On Monday at the beginning of the week, and with the upcoming mock exams starting tomorrow, I wait for the elevator feeling quite gloomy about the day. The elevator arrives from the 5th floor, and when the doors open, Hirata Yosuke, the refreshing prince of our class, is inside.
"Hey, good morning, Horagasaki-kun."
"Good morning. You're surprisingly just in time. That's unusual."
Hirata is usually one of the first to arrive in the classroom, but today he seems to be a bit late, probably for the same reason as me.
"I actually planned to leave a bit earlier, but..."
He gives a complicated, wry smile.
"But what?"
He vaguely continues his words as we descend. Girls from Class A to D gather, creating a diverse group.
He mumbles, and as soon as he gets off at the first floor, a number of girls, about ten of them, including the one next to me, understand the situation when they see him.
"Ohayou, Hirasaka-kun! Th-this is for Valentine's!"
Saying that, about ten people hand chocolates to Hirata. Wow, impressive. It's tough being popular with girls.
Hirata, looking perplexed, thanks them and heads to his classroom. Is this a loop?
I feel a slight sense of envy, but it's short-lived. As I leave the lobby, Asahina-senpai appears as if waiting.
"Good morning, Jin-kun! This is Valentine's chocolate!"
I received a white box wrapped in a cute manner from Asahina.
"Thank you..."
"It's okay, it's okay! Alright, let's go to school!"
"...Huh?"
"Could it be that you didn't want to go with me?"
I can't refuse with those eyes. Look around, there are the gazes of guys who make girls cry. Some look at me with envy, even Kiyotaka, though his expression remains indifferent.
"Let's go right away."
"Yeah!"
I part ways with Asahina-senpai at the entrance and enter the classroom of Class C, enveloped in a strange atmosphere. Today is Valentine's Day, the culmination of a year, and also the climax for romantic moments between boys and girls.
"Hey, Horagasaki and Ayanokoji, you finally made it. Come over here."
We approach as Sudo calls us.
"Did you guys get chocolate?"
"Huh?"
Sudo glares at us with a stern expression, as if clenching his teeth. Literally translated, it seems he's asking if we received chocolate from Horikita.
"No way, even if we did, it seems like she would expect something in return."
"I didn't get any, and I'm not expecting to."
"Really?"
"Yeah."
Sudo nods a couple of times, and with that, we're freed from Sudo's intense gaze. It seems both Sudo and Ike received chocolates from Kushida, undoubtedly the highest quality courtesy. Well, it's not surprising if she made chocolates for the entire year.
But the girls are putting in effort too. I see Akihito receiving chocolate from a B-class girl.
Leaving Sudo and the others, I sit at my desk, and my shoulder is lightly tapped. Wondering what it is, I look and find Matsushita.
"Here, Horagasaki-kun, this is Valentine's chocolate."
She hands me a pink heart-shaped box of chocolate, slightly embarrassed.
"Oh, thanks."
Feeling a sense of superiority as I enjoy being the second person to receive chocolate, I also receive obligatory chocolate from Kushida and Karuizawa, and even from the members of the Kiyopon group, Airi and Haruka. Huh, even if it's obligatory, it's nice.
During lunch break, as I walk through the corridor to return to the classroom, a girl from Class D comes towards me.
"Um, Horagasaki-kun. If it's okay, could you take this? I made it."
With tearful, animal-like eyes, Shina Hiyori gazes at me. Yeah, she's cute. Somehow, I really want to protect her.
"Shina, shall we get married?"
"Eh!? //// W-wedding!? U-um, excuse me!"
Unusually flustered and blushing, Shina quickly walks back to the classroom. Other students watch this scene with envy from girls and jealousy from boys.
Pathetic.
After that, as I head back to the classroom, I encounter a fragile-looking girl with a cane.
"Oh my, if it isn't Horagasaki-kun."
As if she found something good, A-class leader and final boss, Arisu Sakayanagi, looks at me with a smirk. Really scary, but cute, you know? Incredibly cute. But scary.
"Oh, isn't Kamuro here?"
"Yes, that's right. By the way, it seems you really like Masumi-san."
Teasing me like a primary school student while playing, she's truly petite, just like a primary school student (lol).
"Is there something?"
Hmm, I wonder why. It's like a vein on Sakayanagi's forehead is throbbing... or rather, how does she know what I'm thinking? From now on, I won't mess around, so please forgive me.
"No, it's nothing... really nothing."
"I see. However, I couldn't help but feel like you were making fun of me in your heart for some reason."
"Hahaha, no way. Princess Sakayanagi is our precious queen, after all."
"Hm?"
She puts pressure on me with a smile, showing a hint of mischief.
"So..."
"Yes, so?"
Smiling and increasing the pressure even more, Sakayanagi-san intimidates me. I can't handle this anymore.
I plead with a bow. It's kind of cheap to say it myself, but it's a rather cheap bow. However, Sakayanagi says, "Please lift your head."
"It's no one else but you whom I've stopped. I would be delighted if you could accept this."
As she says this, blushing slightly and looking embarrassed, she presents an expensive-looking box of chocolates to me.
Cute.
"It's Valentine's Day. Today, it seems women give chocolates to men they are grateful to in their daily lives."
I see. I'm grateful. I'm sorry, Sakayanagi-san. I truly respect you.
"Thank you, Sakayanagi. I appreciate it."
Receiving so much chocolate makes me happy too. Smiling and saying thank you to Sakayanagi, she blushes and turns away.
"S-So, is that all?"
"Yes, I'll be going to the Chairman's office for a bit."
"I see. Well then."
"Yes, goodbye."
With that, we leave the scene. But really, Sakayanagi being called to the Chairman's office is quite something.
After school, as I walk home, I receive a message from Kamuro on chat asking if I can meet now. I head to the specified lobby. It's perfect; I also have something to give to Kamuro.
"Uh, Horagasaki... here, Valentine's."
Kamuro hands me a rectangular box wrapped in black with a red ribbon.
"You're giving me one?"
"What, not happy?"
"Not at all. Thank you."
"Hehe, what's with that."
Saying that, Kamuro lightly smiles and asks me,
"Hey, how many chocolates did you get?"
"Probably, 1, 2, 3, 4... 8?"
"Huh?! Including me?"
"...No, you're the 9th."
"I'm the 9th, huh? You really are popular, huh?"
Indeed, from Matsushita, Asahina, Shiina, Karuizawa, Kushida, Hasebe, Sakura , Sakayanagi, and now Kamuro , I received from 9 people. Even if most of it is obligatory.
"As expected of the 'Grade's No. 1 Handsome Guy,' 'No. 1 in the Erotic Atmosphere Guys Ranking,' and 'No. 1 in Hard-to-Approach Guys Ranking.' You hold the triple crown."
"Wait, I didn't hear about those rankings."
"Well, I just heard a bit from the girls in the class. But seriously, not bad. You're quite popular."
Even though I do , I guess it's hard to talk to them.
"Wait... Oh, thanks for the chocolate."
"Yeah, bye."
"Wait a sec."
"Hmm, what?"
Kamuro turns around towards me. Come to think of it, her birthday is on February 20th, so I take out a gift I had prepared – not really, but I got something – from my bag and hand it to her.
"I-it's…. your birthday, Kamuro."
"Huh?"
Huh, did I get her birthday wrong? That's the worst mistake.
"Oh, sorry. You didn't have to, huh?"
"No, um... I knew about my birthday///."
"Yeah... um, this is hand-knit, so it might be a bit prickly."
The present I gave her is a slightly longer scarf in a mix of black and gray, which can be draped over the shoulders. I'd be happy if she liked it.
"Huh, seriously? Did you knit this yourself?! You're too skilled... even if you asked for money, I could easily pay almost 20,000 yen."
"That's exaggerated... but thanks. I can't do much, but happy birthday."
She smiles and blushes, then leans her head against my chest.
"It's more than enough. Thank you. I'll cherish it."
(Oh no, she smells really nice... I really like her.)
"I'd be happy if you did."
And then, she suddenly looks at my fingertips.
"What's wrong? What are you looking at?"
"Your fingers..."
"Hm? Oh, those. Yeah, it was almost like my first time sewing, so it was quite tricky."
As I laugh in a somewhat pathetic way, Kamuro hugs me tightly.
"How far do you intend to lead me down, really?"
"Umm..."
It was an embarrassing and slightly ticklish moment, but we spent a slightly sweet time.
We parted ways here, Kamuro headed to the dormitory, and I put the present in my bag. With nine chocolates received, my bag is quite heavy.
When I get home, I place the chocolates I received on the table.
Well, since I received nine, they come out with a thud.
Hmm, eating them all at once is a bit much. But making them into a chocolate cake and combining them feels disrespectful to those who made them...
Then, I'll eat them one by one. I decided to start with the first one I received, which was from Asahina-senpai.
The chocolates inside are neatly arranged, with heart-shaped chocolates, star-shaped chocolates, and various small chocolates of different shapes. It's stylish. Now, how does it taste?
"Mmm..."
Putting it in my mouth, it has a slightly sweet taste, well-made, not too sweet, not too bitter, just right. Wow, this is good, Nazuna-san! I need to return the favor on White Day.
Inside, there's something like a handwritten note. Should I have read this before eating? But it was inside the chocolate, so maybe it's meant to be read after eating?
When I check the content:
[Hey there, Jin-kun. How was it? Did you enjoy my chocolate? But since you're popular, you probably got a lot, right? I think the amount of chocolate sent to you is probably insane, but for now, I'd be happy if you don't forget to eat mine...]
Yeah, I ate it, of course, as the first one. Senpai is seriously cute. Such a nice person, it's a waste with Nagumo... Let me handle this! Oh, but actually, I've already pierced through with Miyabi (lol). I'm sorry, Miyabi-san.
I wonder if I said something to Nango-senpai that might lead to a fight... Anyway, it was delicious, Nazuna-senpai!
Next to open was Matsushita's chocolate. The box was heart-shaped, and when I opened it, there were several tightly wrapped chocolates inside. When I bit into one, the chocolate oozed out, enveloping my tongue.
"Mmm..."
Amazing, she can make such skillful things, and they taste great too. Chiaki-san, you're truly something.
Inside her box, there was also a letter:
[To Horagasaki-kun, it's my first time giving someone chocolate. I wonder if I did well?]
It's super delicious. Wait, is it really your first time?
[Anyway, I hope you enjoy it♪ I love you, Jin-kun! - Chiaki]
Thanks, Matsushita, it was delicious. I'm a lucky guy to hear those words. But wait, is this heading straight for a harem route?
Opening Shina's chocolate, I found square-shaped ganache chocolates. I tried one, and it was indeed ganache. There was also a larger chocolate with "Jin-kun ❤ Hiyori" written in big letters.
Both were delicious, even more so than the ones from the store.
"Wow... so skillful."
There was also chocolate sauce. Wondering what it was for, I read the note inside.
[I made this chocolate sauce because I wanted you to enjoy it. Since it's all handmade, imagine enjoying it as if I'm pouring it on you♡ Oh, it might be even better if you actually invite me into your room and let me pour it on you♡ By Jin-kun's fiancée, Hiyori]
"..."
What is this? It's nice, right? Really nice. But isn't it a bit much? Well, it was delicious, Shina. And no, I won't do that.
Opening Sakayanagi's chocolate, I found gems-like chocolates in a square shape. Did this take a lot of time? Sakayanagi, is this your profession?
Trying one, it had a hint of whiskey inside, like a homemade whiskey bonbon. Amazing, where did you get the alcohol? But Sakayanagi is the one who made it, so it's probably not worth questioning.
"Anyway, it's delicious."
The box looked quite expensive. Could this be handmade too? If so, she's too skilled. Oh, there was a rustling sound inside, so I checked.
Yes, another letter:
[Dear Jin Horagasaki, I made you something called chocolate. It contains a liquor called gin. Is that okay? It might be a bit strong, but don't mind where I got it. I added gin just for you. Not amusing?]
I burst out laughing. And about the alcohol source, I won't ask. If I find out, I feel like something bad might happen. So, I'll definitely return the favor on White Day. If I don't, I might get killed.
I immediately opened my phone and started chatting with Sakayanagi.
Jin:Hahaha
With this, she should understand that I'm laughing. Words don't convey how the other person feels, but it's okay, Jin Horagasaki. You can talk to Sakayanagi as an equal.
Thinking that, I noticed a message from Sakayanagi and nervously checked it:
Sakayanagi Arisu: Please be honest, I don't like lies (^^)
Jin: I'm truly honored that you included a liquor with my name on it. Also, it was very humorous and tasted fantastic. I appreciate it, Lady Arisu.
Sakayanagi Arisu: I'm glad to hear that♪
Phew... I haven't sweated like this in a while.
Regaining my composure, I decided to open the last chocolate from Kamuro. Inside, there were two chocolate muffins, four cute chocolates on plastic sticks, and chocolate-flavored cookies wrapped in a bag.
"This one also has high specs..."
Now, about the taste...
"Mmm!"
The muffins were crispy on the outside, moist inside, truly authentic. The chocolate sticks provided a sensation similar to licking candy. As for the cookies, they were simply delicious, crispy and exactly to my liking. You really know your stuff, Kamuro-san.
By the way, I took photos of everyone's chocolates. Why? Well, to preserve the memories as a commemoration of the people who made them. Any complaints?
Inside, there was still something, so I looked, and there was a piece of paper. Reading its contents:
[To Horagasaki. I made this for you. Are you thinking weird things like I didn't make it or stole the ingredients? If you have such strange thoughts, I'll hit you.]
Huh, scary. Is this a threat? I thought so and saw that something was written on the back, visible through the paper. Curious, I took a look:
[Jin, don't go anywhere]
It was written. Kamuro is a kind girl. She probably has feelings for me, which I'm truly grateful for. I need to give her an answer, but I'd like her to wait a bit longer...
Looking at the remaining chocolates from Haruka, Airi, Karuizawa, and Kushida, Airi had cute, homemade-looking chocolates, and Karuizawa also had skillfully made chocolate sticks like Kamimuro. Kushida had something that seemed to be distributed equally to everyone. The problem was with Haruka.
The box was fine, really chic and splendid, I thought. However, I ended up opening it. Yes, inside was just one chocolate bar. Despite the fancy box, there was only one chocolate bar. What's this? Am I being disliked? I wondered and found a piece of paper inside, so I read it:
[Jinjin, how are you? This is chocolate, but I thought of making it, then got lazy and just put it in like this♪ Well, the box is decent, so forgive me, okay?]
Yes, that's something you would do. Because you're lazy, just like me. The last chocolate is a chocolate bar. Ugh, it hurts my teeth!
By the way, the obligation chocolates from the remaining Karuizawa were deliciously.
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