The school day passed by as eventfully as always. At least, for me. Like I planned, I stuck with my lovely birthday girl even in our classes, where we had to go to another room, like the science lab. The girl was adorably flustered by the attention that her cheeks remained in a near-constant shade of pink as I made sure she felt like the center of my world today.
Between classes, I'd slip her little notes with doodles and sweet messages. It was such a little thing, but each one made her giggle in appreciation. She'd respond with sneaky kisses and some intimate gestures like holding my hand or leaning close to me.
At one point, I handed her the draft she was asking for about that short story I narrated to her last night. She then began supplementing additional details, making it a more colorful world with perspectives from both characters.
During lunch, we surprised her with a small cake that Satsuki and Mio bought for the girl. Yep. That's why I didn't cook additional pancakes earlier. She got a better cake for today.
The way her eyes sparkled when she blew it out, surrounded by everyone who joined in singing a quiet 'Happy Birthday', was worth every bit of planning.
After that, I went to do my daily report to Hayashi-sensei, then I visited Shio, Ryouko-san and Orimura-sensei.
Because I kind of stayed a lot longer with the girls today, those visits were quick.
Ah. Right. Hayashi-sensei held me up for a bit longer. I brought up the possibility of bringing a celebrity to our school during the Cultural Festival. At first, she thought I was joking but when Kaoru-san called me right at that moment, I had Hayashi-sensei talk to her to iron out the details.
When that call ended, she got me pinned on the sofa and pressed me for an answer as to why Mabushisa Asahi's manager could directly contact me. She probably thought I also had a relationship with Kaoru-san but upon revealing that Asahi is the one who's intimately connected to me, she stared at me in disbelief.
She took a while to process that information, resulting in her pinning me long enough that I ended up holding her for a few minutes.
Upon realizing it, Hayashi-sensei pretended to be unfazed by it and she moved back to her table before kicking me out of her room.
Before leaving though, I caught her staring at my back with her piercingly hot gaze.
After that, the afternoon classes just passed by normally. I continued sticking close to Aya, close enough that Satsuki, who was seated on my side, grumpily grumbled about being jealous.
When the bell rang for the end of the 7th period, I ended up walking her to the Gymnasium with Aya.
"Alright, stop pouting already. I'll treat you even better on your birthday." I said as we arrived at the side door of the Gymnasium.
Satsuki narrowed her eyes and clicked her tongue, "Who said I want you to do that? And don't say that when Aya is just next to you. Ugh… Sorry, Aya."
"Hehe. It's fine. You're adorable, Satsuki. If I were in your shoes, I might've acted the same way. Ruki's attention is… just irresistible, isn't it?" Aya finished as her small hand squeezed mine.
Her soft voice sounded like a tickle to both Satsuki and me. Her cheeks remained flushed from the day's attention and her eyes sparkled with that quiet confidence she'd been growing into.
Satsuki lightly punched my chest before turning to Aya.
"Tch. You're too nice, Aya. Makes it hard to stay grumpy." She crossed her arms, her basketball uniform already on, the sleeves slightly rolled up to show off her toned arms. "Fine, idiot. Go do your thing with the others. I've got practice to focus on."
I chuckled, stepping closer to her and brushing a stray lock of hair from her face. "Mhm. Do your best. Send my regards to Kawakami-senpai and the others too."
"You… If I didn't know any better, I'd think you're also charming my seniors."
She grabbed me by my collar before leaning in, pressing a quick but firm kiss on my lips.
Her cheeks flared red despite her attempt to act unbothered.
"Ugh, get outta here! But… pick me up before you go with that sleepover!" She huffed and swatted my chest lightly before turning to Aya. "You too, birthday girl. Don't let him spoil you too much, or this idiot will get this smug every time."
Aya giggled, her head tilting adorably. "Too late for that. But I'll keep him in check. Have fun at practice, Satsuki!"
With a final grumble, Satsuki pushed through the side door.
I watched her alluring athletic back as she disappeared inside.
Aya tugged at my hand, pulling my attention back to her. "Ruki, you're so good at handling her. She acts tough, but she's so soft for you."
I smirked, wrapping an arm around her waist as we started walking back toward the club building. "She's not the only one who's soft for me, birthday girl. You've been melting all day. Besides, it's the same with you, right? My adorable Aya has now become more open to everyone. I'm really glad to see that."
"You… it's all because of you, Ruki.
Her blush deepened, and she buried her face against my shoulder for a moment, her voice muffled. "Also, the way you keep doing all these sweet things… the notes, the cake, staying with me all day… Anyone will feel special and start wanting to be the best version of themselves for you."
I tilted her chin up gently, meeting her wide, doe-like eyes. "Is that so? You girls deserve to be appreciated. If anything, I'm just trying my best to keep you all by my side. You all accepted me for who I am. This is the least I can do."
"Ruki… I love you. We love you. I can feel jealous, too but it cannot outweigh how much I love you. You changed my outlook on life."
I couldn't help but grin at her words. She's so adorable . And the way she delivered that, laced with her determination and affection, was simply amazing.
Before continuing on our way to the Literature Club, I brought her to the unoccupied clubroom we often used to get our private time.
As the door clicked shut behind us, the faint noise of the school faded into a distant murmur. With one of its curtains half-drawn, the unoccupied clubroom was bathed in the soft, golden light of the late afternoon. Read complete version only at novel•fire.net
Aya's small frame fidgeted slightly. Then she pressed closer to me, her warmth seeping through the uniform as my hand rested on her back, guiding her gently toward the sofa tucked in the corner.
"Is.. is this another birthday gift, Ruki?" She tilted her head adorably as her cheek gradually turned crimson. Despite looking a little shy at first, she boldly clung to me, understanding what we were about to do. Her eyes sparkled with a mix of anticipation and trust that made my heart skip.
"Another birthday gift?" I echoed, my lips curling into a teasing smile as I leaned down, brushing my nose against hers. "Maybe. But it depends if my birthday girl thinks she can handle a little extra spoiling."
Aya's cheeks flushed a deeper crimson, but she didn't pull away. Instead, her arms slid up to loop around my neck, her fingers tangling in my hair as she stood on her tiptoes. "Ruki… you've already made today so special. And you're making it even more special…"
Her words, soft but certain, sent a surge of warmth through me. I tightened my grip on her waist, lifting her slightly to ease her onto the edge of the sofa. She settled there, her skirt fanning out around her thighs.
There was something so captivating about Aya , her quiet strength, her vulnerability, the way she opened up to me like a flower blooming under careful sunlight.
I knelt in front of her, my hands resting on her knees as my thumbs lightly drew circles on her soft skin. Gradually, the girl opened her legs and pulled me in.
With this, my head ended up close to her chest. I looked up at her and she met my gaze with an affectionate smile.
"What does my Aya want to do?"
Perhaps not expecting me to ask her , her eyes widened a bit as she bit her lips, "I like to be embraced by you, Ruki. Intimately."
"Then, your wish is my command." Upon saying that, I straightened my back and my hands slid from her thighs to her waist, enclosing her in my arms as I pulled her closer, her small frame fitting perfectly against me.
Aya held her breath before letting out a satisfied sigh as her arms tightened around my neck, her body melting into the embrace. The intimacy of the moment wasn't rushed, wasn't frantic. It was gentle like we were savoring every second of being this close.
"Ruki…" She sweetly whispered my name as her lips pressed against my ear before her face nestled into the crook of my neck. "This… this is what I meant. Just you, holding me . It's more than enough."
"More than enough? Nope. It's not nearly enough yet, Aya. Let's make your birthday even more memorable."