#291

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When I responded to Miura’s call and stepped into the hallway, she walked ahead as if escaping to a spot where no one was around, gesturing for us to follow. I followed, and behind me came Shizuku and Kirasaka.

As we descended the corridor and passed by the science room, which we seldom used, Miura led us to a less frequented area in the second building where the second-year students usually spend their time. She turned around and looked at us when we were about two or three steps away, then stopped to organize the situation.

Although we have some interaction as student council members, we rarely talk casually. With different classes and different subjects—she’s into science, and I’m in the humanities—our only common ground is the student council.

But this doesn’t seem to be about the student council. If it were, a message in the classroom would have sufficed.

It must be something personal for her. However, that’s as far as I can guess. We don’t have such an intimate relationship for me to delve into her inner thoughts.

Shizuku and Kirasaka also seem puzzled, looking at Miura with wide eyes, wondering what business she could have with them.

Silently waiting for her to speak, Miura finally said, without hesitation.

“What kind of chocolate does Koizumi like?”

“…Chocolate?”

Boldly, unexpectedly, and matter-of-fact, Miura asked, leaving me standing there with my mouth open. …Chocolate?

Why now? Anyone can figure out the reason by recalling the date on the calendar. She is planning to give chocolate to Koizumi on Valentine’s Day.

However, asking about someone’s preferences individually implies a different set of emotions toward him compared to other students.

In other words, it’s because she has feelings for Koizumi.

For me, without the connection of the student council, I’m just a classmate. Asking me implies there must be a serious lack of information.

However, it’s difficult to reveal one’s secret. This holds true for most girls, and boys are no exception. Yet, when it comes to love stories, claimed to be more essential than three daily meals, the two behind me couldn’t help but be intrigued.

“Oh my, could it be that we’re in for an interesting story?”

“Is it for Koizumi-kun!? Could it be, your true love?”

Kirasaka murmured with keen interest, and Shizuku, her face glowing, clasped her hands together and playfully inquired.

Miura, after a brief pause, lifted her gaze for a moment, appearing thoughtful, and then nodded ever so slightly.

…She’s not trying to dodge the question. It seems she possesses a surprisingly strong spirit.

If I were in her position, I would never be able to share such information with others.

But perhaps this straightforward attitude is also one of her strengths.

Now, I need to think about the question.

Certainly, since we’re both members of the student council, we spend more time together than I do with other girls. But is chocolate limited to only chocolate bars?

Maybe something like raw chocolate… What even is raw chocolate?

There are so many types of chocolate that I can’t recall them all even when someone mentions their names.

Miura, who has spent more time with Koizumi than I have, doesn’t know the answer. So, it’s impossible for someone like me, who just recently joined, to understand. I guess this is not the answer she’s looking for.

But what a troublesome question. As I was pondering, Miura continued.

“If you’re okay with it, could you ask Koizumi about his favourite chocolate or sweets sometime this week?”

“I don’t mind, but… I’m not sure how to start a conversation with him.”

“I leave that up to you. But absolutely no mention of Valentine’s, understood? I don’t want him to find out from anyone but me.”

With a calm tone, she stated that, as if it were nothing, but I could sense a determination in her words.

Usually, we only talk about work, so asking suddenly about someone’s favourite chocolate could make things awkward. After all, as Valentine’s Day approaches, boys become overly self-conscious, as you can easily observe by just watching the students in the class.

While I was still contemplating how to connect the conversation as Miura asked, the girls continued their conversation with enthusiasm.

“Sounds good. Are you making them yourself?”

“Yes, Shizuku-san and Kirasaka-san, would you like to practice making sweets together? I got permission from the home economics teacher, so we can use the home economics room after school.”

“Oh, then count me in! I was just looking at recipes and couldn’t decide which chocolate to make.”

“I agree! I was also having trouble choosing among the recipes. If you don’t mind, I’d like to hear your opinions.”

Without any objections, Shizuku and Kirasaka readily accepted Miura’s proposal.

…I’m completely out of the loop.

Well, it’s not a big deal.

If I were to join in and engage in some sophisticated chocolate talk with them, I’d undoubtedly be met with cold stares from all three.

As I silently observed their conversation, Miura took a step towards me and bowed slightly.

“Next year, it might be difficult to find time due to exams… This year is the real deal. I’m counting on you for information gathering.”

“Got it, I’ll just go ask.”

While nodding at Miura’s words, I couldn’t help but think.

When did I start getting involved in things beyond myself?

The environment changed, relationships changed, and my way of thinking may have changed somewhat.

But I believed that my core values hadn’t changed much.

In fact, I found Miura’s request to be somewhat bothersome.

No matter how aware I am of it, there’s a part of me that accepts such requests.

Perhaps I’ve become weaker.

Toward someone she harbours feelings for. Toward someone who is sincere, straightforward, she radiates a brightness that I lack.

Although I still can’t see it with my own eyes, I’m sure Miura, on the day of Valentine’s, will shine brilliantly as she interacts with Koizumi.

I want to know what underlies those emotions, those actions.

If I could know, if I could touch even a little, perhaps the curtain hiding the emotions suppressed in my heart could be lifted.

That expectation has always been within my chest.

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