Chapter 6: Happiness on Valentine’s Day

There are two types of people in this world. Those who wait for Valentine’s Day. And those who try to survive it. I belonged firmly to the second category.

The morning bus was packed to the brim. Not because of rush hour, and not because of traffic. It was the scent—the suffocating, sickly-sweet aroma of chocolate.

Beside me, two schoolgirls giggled. “What if he rejects me?” “No way! He’ll definitely be happy!”

Behind me— “I made this myself, you know!” “Seriously? That’s so romantic!”

I stared out the window. The sky was clear, the air was fresh, and the atmosphere was disgustingly cheerful. Why did it feel like a social apocalypse to me?

As the bus reached the city center, the view only got worse. People were smiling everywhere. Couples were exchanging boxes. Some were even hugging. It was as if the world had collectively agreed that today had to be sweet.

This wasn't a city. It was a minefield for the unprepared.

I walked fast. Don’t get involved. Don’t make eye contact. Don’t become a background NPC.

Campus, however, wasn't any better. Touma was standing in front of the building, his bag looking significantly heavier than usual.

“Yo, Kengo-kun! Good morning!” “Morning... looks like you’ve had a big harvest.”

He grinned with satisfaction. “Valentine’s Day is the grand harvest for a love consultant. Did you get anything?” “Nope.” And hopefully, I wouldn't have to.

Before I could finish that thought, the thunder of footsteps returned. My neck muscles tensed instinctively. Please, not again.

“It’s them!” The fanatics had arrived. And their target remained the same: Takeda.

“Takeda-sama! Accept my chocolate!” “Take mine instead!” “Even if you’ve changed, you’re still number one!”

Takeda—now with messy black hair and glasses—looked like a lost rabbit in the middle of a lion festival. “I beg of you... leave me alone!”

He bolted. The hallway suddenly turned into a survival arena. Amidst the chaos, someone was shoved. A chocolate box went flying. A body lost its balance.

Near the stairs. Kurumi.

Without thinking, I lunged and grabbed her arm. Time stopped. She was right in front of me. I could feel her breath. Her face was so close I could count her eyelashes. Her eyes were wide with shock.

“U-um... Kengo-kun...” her voice was tiny. “How long are you planning to hold my arm like this? I’m... getting embarrassed.”

I snapped back to reality. “Oh—s-sorry!”

I released her gently. She gave me a faint, shy smile. “Thank you... I would’ve taken a nasty spill otherwise.”

Then, she looked down at her box. The chocolates inside were crushed. Stepped on. “Oh...” Her voice weakened. “And I spent all night making them...”

I went quiet. “They were for you, Kengo-kun.”

In that moment, my chest felt tight. All night? Without hesitation, I picked up a piece of the chocolate that was still wrapped in plastic. I popped it into my mouth.

“E-eh?! It was stepped on!” “It’s fine.”

I chewed. It was sweet. Warm. And then... spicy. Why was there a kick of spice? Kurumi turned her head away, blushing furiously. “I knew it... I shouldn't have tried making 'friendship chocolate' on a day like this...”

She sounded genuinely heartbroken. “It’s good,” I said, looking at her seriously. “Unique. But good.”

She stared at me for a long time. Then she whispered, “In that case... I’ll be waiting for chocolate from you, too.”

I froze. So this is how the system of reciprocity works...

That night, my kitchen became a war zone. Burnt cocoa. Failed shapes. Textures resembling archaeological artifacts. My younger sister walked in. “Brother, why don't you just buy some?”

I stood silent for two seconds. Then, I sprinted out the door.

The next day. I brought the box to her. “Kurumi. This is my return gift.” She froze. “Seriously?” “Let's open it in the club room.”

We stepped inside. Touma was busy receiving chocolates from a professor. “Popularity is a heavy burden,” he sighed.

Kurumi opened the box. She stopped. “Kengo...” I leaned in to look, and my heart nearly stopped.

Heart-shaped. The chocolate was shaped like a heart. DAMN YOU, BAKE SHOP!

Touma patted my shoulder. “A heart-shaped cake is usually synonymous with a confession of love, you know.” “Don’t provoke the situation!”

I looked at Kurumi. She was clutching the box tightly. Her cheeks were crimson. Silence. One second. Two seconds. “Kengo-kun...”

This is it. It’s over for me.

But then, she smiled. It was soft. Warm. Not a shy smile or a formal one, but a truly honest smile. “I really, really love your gift.”

The room exploded. Touma cheered. Takeda smiled in relief. Kurumi looked at me again. “Let’s eat it together.”

And when she smiled like that... I realized something. If happiness looked like this... maybe I wouldn't mind staying by her side a little longer.

She tilted her head. “Kengo-kun? What’s wrong?” “Nothing.” I offered a faint smile. “Let’s eat.”

The door didn't open again. There were no further interruptions. No extra drama. Only the sound of laughter filled the small room.

Touma raised his chocolate high. “Alright! Since it’s Valentine’s, let’s just celebrate everything!” Takeda, now looking far more relaxed, nodded. “I agree. For the first time... I can enjoy this day without being chased.”

Everyone laughed. Kurumi sliced the heart-shaped cake slowly. “Come on, Kengo-kun. Let’s share it equally.” “I never officially agreed to this division of assets,” I deadpanned. “Be quiet. This is your punishment for making my heart race earlier.”

She offered me a small piece. Her hand was trembling slightly. I accepted it. For a moment, there were no fanatics. No chases. No chaos. Just a small room, a simple table, chocolate that was perhaps a little too sweet, and Kurumi’s smile—which felt warmer than anything I had ever known.

“Is it good?” she asked. “Yeah.” I swallowed. “At least it’s not spicy this time.”

She let out a small, airy laugh. Light and free. And I realized—I was starting to like this. Not because of Valentine’s. Not because of the chocolate. But because of the person sitting across from me.

Kurumi stared at me again. “What?” “Nothing.” I smiled thin. “Just eat.”

But in my heart, I thought: If days like this could repeat... maybe I wouldn't mind.

Outside, the evening sun began to dip. Valentine’s Day was drawing to a close. And for the first time in my life, I didn't feel alone in the middle of it.