A Birthday Present

The next few school days weighed heavily on Akari, his shoulders slumping under the increasing pile of assignments and the demands of his gang. Each day felt like a relentless battle, and he yearned for respite, wishing he could simply slip into a deep coma to find some much-needed rest. Amidst the exhaustion, however, there was a glimmer of solace in the form of his study sessions with Ayano. Although they were draining, Akari found comfort in her presence and cherished the moments they spent together.

As Akari sought help from Ryoichi to review his studies, he couldn't help but notice that he hadn't seen Yuuta around much lately. Concerned about his friend's well-being amidst the recent activities of the Viper gang, Akari voiced his worries to Ryoichi, who reassured him that Yuuta was just dealing with some minor business matters.

Determined to gather intel on the Viper gang, Akari confronted Shinji to ask him about his activities. However, Shinji seemed to be ignoring his messages completely, not even bothering to read them.

Lost in these thoughts, Akari left his class that day, both hands firmly gripping his backpack straps as he wandered down the hall. As his mind wandered, he was suddenly snapped out of his daze by a pair of hands tugging on his arm, pulling him aside.

“Akari-senpai!” Momo shouted. “Didn't you hear me calling for you?”

“Huh, oh, sorry… I was lost in my thoughts,” Akari confessed, sheepishly admitting his distraction. Momo smirked and walked beside him.

“Are you planning what you’re going to give to Ayano-senpai for her birthday?” she asked, catching Akari off guard.

“Her birthday?” Akari replied, surprised by the revelation.

“Does senpai not even know?!” Momo was taken aback by Akari’s lack of knowledge. She examined his blank stare and let out a disappointed sigh.

“Ayano-senpai’s birthday is this Saturday,” she whispered into his ear, making sure he wouldn't forget this important date.

"In two days?!" Akari's voice rang out, a mixture of surprise and concern, causing Momo to wince from the sharp pain in her ear.

"You're hopeless, Akari-senpai..." Momo shook her head disapprovingly. Suddenly, an idea sparked in her mind, and she broke into a wide smile.

"How about this?! Chiaki and I were planning to go to the amusement park to celebrate her birthday! You should come with us!"

Akari's eyebrows furrowed as he considered the suggestion. “Is that really okay?”

“Of course it is!” Momo declared with enthusiasm. “Think of it as a double date—oh wait, you two aren't dating... Think of it as a way to make sure Ayano doesn't feel like the third wheel!”

Before Akari could respond, Chiaki's voice called out from outside the room. Momo's gaze shifted to the window, where she spotted Chiaki waving from the campus grounds.

“I’ll text you the details later, senpai! Make sure you bring your gift then!” Momo exclaimed, already heading towards the exit to meet up with Chiaki. Akari took a deep breath, his mind whirling with thoughts.

“I’ll text you the details later, senpai! Make sure you bring your gift then!” Momo exclaimed as she ran outside to meet with Chiaki. Akari took a deep breath as he pondered in his mind.

“A gift for Ayano-san…”

♦_______✭❀✭_______♦

“It was surprising to receive a text from you first, Inmura-kun!” Nanami exclaimed with excitement as the two of them strolled through the bustling department store. They had made a quick stop at the food floor, grabbing a few delectable pastries and relishing in the enticing aroma of freshly baked goods.

“So, why did you bring me here today?” Curiosity danced in Nanami's eyes as she turned to Akari. “What favor do you need from me?”

“I don’t know that much about Ayano-san,” Akari confessed. “So I was hoping you could help me find something for her birthday.”

“So that’s why you invited me?” Nanami pouted as she held her arms behind her back. “Really, Inmura-kun. You don’t understand anything if you brought me out here to help you pick a present for another girl.”

“You said you’d make up for ditching me at Ayano-san’s home,” Akari reminded her.

“That might be so, but still!” Nanami let out a frustrated sigh. “You’re lucky I don’t hold grudges easily.”

“Would you like to come with us to the amusement park?” Akari asked.

“No thank you. I’m busy planning for once she returns,” Nanami gave a hinting wink to Akari. “Besides, I’m not a fan of roller coasters.”

“So what does she like?” Akari asked as he tried to return to the subject.

Nanami pondered for a moment, her finger delicately pressed against her chin in contemplation. "Hmm," she murmured thoughtfully. "She adores cats, loses herself in books, and finds solace in the art of drawing. Typical stuff you'd expect from an introvert, I suppose." As she spoke, Nanami's words painted a vivid picture of the girl they were planning for.

“I got it!” Akari ran over to a white stand containing a bunch of school utensils. From the pile, he picked out an expensive fountain pen.

“How about this?” Akari held up the fountain pen triumphantly, a mischievous grin spreading across his face.

“That's a great choice, Inmura-kun!” Nanami's eyes sparkled with approval as she examined the pen. “ It's elegant and thoughtful. I'm sure she'll adore it!”

The slender barrel was adorned with intricate patterns, its silver finish reflecting the ambient light in delicate glimmers. She marveled at its thoughtful design, envisioning Ayano’s joy upon receiving such a treasured gift. The pen exuded an air of sophistication, its presence inarguably a testament to Inmura-kun's impeccable taste.

As they leisurely strolled through the store, Akari's anxiety began to dissipate, replaced by a sense of relief that Nanami had agreed to accompany him. They continued to peruse the aisles, window shopping for anything that caught their attention before buying them.

Patiently, Akari stood by the side, waiting for Nanami to complete her own purchases, his anticipation building. As he stared at the new pen in its case, he let out a warm smile. This would be his first time giving a present to someone, after all.

As he gazed around the department store, his eyes caught a familiar figure: Shinji. However, he wasn't alone; two members of the Viper gang flanked him, their expressions etched with seriousness. Sensing an opportunity, Akari's curiosity piqued, compelling him to discreetly eavesdrop on their clandestine conversation.

“But young master, what should we do about them?” His lackey asked concerningly.

Akari observed from the shadows as Shinji pondered the question. The atmosphere grew tense as Shinji contemplated their next move. Akari watched curiously but also worried. Just what matter could make Shinji lose his charismatic smile?

“Keep an eye on them,” Shinji finally replied, his voice laced with a hint of caution. “We have enough on our plate already. We can't let them figure out what we know.”

“Yes, young master!” The two lackeys replied in unison just as Shinji’s phone buzzed with a notification. Without saying a word, he gestured for the others to leave before walking away as well.

Akari watched as the three of them split up and slowly left the floor. Thoughts ran through Akari’s mind as he tried to process what he had just heard. Keep an eye on them? Can’t let them figure out what? Just what did Shinji have planned?

“Inmura-kun?” Nanami tapped his shoulder from behind. “Shall we get going?”

Akari blinked, momentarily taken aback by Nanami's presence. He quickly composed himself and nodded.

“Yes. Of course.”