COTE: Chess

Chapter 5: Clash

Kiyotaka's POV.

"How did I end up in this situation? After class was over, I was just walking to the corridor, ready to head home, but suddenly Fuka-senpai blocked my path and dragged me here."

"Who are you talking to?" Nazuna-senpai asked.

"Nobody."

"You're kind of weird, Ayanokoji-kun. Anyway, I want to apologize once again and thank you for being willing to listen to Fuka's selfish request." Honestly, I don't. I'm just dragged here by force by Fuka-senpai, who makes me carry her bag.

"No problem." But I don't want to argue about something that has already happened. 

"Did you know what day it is today?" Before I could reply, Fuka-senpai materialized in front of us and took over.

"Hahaha! There is no day as significant as today; it is even more valuable than Christmas or New Year!" Honestly, I thought Fuka-senpai was more like a cool and collective person; it felt strange to see her this excited. It's not like I know her for more than an hour's.

"Fuka, you seem more energetic than usual; it creeps me up." Even Asahina-senpai thought the same thing. 

"Can you guess what it's Kouhai-kun." She completely ignored Asahina-senpai. Well, I don't recall any holidays on the calendar today, and the school doesn't seem to be celebrating anything either. Given Fuka-senpai's personality, a few possibilities come to mind.

"It's your birthday..." After I said that, she looked at me and gave me a radiant smile that lit up her entire face.

"You are absolutely right; that's precisely why you're my favourite junior." she said, her voice warm with genuine affection. If being your favourite junior causes this much trouble, I would rather not.

"Let's do some more shopping. I'm in an exceptionally great mood today." she said, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

"It's wonderful to see Fuka this happy."

"Sigh, I hope so..."

***

We've finally finished shopping. Not to be rude, but shopping with Kushida is more enjoyable, mostly because shopping with Fuka-senpai is more exhausting.

"Come on, order whatever you guys want. It's my treat."

"Then I'd like the cheesecake and a glass of orange juice, please." Asahina-senpai said.

"In that case, I'll have the black coffee."

"Don't be shy. You did a fantastic job accompanying me today, so you should order more." If Fuka-senpai said that, then I must have done a great job. After all, this is only my second time shopping with girls.

"It's okay." I'd be lying if I said I wasn't interested in the other items on the menu, but I'd prefer to savour them when I'm alone.

"Whatever you say." she replied. Shortly after that, the menu arrived, and we started eating while having a light conversation.

"Fuka, here you go." Asahina-senpai said, handing her a gift. Judging by the way it was wrapped, it must be a book.

"I don't know if it's to your taste, but I tried my best to pick a book you might like." she said with a hopeful smile.

"True, you don't have as elegant a taste as I do." she said with a teasing smile.

"If you don't want it, I'll take it back." she pouted, crossing her arms in mock annoyance. Honestly, Fuka-senpai can be a little annoying.