February 14th.
The day when girls give chocolate to the boys they care about.
Naturally, Yuzuru was expecting chocolate from Arisa.
Unlike last year, he was sure he’d get something this time.
…Which was exactly why he’d been restless all morning, as Arisa hadn’t even mentioned the word “chocolate” once.
“About the spring courses, I’ve done some research…”
Arisa was talking seriously about studying and exams—
But Yuzuru’s mind was completely occupied with Valentine’s Day.
Could it be… she didn’t like him anymore?
No, that couldn’t be.
They’d just shared a good morning kiss.
She wouldn’t kiss someone she disliked.
Then… was she upset?
But she didn’t seem to be in a bad mood this morning.
So then…
“And so, Yuzuru, which one do you—”
“…Arisa. Can I ask you something?”
He cut her off.
She tilted her head, unbothered.
“What is it?”
“…Do you know what day it is today?”
“…Eh?”
For a moment, he wondered if she’d actually forgotten.
But she only looked puzzled.
“Is it some kind of special day?”
“… ”
“Just kidding. Don’t make that face.”
She laughed.
Realising he’d been teased, Yuzuru raised an eyebrow.
“Don’t do that. I thought I wasn’t getting anything.”
“Do you like chocolate that much?”
“I don’t like chocolate. I like you.”
It wasn’t about chocolate.
It was about getting something from her.
Honestly, it didn’t even have to be chocolate.
“I’ve prepared something, so don’t worry. I’ll give it to you after school.”
“I see… then I’ll look forward to it.”
Relieved, Yuzuru let out a quiet breath.
By the time they finished talking, they had arrived at school.
Yuzuru opened his shoe locker.
“…Oh.”
He froze.
Inside was a neatly wrapped box decorated with a ribbon.
Seeing him stop, Arisa peeked inside.
“What is it— …Let me see that!!”
Her expression sharpened instantly.
She reached in and roughly pulled out the box.
“I’m opening it, okay?”
“O-okay…”
Yuzuru nodded.
Arisa tore open the wrapping and opened the box.
Inside was chocolate—and a message card.
—Thought it was honmei? Too bad, it’s just obligation chocolate! — AYAKA—
“Don’t mess with me!!”
Arisa shouted, visibly furious.
She shoved the entire box into Yuzuru’s hands.
“You can eat this.”
“I… see…”
Overwhelmed, Yuzuru nodded.
They changed into their indoor shoes and headed to the classroom.
“Yuzuru, let me check your desk.”
“Be my guest.”
Arisa carefully inspected the inside of his desk.
After checking thoroughly, she looked up, her tension easing.
“There’s nothing.”
“That’s a relief.”
Considering last year—
If he’d received chocolate from anyone besides friends, Arisa would definitely be upset.
And when Arisa got angry…
It was scary.
“Then I’m going to go file a complaint with Ayaka.”
“Good luck.”
With visible irritation, Arisa marched towards Ayaka’s seat.
As Yuzuru watched her go—
“Well, being popular must be tough.”
“I doubt anyone reckless enough to provoke her exists.”
Chiharu and Tenka approached him.
Both were holding neatly wrapped boxes.
“Morning. Those are…?”
“Please accept these. …Keep it a secret from Arisa, okay?”
“No need to keep it secret. It’s just obligation chocolate.”
They handed him the boxes.
“Thanks. I’ll enjoy them.”
After hearing his thanks, the two quickly left.
Almost immediately, Arisa returned.
“Yuzuru— …Ah! While I was gone!!”
“They’re just obligation chocolates. From those two.”
He pointed towards Chiharu and Tenka.
They waved lightly to confirm it.
Arisa let out a sigh of relief.
“In that case, it’s fine.”
“Can I eat them?”
“It would be rude not to. …And since we know who they’re from, there shouldn’t be anything strange in them.”
She nodded firmly.
Then, crossing her arms, she added:
“But… only after you eat mine. Understood?”
“Of course. I’m looking forward to it.”
When Yuzuru smiled, Arisa blushed slightly and nodded.
“…Yes. Please look forward to it.”
