Reina's hand, then at Reina's bewildered face. Ayaka smiled widely.

"This means... we're both the ones who captured his heart!"

They both laughed, completely unaware that the gifts they were holding were actually for each other. In his car, far from campus, Akira suddenly sneezed.

"What's wrong, Akira?" asked Inui, who was driving.

"I don't know," I replied. "I just feel... for some reason, like a clown is performing a circus with my name."