After school.

I was at a karaoke place with my classmates.

It was to celebrate Kijita-kun’s birthday.

I had planned to leave early so I could make it in time to pick Umi up from kindergarten, but the birthday party was getting really lively.

The people gathered here, both guys and girls, were all the noticeable ones in class so it made me feel like I didn’t belong here.

But I was really happy they invited me and since it seemed like Iwabuchi-san would be coming too, I worked up the courage to tag along.

"Thanks everyone!"

Kijita-kun, wearing a sash that said ‘Today’s Star,’ held the microphone.

"The fact that you all came together for me really makes me feel loved! I’m touched! Seriously, I’m actually moved!"

Kijita-kun looked like he was about to cry.

In front of him at the birthday seat were several presents.

He’s a bit of a jokester but he’s a mood maker and well-liked, so that’s probably why everyone gathered like this.

If I tried to hold a birthday party like this, there’s no way this many people would come… but somehow I feel like Takatsuka-san would show up.

She’d probably say something unnecessary like ‘I’m your present’ but lately I’ve started to understand that’s just her kind of joke… probably.

"You guys remembered my birthday properly! I can really feel your love!"

"Yeah right. You’ve been going ‘ah my birthday’s coming up soon’ on purpose for a while now. Of course we’d notice."

Iwabuchi-san said that.

Even though it wasn’t club time, she had her hair tied back today, which was rare, so I ended up sneaking glances at her.

"Come on Iwabuchi, don’t be so cold. But hey you even prepared a present for me!"

In Kijita-kun’s hand was a piercer.

"Yeah. You said you wanted your ears pierced didn’t you?"

"Yeah. Heh, you remembered. I’ll gratefully accept it!"

Kijita-kun was in a great mood.

When someone’s that happy, it makes the person who gave the gift happy too.

"Hayama, thanks to you too! You helped me with midterms and even gave me something this good, I owe you big time!"

Kijita-kun rubbed his cheek against a palm-sized chiffon cake wrapped neatly.

"I was thinking of making a decorated cake since it’s your birthday but it would’ve been hard to keep it fresh until after school."

"No, this is awesome! I can feel the effort, it’s super good!"

He started eating it right away.

By the way, I made enough chiffon cakes for everyone.

It felt like a waste to make just one.

I did make Kijita-kun’s portion a bit bigger since he’s the star though.

"Man if I just had a girlfriend this would’ve been a perfect birthday."

"Don’t be greedy."

Suzuki-kun said in exasperation and the girls also started booing him.

"Come on let me say that much! Alright while we’re at it let’s talk about love! It’s got that youth vibe right?"

At Kijita-kun’s insistence the conversation shifted to romance.

Honestly I’d rather avoid a group dating-like atmosphere with classmates but since it was the birthday boy’s idea everyone reluctantly went along with it.

There were seven of us total.

Only one guy and one girl had partners.

Most of them were in sports clubs so maybe they just didn’t have time for romance.

Among those without partners most said they’d like to date but didn’t really have anyone they liked.

Then…

"Ah but Hayama-kun might be good. He’s cute."

"Yeah right? He’s ranked number one in the ‘Ranking of Who You’d Want as a Bride’ after all. Top-tier catch."

Two flashy-looking girls started sending me intense looks, putting me in a tough spot.

"Um well…"

I couldn’t say ‘I actually like Iwabuchi-san!’ so I just fidgeted awkwardly.

"Wouldn’t it be great to come home and have Hayama-kun there?"

"He’d be the ultimate healing presence!"

"Hey, hey, don’t tease Hayama-kun like that."

Iwabuchi-san stepped in to help me.

The two girls apologized.

Yeah they were just joking… probably.

I’m really not good with romance talk.

At this rate it’s going to take forever to tell Iwabuchi-san I like her.

Then something unexpected happened.

Suzuki-kun said he “had someone he liked.”

He’s tall and good-looking but since he’s always been serious about soccer everyone got interested.

Still he didn’t say anything more.

Then suddenly our eyes met.

Ah sorry I must’ve been staring too much.

But if even Suzuki-kun has someone he likes then maybe Iwabuchi-san also—

"By the way I’m single too."

Iwabuchi-san said with a troubled smile.

My excitement shot through the roof.

Max level hype.

She’s good-looking and athletic so I thought she’d definitely have tons of people after her.

"Iwabuchi could get a boyfriend instantly if she just stayed quiet and didn’t move."

"What’d you say Kijita? What’s that supposed to mean?"

"That’s exactly what I mean. You’ve always been quick to get worked up. That’s why they call you a female gorilla."

"Female gorilla!? You just said one of my 108 forbidden words! Take it outside! I don’t even go ‘ooh ooh’ all the time! Well I do eat a lot of bananas though!"

From the outside Kijita-kun might seem insensitive but everyone else just watched like it was nothing new.

Apparently they went to the same middle school and were in the same class for two years.

…Knowing Iwabuchi-san from middle school, I’m honestly jealous.

Because of that relationship it feels more like sibling banter.

"Hey wait, I've been wanting to ask. Ayami, what kind of guy do you like?"

A curious classmate asked and Iwabuchi-san thought for a moment.

"Maybe… a kind guy."

Everyone reacted with “so basic” and laughed awkwardly.

"That’s not even an answer. Everyone likes kind people."

Kijita-kun laughed.

But I felt differently.

If this were the old Iwabuchi-san she’d definitely have said ‘Basketball is my boyfriend!’ with sparkling eyes.

Even if it’s a generic answer, the fact she gave a specific type feels like a change from before.

C-could it be she’s fallen for some guy without me noticing!?

The girls’ basketball team often interacts with the boys’ team since they use the same gym so maybe she fell for someone there…

That thought made me uneasy but only for a moment.

"Geez you guys tease me even when I answer. Hayama-kun’s the only one on my side."

With a sigh Iwabuchi-san touched my arm.

Could it be that she trusts me?

Just that alone was enough to make me feel on top of the world and wash away my anxiety.

I’m way too easy.