After Kijita-kun’s birthday party, it seemed like there was going to be an after-party and everyone decided to move to another place, but I declined since I had to pick up Umi.

"I see. Well that can’t be helped then. Thanks a ton for the present, seriously."

Kijita-kun thanked me again.

"Kijita if you really feel that way then make sure to return the favor double when it’s Hayama’s birthday."

Suzuki-kun said something surprising.

"Oh of course! Hayama look forward to it!"

"My birthday… you’ll celebrate it?"

"Of course we will."

Suzuki-kun looked exasperated.

"…Hayama, do you not really think of us as friends?"

"That’s kinda cold man. After giving such a heartfelt present too."

Kijita-kun put his elbow on my shoulder and gave me a ‘what a guy’ look.

It’s not like I don’t think of them as friends.

We even have a group chat aside from the class one where we talk.

But I can’t really join them for after-school hangouts much and I’m not exactly someone who stands out in class so even though we interact I sometimes wonder if we’re really close enough to call each other friends.

"Seems like we have to say it clearly for Hayama to get it."

"Yeah maybe we should sign a friendship contract or something?"

"That’d just make it more suspicious… anyway we think of you as more of a friend than you think so don’t hesitate to say something if you need anything."

"Yeah that. Hayama might be holding back a bit."

"Yeah… I’ll be more careful."

Since they’ve been so nice to me I don’t want them thinking I’m putting up walls.

"You don’t have to think about it so seriously."

"Yeah just be yourself."

Suzuki-kun and Kijita-kun patted my back and went back to the group.

My chest felt full as I watched everyone off but—

"Haaayama-kun. Don’t just flirt with the guys, flirt with me too."

"I-Iwabuchi-san!? Why?"

Iwabuchi-san appeared behind me and started ruffling my hair.

"Aren’t you going to the after-party?"

I thought she had already joined the others.

"I am I am. But I had something important to ask you so I had them go ahead."

"Something to ask?"

"Well actually…"

Iwabuchi-san suddenly started fidgeting.

That made my heart start pounding as I waited for what she’d say next.

"I was wondering if you’d go shopping with me. On our next day off."

"Shopping?"

"Yeah, well for shoes. Basketball shoes. I want new ones. But it’s better to have someone help pick them rather than going alone right? I’m not the type who just cares if they fit. I want something cute too."

"And you’re okay with me?"

"Yeah. I’m counting on your sense."

Iwabuchi-san smiled shyly.

You’d definitely find something better asking someone from your club or one of the fashionable girls in class!

I managed not to say something tactless like that probably because of what just happened earlier about seeming distant.

"O-Okay! If you’re fine with me!"

And just like that I ended up making plans to go out with Iwabuchi-san this weekend.

"Thank goodness. I was actually kind of nervous."

"Do I really seem like I’d turn you down that easily?"

It’d sting a little if she thought there was distance between us too.

"No, not at all. I was just nervous on my own!"

That’s a relief but it’s still kind of strange she’d be nervous around me.

If anything it should be the other way around.

I mean there’s no way I could ever ask her to go out with me on my own.

In that sense having her invite me feels unbelievably lucky.

"Oh but don’t you have to look after your sisters? Is it okay?"

"If it’s Sunday it’s fine. Mom will be home."

"That’s good. I can’t be too selfish after all."

Iwabuchi-san really is considerate of my sisters too.

"Alright then! It’s settled! See you Sunday!"

She happily turned around and ran back to the group.

Watching her go made me feel really glad I accepted.