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N-Nukumizu-kun, y-you’re late again!”
Ah, those words. They’ve become part of my daily routine. Seriously, I think I’ve heard this three times just this week.
“I’m only five minutes late. Where are the others?” I ask, looking around.
“T-they’re all busy…” Komari says softly, her voice weaker than usual. Wait, why? What’s going on?
I frown. “Is something wrong?”
“I-it’s nothing…” she mumbles, avoiding my eyes and turning away.
Great. Something’s definitely up. But of course, she won’t tell me, will she?
I pulled out my phone, ready to text the club members to see where they were. Before I could, a message from Yanami-san popped up out of nowhere.
*Nukumizu-kun! Is Komari-chan in the club room?* she wrote.
*Yeah, I’m with her. Why?* I quickly replied.
*Try to keep her busy. I’m with Lemon-chan and Shiratama-chan, buying things for the party!*
Party? What party? Oh, right—Komari’s birthday is coming up. That must be it.
*Alright, I’ll try. Don’t buy unnecessary stuff, Yanami-san,* I texted back.
Almost instantly, I got a picture from her—Yanami-san holding five hotdogs, while Yakashio-san and Shiratama-chan each had only one.
*I should’ve been the one to do the shopping…* I sighed, slipping my phone back into my pocket.
I looked over at Komari. She was sitting in her usual corner, totally absorbed in what seemed to be a romance manga. Based on the title, anyway.
Huh, that’s new. She usually reads something else. I wonder what got her into romance...
I walked over quietly until she looked up from her book and let out a small scream when she saw me.
"W-what is it?" she asked, quickly brushing a little hair away from her eye.
I smiled, trying to lighten the mood. "What’re you reading?"
Maybe if I distracted her, the others could get on with their plan. Also, I need to remember to text Yanami-san about whose house we’re going to for the party later.
“It’s... u-uhm, about a boy who saved a girl from feeling lonely.”
I raised an eyebrow. “You don’t usually read stuff like that. Or at least, I haven’t seen you reading it before.”
She fidgeted a little, her eyes softening as she smiled. "I-I’ve gotten into romance lately. It’s... nice. It m-makes me smile."
Seeing her like that, I decided to sit beside her, but she immediately squeaked and scooted away. Ouch, that hurts
“W-w-what are you doing?!” she exclaimed, holding the book up like a shield.
I tried to stay calm. “What? I just want to read it with you. You like it, right?” Her face turned bright red.
"Wh-what... N-Nukumizu..."
“What?”
“G-Go die!”
I blinked, I've done literally nothing worthy of dying.
“Just for a little bit,” I said, patting the space next to me.
It usually worked with Kaju, so I hoped it’d work with Komari. Instead, she squeaked again and stayed where she was.
“If you think I’m gonna do something weird, I’m not,” I said, trying to reassure her, though by the look on her face, it didn’t seem like it helped much.
I took a deep breath, trying to find the right words.
"It’s always better when you have someone to talk to about the things you like, so… maybe just this once?"
She let out another squeak and moved even farther away from me. Well that definitely worked.
Her face was still bright red, but she was fidgeting less and seemed more relaxed. After a moment of hesitation, she looked at me, her eyes full of uncertainty.
“W-well, alright,” she mumbled, her voice barely a whisper. “J-just for a little while.”
I gave her a reassuring smile and patted the spot next to me.
“Thanks"
She slowly moved closer, still holding her book to her chest. I sat beside her, and we both started reading together. The room was still a bit tense, but I could see her relaxing bit by bit.
The story was about a shy boy and girl who were both lonely. The boy noticed the girl and started making small, kind efforts to befriend her.
He gave her friendly smiles and had simple chats, which helped her feel more comfortable.
When Komari turned the page, I glanced at her face. She looked really cute and pretty, her gentle expression and fidgeting reminded me of Kaju a bit.
At the story’s climax, the boy finally told the girl how he felt. It was a heartfelt moment.
As Komari turned the page, she fidgeted more. It seemed this part of the story really touched her and made her a little uneasy.
A little while later, as I was finishing the page, I noticed Komari hadn’t turned it. Maybe she was still reading. I might have read too fas-...
Suddenly, I felt a small bump on my arm. I looked over and saw Komari quietly snoring, asleep. What is this romcom situation?
I guess that’s why she didn’t turn the page. But why did she fall asleep? Was she stressed? I don’t remember anything she’d be stressed about.
I sighed, trying not to move too much. I adjusted myself to make her more comfortable.
I had done this with Kaju before, so I knew what to do. I checked my phone—it was 3 PM. Two hours had passed since Yanami-san’s message.
I let Komari sleep on my arm and carefully took the book from her hands.
I managed to get it without waking her, so now I just had to wait until she woke up.
I hadn’t noticed before, but now that I think about it, Komari’s been acting a bit strange since I became club president.
I don’t think it’s anything serious, though.
I kept reading the book. So far, I’d give it an 8/10—simple story, simple plot, not too much drama. Just a peaceful read.
“UWAH!!” oh the little nugget's awake
She looked around frantically. “W-what are y-you!? Wh-what did I-i do?!?” She almost lost her balance.
“Nothing, you just fell asleep. And calm down, I didn’t do anything.”
“A-ah...oh...well...uhm...thank you...” she mumbles, not looking at me but staring at her fingers tapping together.
“Hm?”
“Well, I guess I l-liked reading with you so much that I-i fell asleep,” she says, still avoiding eye contact.
“No problem. You should head home now. There’s probably something amazing waiting for you,” I say, standing up. She looks up at me, looking a bit disappointed.
“Y-you f-forgot?..” she trails off, sounding a little sad.
“What’s was that?”
“N-nothing...i-it’s nothing... I’ll go home now...” she says, her voice tinged with hurt. I wonder what’s wrong.
I hope Yanami-san and the others have finished their preparations. I should head out, too.
--
It had been thirty minutes since Komari and I went our separate ways.
Now, here I am in a store, searching for the perfect gift for her.
I want to find something useful and thoughtful, and I’m hoping to get it wrapped nicely in time.
I consider a few options: a plushie could be cute, but it might be a bit too simple.
Chocolate is always nice, but I want something that she can use for a long time.
Maybe I should ask Kaju for some advice. Just as I’m thinking this, I come across something truly amazing.
It catches my eye and I know instantly—this is it. This is the perfect gift for Komari.
--
After buying and wrapping a present, I head to Komari's place. The gift looks cute and pretty.
*Knock* *knock*
The door opens slowly, and I find Komari looking shocked and confused.
"Happy birthday, Komari!" I lift up the present. "May I come in?" I say gently to ease her nerves.
“Wh-what?! Nu-nukumizu?!” She stumbles back, almost falling. I quickly grab her hand to steady her. Thankfully, she doesn’t hit the floor.
I sigh and look at her fidgeting and shaking. “Komari, calm down. I’m not a monster.”
“Uh-uh, I… I…” Oh, I’m still holding her hand. I gently let go, and she quickly runs to the other room. So, can I come in?
After a few seconds, she peeks out and gives me a glare.
“G-Go die!” Well, that’s one way to greet someone.
“May I come in?”
Her glare starts to fade. “F-fine, come in.” I quickly take off my shoes and head inside.
I hear noises and see that everyone’s already here. Yanami-san is munching on a bunch of cupcakes.
“Oh! Nukumizu-kun! You’re here!” she says with her mouth full.
“Yanami-san, chew your food first,” I say, putting the present down on the table with the other gifts. I feel a light smack on my back.
“Nukkun! You’re finally here! So, what do you think of the decorations?” Yakashio asks enthusiastically. I look around—simple and pretty, with balloons. It looks like Komari’s siblings are having fun.
“It looks amazing. Who came up with the idea?”
“That would be me,” says Shiratama-san as she walks over.
“What do you think, Prez? Did I do a good job?”
“Yeah, sorry I didn’t help much.”
“No, no, it’s okay. You distracting Komari-senpai was enough,” she says, whispering as she passes by. “You didn’t do anything to Komari-senpai, right?”
“What do you mean?”
“Nothing,” she says with a chuckle. “Here, Prez. I made some of these cupcakes.”
I look at them. “Shiratama-san, these aren’t homemade.”
“Oop, I’ve been caught,” she laughs.
“You two seem to be having fun,” Yanami-san interrupts, appearing between me and Shiratama-san. “Hey, this is about Komari-chan’s birthday! Don’t go around being lovey-dovey.”
“We weren’t even being lovey-dovey.”
"Prez's right, yanami-senpai"
“Ah-ah, I don’t wanna hear it. Now, where’s Komari-chan?”
“She’s in her room, I think. Are the senpais coming?”
“I think so. They’re running a little late,” Yanami checks her phone.
Just then, I hear small footsteps approaching. Komari’s siblings come over, looking a bit shy.
“U-uhm, Nee-chan said she’s washing her face and will come out soon,” the younger sibling says.
I nod in understanding, and without thinking, I start petting the little guy’s head.
Oops, I guess my habit from being around Kaju made me do that.
But he seems delighted, not scared.
I look over and see Yakashio, shiratama and Yanami playing with his sister. Hopefully, she stays safe and doesn’t get hurt.
A few moments later, Komari finally comes out of her room. She looks a bit nervous but tries to smile as she sees everyone gathered.
“Sorry for keeping you waiting,” she says, glancing around at everyone. Her eyes land on me, and she blushes slightly.
“No problem at all!” Yanami-san exclaims. “We were just having fun. Come on, let’s get this party started!”
*Knock* *knock*
"I'll get it," I say, getting up to open the door. Tsukinoki-senpai and Tamaki-senpai are standing there.
“Yahoo! We’re here! Where’s Komari-chan?” Tsukinoki-senpai asks cheerfully as she enters the room, with Tamaki-senpai following behind.
“Koto, don’t be so noisy. We’ve just arrived,”
“T-Tsukinoki-senpai…” Komari calls out, and Tsukinoki-senpai quickly makes her way over to her.
Now it looks like everyone’s here. I wonder where Komari’s parents are, but before I can ask, the party starts to pick up.
The group quickly settles into a fun atmosphere with board games and various activities.
Laughter fills the room as everyone gets into the games, enjoying each other's company.
The party turns into a lively and joyful celebration, with Komari at the center, finally relaxed and enjoying herself.
As the evening unfolds, it’s clear that everyone is having a great time.
The games are a hit, and the atmosphere is filled with warmth and camaraderie. It’s shaping up to be a memorable birthday party for Komari.
--
As the evening winds down, everyone starts to say their goodbyes.
Laughter and chatter fill the room as people gather their things and head out, leaving Komari and me alone.
“Thank you so much for coming, everyone!” Komari says, giving each person a warm farewell.
“Happy birthday, Komari-chan!” Tsukinoki-senpai calls out as she leaves, followed by Tamaki-senpai and the others.
Once the door closes and the room quiets down, Komari and I are left by ourselves.
“So, did you have a good time?” I ask, smiling at her.
She nods, her cheeks still flushed from all the excitement. “Y-yeah, I h-had a great time. T-thank you for everything.”
I glance around at the now-empty room and then back at her. “I’m glad to hear that. I hope it was everything
you wanted.”
Komari looks at me, her expression soft. “I-it really was. I-i wasn’t expecting such a wonderful party.”
I smile, feeling a bit relieved. “I’m happy you enjoyed it. You deserved it.”
We both stand there for a moment, enjoying the peaceful silence after the lively celebration. It’s nice to see Komari so relaxed and happy.
“Well, again, Komari, happy birthday.”
“U-ah, yeah, thank you… I…” She trails off, unsure of what to say.
“I… really had fun, a-and the c-cake was delicious...thank you, Nukumizu-kun.”
“You should thank Yanami-san and the others. They bought gifts for you, right? Didn’t Yakashio give you a beetle?”
“Y-yeah, b-but I wanted to thank y-you t-too.”
“You’re welcome. Well… see you at school then.”
“Ah, wait!”
“I-I still haven’t opened your present,” she says, pulling the gift from behind her.
“Oh… well, open it, I guess,” I say, smiling to reassure her.
She unwraps it to find a soft, cozy blanket with a small note that says, "For cozy moments and sweet dreams. Happy Birthday, Komari."
"W-what?"
"It's a blanket! Honestly, I wanted to get one for myself too because it’s so soft."
"W-why does it s-say 'I love you' on it!?!"
"Oh, well, the pink ones all have that on them. I couldn’t really find something else,"
"Y-you..."
She quickly stammers
"Th-this doesn’t mean anything, s-so don’t go getting any ideas!"
Then, before I can even process what she said, she turns and bolts.
I just stand there, blinking, feeling the breeze where she used to be. Then i go turn around and start to leave.
What… just happened?
I scratch my head, trying to piece it together.
One second she’s here, looking all flustered, the next she’s speeding off like I’m chasing her with an engagement ring.
Still, the way she ran… I can’t help but chuckle a little. What was that all about?”