Birthday.
An event that happens once a year to mark the day someone was born.
Some people are surrounded by crowds and celebrate joyfully; others spend it no differently from any ordinary day.
Of course, I'm the latter.
But it would be a lie to say I don't envy the former.
I don't have many friends. That's because my communication skills are the problem.
Being alone is easy. But I know there are limits.
There's a certain emptiness—or loneliness—that suddenly hits when I'm spacing out by myself.
So having someone celebrate that once-a-year event always made me happy.
Though until now, the only ones who ever did were my parents.
Why am I thinking about this?
Because today—July 27—is my birthday.
Summer break has started, and the full force of midsummer heat has finally arrived.
On days like this, staying in the dorm all day feels the most comfortable and effortless.
But that doesn't suit me, so I want to go somewhere to clear my head.
"Now, what movie should I watch today?"
I scroll through my phone with my left hand while nibbling toast with my right.
My plans for distraction were already set. Though it's pretty much the same as yesterday—practically a routine at this point.
First, head to the cinema alone before 9 a.m. Then, after lunch, watch another film.
Finish dinner before heading back and enjoy some free time.
"Peak single life, huh."
Since coming to this school and making friends, the loneliness of being alone hits harder, but I've also come to appreciate how much more relaxing it is.
I grumbled, but honestly, this lifestyle feels fulfilling—no complaints.
"…Crap, it's almost time!!"
Glancing at the clock on my phone, I hurriedly finish breakfast.
Then I strip to wash off the sticky sweat in the shower.
Top is just an inner layer, bottom is petti-shorts sleepwear.
I've never had a sleepover, so I don't know what other girls wear to bed.
But I'm pretty rough around the edges, so I figure my outfit isn't something most people would choose.
Thinking Shiina—my only female friend in this school—wouldn't want to see me like this, I step into the shower.
Once done, I dry and style my hair.
A touch of makeup. No plans to meet anyone, but just in case.
I'm not in the mood to dress up, but I still pick from the few summer outfits in my closet.
One catches my eye—the one he half-forced on me when we went shopping.
…It still irritates me a little how good his taste was. Fond memory, though.
I decide on the outfit and prepare to leave the room.
Double-check for forgotten items, then head out.
Ah, hot…
Half a second outside, and I already want to rush back in.
But there's little time before the screening. I endure and take that first step.
The first-floor common area along the way has air conditioning.
I'll pass through eventually, but even temporary relief from this hell feels exhilarating.
…Of course, I don't show it with people around.
"Sorry to keep you waiting! Were you waiting long?"
"Nah, not at all, Kushida-chan!"
"Liar, Yamauchi—you're the chronic latecomer, and you beat me here~"
"H-hey, Ike, that's just the bit!"
"Fufu, you two are hilarious as always!"
There are a few people scattered about.
That blonde is definitely Kikyo Kushida from Class D.
How she can hang out with guys who so obviously leer at her is beyond me.
Genuine respect.
As I walk and glance over, three more join, making quite a large group.
No jealousy. If anything, dealing with that many people like Kushida does would wear me out—feels exhausting just watching from afar.
Remembering the screening time is approaching, I shift my gaze and finally exit the dorm.
Ah, hot…
I thought humans could adapt to anything, but this is impossible.
Still, I want to watch the movie.
Resolving to battle the heat, I stride powerfully toward the cinema.
Today's pick is a somewhat serious story.
The synopsis is about a boy without parents experiences various things to find his reason for existing and grows along the way.
A common scenario, but I'm really looking forward to it.
"Let's start with clothes shopping today!"
"Karuizawa-san, you really love fashion."
"Fashion is a girl's weapon, Shinohara-san. Satou-san gets it, right?"
"Totally, Karuizawa-san!"
"…You two aren't about to blow through your points again, are you?"
""Gah!""
"…I'm not lending any this time."
A trio of girls chatting cheerfully, though the topic is a bit serious.
Judging by their points talk, probably Class D.
…My guess was right.
Because that blonde ponytail belongs to the girl from Class D's famously top couple.
Annoying. I speed up to put distance between us.
I don't hear good rumors about that blonde. No risk of trouble, but better safe—I slip away.
A few minutes later, I realize I've arrived at the cinema.
About ten minutes until start. I want to catch the previews too, so I head to my assigned seat early.
The seat is incredibly comfortable.
I've watched movies here many times, and thanks to this seat, my back never hurts even after hours.
Lights dim for the previews, and the screen darkens.
This "it's about to begin" feeling never gets old, no matter how many times.
Time to focus.
...
Finished the first film; it's noon.
Lunch will be light today—simply not that hungry.
The movie was excellent.
Protagonist struggles and agonizing decisions are always fascinating.
The buildup was meticulously crafted, so everything flowed naturally into my head.
But my eyes are tired. Taking a short break now.
Then two fairly handsome guys sit on a bench near the food court and start talking.
"So, so, Kanzaki straight up, who're you aiming for?"
"…That's not something to discuss in public."
"You didn't flat-out deny it, so someone's on your radar? Ichinose, as expected?"
"Nobody. I'm too busy getting used to this school's system right now.
"…Besides, it feels like you're launching a preemptive strike to keep me from going after Ichinose."
"Bullseye. But telling guys not to go for her is impossible.'"
"Great personality. Great face. Great looks. Smart, athletic on top of it."
"And those boobs—insane, right!"
"I agree with everything except the last part. And your voice is too loud, Shibata…"
…That Shibata guy rubs me the wrong way personally. Bigger isn't always better.
I considered spreading weird rumors, but with that idiotically loud voice, they'll spread on their own.
Sure enough, girls nearby are glaring. Serves him right.
Feeling a bit refreshed, I head to the second film.
"…Hm? Mail?"
My movement pauses mid-thought.
Just as I was about to stand from the rest area, my phone—rarely—notified me of a message.
Thought it might be spam, but checking reveals it's surprisingly from Shiina.
I open it immediately.
---
To Ibuki-san
Please come to Kamukura-kun's room at 18:00 today.
I have something important to tell you, so if for any reason you can't make it, please let me know properly.
P.S. Kamukura-kun says he'll treat us to dinner.
---
Alright, I'm going.
Kamukura's cooking is so delicious it obliterates vocabulary— no way I'm missing it.
Worried about weird rumors?
Whatever. I cared at first, but now it's irrelevant.
Humans can't resist one of the three basic desires—appetite.
…Still, what could this important thing be?
Did Ryuuen say something to her? Consultation about that?
If so, I'd have to complain to Ryuuen.
Shiina hates conflict—she's not one of Ryuuen's underlings.
Forcing even her is unforgivable.
…Well, it's not confirmed, so I'll set that thought aside for now.
For the moment, off to the second movie.
I'm looking forward to this one too.
It's an action film with a lead actor perfectly to my taste.
Tall nose, classic Western handsome type with just the right muscle, and I love his voice.
Frankly, watching this is practically obligatory.
A wonderful time awaits—ears and eyes in bliss.
Lost in fantasy, I head toward the cinema.
***
If you want to read up to 25 chapters ahead, don't hesitate to visit our patron: pat reon . com / XElenea (remove space)