Side Heroine

21-30

21

Chapter 21: Staying Conscious

"I'm happy with any present, but I would like to go out with Shiori-san."

I was met with those pleasant words when I asked if she'd like to go shopping for a present together.

Ahh, so cute. I want to give you whatever you want. I'll give you everything I have.

July 7th of this year, a Monday, the day of Sara's birthday.

I suggested that we should go buy it the day before. I see her every Sunday for tutoring, so we could take a break from her studies and go out. However Sara shook her head and said.

"Recently I've been having trouble in school, so if possible, I'd like it if you could still teach me on that day. If it's convenient, how about Saturday?"

"Okay, I'm free on Saturday. So we can buy your gift on Saturday, and on Sunday we study."

"Yeah! Oh, this is the first time I am seeing Shiroi-san on Saturday and Sunday."

We only meet on the weekday mornings and Sundays, but this is the first time we've set a date for Saturday. In other words, I will be seeing Sara everyday leading up to her birthday!

I'm going to have a nosebleed. I'm so excited.

Getting to meet almost everyday, it's priceless.

"Ah, that's right. Hey if it's okay with Shiori-san, why don't you just stay the night on Saturday?"

"Eh?"

Sara clapped her hands together as she made that unexpected proposal.

"Why don't we study on Saturday, and have you stay overnight, then on Sunday morning we can go out?"

"Ahh, I see."

Well that would be more efficient. We are going to meet again the next day, and that would eliminate the trouble of traveling to her house again.

Above all, it's a chance to stay at Sara's house! There is no way I can miss this opportunity! ! Staying means I can see the background rooms in Sara's house, places I haven't set foot in yet. It's a feeling of going on a pilgrimage to a sacred place. I definitely want to go.

"Okay, I'll stay at your place. Though I have to check with my parents first."

Though my parents wouldn't object.

"Alright! Then this Saturday is a pajama party!"

"Yeah, I'm looking forward to it. I haven't done this since I was in elementary school."

"I've never done it!"

Sara's cheeks lit up as her face exploded with life. Whether it's just staying up late on a saturday night, or playing games with her, I can't help but look forward to whatever happens.

There isn't a choice though but to persuade my parents. If they say no, all plans are off. However it shouldn't be too hard.

"Ah, but I don't have a guest futon, so we will need to share a bed, is that alright?"

. . .Seriously? No, that's fine. We are just friends, and I don't have any weird feelings, but I still feel a little conscious of it.

That bed is the bed from the game. It's a contact point between Aoi and Sara. It's a skin touching scene.