CH 34

“Sorry, it’s not a lunch box today, it’s the school cafeteria food.” (Hiroto)

It was lunch break and I was able to talk to Yoichiro, Ando and Sanada, the usual three.

“It’s rare to see you here. It’s been a while since you’ve been to the cafeteria, right? You always say that the cafeteria food isn’t enough for you.” (Yoichiro)

“That’s because of club activities. I’ve told my mom that she doesn’t have to worry about lunch while I’m in rehab because I can’t exercise. It’s bad enough that she has to get up in the morning to make my lunch box.” (Hiroto)

“That’s a good thing. I don’t want you to come back to the club with a body that can’t move.” (Yoichiro)

“I’ll go to the cafeteria, then.” (Hiroto)

The four of us bought onigiri with us in addition to our lunches. The school lunch isn’t enough for active members of the sports club.

I went to the cafeteria looking for someone to talk to, but no one seemed to be there today, so I sat down in an empty spot and ate alone.

“Oh? May I join you?” (Takahashi)

“There’s an open seat, Takahashi-san.” (Hiroto)

It was Takahashi-san, who was in my class and a member of the festival committee. I didn’t have anyone I could talk to about this topic… this could be an opportunity.

“Takahashi-san, what should I give a girl for her birthday?” (Hiroto)

“Is it for your girlfriend?” (Takahashi)

“No… I’ve been taking care of… or rather, I’ve been taken care of by her at the hospital. I was spending my birthday at the hospital and she gave me a cake when I was discharged, so this is a return gift.” (Hiroto)

“I think it’s a good idea to get something that you don’t have to worry about… or something consumable, so the other person won’t feel bad about receiving it. It’s for the girl from the other day, right?”

“Oh, wow… how did you know?”

“You seemed to get along with her even though she was from a different school. I could tell just by looking.”

“Oh… you’re right about her. Thank you, I’ll keep your suggestions in mind.”

I know you said it was next month, but you tell me what day it was. I’m not going to meet you on your birthday… so it’s okay if I give it early.

It was after class and I was showing up for club activities when I received my number. It said “11” instead of the “1” I wore during the summer. Before heading to the field, I met up with Yoichiro and the manager.

“Yoshizumi, is your rehab going well? (Manager)

“Yes, it’s going well. I can’t run yet, but I’ve recovered a lot.” (Hiroto)

“I see. Don’t push yourself too hard.” (Manager)

“Hiroto, who do you think would be a good starter for Saturday?” (Yoichiro)

“If it’s Saturday, you shouldn’t start with Takuma. He’s a moody guy and I don’t want him to cause any issues early on. (Hiroto)

“I agree… we should start with either Kimura-san or Hayakawa-san and Takuma-san could be the backup.” (Manager)

“I know it’s too much for Takuma, but I’ll ask him to play center during the game and throw him in the field during the offensive lineups to see if he can pitch.” (Yoichiro

After deciding how to play the fall tournament, I talked with Kimura-san and Hayakawa-san and had them throw in the field. Takuma-san was practicing defense in the outfield, he makes a lot of noise wherever he is… so it was nice and quiet here.

I’ve got nothing to do in today’s club activities, so I decided to leave. I had some time to kill, so I decided…

I took my usual route to school and headed for the shopping mall in front of the station. It was easy since it’s attached to the station.

I’ll take Takahashi-san’s advice.

I haven’t bought a present since elementary school, so I didn’t know what to buy. I came to the store in the shopping mall that Takahashi-san told me about.

Am I going to go in here…?

There was indeed a retail floor. But I was nervous to go in there because I only ever went to sports stores and store’s that sold men’s clothing.

The store in front of me sells things that girls like. I didn’t think anything of it, but the only customers I saw inside were girls.

I looked around and I saw girls in uniforms from Seijo and Toko High.

Do I have to go?

Having decided to buy something, I stepped into the unknown. The tension I currently felt was no less than when I was at the national tournament finals in middle school.

When I stepped inside, I was met with stares from female students… I knew I had come to the wrong place. I didn’t give up and started looking for things that would make for a good gift.

Takahashi-san said it didn’t have to be expensive, like consumables and things that can be used on a daily basis. Aizawa-san said that she was fine with anything, but I don’t know anything about her tastes or what she wants.

Hand cream? What kind would she even want…?

Lip cream? I knew even less about this…

Bath stuff? Is this popular among women?

The more I looked, the more confused I got…

I asked Takahashi-san, but I had no idea what to get. Should I have gone with her?

As I was looking around the store in a panic, an item on a shelf came into view

This is…

It wasn’t a consumable or for everyday use…but why not? I’m tempted to go with this… Yeah, I’ve decided on this one.

As if I hadn’t been thinking hard about it, I picked up the item, had it wrapped, purchased it, and took the train home from the station.