I hummed cheerfully to myself on the way home, carrying my bag of goodies. Tomorrow was Valentine's Day - specificaty, my first Valentine's Day since coming back in this town. I was so excited to share chocolates with all my friends for the first time in ten years that I wanted to make sure I did a little something special. I was not good enough to make anything myself yet, but I had gotten some cute boxes and ribbons to add my own personal touch to the store-bought candy.
"I'm home!" I announced as I entered Black Ship. Since I had stopped by te store on my own, all the normal crew had arrived ahead of me, taking up the usal corner table.
"Welcome back Aiko," Johji greeted me from behind the counter. "I wondered where you were. Look like you did some shopping today, huh?"
I nodded, unable to contain my enthusiasm. "Well yeah! Tomorrow is Valentine's Day , after all! I had to get chocolate."
Suddenly I felt as if all eyes were on me. "Oh really? Who are you giving chocolates to, Ootori?" Haruki asked.
You can't just ask that!" Rihito immediately scolded him. "This surprise is really important, especially to a girl!"
"You would know how girl feel," Takeshi quipped from behind his Shonen Hop.
"Aiko, I'm so disappointed!" Ryuzo cried, crestfallen. "To have that kind of relationship with a boy already..."
"Oh please, no one wants to date her," Ichigo scoffed.
"Sh-shut up, all of you!" I demanded, flustered. I really had not expected them to make a big deal out of it, but apparently Valentines chocolate was more signification now that we were in high school. I retreated to my room to hide the treats, and when I returned I refused to answer any of their questions, focusing on my homework instead.
~~~~~~~
I stayed up a little late that night tying ribbons and writing name tags neatly on each of the six boxes, but each one looked exactly as I had pictures. I slept soundly and woke early the next day, eager to give everyone their gifts. Five of the small boxes were carefully packed onto my school bag, and I carried the sixth downstairs. "Good morning Jo, Happy Valentine's Day!" I chirped, offering my landlord his chocolate right away.
"Ah, f-for me?" Johji looked surprised as he took the package from me and untied the chocolate hued ribbon. "Oh, these are..."
"Yes, green tea chocolates!" I confirmed with a smile. "I wanted to make sure I got something for each person that they really liked, not just generic chocolate. It's more meaningful that way, right?"
"Each person, huh? So you got chocolates for all your friends, then?" Johji's expression had related a little for some reason as I nodded. "Don't you girls usually give chocolates to the boy you like the most?"
"I've missed giving chocolates to everyone," I answered, avoiding that topic. "I really just want to show them my appreciation for being my friends even after all this time. And to you, for taking care of me ever since I came back to town."
Johji laughed heartily. "If you say to Aiko! Just make sure to tell me all about the look on their faces when you give them their chocolate, okay?" I was confused by his interest in that topic, but agreed.
After breakfast I headed out the door with a smile on my face. Luck was in favor when I caught Rihito on hid way to the train station. "Richy, wait up!" I called out, waving to him. The younger boy stopped, giving me his very best charming smile.
"Good morning Aiko!" he id brightly. "Did you need something?"
"Yes, I wanted to give you this!" I glanced into my bag and found the box tied with a yellow ribbon, than presented it with a flourish. "Happy Valentine's Day, Richy! I hope you still like strawberry."
