Chapter 261: The Angel’s Presents (1/2)

Amane was fed by Mahiru, was embarrassed to the point of near-death, and Mahiru continued to beam away as she saw how embarrassed he was.

“Is it delicious?”

“…It is, but you don’t have to feed me, right?”

“It is a must. You are the protagonist after all, Amane-kun.”

“If anyone else is around, this is a public execution…let’s just keep it to the both of us.”

If Itsuki and the others were present, there was no doubt they would tease him like no tomorrow. Otherwise, they might give him warm looks and smiles.

Mahiru was more excited than Amane himself. The outsiders might not mind too much, but he was so embarrassed by the fact that he got fed, he was about to roll on the floor.

I’ll pay back the favor for Mahiru’s birthday next time, Amane resolved himself, and used the milk to wash the mouth that was sweetened by Mahiru in two ways. And then, Mahiru smiled while she took something from the bag next to her.

It was a white box, a little larger than her palm, with a navy blue ribbon.

No matter how slow he was, he knew what it was at this point of time. He looked at Mahiru, and her smiling face was a little flushed.

“This is your birthday present. I wonder if it is to your liking.”

Mahiru said with a little lack of confidence, put the box in his hand, and looked up at him, somewhat uneasy.

It seemed she was fine with him opening it there and then, and just wanted to see his reaction.

It was rare for him to receive a present, so he should open it. He cautiously undid the ribbon, and found a velvet box inside it.

He had assumed there would be a present placed inside it, but there was another box inside. He was momentarily taken aback, and surely, inside it would contain the feelings Mahiru wanted to startle Amane with.

What’s inside it? Why so many layers? So Amane wondered as he gently opened the inner box. It seemed to be something―it was something with a mild white gloss, like a clip or something.

There seemed to be some flower engraved on it, and for a moment, he did not realize what it was. He remembered it was something he wore at the school festival.

“……A necktie pin?”

“That is correct…to be honest, I really wondered what I should give to a boy. I thought of giving a watch, which is more common, but I could not simply give an expensive one, and I was worried you would be too embarrassed to accept it. Everyone has their own likes, and to be honest, I see that you have a watch, which you seem to be rather fond of.”

They usually had phones, and Amane did not really wear his watch. The only one he would wear outdoors was the one his parents bought to celebrate his enrollment in high school.

It seemed that was a little pricey, and a little unsuited for school. Amane hardly spent time outdoors, so he hardly wore a watch outdoors.

He did wear that watch when he went out with Mahiru, and it seemed she remembered.

“So I thought of an item you will use but usually will not buy. Our school allows us to wear a necktie pin as long as it does not stand out too much, you know? You will also use it when you go out to work.”

Amane had to wear a necktie pin during a ceremony, but there were no other special restrictions. Most of the boys too did not wear one, for they found it a hassle.

Amane too hardly wore it, and usually forgot about it. Since Mahiru gave it to him, he might have to wear it everyday.

It seemed she chose this for him, hoping that he would wear this every day.

“I can give you a tie, and you will need quite a few when you go out to work…but for us students, the choice of necktie is fixed, as per the school rules. I shall choose one for you when you get a chance to wear a suit.”

“…Hmm, thanks. I’ll make sure to wear it well.”

Obviously, the implication without her saying was that they would be together forever. The heat of the joy naturally filled his chest.

Of course, he already intended so right from the beginning. He felt embarrassed to sense the same feelings from Mahiru, and yet elated.

I shall treasure this necktie pin along with you forever, Mahiru. He engraved this feeling along with the thought, and smiled at Mahiru, who looked relieved, smiling.

“That is good. I was worried you would not like it. After all, I know this is not usually a gift to a high school boy.”

“I’ll be glad to receive whatever you give, Mahiru.”

“Fufu, I know that, but I feel that I should give you something you need, Amane-kun. You do not have any interest in material items, and you do not lack in anything, so I was really troubled.”

Amane typically did not have anything he really wanted, which actually bothered her, which caused him to smile wryly.

He would not say that he did not have any material desire, and if there was anything, it would be the budget for the thing he swore to buy for Mahiru. He had to struggle for this, and he could not ask her for such an embarrassing thing. He never told Mahiru exactly why he was working, and naturally, he should not inform her of what he wanted.

In this sense, Amane truly had nothing he wanted. He hardly had any desire, which troubled her greatly.

“For me, I’ll like everything you give me.”

“…Will you be happy if I give you a sweet wrapper too? That is a little scary.”

“I’ll think you’re planning something, or that the patterns are interesting or cute, and I’ll keep it.”

“I will not give it for real though!? If that is to happen, I will give you the sweets too!”

“Alright, I know you’re joking…I’ll be glad with anything as long as it comes with your feelings, Mahiru.”

“…Goodness.”

Mahiru sounded a little displeased, but her expression was gentle, so she was probably hiding her embarrassment.

Amane happily looked at Mahiru, gently kept the pin, and swore to wear it starting from the next day. Then, Mahiru timidly tugged at his sleeve.

“Well, there is another, little present.”

The somewhat hesitant tone had Amane tilt his head in confusion.