Chapter 18 : Valentine's Day

(Kaoru and Patrick sit together at a table in the bustling school cafeteria, their conversation animated as they discuss the upcoming Valentine's Day.)

KAORU:

(excitedly)

"Hey, Patrick, can you believe Valentine's Day is tomorrow?"

PATRICK:

(grinning)

"I know, right? It's gonna be awesome. I can't wait to see what Sato has planned."

KAORU:

(nodding)

"Same here. I've been thinking about getting Hiroyuki something special too".

PATRICK:

(raising an eyebrow)

"Oh, really? What are you gonna get her?"

KAORU:

(thoughtfully)

"Well, I was thinking of getting her some chocolates. She loves sweets, and I thought it would be a nice gesture."

PATRICK:

(nudging Kaoru)

"Smooth move, Kaoru. I'm sure she'll love it."

KAORU:

(smirking)

"Yeah, let's hope so. What about you? Any plans for Sato?"

PATRICK:

(grinning mischievously)

"Oh, you know me. I'm gonna go all out. Flowers, chocolates, the whole nine yards."

KAORU:

(chuckling)

"Wow, you're really pulling out all the stops, aren't you?"

PATRICK:

(nodding proudly)

"Hey, when it comes to Sato, nothing but the best will do."

(They share a laugh, their excitement for Valentine's Day palpable in the air as they eagerly anticipate the romantic festivities to come.)

(When Kaoru reached home)

(Kaoru stands in his cozy kitchen, surrounded by ingredients and utensils as he watches a chocolate cookie recipe tutorial on his laptop.)

KAORU:

(muttering to himself)

"Okay, let's see... flour, sugar, cocoa powder..."

(He carefully measures out the ingredients, his brow furrowed in concentration as he follows the steps outlined in the video.)

OLDER SISTER, RAN:

(entering the kitchen)

"Hey there, little bro. Whatcha making?

KAORU:

(looking up from his laptop, grinning)

"Hey, Ran! I'm attempting to make chocolate cookies for Hiroyuki for Valentine's Day."

OLDER SISTER, RAN:

(smirking)

"Well, aren't you just the sweetest little brother? I'm sure Hiroyuki will appreciate the effort."

KAORU:

(nervously)

"I hope so. I just want them to turn out okay."

OLDER SISTER, RAN:

(encouragingly)

"Don't worry, Kaoru. You've got this. Just follow the recipe and put a little love into it. I'm sure they'll be delicious."

(Kaoru nods determinedly, a newfound sense of confidence filling him as he continues with his baking.)

KAORU:

(grateful)

"Thanks, Ran. I'll do my best."

(With Ran's words of encouragement ringing in his ears, Kaoru sets to work, his focus unwavering as he mixes, shapes, and bakes the cookies with care and precision.)

[VALENTINE'S DAY]

(Kaoru and Hiroyuki sit across from each other in Hiroyuki's cozy living room, a sense of excitement in the air as they exchange homemade cookies for Valentine's Day.)

HIROYUKI:

(excitedly)

"Here, Kaoru-chan. I made these cookies just for you."

(Hiroyuki hands Kaoru a beautifully decorated box filled with homemade cookies, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.)

KAORU:

(touched)

"Wow, Hiroyuki, these look amazing! Thank you so much."

(Kaoru eagerly opens the box and takes a bite of one of the cookies, savoring the rich chocolatey flavor.)

KAORU:

(smiling)

"Mmm, these are delicious, Hiroyuki. You're so talented."

HIROYUKI:

(beaming)

"I'm glad you like them, Kaoru-chan. I put a lot of love into making them for you."

(With a warm smile, Hiroyuki watches as Kaoru reaches into his bag and pulls out a small package wrapped in colorful paper.)

KAORU:

"Here, Hiroyuki. I made these cookies for you too."

(Hiroyuki's eyes light up with delight as she eagerly unwraps the package, revealing a batch of homemade cookies lovingly crafted by Kaoru.)

HIROYUKI:

(taking a bite)

"Mmm, these are so good, Kaoru-chan! You're quite the baker."

(KAORU:

(chuckling)

"Thanks, Hiroyuki. I'm glad you like them."

(As they enjoy each other's homemade treats, they share a moment of warmth and affection, their bond growing stronger with each bite.)