Chapter 17 – The First Present

◆Inori side◆

“So, why the hell are you here too?”

“No idea.”

Even though it’s a weekday, I got a rare call from Yukimori—and to my surprise, Toudou was there too.

Me, Yukimori, and Toudou. What a weird combo. And the place is the local department store.

I’ve already spotted a few classmates around, and they’re all staring. Super awkward.

Anyway, I was just suddenly called out here, so I have no clue what’s going on. No idea at all.

Yukimori, the only one who knows what this is about, is awkwardly fidgeting with her fingers.

“Ehehe… Um, I thought I’d need a boy’s opinion for a gift for a boy…”

“Ah, a present for Kazuki.”

“Ah—How on earth did Hatsuse know that!?”

“Yukimori told me.”

“Shiiizuukuuu!”

“S-Sorreeee!”

Toudou started pulling and squishing Yukimori’s cheeks. And Yukimori… actually looked kinda happy.

Come to think of it, I don’t think she’s ever had any female friends who treated her like this. The people around her usually just adored her like some kind of goddess—never treated her as an equal.

Yeah, good for you, Yukimori.

“Honestly… well, I guess it’s out now. Hatsuse, you’re helping.”

“You’re bossy.”

“If I grovel, sob and beg on my knees, will you help?”

“I don’t have a kink for that, thanks.”

What kind of monster do you think I am?

“Okay, I get the situation. I think there’s a shop around here Kazuki likes to buy from. Let’s head there.”

I take the lead, and the two of them follow behind.

Seriously, what a strange group this is.

Yukimori, the sheltered princess, who always heads straight home after school.

Toudou, the gyaru, who I’ve never seen hanging with other girls.

And me, a guy who barely interacts with either of them.

How did this even happen? Someone explain.

I glance back for a second.

“Huh? You got that limited-edition bag!? So jealous, I couldn’t get one…”

“If you’d like, I can give you one. I bought an extra.”

“For real!? Shizuku, you’re a goddess! Thanks—!”

“Nyapu!”

Excited, Toudou hugs Yukimori. With a full head of height difference between them, Yukimori’s head sinks into Toudou’s overflowing chest.

Yukimori’s are pretty big too, but Toudou’s are even bigger. It’s kinda… erotic.

But Yukimori doesn’t seem to mind at all.

Not like she’s all “heh heh” from being buried in boobs—more like, she’s genuinely happy to be interacting with a friend like this.

“Hm? …What’re you staring at?”

“…Nah, just thinking it’s kinda nice.”

“Pervert.”

“Not like that, jeez.”

I just mean, if this helps Yukimori relieve some stress, then great.

…Though if that happens, I guess I’ll be dismissed too.

Well, it can’t be helped. It’s not like Yukimori and I are dating. If she says the contract’s over, I’d have to accept it.

Still… that’d be kinda lonely.

“Alright, we’re here. This is the place.”

“Ooh… yeah, this looks about right.”

It wasn’t a clean, sparkly accessory shop—but a place with a more punk, edgy vibe.

Skull rings, cross necklaces, stuff like that sold at reasonable prices.

“What kind of stuff does Tomita like?”

“He buys just about anything, but he really likes new releases and cross motifs.”

“Crosses, huh…”

Toudou peered into the glass case of accessories.

Yukimori, also intrigued, starts chatting with her while looking over the merchandise.

Then Yukimori suddenly looks over at me, like she just realized something.

“Huh? But Hatsuse-kun, if Tomita comes here often, doesn’t he already have most of this stuff?”

“Sharp. You’re right—he’s probably already bought everything in the display case that matches his taste.”

“For real? Then this is pointless.”

“Not necessarily. If it’s not out on the shelves, he probably doesn’t have it yet. Give me a sec.”

I headed toward the back of the store and approached a woman behind the counter, polishing some accessories.

“Hmm? Oh hey, Hatsuse, long time no see.”

“Been a while, Sato-san.”

She had a bunch of piercings in her ears, rings, bracelets, necklaces—the perfect look for the owner of this kind of shop.

She glanced behind me, then tilted her head lazily.

“Huh, you brought girls with you? That’s rare. Tomita’s not with you?”

“Little complicated. This gyaru here—Toudou—is looking for a gift for him.”

“I’m T-Toudou, nice to meet you.”

“Hey there, I’m Sato. You’re a sweet one. Hope you keep coming by.”

Sato-san chuckled, tucked away the accessory she was polishing, and brought out something else.

“Tomita’s into crosses, right? I’ve got something good. I designed this myself. Right now, it’s only available at this store—and I haven’t even put it out on display yet.”

It was a slightly large necklace. Inside the silver cross frame, there was another smaller cross suspended.

Probably held in place with some internal metal.

When you shook it, the inner cross swayed and made a chime-like sound.

“This is amazing.”

“Yeah. Really beautiful and cool… Um, how much is it?”

“I was thinking about ¥20,000.”

“Oof…”

Twenty thousand yen… That’s a lot for a high schooler.

Thanks to Yukimori, I’m financially comfortable. And she’s obviously rich.

But Toudou is different.

“No way… but… ugh…”

“Want me to lend you the money?”