Bonus Chapter - Behind the Scenes: The Happiest Day in the World

"What are you looking at, Mahiru?"

Once Mahiru had settled down after finishing her call with Koyuki,

Amane noticed that her eyes were glued to her smartphone screen as she sat next to him and decided to ask about it.

Did something happen? Mahiru wasn't one to use her smartphone for a prolonged period of time, so Amane wondered whether anything was wrong. Hearing his voice, Mahiru turned to face him.

Her expression was much softer than usual.

"Happy birthday messages from everyone," Mahiru answered. "Ahh," Amane replied. "How nice of them."

Since Amane had been given the privilege of celebrating Mahiru's birthday in person on the actual day, all their friends could only send their birthday wishes through messages. In hindsight, he felt a tinge of guilt for taking away his friends' chance to celebrate the day together with Mahiru, but he knew they had all agreed to let him handle everything. Amane thanked his friends once again in his mind.

In return, he would likely be grilled for details or teased heavily for it on Monday, but he was prepared to accept that. Bracing himself for the next day of school, Amane tensed his cheeks ever so slightly. Mahiru, however, seemed to notice and continued to wear a sweet, soft smile, as if she was experiencing a dream come true.

"Indeed," Mahiru replied. "…I'm really happy. I've never experienced a birthday like this before."

"I see. Well, you'd better get used to it soon because this will be our annual tradition from now on, okay?"

"…I wonder how long it will take for me to get used to it."

"I plan to do this every year, so let me know as soon as you do. But even so, I'll do my best to blow you off your feet every year."

"…I can't have you making my heart race too often… I think my eyes are a little swollen." Her slightly sulky tone made her sound more embarrassed than truly displeased. Mahiru was right—her eyes had indeed turned slightly reddish and swollen, but what stood out even more was the blush adorning her cheeks.

"You didn't like it?"

"Of course I liked it… It's just that now, I realize how truly blessed I've become."

"Well, I plan to make you even happier than this, so I'll keep stepping things up year after year."

Considering everything he had done so far, it was likely still not enough.

Amane wanted to make Mahiru the happiest girl alive, so next year, he would have to spend even more time researching her preferences, what she wanted, and what would make her truly happy.

By the time her birthday rolled around next year, Amane planned to have acquired a certain item he wished to give her.

Whether Mahiru would be pleased with it or not remained uncertain—but even so, Amane still wanted to make a vow to her.

A precious, once-in-a-lifetime promise.

Mahiru giggled. "In that case, I will also strive to do my best for you, Amane-kun. Of course, without pushing myself."

"…Just don't do anything that'll blow my mind too hard…" "No promises. Please look forward to next year."

"…You should look forward to it too, Mahiru." "Yes, I will."

"Mm-hmm. Me too."

Even though they knew they were getting ahead of themselves, they acknowledged that they were both looking forward to next year's birthday. Amane and Mahiru, as if drawn together by an unspoken yet mutual agreement, leaned in closer to one another.

" …I can't wait," Amane murmured, feeling the warmth from her lips. He gently stroked her slender ring finger, and Mahiru, not seeming to mind, entrusted herself completely to him, her eyes narrowing out of immense comfort. Taking another look at her, Amane found her so endearing that he closed the distance between them once again, robbing Mahiru of her vision and drawing her into another kiss.