January 21. One week had already passed in the third term after the special exam. On this free day, Yukio spent the whole day on a date with Shiina in the library.
Calling it a date was a stretch. There was none of the fiery passion of ordinary couples—more like two old spouses who had weathered the years together. In the hushed library they basked in the winter sunlight, leaning against one another while paging through different books.
Whenever they came across something interesting or thought-provoking, they would share it with each other, savoring the completely different worlds within their books—a quiet, gentle happiness.
At dusk they returned to Shiina's dorm. Yukio produced the ingredients he had prepared long in advance and set about cooking her dinner.
The two of them did not bother with the stereotypical candle-lit lovers' meal—just ordinary home-style dishes. Not very romantic, perhaps, yet steeped in warmth.
Afterwards Shiina handled the dishes, washing them spotlessly clean. When she stepped out of the kitchen, Yukio finally switched off the dorm lights.
Darkness filled the room. A tiny flame soon flickered to life—a single candle that barely lit the space, throwing the tall shadows of the furniture onto the walls.
Its glow also revealed the small, delicious-looking cake beneath it.
"Happy birthday, Hiyori~"
Shiina's birthday was January 21. Yukio had originally planned a secret surprise to fit the romance expected of a couple. But Shiina had approached him first, telling him not to overthink things—there was one gift she wanted most, and he would probably never guess it.
Yukio had been unconvinced, listing several ideas: a first-edition of a book she loved, a symbolic ring… Shiina liked them all, yet none was what she wanted most this year.
With the conversation at that stage, Yukio caught on and asked directly: what birthday present did she truly desire?
Shiina's answer was delightfully romantic—she wanted to dance a single ballroom dance with him. That was why the two of them had been practicing together these past few days.
In truth he was the one teaching her; his family had provided ballroom training—useful for networking at the occasional overseas gala. One needn't be an expert, but one certainly had to know the basics.
Shiina's face overflowed with sweetness. Guided by the candlelight, she walked to Yukio's side. He said nothing, simply took out his phone and played the music he had prepared.
"Can you tell me now?" he asked softly.
Shiina had never explained why this gift meant the most to her. At his question she no longer hid it.
"It's simple~ The stories in books always make me jealous. Maybe because they're set in the West, but in more than eighty percent of the love stories I read, there's always a ball."
"So I've imagined for the longest time—someday, dancing a single ballroom dance with my prince. It would be incredibly romantic, a memory I'd never forget—the love story of my book."
Yukio could not help laughing—so that was the reason. He had guessed as much, yet hearing her say it let him feel how much she cherished their bond.
He bowed slightly and extended a hand, inviting the lady to be his partner. Having practiced for a week, Shiina smiled more brightly than ever and placed her slender hand in his.
Yukio straightened like a bamboo shoot at dawn. Shiina's free hand rested lightly around his back, while his other hand settled gently at her waist.
Strictly speaking, proper ballroom etiquette would have the gentleman place his hand on the lady's upper arm, the lady doing the same—but they did not fuss over formality, choosing a more intimate hold.
In unison, following the rhythm, they began a light, elegant dance in the dim room lit only by candlelight.
It was not difficult—no powerful arm swings of modern dance—merely standard footwork.
Yukio led with four left steps forward; Shiina mirrored with four right steps back. As she watched him close in, smiling, her heart overflowed with girlish sweetness…
The satisfaction spilled from her eyes, letting Yukio know she truly, deeply loved this gift.
Now it's my turn to strike back~ Shiina thought playfully. Keeping time with the music she advanced four steps, making Yukio retreat four. But as he watched her move toward him, his feet moved back while his face leaned forward—and he brushed a light kiss against the lips that had come so close.
Shiina's cheeks flared crimson; her steps almost tangled. Eyes full of feeling, she shot him a wordless look—What kind of ballroom dance sneaks in a kiss mid-step? This was nothing like the fairy-tale dances she'd pictured.
And yet—hehe—Shiina felt that her dance with Yukio was more romantic and wonderful than any story she had ever read.
When the piece ended she spun once in place, brimming with pure happiness. Yukio glanced at the candle.
"Time to make a wish."
"Okay!" Brimming with excitement, Shiina returned to the table, closed her eyes, laced her fingers together, and murmured words too soft to catch.
She opened her eyes and blew out the candle in one breath. Curious, Yukio watched. If she wanted to tell him he would hear; if she preferred to keep it secret, he would not press.
"Hehe." Shiina did not leave him in suspense. "A very simple wish—I hope you and I, and all our families, stay together for a long, long time."
Not quite what one expects from a blossoming young girl's birthday wish, yet it was perfectly Shiina—pure, kind.
"All right—this is your punishment for dancing sloppily!" she declared.
Before Yukio could react a streak of frosting smeared across his cheek. Shiina giggled without restraint.
Yukio's eyes turned wicked. "Oh, I have to return the favor—your face is next."
"Eh—?" Much later Shiina spluttered in mixed laughter and protest. "That wasn't cake you smeared on me at all!"
...
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