The Girl Everyone Admires Loves Me… and I Don’t Remember Why. - Chapter 16: The Invitation and the Present.

The Invitation and the Present.

“Um… there’s something important I need to talk to you about.”

She said that to me after school.

Most of our classmates had already left the classroom. As the space that had been lively just moments ago gradually emptied out, Ichinose opened her mouth and carefully put her thoughts into words.

“Hey, Miyase-kun. If you don’t mind… would you like to come to my birthday party in a few days?”

“Eh… a birthday party?”

The unexpected invitation left me unable to hide my surprise and confusion.

“Yeah. Actually, every year I invite my friends over and hold a birthday party at my place.”

“I see. But… why me, all of a sudden?”

I was grateful for the invitation, of course—but I couldn’t help wondering why she had chosen to ask me.

“Well, to be honest, there’s no special or deep reason. I just thought it would be more fun if Miyase-kun came too. You know, lately we’ve been talking a little more than before, right? And… I enjoy talking with you.”

That was true. Ever since I’d started spending more time around Mitsuki, I naturally ended up interacting more with Ichinose as well—she was Mitsuki’s best friend, after all.

By the way, Mitsuki would be attending too.

Well, that was only natural.

“I get it. Alright—then I’d love to come.”

There was no real reason to turn her down. And honestly, an opportunity to attend Ichinose’s birthday party might never come again if I let it slip by.

When she heard my answer, Ichinose broke into a beaming smile.

“Really!? Thank you!”

“No, thank you for inviting me. I was just surprised—you said it was something important, so I thought it might be something serious.”

“But it’s about my birthday. That makes it really important.”

“Fair point. You’re right.”

After that, she gave me a brief explanation of the party.

After school on the day itself, everyone would gather and head to her house together. Dinner would be prepared by her mother, apparently.

“Oh—sorry, I’ve got something to do after this, so I should head out.”

“Got it.”

“Miyase-kun. I’m looking forward to that day.”

With that, Ichinose left the classroom.

“Alright then… what should I get her as a present?”

I definitely couldn’t show up empty-handed.

“…Yeah. I think I know.”

Having decided on a gift, I headed straight to the shopping mall to buy it. I didn’t want to wait until the last minute and panic later.

“…Hm?”

On the way there, I suddenly received a message from Mitsuki.

Mitsuki: Tomoya-kun. Are you maybe on your way to buy Yuki’s birthday present right now?

Tomoya: I actually am… how did you know?

Mitsuki: I know everything about you, after all.

I was wondering how to respond to that joke when another message came in.

Mitsuki: Just kidding. During break time, Yuki said she might invite you to her birthday party, so I thought maybe that was it.

Judging by her tone, Mitsuki had already assumed I’d accept the invitation.

Mitsuki: Hey, Tomoya-kun. If you don’t mind, could I come with you to buy the present? I actually haven’t bought mine yet either.

Tomoya: Sure.

Honestly, having Mitsuki along would be a huge help. She’d definitely know Ichinose’s tastes better than I would.

We agreed to meet at a small park along the way from school to the shopping mall, and then go together.

A little while later, we arrived at the mall.

“Have you already decided what you’re getting, Tomoya-kun?”

“I’ve got a rough idea, but…”

“It’ll be fine. Yuki will be happy with anything you give her.”

“That’s reassuring. To be honest, this is the first time I’ve ever bought a present for someone, so I’m pretty nervous.”

“…I see.”

Something about Mitsuki’s expression changed.

“Mitsuki? What’s wrong?”

“…I just thought Yuki’s kind of lucky. She gets your very first present.”

“……”

“Ah—sorry. That was weird to say out of nowhere. Don’t worry about it. You can forget I said anything.”

At that point, I stopped walking.

“…Mitsuki. Mind if we make a quick detour?”

“Sure, but…”

“There’s somewhere I want to go over there.”

Before long, we found ourselves inside an arcade.

“Mitsuki. Is there any prize you like? Or something you want?”

“Uh, um…”

She walked around, looking at several claw machines.

Then she stopped in front of one with a teddy bear as the prize.

“This plushie is really cute. But I’m terrible at crane games.”

“Got it. Wait here a sec.”

I dropped in a coin—and got the plush in a single try.

“S-so amazing…”

I handed the prize to the stunned Mitsuki.

“Eh… a-are you sure? But why?”

“Consider it a thank-you for everything. And… you said you were jealous earlier. Besides, that means the first person I ever gave a present to is you.”

“…!”

Mitsuki hugged the plush tightly to her chest.

“…That’s unfair. Really unfair.”

She looked up at me with a radiant, genuinely happy smile.

“Thank you, Tomoya-kun. I’ll treasure this plush forever.”

After that, we left the arcade and went back to buying Ichinose’s present.

***

A few days later.

Today was finally the day of Ichinose’s birthday party.

After school, I headed to where the participants were gathering—

“…Huh? Miyase?”

The one staring at me in surprise was… Chitose.

“You’re going to Ichinose’s birthday party too?”

“Yeah, I am…”

“…Well, I guess who she invites is up to her.”

Muttering that, Chitose looked away from me.

And just like that, we all headed toward Ichinose’s house as planned.