"Thank you very much. If you’ve decided on the photograph you’d like to place inside, please bring it with you on the day of pickup. We can also gift-wrap it for you once the photo is set."
"I will. Thank you, I’ll leave it in your hands."
I had finished specifying the design and processing the payment. While I exchanged polite goodbyes with the Shop Clerk, my heart was hammering against my ribs.
I had never spent that kind of money before. The price was exactly as estimated and well within my budget, so there wasn't a practical problem, but seeing those digits laid out in black and white made me feel a bit lightheaded.
I was incredibly grateful that the Salary I’d received from Masaomi-san had covered most of it.
If I added the remainder of that money to what I’d earned from my Part-time Job at the Liquor Store, I’d have more than enough for the Date Expenses on the day of her birthday—and maybe even enough to set aside a little for Christmas.
As I turned to leave the shop, I spotted Hayato. He was lingering by a display table, looking at the Ready-made Product versions of the Locket Pendant.
He noticed I was done and walked over.
"Sorry to keep you waiting. If there’s something you want to look at, go ahead."
"No, I was just killing time. I'm sure Satsukawa-senpai is waiting for you, so let's head back."
"My bad... I'll make it up to you soon."
"It’s really no trouble. Although, when it’s my turn to look for a gift, I expect some veteran advice from you."
"Are you kidding? I only thought of this because of your advice in the first place..."
In truth, I never would have come up with this Present on my own. I owed Hayato for that much at the very least.
"You had a lot of specific criteria to meet, and you actually saw it through. I honestly respect that. I don't think I could have pulled it off."
"I couldn't have either if Masao—if Sara-san's Father hadn't helped me out."
"But that happened because of the good things you did in the past, didn't it? It all came full circle. That's your own strength, Kazunari."
Hayato wasn't just being polite; he clearly meant it. It was embarrassing to hear him say it so earnestly, but that was just the kind of guy he was.
"Oh, let me stop by a Convenience Store on the way back."
"Sure. Ah, I get it. Is it for 'that' part of the Date?"
By 'that,' he meant the tickets.
I planned to take her to the Aquarium everyone was talking about lately. It wasn't exactly nearby—about an hour away by train—but since we weren't planning to be back until evening anyway, it was the perfect distance.
My schedule for the day was set:
We’d head out in the morning for our Aquarium Date. While we were gone, everyone would gather at my House to prepare for the party. On the way back, I’d give her the Birthday Present. Then, the moment we stepped inside...
That was the plan.
Cliché? Maybe. But let's call it a classic.
"You're certainly going all out."
"I worked my Part-time Job specifically for this. I'm not going to hold back now."
"I really do admire your dedication..."
Despite Hayato’s wry smile, I couldn't stop grinning. I was already imagining how happy Sara-san would be.
A new Cafe had recently opened on a street opposite the usual path home from School.
As someone whose Hobby was visiting various cafes, I had wanted to check it out as soon as possible. Between the School Trip and everything else, I was finally getting my chance. Since it was on the opposite side of town from the Shopping Mall where Takanashi-kun and the others were heading, the location was ideal.
"Mmm, this is delicious."
I had ordered the Cake Set, but Sara had only ordered a drink.
"Do you want a bite?"
"No, I’m quite alright."
Sara took another sip of her Black Tea. Her gaze was distant, as if she were looking at something far away, yet seeing nothing at all. Her eyes were out of focus.
She looked lost in thought... or perhaps worried.
"What’s on your mind, Sara? Is something bothering you?"
I figured I’d ask. Even if she was troubled, I was ninety-nine percent sure it involved Takanashi-kun.
"No... Well, actually, I would appreciate it if you could listen for a moment."
"I’m all ears. It’s about Takanashi-kun, right?"
Sara blinked, looking genuinely surprised.
"...How did you know?"
"How could I not know?"
"?"
She could be so airheaded about these things.
Well, I might as well hear her out. Given the timing, I had a faint, nagging feeling of dread.
"Your intuition is correct; it is about Kazunari-san. Do you remember when I mentioned during the School Trip that he seemed exhausted?"
"Right, when we told you we hadn't noticed anything unusual."
"Yes. Even Before the School Trip, Kazunari-san seemed to be lacking sleep. During the trip itself, his fatigue was quite apparent, and even this morning, he didn't seem able to wake up at his usual time."
"I see."
I knew exactly why, which made it very hard to respond. And the fact that she knows his exact wake-up time... I really have to wonder just how early Sara gets to Takanashi-kun's House every morning.
"There was a Shirt in the laundry that was clearly more soiled than usual, and I’ve noticed his Shoulder and Arm muscles have suddenly become much more defined... There are several other small things that worry me..."
That was definitely the work at the Liquor Store owned by Todo-san's Grandfather. It sounded like a lot of heavy lifting.
I wasn't sure what to say.
"At first, I wondered if he had taken up a new sport. But if that were the case, I’m sure he would have told me... and I can't think of any other reason..."
Sara cast her eyes down, her expression tinged with sadness. I could see how she might jump to the wrong conclusion. But I couldn't be the one to spoil his secret.
"I’m sure Takanashi-kun will tell you soon enough."
"I know. I'm not worried about his honesty. It's just..."
"You're just worried about his health, right?"
"……Yes. He looks like he’s pushing himself too hard."
Seeing the sadness in Sara’s eyes, I had to fight the urge to tell her the truth. He only wanted to make her happy, but the secret was causing her pain in the meantime.
It was a real dilemma.
Thursday.
The lingering excitement of the School Trip has finally settled, and Student Council activities are set to resume in full next week. With the School Festival drawing closer, things are about to get very busy.
I finished my morning preparations and left the House at the usual time.
The morning air has grown crisp, and the last traces of summer have vanished. I suppose it will only get colder from here as we descend into winter.
I should probably start preparing a Muffler and Gloves for Kazunari-san soon.
Since it’s for him, would it be alright if I knitted a matching set for us?
A pair for him and a pair for me... or perhaps, like I saw in a magazine once, I could knit one exceptionally long Muffler for the two of us to share?
Which would be better? It’s a difficult choice, though I suppose it’s a very happy kind of problem to have.
Caught up in my thoughts, I arrived at Kazunari-san's House before I knew it.
I took the Spare Key from my Bag and opened the door, offering a silent greeting in my heart.
Good morning, Kazunari-san.
I looked at Kazunari-san's Sleeping Face. To avoid waking him, I very gently stroked his hair. He really is so adorable when he's asleep.
I am the only one permitted to see him like this. That thought fills me with a sense of pride and a profound realization of how lucky I am to be someone special to him.
There. That was enough to recharge my energy for the entire day. Now, I shall get to work on Breakfast and his Bento.
Since he has seemed so tired lately, I’ll plan a particularly nutritious Menu. This is the best way I can support him right now.
Please don't push yourself too hard, Kazunari-san.
"……-san, Kazunari-san."
A soft, gentle voice pulled my consciousness back to the surface.
"……Morning."
"Yes, good morning. Kazunari-san, it’s time to get up."
I checked my Smartphone. It wasn't late enough to panic, but my usual wake-up time had definitely passed. My brain was still sluggish, but memories of last night slowly began to click into place.
Right. I’d received a call from the Liquor Store and picked up an extra shift at the last minute.
Technically, thanks to Masaomi-san, I had already reached my Target Amount for her present, so I didn't need to overwork myself. However, with the Aquarium Date and the party coming up—and other future events to consider—I wanted to have as much of a cushion as possible.
Since the opportunity was there, I figured I should work as much as I could.
"……Kazunari-san?"
"Ah, sorry. I'm up."
I must have looked pretty dazed while I was thinking. Sara-san’s voice brought me back to reality.
As I tried to push myself up, I instinctively braced myself with my Right Hand, and a jolt of pain shot through it.
"Guh……!"
Dammit. I’d forgotten how much it was throbbing last night and put my full weight on it.
I looked at Sara-san, panicked that she’d noticed, but she was busy pulling a Shirt out of the Dresser for me.
"Here you go."
"Thanks."
I needed to get moving so I wouldn't be a burden to her.
Feigning composure, I took the shirt with my left hand, got out of bed, washed my face, and changed. I’d have to be careful with my Chopsticks during Breakfast to make sure the pain didn't show on my face.
Including today, there were only four days left until Sara-san's birthday. I decided it was time to talk about our plans for the day. While we were relaxing after the meal, I brought up the subject of Sunday.
"Sara-san, about Sunday... like I mentioned before..."
"Yes, of course. I’ve kept my schedule completely open."
I had only told her to keep the day free. We usually spent weekends together anyway, but it wasn't always a given.
I pulled an Envelope out of my bag and laid the tickets on the table for her to see.
"Um, these are..."
Sara-san picked them up and read the text. She looked back at me hesitantly, her lips twitching as she tried to contain her excitement.
She knew it was her birthday. If I was asking for her time and had two tickets ready, the math wasn't hard to do. Even so, she waited for me to say the words.
"Sara-san, please go on a Date with me this Sunday. It’s a bit of a trip, so we’ll have to leave early in the morning."
"Y-Yes! I would love to!"
The joy she had been suppressing burst forth in a radiant, beaming smile.
Seeing her that happy made every hour of that Part-time Job worth it. I could hardly wait to see her face when I finally gave her the locket.
"Hehe, I’ll make a wonderful Bento for us that day. Oh, and I need to make sure the hat you gave me is perfectly clean... Is there anything else we might need...?"
Even though we were still days away, she was buzzing with excitement as if we were leaving tomorrow. I couldn't help but smile along with her.
"And you have to let me pick out your clothes, Kazunari-san!"
Sara-san was glowing for the rest of the morning. Just watching her made me feel like the luckiest guy in the world.