When the clock ticked to midnight, I stepped out of the room, leaving the two girls still deep in their conversation regarding what we were just discussing earlier before Akane’s arrival, to make a phone call.

Since birthdays only happen once a year, dedicating time to greet the girl celebrating it was already one of those special occasions that I would prioritize over anything.

And today, June 22. It’s the opportunist girl’s birthday; Saki.

Like with Hina, given that we hadn’t touched upon that subject during our conversations, Nami filled me in about its exact date. Surprisingly enough, it’s just four days after Hina.

In any case, considering I managed to surprise Hina recently, Saki who’s smarter than she looks clearly had a hunch that I wouldn’t miss this moment of greeting her as soon as the date changes.

As soon as I tapped the button to initiate the call, it instantly got connected as though she was waiting for me all this time.

“Ruki, I now know why I can’t sleep... It’s because of this.” With her room as the background with only the light of the lamp illuminating her surroundings, Saki smilingly greeted me. Her voice was a little hushed. Most likely because she didn’t want her parents and siblings to hear her. She’s wearing her pajamas and her usually bundled hair was laid rested on her shoulder. It’s combed neatly and gave her a different yet still beautiful look.

“Really? I might’ve cast a spell on you earlier to make you stay up this late at night. You’re not expecting me to call you, right? No way, you could’ve foreseen it. I’m sure.”

“Pfft. Yeah. I didn’t foresee this. Only an idiot will make it too obvious that he’s going to greet all of his girls on their birthday right at the first minute.”

Having that sarcastic exchange made the girl burst out laughing. But even so, she covered her mouth so as not to make too much noise.

“That aside, the first minute is about to end so... Happy birthday, Saki.”

“Geez. You’re too dedicated, Ruki. I love this though. Being the first one to greet me even if I didn’t tell you about this day.”

Saki’s smile bloomed even further. She cupped her cheek to prevent it from stretching further but little did she know, that only made her even prettier despite the lack of lighting.

I had to take a screenshot of that to save the moment. When I told her what I did, she instantly flared up and picked up her pillow to cover her blushing face.

Unfortunately for her, I’m in the mood to tease her tonight. And so, I took another screenshot and told her about it.

Little by little, the girl seemingly melted from her seat due to embarrassment.

Nonetheless, her recovery was also swift, striking back by doing the same thing as me.

As we teased each other in any sort of way even when we were separated by distance, a few minutes quickly passed.

Soon, I found myself downstairs, sitting on the same sofa we always used.

As for Saki, she returned to her bed and lay down on her side. Well, she’s already sleepy. She’s someone who seldom stays up this late, after all.

After a minute of silence where we just took turns giggling at one another, Saki then opened up with a hint of melancholy in her eyes.

“Ruki, this year by far is the happiest I’ve been. You see, I’m not the type to celebrate my birthday... Even last year, I just let the day pass by without doing anything...” She started with that. However, as though she realized something, she eventually added, “Uhm. I forgot but Nanami, Hina, and Noriko brought me out shopping after school. They didn’t say they were buying me a present. But thinking about it now, that’s probably their way to give me a present without saying it directly. They’re aware that I’m avoiding it.

“Uh... Then did I mess up? Should I have asked you about doing this first?”

If she’s avoiding it then there must be a reason, right? Considering she told me about her past of being a bully and getting bullied next, something must’ve happened before she joined their circle.

Saki shook her head and sternly said, scolding me for saying that.

Then a second later, she continued, “If it’s a surprise from you. I’ll always welcome it, idiot Ruki. You’re dating me and you showed me that things can happen this way and not be too complicated. After all the changes that had undergone in my life after meeting you, I think it’s not bad to change things up. Besides, you, of all people, won’t let me be sorrowful on this day, right?”

“Yeah. I definitely won’t. I’m even preparing a surprise for you.”

“This guy. Then why tell me if it’s a surprise? Are you an idiot? No. You’re a bonafide idiot already. Ugh... Anyway, I have a request.”

Although she sounded exasperated at my response, the smile on her face never faded, in fact, the melancholy that showed up earlier was instantly replaced by a more joyous expression.

“A request, huh? I expect you to bring up something and use your trait of being a chance-taker... Did that change?”

“How can I take a chance when we’re not together? Ruki, if you’re here, I’ve already locked you in here with me. It’s about time we renew your scent in my bed.”

Upon saying that, Saki buried her face in her pillow – or perhaps, the pillow that I used when we sneaked into her room – and sniffed it.

When she raised her head again, she looked disappointed because obviously, her pillowcase had long been washed and her bedsheet, replaced.

“I like that idea. So, Saki. Should I come?”

“Heh... Can you? At this time?”

“Of course. It’s just running to your house. It’s no big deal.”

I smugly shrugged which pulled out another peal of laughter from the girl. Then after recovering, she shook her head and stared at me with a sharp, reprimanding gaze.

“Knowing you, you might really do that if I say yes. That’s why, I’ll reject that idea. It’s cold and dark outside. It might also be dangerous... I can wait for morning to come to see you.”

“I see... Then Saki, I’ll be there first thing in the morning. What do you think about six o’clock?”

“Huh?! That’s too early! I’m still dreaming about you at that time.”

Ah. Right. This girl sets her alarm at seven o’clock no matter the occasion. Her body was already tuned to it and even without an alarm, she always woke up at the same time.

“Well, we can turn that dream into reality, Saki.”

“Uh. Will you wake me up?”

“Mhm. Set your ringtone to an alarm... I’ll call you as soon as I open my eyes.”

“Okay!”

“Then it’s decided. We can skip school for the rest of the morning or go somewhere before the classes start. What do you think?”

We can have a short date but a fulfilling date that way. Although there are not a lot of places to visit with how early it will be, it won’t be a problem.

“As long as I’m with you, Ruki...” Saki sweetly whispered.

With that, our plan for this morning was already set. Regarding her request, she retracted her words, saying she changed her mind. Because what she was going to request from me was already granted with the plan we made; picking her up first thing in the morning and walking together to school.