Genghis Khan!

Huh?

In the morning, Ryuichi woke up with this inexplicable shout. He sat up, looked around, and muttered with a stunned expression on his face.

Why the hell did I shout Genghis Khan?

He tilted his head in confusion as he muttered this question to himself. He didnt know if he had been dreaming about something strange or if he had been asking for something, but he strongly remembered shouting that in his own voice very loudly.

Guess Ill just get ready.

In spite of the strange mood hed gotten himself in first thing in the morning, Ryuichi got up and started getting ready.

It was the middle of September, and while the hot weather would continue for a little while longer, things would turn cooler if they managed to hold out a little longer and then, a cold winter would await them afterward.

Man, that totally sucks.

Ryuichi was a little depressed now, as he did not like either the hot or the cold.

Also, the cultural festivals comin up soon.

The cultural festival was an event that came right after the sports festival. Each class in every grade prepared a variety of performances for this annual big event, and of course, Ryuichi intended to actively participate in the cultural festival as well following the sports festival.

Im pretty sure were doing a maid and butler cafe this year? Definitely better than the haunted house and cafe thing we did last year.

Of course, Ryuichi did not participate in last years cultural festival, but when he was a first year, his class put on an exhibit that made no sense at all: a hybrid between a cafe and a haunted house.

It had been surprisingly well received though, and Ryuichi was secretly hoping that other classes would come up with some outlandish events this year as well.

A few moments later, Ryuichi met up with Shizuna.

Oh, right.

Whats wrong?

Actually, Ryuichi had occurred upon a thought related to Shizuna. Namely, about how hed been whining to her and the other girls alittlebit more often these days.

Actually, Ryuichi had occurred upon a thought related to Shizuna. Namely, about how hed been whining to her and the other girls a

little

bit more often these days.

I was just thinking how it feels like Ive been saying lots of things that make you worry for me lately.

I dont think thats true, though?

I knew youd say that.

He chuckled and placed his hand on her head. He stroked it a little roughly and then gently combed it to fix her messy hair.

I think its because Ive been spoiled by all the time I spent with you and the other girls. I dont think theres anything wrong with that, and well I dont think Ill be stopping anytime soon.

Mmm.

But, I think I ought to fire myself up a bit more.

And with that, he slapped his cheeks with both his hands. It seemed hed used a little too much force though, as his cheeks turned red, but that pain too would serve to boost Ryuichis new resolve.

You know, youre kind of like a tiger whos had its fangs removed, and I think thats adorable.

The heck is up with that fancy simile

Stop it, stop it, Ryuichi said as he shook his head. Shizuna giggled at this and muttered, I wasnt lying, though, in a truly regrettable voice.

That said, however, he did remember from the manga that her birthday was on October 10.

How am I so retarded, remembering her birthday at this point in time

Well, in a way, it wasnt surprising, because hed never celebrated nor had his own birthday celebrated before. At best, Chisa would take him out somewhere when his birthday came.

I see. So that was Chisas way of being considerate to me.

Ryuichi was reminded once more that she really cared about him from the moment they met. Now, Ryuichi had to make a lot of preparations.

Shishido? You look like youre seriously worrying about something; whats wrong?

Well I was thinking about what I should give to Shizuna as a present.

Ah, I see.

This is a really serious problem, you know, he said before sinking into thought. He was sure that she would probably be happy with whatever he gave her, and as long as he didnt give her anything strange, she would be fine with it.

Nevertheless, hedidwant to show off a little bit, and he wanted to give her something that she would be truly happy with.

This is a really serious problem, you know, he said before sinking into thought. He was sure that she would probably be happy with whatever he gave her, and as long as he didnt give her anything strange, she would be fine with it. Nevertheless, he

did

want to show off a little bit, and he wanted to give her something that she would be truly happy with.

Well, think long and hard about it, Shishido.

That kind of pisses me off. But yeah, I understand.

Fortunately, thanks to his part-time job, he had a good amount of money at his disposal, so Ryuichi nodded his head and said he would take his time to think about it since he still had another month until her birthday.

However, Shizunas birthday aside, he also wanted to give something to the other girls as a gift to thank them for always supporting him.

Youre making a nice face right now, Shishido.

Hmm? Ive always got a nice face, yknow?

Ryuichi laughed, and Sohei gave a laugh as well.

When Ryuichi returned to the classroom with Sohei, he found Shizuna sitting in his seat.

Oh, youre back, Ryuichi-kun.

Yep.

Ryuichi sat down as if to take Shizunas place, who stood up now that Ryuichi had arrived. Just as she tried to borrow a chair from the adjacent desk, he grabbed hold of her arm.

Come here.

That was all he said before he pulled her body toward him. He hugged her, who settled nicely in his lap, and buried his face in her hair.

You smell nice.

Ryuichi-kun, were still in the classroom

Doesnt matter. Youll be staying here for a while.

Fufu, youre being so aggressive.

For the time being, Shizuna let Ryuichi do as he pleased to her. While Ryuichi was enjoying Shizunas touch with his whole body like this, an idea for a gift he could give her came to mind.

Yeah, I think this should be good. It might be a little too early for it, though.

Something a little early to give right nowThat was the kind of gift Ryuichi had in mind.