I stepped into a shop specializing in accessories and picked up a single item, turning it over in my hands.
A locket pendant...
I wasn't particularly well-versed in jewelry, but even I knew what a locket was. After considering Hayato’s suggestions, I’d narrowed my choices down to either a locket pendant or a music box.
A locket seemed like the better choice since it was something she could actually wear, but I felt like it was still missing a certain something. As I stood there staring at the piece, a shop clerk approached me.
To be honest, I didn't plan on buying anything right this second, so I really just wanted to be left to my own devices.
"Hello there! Are you looking for a locket?"
Naturally, the shop clerk failed to read the room, approaching me with a practiced sales smile.
Honestly, this is getting a bit tedious.
"Y-yeah... I just feel like it needs one more little something."
"If you don't mind me asking, is this a present for your lover?"
"……Yes."
I answered casually, but the word hit me with unexpected weight.
I had openly admitted to having a lover. I, who had once been the definition of isolation, was actually here shopping for a gift for someone special. It was as if I were truly realizing all over again that I had a precious girlfriend named Sara-san, and that I was here specifically because I wanted to see her smile.
Suddenly, I felt an intense urge to see her. A wave of restlessness washed over me, driven by the impulse to just hurry home.
Wait...
I had been so lost in my own world that I’d forgotten the clerk was still standing right in front of me. She was looking at me with a distinctly awkward expression.
"I think a locket is a great idea," I said, resuming the conversation as if nothing had happened, "but I was wondering if there was something more I could do with it."
The clerk pulled herself together and followed my lead.
"In that case, how about a custom-made locket? With an order like this, you can specify the size, shape, and even the engraved patterns. We can also add names or set gemstones into the casing."
The clerk opened a catalog from the locket pendant section and showed it to me. It contained samples of custom-ordered pieces, listing various specifications and decorative flourishes.
It would be significantly more expensive than the stock items on the shelves, but as a custom order, it would truly be the only one of its kind in the world.
That was it. I’d make this my goal.
Having made the decision so easily that it made me wonder why I’d even hesitated, I checked the production timeline and took a copy of the catalog.
Now, all that was left... was the money.
My current shifts definitely wouldn't cover it. I’d limited myself to three days a week so I wouldn't cause Sara-san any worry, but that wouldn't be enough. Since I could still make the deadline if I placed the order after she returned from her school trip, the real battle would be that one week while she was away.
I had to find a way to work as much as possible during that window.
After meeting back up with the other two, I showed them the catalog and gave them my report. As expected, the price was their primary concern.
"Takanashi-kun, I think it’s a wonderful idea, but are you sure about the budget?"
"Yeah," Hayato added. "It seems a bit pricey for a typical high schooler’s gift."
They both made valid points, but I didn't actually know what the "market price" for a high schooler’s gift was supposed to be. It wasn't as if it cost a fortune—I knew that if I gave Sara-san something absurdly expensive, it would probably just make her uncomfortable. I felt like this was a realistic goal that I could reach through hard work.
"I'm taking on the extra work specifically for this, so it'll be fine."
"But, with just my grandfather’s shop..." Todo-san started. She understood the situation better than anyone, so she knew how difficult it would be at my current pace.
"I'm going to find another job to pick up while Sara-san is away on her school trip."
"Kazunari, I’ll support you, but please don't overdo it," Hayato cautioned.
I didn't intend to be reckless, but there were some things I refused to compromise on. I knew I was a total affection-seeker when it came to her, but that was all the more reason to give it my all for something this important.
"Alright," Hayato said. "Just make sure to talk to us if you need help or if something goes wrong."
"Thanks, both of you."
At times like this, having friends really meant the world to me.
Rather than just chasing a vague "present," Takanashi-kun seemed incredibly fired up now that he had a specific goal.
Watching him work so hard for Satsukawa-senpai’s sake was a little worrying, but I also thought it was wonderful. I’d never dated anyone before, but I knew I’d be happy if the person I liked worked that hard for me.
Still, for her sake as much as his, I really hoped he wouldn't push himself too far.
"Well, let's just keep a close eye on him," Yokokawa-kun said. "Since Kazunari is trying to surprise Satsukawa-senpai, the last thing he wants is to get caught because he did something reckless."
I could tell Yokokawa-kun was genuinely worried, even though he was acting his usual cheerful self. Between what I’d heard from Takanashi-kun and what I’d learned since we became friends, I’d realized that Yokokawa-kun was a truly sincere person who cared deeply for his friends and didn't just throw himself at women.
We’d had so many more opportunities to talk and spend time together lately. I couldn't help but wonder... did Yokokawa-kun have someone special in his life?
"I'm home~"
"Welcome home, Kazunari-san."
Sara-san greeted me the moment I stepped through the door; she must have made it home before me. She was wearing an apron, likely in the middle of preparing dinner.
The lingering desire to see her that had hit me at the shop flared up again. Just seeing her standing there made me so happy that I couldn't help myself. I pulled her into a sudden embrace before she even had a chance to set her apron aside.
"Eek?! K-Kazunari-san? What's come over you?"
"I don't really know myself... I just really wanted to do this. I'm just so glad you're here, Sara-san."
I couldn't quite put it into words, but thinking about how much she meant to me made my heart overflow with affection. Sara-san seemed a bit startled at first, but then she spoke in a soft, gentle voice.
"Kazunari-san, could you let go for just a moment?"
I did as she asked and stepped back slightly, only for her to immediately wrap her own arms around me, pulling my head toward her shoulder.
"I am always by your side," she whispered. "Spending time like this, holding you... it makes me truly happy. It reminds me that I am your lover, and it makes my love for you feel as if it will never stop."
I’d been worried things might be awkward after my little prank the other day, but contrary to my fears, Sara-san held me even tighter than usual. Strangely, all I felt was a profound sense of peace.
"Fufu... has our little affection-seeker calmed down now?"
She’d seen right through me. She knew I was looking for comfort.
Ugh... that’s a bit embarrassing.
But being held like this only made my desire to make her happy grow stronger. Now that I’d decided on the gift, everything felt settled. I wouldn't do anything reckless because I didn't want to worry her, but I was going to work as hard as I possibly could.
To make that happen...