Hazuki held her body with both hands and writhed in agony, as if she had some sort of twisted fetish. Ignoring my dismay, Hazuki nodded her head in agreement.

 

"As expected… NTR is all about childhood friends, right?"

 

"Don't expect me to answer… I’m not into that kind of thing."

 

"You have a talent for it."

 

"What part of it is talent…?"

 

I couldn't help but smile. Hazuki also smiled happily, but her expression quickly turned serious.

 

"Now then… jokes aside, we haven't figured out what you're going to buy as Airi-san’s present, right?"

 

"Right."

 

That’s right, this isn’t the time to think of this as a date with Hazuki or that I’m two-timing or anything like that.

 

My goal was to buy a present for Airi. The reason I didn't tell her was because… I wanted it to be a "surprise."

 

"Is this supposed to be an apology for forgetting about the Halloween party?"

 

"Yeah, that’s right."

 

A while back on Halloween, I made Airi angry. For the time being, I was forgiven… but that didn't change the fact that she, who was looking forward to it, was let down.

 

So, I decided to give her a present as an apology. In short, it's a way to make up for her missing out on her Halloween candy.

 

"But... don't you guys already give each other gifts on Christmas and birthdays every year? You’ve known Airi-san for a longer time than me, Kazami-san… Would my opinion even matter?"

 

The reason I invited her was because I wanted to listen to "a girl's opinion." It’s true that I had known Airi for a long time and had come to know her tastes and hobbies.

 

But in the end, Airi was a girl and I was a guy. There are limits to what I can and can’t do.

 

"I don’t usually get big, expensive stuff for her. Just things like hand cream or handkerchiefs..."

 

"Oh I see. So… I guess that means, this time, you're trying to push yourself into getting those kinds of things, right?"

 

"That's about the gist of it… What are you grinning about?"

 

"Well… as someone who has been watching over the two of you since middle school, I’m just deeply moved that you guys have finally reached that stage." Hazuki crosses her arms and nods.

 

The words ``Inexperienced Guru'' flashed through my mind.

 

"...Well, anyway, it’s about time we head out."

 

"I agree."

 

Hazuki and I finally started walking towards the shopping mall.

 

When we left the station… a strong, cold wind blew.

 

Suddenly, Hazuki's body trembled slightly.

 

"Oh... it's cold… I wish I had worn a little bit more clothing…"

 

As Hazuki let out words of regret… I pointed at my scarf.

 

"Shall I lend it to you?"

 

"Huh? N-no, I don’t feel like troubling you..."

 

"Well, don't worry about it. I was the one who invited you after all." Saying that, I took off my scarf from my neck and hung it around Hazuki's shoulders. 

 

For some reason, she started to roll up the scarf she received while looking away from me, and after she did, she finally turned towards me.

 

"By any chance, are you always doing this to Airi-san? You're such a womanizer!" Hazuki laughed, making fun of me.

 

I shrugged my shoulders.

 

"Of course not. Usually I don’t do this… I only lend half to Airi."

 

"……Half !?" Hazuki’s eyes flew wide open.

 

"...So does that mean you use it together?"

 

"Yeah, why……?"

 

"This womanizer…" Hazuki repeated her words in a whisper.

 

She looked quite disappointed… or was it just my imagination?

​

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※

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​

​

Meanwhile, around the same time.

​

​

 

"I-I can't believe it's Hina-chan...!"

 

"W-Why do you only lend me half?!"

 

A suspicious person wearing sunglasses and a mask was standing in the shadows, looking shocked.

​

 

 

※

​

​

 

After leaving the station and walking for a few minutes, Hazuki asked me a question once we arrived at the large shopping mall.

 

"By the way, do you have any idea of what to buy?"

 

It would take too much time to wander around aimlessly in this large commercial building. Naturally, I have no intention of visiting all the stores.

 

"I’m thinking accessories would be a nice thing to get."

 

"There are many kinds of accessories..."

 

"Then, how about a pair of earrings or a pendant?"

 

I always had the impression that rings were the types of gifts given during engagements and marriages. Earrings or pendants, on the other hand, are probably a safer option. Otherwise, I might get some misunderstandings.

 

"Oh, I see. If so, I think earrings would be good.  They look romantic and lovely."

 

"...Romantic?"

 

"’I want to always be by your side. I want to protect you.’ That's the kind of emotion you plan to put into it, right?"

 

"N-no, I don’t intend to imply that…"

 

That’s what it means...?

 

As I stood there looking confused, Hazuki gave me a grin.

 

"What’s this? You don't want to be with her?"

 

"I’m not denying that, but…" I muttered.

 

I wanted to continue being with Airi. Those were my true feelings, even if I was too embarrassed to say it out loud. Even if she isn’t the one standing beside me.

 

"Hahaha, I was just joking. By the way… may I suggest something?"

 

"By all means. Let me hear it."

 

I would like to listen to a "girl’s opinion.".

 

"How about perfume or balm? Airi-san, must wear it a lot, right?"

 

When I thought of Airi's scent, what comes to mind were the scent of various perfumes and scented oils. She seemed to have several types, and switched them around depending on the day. No wonder she smelled a little differently each day.

 

…I secretly looked forward to smelling those scents every morning.

 

"That's what I thought too..."

 

"Hmm. Then, why not get this?"

 

"...I like it, but I don’t think I should get it. She’s very picky."

 

I didn't even know what kind of perfume Airi wore. If I were to buy the same kind she already had… she would be annoyed.

 

Moreover, if it had a scent that she didn’t like, or if it was combined with an existing product she already had, it would be troubling for her. That was why I usually chose presents for Airi that were odorless.

 

As such, I always checked the hand creams to see if they were fragrance-free.

 

"It would’ve been better if you knew more about her… but you don’t, right?"

 

"You assuming I don’t is very annoying…"

 

"But you don't, right?"

 

"...Yeah, I don't know." Hazuki shrugged her shoulders slightly.

 

In the end, the two of us decided to start off by going into a store where accessories were sold.

 

"Hmm, I don't know..."

 

That was the conclusion I came to after a quick look around the store. I had never really worn accessories before, so I had no idea whether they were good or bad, and I really had no clue regarding Airi’s preferences.

 

However... that was exactly why I brought Hazuki along. I turned to her with a hopeful look.

 

"How is it, Kazami-san? Does it suit me?" Hazuki said as she held a necklace up around her neck.

 

…Does this girl even remember what the purpose of this is?

 

"What's the matter?"

 

"...I won't buy it for you, you know?"

 

"I was just kidding… like, look as if I’m Airi-san."

 

"Hmm… it’s not bad..."

 

As I said that, I checked the price tag, and I couldn’t help but immediately shut my mouth.

 

"T-that's expensive..."

 

"...I think it's relatively cheap."

 

The truly expensive products were kept in glass cases so that customers weren’t able to easily touch them.

 

That product, in fact, had a relatively modest price compared to other things in the store.

 

"It's not like I can't afford it, but Airi's parents would get angry if I buy something too expensive for her."

 

Airi would also be troubled by it. I didn’t want them to think that I was irresponsible.

 

"I see. So, how much are you planning on spending?"

 

"Now that you mention it..."

 

I thought about Hazuki's question for a while before answering her, and she laughed at that response.

 

"At that price… it’s definitely worth it, right?"

 

"I think it’d be better if it had a more pleasant design…"

 

"Accessories are proportional to their price."

 

If something was of poor quality, you could clearly tell that it is bad.

 

I nodded my head in agreement to Hazuki’s remark.

 

"Alright then, let's leave this store."

 

"Are you sure?"

 

"Objectively speaking, I may have been overthinking it."

 

To begin with, accessories are generally expensive. If you were to choose the cheapest one, the quality will be lower overall.

 

In the first place... Hazuki's and Airi's tastes don't necessarily match. If it didn't suit Airi's taste, there was no point in buying it. Plus, it wasn’t cost-effective. For now, we decided to leave the shop.

 

"I’d like to get something that could be used more on a daily basis."

 

"What do you mean?"

 

"Since the necklace is a little expensive, Airi can’t use it all the time. Is there anything… she would want to get from me?"

 

"Ah, I wouldn’t know about that..." Hazuki chuckled, but put her hand on her chin as she thought about it.

 

"…How about getting her some expensive underwear?"

 

"…Are you insane?"

 

It’s one thing for lovers who have had a physical relationship together, but giving lingerie to a childhood friend is just plain sexual harassment. She would think I was disgusting.

 

"Sorry, it just popped into my mind. Yeah, you’re right, I don’t think you should…"

 

"Underwear is out of the question, but what about clothes?" Even though I said it myself, I immediately started to think twice about that decision.

 

It was the same issue as giving her perfume. I was sure Airi had her own preferences and tastes.

 

"Hmm, or..."

 

Hazuki clapped her hands.

 

"What about cosmetics?"

​

​

​

※

​

​

​

Meanwhile, the stalker at that time.

 

"H-hmph… You’ll get accessories for Hina-chan, but for me, just a handkerchief, huh... hmph…"

 

"Ah, you aren’t going to buy it… r-right? It’s too expensive. After all, there's no way Ibuki-kun has that kind of money..."

​

​

​

※

​

​

​

"Cosmetics?"

 

"Yes. It depends on the item, but since they’re consumables, I think I wouldn't be troubled receiving it unless it's something really strange. I’d be happy to receive a slightly higher-quality item that I wouldn't normally buy."

 

I nodded my head in agreement.

 

The issue was that I didn't know what was good and bad when it came to cosmetics...

 

"By the way, Hazuki, did you put on makeup today?"

 

But, there was a person right here who was wearing makeup. In other words, I could simply ask her, Hazuki, for advice on that matter.

 

"Oh, thanks for noticing." Hazuki said while playing with her hair.

 

As you’d expect, I could at least notice the difference when someone was wearing makeup compared to when they weren’t.

 

"You look prettier than usual."

 

"Eh, ah, yes. Y-You think so? You, you’re such a womanizer..."

 

Hazuki scratched her cheek in embarrassment, before lightly picking up the scarf that I had lent to her with her fingers.

 

"Do you usually say things like that to Airi-san?"

 

"No, I don’t but..."

 

I also scratched my cheek after hearing Hazuki's question. Of course, Airi sometimes wore makeup, but she usually didn’t talk about it.

 

"Huh, why is that?"

 

"...It's not something you would say to your childhood friend."

 

I was too embarrassed to say things like, ‘Today, you look even cuter than usual’ to Airi. If I were to be told something like, ‘Don't suddenly say something so disgusting’ in return, I’d rather not say anything at all.

 

"I think you should tell her. I'm sure she'll be happy."

 

"No way. It’s not that simple."

 

"No… I think it's 3,000 times simpler than what you think, Kazami-san."

 

While we were having this conversation, we entered a store where cosmetics were sold. I couldn't help but frown at the smell of various fragrances mixed together.

 

"I think there are a lot of cosmetics out there, but do you have any choice in mind?"

 

"I think lotion is a safe bet…"

 

"I see, so it is." Hazuki nodded her head in agreement.

 

Considering that makeup such as foundation weren’t allowed at school, the situations in which it could be used were limited...

 

On the other hand, lotion could be used every morning and night. I thought it would be the most appropriate thing to get as a present.

 

"But is it any different from your usual hand cream?"

 

"Huh...? T-That’s… now that you mentioned it..."

 

Hazuki's question left me at a loss for words.

 

Now that I think about it, I feel that there isn’t much of a difference between receiving lotion or hand cream as a "present." Neither have that special feeling to it.

 

Normally it would be okay to use the same hand cream right? Of course it would be.

 

"I think we should try some other options."

 

"But when it comes to things other than lotion, I don’t know anything about it, including tastes…"

 

"If you happen to pick something strange, I'll be there to stop you. Besides...if Airi were to receive a present from you, I think she would be delighted to use it, right..?"

 

"Y-You think so? I feel like I'm going to be criticized harshly..."

 

With Hazuki's encouragement, I browsed the store, looking over other cosmetics that weren’t lotion. Even though I considered Hazuki’s and the staff's opinions, I stopped listening midway through and finally picked up my first choice.

 

"...What do you think about something like this?"

 

"Huh... I guess that's fine. I think it's wonderful."

 

It seemed to be approved by Hazuki’s judgment, and so I was able to get her approval.

 

What about the color? I feel like this one would suit Airi better... No, but won’t this one suit her tastes more?

 

"...By the way, Kazami-san, is there any kind of message or thought you’re putting into that?"

 

Hazuki asked me this while I was thinking about which item to choose. Naturally, there wasn’t any deeper meaning behind this action other than as an apology for Halloween.

 

"Huh? No, I don’t think so …? Well, it's winter now.  So maybe she’ll  need this to moisturize..."

 

"Hmm, you’re right, you’re right..."

 

"...Um, what do you think about this one ?" I asked Hazuki, who started grinning for some reason.

 

I was worried that it might have some special meaning behind it, like putting on a ring on your partner’s left hand.

 

"No, it’s nothing special. There's no problem with it."

 

"I-Is that so ...?"

 

"I'm sure Airi-san will be happy with it."

 

"Yeah, I guess…? Alright, let's get this then..."

 

Since Hazuki gave me the thumbs up, I decided to buy it. I asked the staff to wrap the package neatly with things like ribbons before leaving the store.

 

"Thank you for joining me today. Was there anything that you were planning to buy? The least I could do is carry your bags..."

 

"..."

 

"...Hazuki?"

 

I was confused by the lack of response, so I turned my attention to Hazuki, who was walking next to me. She, on the other hand, didn't answer me and just stared at a corner of the store.

 

"Ku, fufu, aha, kukuku..."

 

Then, all of a sudden, she hugged her stomach and started laughing.

 

...What just happened?

 

"…Is there something funny?"

 

"N-no… there isn’t, for sure… T-There really isn’t anything....!"

 

Hazuki laughed out loud and wiped the tears from her eyes, before turning towards me.

 

"Are you going to accompany me when I go shopping?"

 

"Uh, yeah... well... um, are you okay? I mean, what’s with your face?"

 

"Don't worry about it. Anyway… I want to buy some clothes and underwear, so please come with me."

 

"Oh, okay… wait, what?" Hazuki's words brought me to a complete stop.

 

"…Underwear?"

 

"That’s right."

 

"...Wouldn’t it be bad if we entered together?"

 

"It’s okay, you don’t have to come along if you don’t want to. Does this kind of thing make you feel uncomfortable?"

 

"N-no, I’m fine...!"

 

Hazuki grinned at me, and I shook my head from side to side over and over again.

​

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※

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​

​

After Hazuki finished shopping, we left the shopping center. Instead of making a detour, I headed straight to the station.

 

"Oh gosh, I feel bad for making you carry all of it.…Would you like me to carry half of those?"

 

"No, it's fine. I was the one who said I would carry your bags." While saying that, I lightly lifted the paper bag in both hands...

 

I sighed inwardly. From this perspective, I didn't even know who, between the two of us, was meant to tag along with the other’s shopping. 

 

"It's almost about time we part ways."

 

Hazuki pointed out as we arrived in front of the station.

 

"Is that so? If it’s okay with you, I wouldn’t  mind taking you home..."

 

"No need, it's still bright outside." She refused my offer.

 

Well, like she said, there was no need to force myself to follow along. We live in opposite directions, after all.

 

"Okay. Then… I believe these belong to you." As I said that, I held out both of the paper bags I was holding to Hazuki.

 

Hazuki nodded and pointed to the scarf she was wearing.

 

"Before that, I'll return this to you."

 

After saying that, Hazuki carefully removed the scarf and handed it back to me. After which, she seemed to be in deep thought.

 

"...Before we part ways, can I ask you one thing?"

 

"Yeah?"

 

Hazuki placed her arms around my shoulder as I leaned my head and stretched myself slightly. As I looked confused, Hazuki's face began to get closer. And then……

 

"Stooooooop!!"

 

Suddenly, a loud voice could be heard echoing from across us. I panicked and turned around.

 

"...Airi?"

 

There stood a small person wearing sunglasses and a mask. She looked like someone nine out of ten people would draw if asked to draw a suspicious person. Although her face was hidden, her striking blonde hair and distinctive voice was a dead giveaway.

 

My childhood friend, Airi Kamishiro, was the person standing there.

 

"...What are you doing dressed like that?"

 

"Eh, ah, n-no..."

 

In response to my question, the suspicious person, whom I thought was Airi, turned the other way. Then, as if to say she had the wrong person, she started humming.

 

"Kazami-san. It seems you've got the wrong person. Shall we continue?"

 

"Huh? Ah… continue?"

 

"Stop!!"

 

Airi was taken by surprise by Hazuki's remark, and stepped in between the two of us in a panic. She spread her arms and forcibly separated me and Hazuki.

 

"Um..."

 

...It's a bit troubling to see that kind of face. To begin with, I have no idea what they’re talking about.

 

I tilted my head.

 

"What's wrong?"

 

Hazuki asked with a grin on her face before I could, while Airi was taken aback by her question.

 

"N-no, there's nothing wrong..."

 

"So then, is it okay that we continue?"

 

"N-no! No!!"

 

"What’s the problem?"

 

Hazuki grinned, Airi was in a panic, while I was left out of the loop and couldn't understand the flow of the conversation at all.

 

"Uh, uh... um... what should I say..."

 

"What is it?"

 

"I-I… u-um, don’t think it’s okay for Ibuki-kun and Hina-chan to do that sort of thing, but it’s not my place to say… ..."

 

"So then, you’re saying we can do that?"

 

"Of course not! You shouldn’t!"

 

"So which one is it? Is it not okay? Or is it? If not, then why not?"

 

Airi's eyes grew wider from Hazuki's question. Airi herself didn't seem to understand why it was ‘not okay’. However, I had no idea what they were talking about in the first place.

 

"I-it's... that's... y-you know... it's kind of awkward for friends to be doing things like that... um..."

 

"Hmm..."

 

"T-That’s enough! U-Unless you guys have any complaints!?" Hazuki looked at Airi with doubtful eyes, but Airi raised her voice and yelled as if she was getting angry.

 

"No, well… I’ll listen to you this time."

 

"Eh, you’re okay with that…?"

 

"Yes. If you don't want me to do it to Kazami-san, then Airi-san should do it."

 

"Huh?"

 

"Here, do it for me."

 

After Hazuki said that, she went behind Airi, who looked stunned, and pushed her shoulders. Airi was then shoved forward in front of me, fidgeting.

 

"Huh? Huh? ...Huh!?"

 

"Look, look here… at Kazami-san, don’t keep him waiting, okay?"

 

"W-wait...! I-I don't know what you mean, or rather, why would I..."

 

"...Then, is it okay if I do it?"

 

" T-That’s..."

 

Airi's back was pushed hard by Hazuki, and she looked up at me, her face turning bright red.

 

...It's a bit troubling to see that kind of face. To begin with, I have no idea what they’re talking about.

 

"If Airi-san doesn’t do it, I will…"

 

"I-I know that...!"

 

Airi nodded with determination and grabbed both of my arms, before standing on her tiptoes and bringing her face close to mine.

 

"Wait." I placed my hands on Airi's shoulders and forcibly held her down.

 

Airi looked shocked and opened her eyes.

 

"W-What !? A-Am I not good enough...? D-Do you really like Hina-chan that much?"

 

"I don't understand... What are you guys talking about? What are you going to do to me?" I asked Airi something that I had been wondering about for a while now.

 

Then, she lowered her eyes in embarrassment.

 

"Oh, that's..."

 

"There was a dead leaf on Kazami-san's head, so I thought she'd help you take it off." Just as Hazuki pointed out, I reached out to touch my hair.

 

"...Ah, it's true."

 

I removed the dead leaf that was on me. It was windy today, so some of the leaves from the trees along the road might have been blown onto me.

 

"Thank you."

 

"No, you're welcome."

 

"……Huh?"

 

Airi looked taken aback by the exchange between me and Hazuki. She had left her mouth open in complete shock.

 

"…A dead leaf?"

 

"Yes. A dead leaf."

 

"U-Um……"

 

"What did you think it was?" Hazuki asked Airi with a grin.

 

Airi's eyes then widened at Hazuki's question.

 

"A-A dead leaf! I-it was definitely because of a dead leaf! W-what else could it be, right?!"

 

"It’s just like I said. You weren’t planning to do anything else... right?" Airi stomped her feet in frustration at Hazuki's words.

 

...Alone and in the dark, I asked Airi a question.

 

"What did you misunderstand?"

 

"Eh? I-I don't think I've misunderstood anything!" Airi inevitably rolled her eyes as she said that.

 

I was suspicious... but if it was like that, I didn't think they'd be telling me about it anytime soon.

 

"Really? ...Then, let's go back to the question from earlier. What are you doing dressed like that?"

 

"Eh? This... it's... it's nothing! I-I tend to wear different kinds of fashion!"

 

"That’s true, but…" I couldn't help but smile.

 

"Um, did you come all this way like that?"

 

"Uhh, o-of course not..."

 

"I won’t get mad at you."

 

"..."

 

Airi had an awkward expression on her face.

 

"I-I… I-I was curious..."

 

"…You were curious?"

 

"Y-yeah… I-I was wondering what kind of girl Ibuki-kun would go on a date with… I-I-I never thought that Hina-chan and Ibuki-kun had that kind of relationship..."

 

"..."

 

‘A date. That kind of relationship.’ Finally enlightened by her words, I understood that it seemed like Airi had made a huge misunderstanding.

 

"I, uh, I said a lot of things earlier, but I, uh, I don’t really care, uh... I’m rooting for you, so... you don’t need to worry about me. It's okay... but, uh, just hang out with me for a little bit once in a while...''

 

"It's not like Hazuki is my girlfriend or anything." I said to Airi, who was looking a bit down and depressed.

 

Then, she looked up with a surprised expression.

 

"Huh? W-Was I wrong...?"

 

"How did you come to that conclusion in the first place?"

 

"Because... you guys were on a date together..."

 

"Is it really that weird to go shopping with a friend?"

 

Airi and I often hung out, but that didn't mean she and I were boyfriend and girlfriend.

 

"Oh, it's not weird… but… but..."

 

It seems like she's not convinced, as Airi looked dissatisfied with what I said and had a suspicious look on her face.

 

"You... were hiding it from me. So... I followed you… If you were just shopping, why did you keep it a secret?"

 

"Ah, that's right..." I scratched my cheek at Airi's question.

 

It seemed like it would be difficult to hide it any further, and getting into a fight with her over it would be pointless.

 

……Guess I have no choice.

 

"...I was hoping that the timing could have been a bit better, but..."

 

From the paper bag, I took out a small box wrapped in ribbon and decorative paper, before handing it directly to Airi.

 

"…Um, w-what’s this…?"

 

Airi looked up at me with a slightly excited expression. I guess she finally figured it out, since there was no sign of dissatisfaction or anxiety like her expression from earlier.

 

"...A present. It’s a bit too early for Christmas, so.... it's an apology for Halloween."

 

" T-Thank you..."

 

Airi took the box from me with both hands and hugged it tightly, pressing it against her chest.

 

"...Can I open it?" She asked while looking up at me.

 

When I nodded yes, Airi untied the ribbon with a happy expression before carefully 

opening the wrapping paper.

 

……I’m nervous.

 

"……Lip balm?"

 

What I bought for Airi was a pink lip balm. It was quite expensive, so it shouldn't be of poor quality.

 

"Well, it's dry in the winter. I don't know much about the brand, but I don’t think it's a bad item. I asked Hazuki to look at it too. If you like it, feel free to use it." Feeling embarrassed, I turned my head away as I said that to her.

 

I then slightly turned my gaze to see Airi's reaction.

 

"Ah, thank you...! I'll put it to good use!" Airi turned to me with a big smile. I was relieved at seeing how she seemed to like it.

 

"Woah, it's so stylish."

 

"...!!"

 

After all that, Hazuki, who had been silent until now, started talking.

 

I instinctively lowered my face out of embarrassment, and Airi did the same. Hazuki then approached her and put her mouth next to her ear.

 

"────?"