44. Gifts

Returning their hug I recollected my feelings and broke the hug. They both stayed by my side as I continued to stare at the gift they both gave.

I heard Miyagawa-Senpai from the side, "Go on Rei-Kun, open the gift."

Nodding, I slowly unwrapped the gift they gave with such care. Opening the wrap I could see a box and opening it was a black screen around the palm-size with a button at the bottom. It was a smartphone, and by the look of it was the latest model.

I saw this on Television some days back and it is very costly. I immediately pushed it back towards Miyagawa-Senpai and said, "I can't take this Senpai. It is too costly."

This time it was Nakatomi-Senpai who swung her arm around my neck and tried to choke me by saying, "You dare to refuse it Rei? Especially when we both bought it for you. Just take it." even though her tone was rough, I could feel kindness in it.

I took the phone into my hand and passed the box to Nakatomi-Senpai. I turned it on and checked everything.

Nakatomi-Senpai then stretched her hand and asked, "Give me your old phone." while taking the new phone.

I passed my old phone also to her. She took out the SIM from the old one and kept it inside the old one. She handed the old phone back and continued to do something to the new one with Miyagawa-Senpai showing her from time to time. As they continued to fiddle with the new phone I stared at the old one given by dad. Closing it, I kept it back in my pockets and stared at the two before me.

Completing her work, Nakatomi-Senpai handed me the phone back and said, "I made a group of us three to talk. As you already have our numbers." I nodded and stayed quiet.

We three walked back as the sun was setting. Reaching a juncture I told goodbye and went towards my house staring at the new phone and checking its functions. The phone was way better than my old one; it had additional features and a fast reaction.

I continued to play with my phone till I reached the house. Entering it, I went towards the kitchen and found Narumi-san together with Meiko preparing dishes.

Narumi-san turned back and greeted me with a smile, "Welcome back Rei. Did you have fun?"

I nodded and before I could greet back Meiko shouted, "What is that Rei? Where did you get it from?" snatching the phone quickly.

I smiled at her antics and said, "Both the Senpai bought it for me as a gift today."

Hearing Meiko exclaimed, "Oh Tomiko and Mitsuki bought it for you. That is very nice of them."

Narumi-san hit her on the head slightly and scolded her, "Don't shout like a monkey. Give it back to Rei. Take good care of it Rei." turning towards Rei at the end with a smile.

Meiko handed the phone back, and I went to take a bath after going out the whole day. I went to my room, took some clothes and went towards the bath. Having a fresh bath on a scorching summer day gives a very refreshing feeling.

After taking the long refreshing bath, I came out and went to my room. I took out my old phone and held it close towards my chest. This phone was the last gift I got from dad before he passed away. I had no thought of changing it, but since the opportunity presented itself, I can't let it go to waste.

I stood up and went towards the shelves. I opened the door and saw my clothes neatly arranged inside. I crouched down and went towards the last shelf. I took out a small box from inside and bought it outside. Inside the box were all the things I hold dear. There were things given by dad in it.

I slowly placed the old phone inside it and kept the box back inside. Keeping the box inside, I saw the biggest gift I got from dad, my catcher set. I slowly caressed the bag and couldn't help but feel sad that I may not use it in this lifetime. Shaking all the thoughts aside, I got up and closed the door.

I walked out of my room and went towards the hall as I felt bored. I saw Sora watching some programs as all the baseball matches were done. I sat beside him to watch.

Sora turned towards me and exclaimed, "Oh Rei, your back. I heard from Meiko that the Senpais bought you a new phone." I nodded and passed him the phone.

He took it and checked it and gave it back, "Take good care of it." he said.

We both continued to watch Television until Meiko came and called us for dinner. We joined for dinner. I saw Shidou-san also there and greeted him.

He looked at me and asked me with a smile, "Did you have fun today Rei."

"Yes Old man, we ate and went to a movie. Both of them also bought me a new smartphone." I took out the phone to show him. But he waved his hands and said, "Keep it with you, Rei. I won't understand technology that much."

I nodded and kept the phone back into my pocket. We all ate dinner slowly. Completing the dinner, I made my way towards my room. I fell on my bed and took out my new phone.

I went to chat and messaged Senpais and I got an immediate reply from both of them. I continued to chat till late at night and slept peacefully.