the best thing that's ever been mine

i've never been so wrapped up

Title from "Jump Than Fall" by Taylor Swift

Both girls are 7 at the beginning but that changes in this chapter!!

Time skip of about three days

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 For three days after the sleepover, Komaru thought constantly about the moments before she fell asleep that night. She knew that she was thinking too far into it, but when it came to Toko,(especially now) she couldn't help but worry.

"'Maru?" her mother's voice snaps Komaru back into the present, "Are you OK? You seem lost."

Komaru's cheeks flush, "Yea. Just thinking."

Mrs. Naegi nods hesitantly before turning to Makoto at the other side of the table, "Well anyway, Makoto, have you decided what you wanted to do yet?"

"For what?" Makoto asks.

"Your birthday!"

Komaru then remembers that her brother's birthday had been two weeks previously, but her family was too busy to plan a party on or near the exact date.

"Oh!" her brother exclaims, "I mean, I don't really know."

Mrs. Naegi sighed, "How about we just do something here? I'm sure your friends can all fit in the backyard, and you won't have to worry about picking a place!"

Makoto shrugs, "I guess that's fine, but..."

"But what?"

"What about Komaru? I don't want her there!"

Komaru snaps her head to glare at her brother, "That's mean!"

"I get it's your party, but you could've said that a little nicer," Mrs. Naegi sighs for the umpteenth time. "If it makes you feel better, she can invite another friend over. Then she won't even want to bother you."

Komaru perks up, her brother's earlier comment was now old news, "Can Toko come over!?"

"Of course," her mother smiles.

The family goes back to eating, and Mr. Naegi arrives later from work. The whole time, Komaru is almost shaking with excitement. However, when she leaves to go back to her room she realizes all that talk of birthdays, and Toko coming over again reminded her of something: She still didn't know when Toko's birthday was.

~~~~

At school the next day, the question still rattles in her mind.

How could I not know when her birthday is? She's my best friend!

She's so wrapped up in the thought that attempting to pay attention to Miss Haichi was a waste of Komaru's effort. She keeps glancing over at Toko, the words hanging heavy on her tongue.

Eventually she 'refuses let the question linger in her mind any longer, she taps Toko's arm beside her and whispers, "This is probably a stupid question, but..." she pauses.

Toko leans in with an expectant look as if to urge Komaru to get out with it already.

"When's your birthday? I don't think I've asked you."

Toko nods, slightly confused. "Oh! Uhm, it's March 3rd."

That's only two weeks away!

"Really!? Why didn't you tell me sooner?" Komaru whisper-shouted, eyes wide.

Toko shrugs in response, "I..I didn't think it mattered that much."

Komaru notices her friend's eyes dejectedly swivel towards the floor.