Amidst the shadows and the secrets

Night Sixty-Nine

"If you have to plan that something will be off." She hit his chest but not too hard. "Nice try. We're still in the kiss-and-make-out phase if I have to give it a name. I believe it's enough for the both of us for now."

"You're right." He did like to tease her a little. "So what do you want and skip my name? From the oldest to the youngest."

"Since he drinks coffee now and then, I thought of a violin on a mug." She smiled. "For Kanato some thread and needles. Maybe wool too, it could be worth a try. For Ayato, I had Jordan shoes in mind first but that's too much. Maybe a cookbook with takoyaki recipes in it with different varieties. For Subaru a book on tips for gardening roses. For Yui a crea book to try new things. Only Laito stayed empty for a while."

"Not bad, I wonder what you'll get me. And when are you going to give it to us." He did get curious but insisting wouldn't work. 

*** 

Chisana got what she wanted for Kanato, Yui, and herself in one shop. While paying for it all, she noticed Reiji taking the bag, after the presents were wrapped in gift paper.

"I didn't know there were coloring books for adults." Reiji also checked a color-by-number book that she chose for herself. A scratchbook also got his attention.

There is so much more that I had to be selective. "Thank you." She walked outside with him. "A book store next, for Subaru."

Knowing where to go, he took her through one street to another. "You could also give him new seeds for the garden. Even if he won't admit it, he does like the garden a lot."

Laughing, she heard the bell above the door upon entering it. "So he does have a hobby." She went looking for the gardening section. "But a real garden center is closed. Only the shops in the city are open longer." 

"If you can't find something here for Subaru, we can go to a garden center another day..."

"Found one." She went through her knees to get the book.

He found one as well. "And maybe this one." He gave it to her.

Coming back up, she flipped through the pages. "The price isn't so bad either to take them both." She caught his eyes. "I prefer the presents have about the same price. Knowing Ayato, he would try to compare them and boast about it if his present costs the most."

"That's one thing we want to avoid." He smiled to hear her reason. "I believe you almost have everything. Who is left?"

"Uh, that would be... Let's see, I have Shu, Kanato, Yui, myself," she laughed, "and Subaru. That leaves Laito, Ayato, and you. You as last." She patted his chest. And for you two things. One that you can unpack with everyone around, and one for when we're alone.

"Fair enough, and I take it I have to wait outside then." He followed her to the register, where she paid for the few books.

"Yes." She smiled at the man taking the bag. "Thank you."

"Laito has something with fashion. Even if it doesn't show since he only wears a fedora. A poorly chosen one at that." He remarked and noticed she stopped.

She hummed. "But it's his choice. However, you can change the ribbon on the hat, right? That could be a present." 

*** 

Having everything, Chisana went back home with Reiji and enjoyed the last bit of privacy she had with him. Even if it was just quiet, and she loved those moments as well. She sat on his lap with her head on his shoulder and felt his hand playing with her hair. I wonder when we can escape the others again. I like this far too much.