Interlude: My Valentine

"Will he come…?" I wondered aloud, sitting alone in the library, waiting for him.

Suddenly—

"I'm sorry… fhuuh… fhuuh… I'm… I'm late…" he panted, out of breath.

"Huh? What happened, Shin?" I asked, concerned.

"My class had to take turns cleaning the field today, so I had to finish that first," he explained.

"Ohh… I see. That's okay then," I said, relieved.

"I was really surprised to find Senpai's letter on my desk. You know, I was so worried I'd be late to see you, but thank God I made it in time, haha," he said with a sheepish grin.

"I'm glad you came," I replied, subtly glancing around him.

"Hmm? What's wrong, Senpai?" he asked.

"Nah, it's nothing," I said, brushing it off.

A quiet moment passed as we sat down together.

"Umm… Shin…?"

"Hmm? What is it?"

"Did you get anything today?" I asked.

His face suddenly darkened.

"Ugh… no…" he muttered.

"Oh… is that so…?"

"And what about you, Senpai? Did you already give yours?" he asked, his face turning red.

"Umm… Here." I held out a small gift.

"Huh? What's this?" he asked, blinking in confusion.

"Shin, you're so dull…" I sighed.

"Ugh… You think so?" he mumbled.

He unwrapped the gift, and in an instant, his eyes lit up.

"Wh-wh… Ho—UWOOOGHHH! Chocolate… CHOCOLATE, Senpai!!" He suddenly leaned closer in excitement.

"Wh-what is it, Shin?" I asked, startled.

"Thank you!!!" He quickly bowed his head.

"Y-you're welcome…?" I said, amused by his reaction.

"Finally… One chocolate on this day…" he murmured dramatically.

"Pfftt—hahaha! Shin, you really are one of a kind," I said, laughing.

"Hehehe, right?" he replied with a grin.

After that, we left the library together. As we were about to part ways, Himeya suddenly called out to me.

"Senpai… thank you for making my day." He smiled.

I was mesmerized. That smile… it was different from any I had seen before. Without thinking, I reached out and gently patted his head. Then, I smiled back.

"You're welcome, my dependable junior."