Chapter 781 - Gift

Brazenly bringing up that I want the clip back after she had just said that she’s going to treasure it was definitely something I wouldn’t advise any other guys to do.

The hand touching the clip froze in place as her eyes shook and threatened to burst into tears.

Seeing that, my body reacted quickly and placed my hand on top of her head.

Perhaps feeling that sudden connection that we never had before – not including the instance where I clipped her fringes – Misaki flinched.

I prepared for her to retreat but that didn’t happen. Taking that as a sign to continue, I slightly bent my knee so that my face could level with hers. I did that instead of lifting her chin.

As my only friend and someone I was treating as a challenge to overcome, I was widely aware that I shouldn’t act too intimate with her.

Arisa-senpai’s reminder was flashing in my head but… being considerate was already a trait I couldn’t easily remove. Besides, even though I wanted to remain friends with this girl, I shouldn’t treat her like a stranger or without sufficient consideration.

“I’m truly glad you found it special and wanted to treasure it, Misaki. Unfortunately, it’s not mine to give.”

I reworded my sentence as I shook my head while gently stroking her hair.

I waited for a while for her reaction. Fortunately, it’s proven effective. Misaki’s eyes stopped shaking as she eventually focused on me. She bit her lips lightly before taking the clip off her hair and handing it to me.

“H-here. I apologize for assuming that you gave it to me, Ruki… That’s too presumptuous of me… I’m embarrassed”

Upon saying that, her face flushed red which she quickly covered with her paper fan.

“No, you don’t have to apologize. I should’ve told you sooner. Come next week, I’ll look for you and give you a replacement.”

“… No. It’s alright, Ruki. It’s best that I don’t impose such promises on you.”

Misaki waved her paper fan as opposed to waving her hand to try and reject me. She even turned sideways as an added gesture. If not for my hand still stroking her hair, she would probably run out to escape.

Too bad though, she seemed oddly comfortable with it. And thanks to that, I got to follow up. “Even if I insist?”

Upon hearing that, Misaki quivered as she asked in a low voice.

“Uhm… Ruki, is this what they call being stubborn?”

“I guess it is. I have been called stubborn too many times. What do you think? Will you still reject my gesture of friendship?”

I don’t know what ‘gesture of friendship’ is… But that’s the closest phrase I can think of my desire to replace the hairclip.

“Friendship. Un. I like the sound of that. I will wait for it, Ruki.” Because she’s at the side, I clearly saw how Misaki’s lips arched into a lovely grin as she openly accepted my words.

“I’m glad. Well then, I have to run to Eguchi-sensei. See you later, Misaki.” I stroked her head with more enthusiasm. And right after that, I quickly turned around and dashed out of the Club Building.

Well, I have my reason to do so. Behind her, emerging from that side where the flight of stairs was located, I saw Itou.

To save me from being glared at again, it’s a lot better to retreat.

And through that. The mystery of why she’s in the Club Building was solved. She accompanied that ojou-sama, Himeko’s little sister.

Before I completely left the vicinity, I heard that girl’s voice asking Misaki. ‘Huh? Who is that? Why are you smiling? Why is your face red? Where’s your clip?’

-

-

In regards to presenting a replacement hairclip for Misaki, that made me realize that I haven’t even gifted any of my girls. Most couples celebrate their relationship every month but for us, there’s no such thing as monthsary… Ugh. What kind of boyfriend am I?

I know their likes and dislikes… I guess I can make a trip this Sunday and buy something for them after my part-time job and after sending them home. I better make a list. That way I will already know what to get and save time…

Anyway, with my destination set as the Administration Building to check on Eguchi-sensei, I delayed giving the hairclip back to Satsuki later.

Right when I reached the entrance, the sky darkened as the dark clouds covered the sun.

It looks like it’s about to rain.

By the time I entered Eguchi-sensei’s room, Orimura-sensei was lying down on the long couch, seemingly napping while Eguchi-sensei was looking out of her window, a hint of melancholy plastered on her face as she stared at the darkened sky.

Looks like Orimura-sensei had turned this room into her own hangout spot. I wonder what’s the state of her room? Will it be messy? I guess there’s no point in me knowing about that.

On the other hand, what I saw from Eguchi-sensei’s face was something new.

I’ve seen her confident, flustered, angry and frightful expressions but never this one.

As the door made a sound when I closed it, Orimura-sensei’s eyes snapped open and focused on me.

“Ryouko, your favorite student is here.” She announced before closing her eyes once again and even turning around to face the backrest. Little did she know that by doing so, she had just invited me to a full view of that… rather emphasized pair of melons due to her office skirt being stretched.

I guess I can consider that as a treat and compensation from the times she glared and even accused me of doing indecent things to Eguchi-sensei.

My eyes didn’t linger on that treat. I quickly took a seat on another couch that wouldn’t give me a full view of it… The one next to her where her head was pointing to.

It’s quite alright if it’s Orimura-sensei who would accuse me as there’s already that instance where we got entangled together. It’s another story if Eguchi-sensei saw me as a bad student who lusts over his teacher.

Uhh… I’m way past that but still… ignorance is still a bliss for her.

Dropping her melancholic look, Eguchi-sensei flashed a gentle smile as she walked back from the window to sit across from me.

Looking at the coffee table in the middle of the room, there’s a paper placed there. Her planned activity for today.

I picked it up and began discussing the modifications she did for it. As it turns out, it’s another sports activity. Catch ball with a bit of a twist.

Although I gave it a pass, I told her to tone the difficulty a bit. Furthermore, with her Health Education lecture also squeezed in for today, I suggested saving it for the next PE-focused class.

After thinking for a while, Eguchi-sensei accepted it and thanked me.

I was about to leave the room but then… the heavy drops of pouring rain engulfed the silence in the room.

And just like earlier, Eguchi-sensei flashed the same melancholic look as her head reflexively turned towards the window.

I was aware that I shouldn’t pry too much about it but… my mouth already moved before I could think of restraining it.

“Sensei, forgive me for asking but… do you have bad memories concerning rain?”