CHAPTER 2 - Memorable May (2)

[IMPROMPTU PRESENT]

When Chiba and Hayami had entered the classroom from their early morning practice, Sosuke Sugaya delivered a piece of paper to Chiba on his seat.

"Here's my present for you," Sugaya said.

Chiba took a look at the paper. It was a drawing of him in dark colors, a murky sky embedded in the background with abstract swirls below. He was wearing the school uniform with his back turned as he glanced over his shoulder. On his arms was a rifle painted in a camouflage pattern. The lines of his features were roughly sketched, which gave an edge to his silhouette.

"Happy Birthday, Chiba," the aspiring artist added.

"Thank you," Chiba said as he took the gift from his hand.

"Whoa, that's badass!" Okajima exclaimed from his seat with an outstretched neck.

Chiba nodded. "Yeah. I really like it."

Flattered, Sugaya rubbed his nose as he placed his other hand on his hip. "Thanks, guys. I'm glad that you think that way," he said sheepishly.

"Ooh ~ it's Chiba-kun's birthday?" Nakamura got up from her seat before throwing an accusatory look at Sugaya. "You should've told us, so we could've prepared something," she told him.

He was jolted. "Hey, it's not as if I have everyone's numbers," he contented.

Ignoring him, Nakamura turned to the birthday celebrant. "Happy Birthday, Chiba!" she chirped.

The other students of Class 3-E followed her example and expressed their greetings to Chiba, who thanked them in return. Following that, Korosensei dashed into the room out of thin air. He greeted the celebrant bombastically before placing a cake on his desk.

This rendered everyone speechless. For a teacher, their target was too doting on his students.

Then they sang the 'Happy Birthday Song'. Meanwhile, Hayami was baffled at the fact that today, May 20, was his birthday. She did not know so she did not have a gift for him.

Chiba noticed that Hayami was the only one who did not approach him yet. He shifted his head to where she was sitting, her back facing him.

'Is she alright?' he asked himself.

"Let's have a LINE group for our class," Megu Kataoka proclaimed. She was the class representative besides Isogai. "That way, we can communicate with everyone."

Hinata Okano clapped her hands together. "That's a good idea. We can also use it to talk about our assassination."

***

Hayami has not said anything to him since they left the old building after class. Although it was normal for her, he could tell that this was a different kind of quiet.

"I didn't know today is your birthday." Finally, she broke the silence, her eyes on the ground. "I should've bought you a present."

"You don't have to," Chiba simply said. So that's why she was acting that way.

For some reason, he did not give much regard to birthdays. In fact, he would not be bothered if his birthday was not celebrated.

As for Hayami, she gave importance to celebrating one's birthday especially if the person who has it was close to her. That's why she would not let this day end without her doing something.

She halted as they reached the school gate. She looked up at him. "Before you go, can you wait for me by the convenience store?"

While she was buying inside, Chiba stood idly outside the store. A few minutes later, he heard a ding and the sound of the doors sliding. Stepping out was Hayami with a blue lollipop in her hand.

"As I thought, it doesn't feel right if I don't give you something," she said as she extended the candy towards him.

"Happy Birthday, Chiba-san."

It was somewhat unexpected for her to do this sort of thing. Touched by her gesture, he took her 'present' as a gentle and happier smile graced his face.

"Thank you."