Chapter 23: Present

Chapter 23: Present

The next morning, when Yui walked into the classroom, she saw Yuuki already at the door.

I was a little later than usual because I came on foot, but still, I usually got to school earlier. It was unusual.

The umbrella stand was filled up, so I hooked mine to the side of my desk.

The typhoon was predicted to approach from this evening to tomorrow, so I would be a fool if I forgot my umbrella.

“Good morning.”

As soon as I put my bag on the desk, Yuuki turned to me and greeted me. Of course, this was the first time he greeted me first.

I’m not sure what the hell is going on, but I’m going to return the greeting, pretending to be calm on the surface.

“Good morning.”

“You look sleepy.”

“You too.”

While Yuuki seemed sleepy by default, Yui also had a hard time sleeping last night, and on top of that, the wind rattling noisily didn’t help.

In the first place, Yuuki wasn’t a strong morning person to begin with.

When we took our seats, unsually, Yuuki turned to me and held out his arm.

“I wanted to give you this.”

“Eh?”

“A present.”

With that said, in the palm of Yuuki’s outstretched hand, there was an object that looked like an accessory.

A string was tied to a slightly yellow milky-white stone the size of an aubergine pea.

Of course, it didn’t look like the kind of stone you’d find lying around. It reflected the light and emits a glittering luster.

As I stared at it, Yuuki came closer, so I picked it up while confused.

“Wow, it’s beautiful. This is…”

“It’s called a power stone or something. I’ll give it to you, Yui.”

“What… are you sure? I can’t believe you’re giving this to me.”

“It’s fine. My dad likes to collect this kind of stuff, so our house is full of them.”

“Heh heh~… thanks.”

When I thanked him, he smiled back at me.

I was suddenly hit by the feeling of surprise.

No, no, no, this isn’t a shoujo manga-like thing where I get excited by his smile. It was more like a surprise when someone who rarely smiles smiles, or something like that…

And while making an excuse in her head, Yui opened her mouth, trying not to let her agitation be noticed.

“But what’s this all about? Why all of a sudden?”

“It’s supposed to help with things like mental stability and relieve stress.”

“Hehe~… Well, stress is an inevitable part of living in modern society, isn’t it?”

“Yui especially seems to be in very bad mental health.”

“Who’s the sick, demented girl?!”

I found myself letting out a ‘tsk’.

The stone was beautiful.

I was surprised and found it suspicious because Yuuki suddenly said, “A present”, but I was relieved.

Even though I wanted to say, “You’re the cause of all this stress!”, of course I couldn’t say that.

Did he think that I was a strange woman because of yesterday’s incident?

Was I treated as a crazy woman playing a game that makes every boy who sits next to her fall in love with her?

“…Well I’m not like that, you know? I’m telling you.”

“It’s not good to deny it.”

“No, I really don’t know what you’re talking about… maybe I’m misunderstanding you.”

“Go on, grab the stone.”

“You’re being a pain.”

He was insistent that I should use the recovery stone as soon as possible, so I had no choice but to grip it in my hand. I almost squeezed my hand into the stone.

It’s true that by putting all your strength into it and letting your anger go, you can relieve some stress.

(…Is this how you do it?)

I wondered if I should be clenching my fists as if I was about to hit someone.

I felt soothed by a mysterious power.

When he saw that Yui had calmed down a bit, Yuuki reached out his hands again and,

“Put out your hand.”

“…What now?”

“Just do it.”

I don’t know why he’s so weird today.

I was still wary, but when I held out my hand, a little round sphere was put into my palm.

“…What is this?”

“Candy balls.”

“You’re treating me like a kid.”

“It’s not a trick.”

“Fine.”

“I’m not a kid,” I said, throwing the candy into my mouth and chewing.

“What’s with you all of a sudden?”

“Here’s some chocolate.”

“Please answer the question.”

I waited as Yuuki tried to get something out of his bag.

Then Yuuki looked at Yui with a smile on his mouth.

“After all, I think it’s some kind of fate. That we were seated next to each other.”

“…Yeah, so?”

“If I can do it, I’ll help you. If you have any problems…”

Yuuki’s voice was gentle and his tone was soft.

Again, I thought that even though he didn’t talk much, his voice was soothing.

It might be dangerous if he whispered in my ear… I felt like that for a moment, but hurriedly returned to reality.

“Fufu~n. For example?”

“For example? Hmmm, then ask for what you want.”

​

Based on the atmosphere, even if I said, “I want something like a boyfriend.” it feels like he would say “I can’t help it.”

Better yet, “Yuuki-kun is the only one I want to fall in love with. I love you.”

What if I widened my eyes and said something like that…?

(Don’t do that, you idiot.)

No matter how I looked at it, it was a trap.

A completely obvious land mine.

There’s no way I could say such an embarrassing line.

“…Hey, are you messing with me?”

“Eh… that’s my line, though.”

I see, that’s true. I can’t afford to be the only one being made fun of now.

Although it was obvious that I’m the one being made fun of right now.

“So that’s it… you got me and I’m going to get you back. Hmm.”

“As usual, you’re so twisted…”

“What do you mean, as usual?”

I glared at him, but he responded with a chuckle and a light smile.

His attitude was just like an older brother who treats his lazy, selfish, little sister with kindness…

He once said I resembled his sister.

(Wait, what? At this time…)

Maybe after what happened yesterday, the other side has already noticed my feelings and is teasing me about it.

This change was because of yesterday… that possibility was quite high.

In other words, the person who was trying to make him fall in love with her was already in love with him… and he knows it…?

It was somewhat complicated, but if so, this is very bad.

If this happened, the plans in Yui’s mind will be completely thrown off.

(I’m going to be beaten at this rate…)

If I give in to the situation right now, the balance of power will be fixed for a long time after we start going out, and I don’t think I would be able to overturn it.

You have to make the other person fall in love with you and confess their feelings, that’s what you have to do first.

I can’t afford to be complacent about this.

I need to win this teasing game. I have to win this game at all costs.

“I wonder what’s the matter with you, Yuuki-kun. You suddenly became very kind to me. Have you finally realized how attractive Yui-chan is?”

“Yeah. I just thought I’d change my perspective a bit. I think I misunderstood you a bit, Yui.”

What were you even misunderstanding… aren’t you aware?

I feel that I might’ve misunderstood him, but I couldn’t read him at all.

“Mmmm…”

“Hm? What’s wrong?”

He’s so strong.

What’s with this stoic type of boy who doesn’t show his thoughts at all…

“I’m glad you liked the present.”

“Well… I think it’ll be very useful in the future.”

I replied with a smile.

The stone had already begun to be abused, as it was clenched in a trembling hand.