The week went by in an instant, before I knew it, Amano's birthday is less than twenty-four hours away. It feels like so much had happened in an extremely short period of time. Without even me realizing, the main event has finally descended, and I can't help to feel anything but shrink.
I was lying on my bed, my eyes wide open, and with a 'tick', the time had finally reached 6:00 AM, and an alarm set off. Due to unexplained circumstances, I somehow woke up without any signs of tiredness before my alarm clock could even ruin my slumber like before. Today is Friday. I don't know where Amano lives, so today is probably my best chance of giving this gift if I want it to be proper. I know belated happy birthday is a thing, but something like that is just beyond my principles as a proper human being.
I plopped myself to a sitting position with a yawn, followed it up with some light stretches, then, first thing I did was throw the wrapped box inside my bag. It'd be insanely dumb if I somehow managed to forget it.
——————
"You ready?"
"No, actually."
As usual, Haru was already in school, and the first thing he would say to me was the one thing I want to hear the least. Not even a greeting? He's so into this that he'd put Iwasaki's insane enthusiasm to shame.
"Come to think of it… Are you getting Amano anything?"
That's right. These past few days, Haru was always pressuring me about this exact moment. Since he also knows Amano's birthday, plus the fact that they were former classmates, isn't it only appropriate for him to at least give her something? Also, I think I took quite a liking to the word "appropriate", since I've been using it quite a lot lately.
"A-ah… about that."
Haru's face stiffened. Don't tell me?
"You even went the trouble to remind me last week. Don't tell me you don't have anything for he—"
"Of course, I have something. It's just that…" Haru began scratching his cheek. "Thanks for your help, Kenji-kun!"
Why thank me all of a sudden—Oh boy. Haru's thoughts were written all over his face. This guy… He's not planning to have me give the gift on his behalf, right…? There's no way in hell that I would do it. Absolutely not.
"I'll treat you later."
"As if that's enough!"
"I'll do your homework for a day."
Hmm? That offer isn't actually bad.....Maybe if I could just raise it a little bit.
"One month—"
"Two weeks."
"Three. Take it or leave it."
"Ugh, fine."
Alright! No homework for three weeks. I get to enjoy some extra time. How should I spend it? Reading?
"Hey, Kenji-kun. You don't look bothered by any of this at all."
Haru suddenly gave me a look full of suspicion. He probably found it odd why I accepted such a proposal which normally, I would refuse. This guy's intuition can get extremely on point at times, it's quite scary… Well, Haru's not aware of this, and so am I a little earlier, it just hit me exactly a few seconds ago. But, due to an unexpected coincidence, I managed to acquire the right knowledge not too long back. I don't know if it's okay to call it a coincidence, though. However, as a result of that event, I'd come up with an excellent plan. It's excellent enough to make a guy like me, crack a mischievous smile.
"That's right, I'm not."
"Eh? You were acting restlessly a little earlier, though."
"My brain haven't fully activated back then."
"You're not making any sense right now."
"Tsk tsk, I'll make you understand later."
Haru briefly turned around, and he had this creeped-out look on his face. I couldn't blame him. I quietly laugh at my own genius.
What is this so-called "excellent plan" of mine, you might ask? It's quite simple. Let me explain. Basically, I'll just wait until it's lunch break, wait for a few minutes, then I'll follow Amano to the rooftop. Easy peazy. Since it's just the two of us, giving her my present won't take that much effort and preparation. Quite a genius plan, don't you think?
All that is left to do is to think of what exactly to say. Should I surprise her by going there first? That's... not too bad actually. Maybe I should give it a shot. So how exactly am I to do just that? Amano walks pretty fast, like really damn fast, so I need to make it out of the class before Amano. And the perfect time for that is none other than during class itself. I'll pretend to go to the toilet ten minutes before our period ends so that I'll have enough time to prepare everything.
"Hey, Haru-kun. Give me your present."
"Huh?"
"You're not going deaf by any chance, right?"
"No, I heard you perfectly fine. I'm asking why."
"What do you mean why? How would I give it to Amano then?"
"That's not what I meant. What I'm trying to say is; why now? You can take it later when you're actually going to give it."
"Trust me, there's no time for that later."
Haru was looking at me dubiously while he pulled the zipper of his bag, slowly taking out the present. It was wrapped into a colorful small box with lots of little deers in it. Why are you actually moving so slowly? Is it gonna break or something?
"Dude, what even is in that box?"
"It's nothing too fancy or anything."
"Then why are you acting weird?"
"I'm actually a bit hesitant if you haven't notice."
"Trust me man, I have a perfect plan in mind. I bet it's going to blow your mind the moment I tell you about it. But I need to ask permission first."
"Permission for what, exactly?"
"I'll tell you about it later."
Haru can only snort after handing me his tiny present. It's about the size of a book, and it's quite light. Is it a handkerchief? Maybe I'll open it just a tiny bit.
"I won't do any of your homework if you open that thing."
"Wow, Haru-kun. Are you perhaps... a psychic?"
"So you're admitting that you plan on opening it?"
"Maybe."
It's actually fun teasing Haru like this, the different kinds of funny face he possess is greater than both of my fingers; hands and feet combined.
Our homeroom teacher finally arrived, holding a few pieces of paper on her right arm. Looks like results from a different class. Maybe, a quiz? I remember taking one a few days ago.
——————
Nothing unusual happened and shortly after, we were already on our fourth period with fifteen minutes left on the clock.
I could wait for five more minutes before going like the plan says, or, I could go now to take advantage of an extended time. I glanced at Amano, who is quietly reading a book. The same as usual, it didn't even look like she was excited for tomorrow. She had this usual dry look on her face. It's probably better if I take this opportunity and go on ahead with the plan. No one would suspect anything since every student is still inside their respective classes.
I raised my hand and told the teacher that I'm on the verge of peeing myself. I followed it up with some actions to make it extra believable. Our teacher replied with a panicked "Why didn't you say anything sooner?!" and permitted me. I could hear a small chuckle while I passed Amano's seat.
Phase one of my genius plan is complete. Next, I made my way to the rooftop, which is relatively easy, since there are no obstacles on the way. Shortly after, I'm standing in front of a door with a large 'RESTRICTED AREA' glued on it. I took a quick glance behind to make sure no one is present, and then, I pulled the handle and gently closed the metal door so that it wouldn't make any sound.
Before me lay the endless horizon. I sat on the concrete, letting the silence calm my quickening heartbeat. I took a deep breath, preparing myself.
"Plan is a success," I let out a sigh of relief. "Now all there is left to do is wait." I now understand why Amano preferred to stay here during lunch. It was a peaceful scenery, the sound of the bustling city that can be heard ever so slightly, mixed with the occasional chirping of the birds is slowly lulling me to sleep. I could get used to this.
A loud chime caused my body to jolt. It looks like I carelessly fell asleep. Amano is probably on her way right now... I feel my heartbeat gradually speed up at the thought. Calm down my guy, there's no going back now. I stood, patted my pants, then pulled out two neatly wrapped boxes from my bag. This is it... my heart can only race in anticipation. It's like the feeling of sending your crush a message then instantly throwing the phone away. I can still remember looking like a dumbass checking his phone every minute just to be greeted with nothing. Not even a 'read'.
The sound of footsteps made me freeze. It sounds like it's heading this way. Seriously, Amano-san, why do you walk so fast? I fixed my posture, brushed my hair, and made sure I was perfectly presentable. The footsteps stopped for a bit. She was probably looking for a perfect chance to climb up. After a short while, the footsteps continued, getting closer and closer until it was only the door that separates me from it.
"Is someone there?"
I took a deep breath.
"It's just me, come on in."