As she made a wish over the candlelit birthday cake, Kushida kept it to herself—afraid it might not come true if she told Kaoru.
However, judging by her slightly smug smile, Kaoru guessed it probably wasn't a wish full of goodwill toward him.
After blowing out the candles, several girls personally handed their gifts to Kushida before slowly savoring the delicious cake.
Of course, just eating cake wasn't enough. Noticing everyone's expectant gazes, Kaoru tactfully started singing "Happy Birthday," followed by a few other classic songs.
They seemed completely unprepared for Kaoru's singing, as expressions of utter astonishment appeared on each of their faces.
Karuizawa reacted the fastest, immediately clinging to Kaoru and demanding that he accompany her to karaoke in the future—and teach her how to sing.
Given that he had neglected her several times before, Kaoru had no choice but to agree to her request.
Perhaps because Akane was present, today's birthday gathering didn't drag on too late.
Around nine in the evening, Ichinose asked Kaoru to escort Akane back.
The students' dormitories were all in the same area, though it took a few extra minutes to reach the third-years' dorm building.
Such a short distance obviously couldn't be justified by concerns about safety.
As soon as they stepped outside, a desolate wind carried the night's unique chill.
Kaoru instinctively tightened his coat, his neck wrapped in a scarf, while Akane beside him was fully bundled up, even wearing knitted gloves.
"You can just walk me to the elevator. I can go back by myself," Akane said softly. "It's not far, and they're still waiting for you in the room."
"Even if it's not far, someone might see us together and wonder if there's something between us," Kaoru replied. "If that happens, my goal will be accomplished."
Akane stared at him in disbelief—this was the first time she'd heard someone be so shameless.
"You're such a scoundrel!"
Listening to her indignant voice, Kaoru inexplicably laughed.
The wait for the elevator no longer felt the slightest bit tedious.
"What did Honami tell you?"
Kaoru was curious about what the two of them had discussed on the way here that could convince Akane to come to his room.
It definitely wasn't just because Ichinose was cute.
"Uh... She just mentioned a few things about you. She said if I wanted to know why you confessed to me, I should come with her, and then I'd get the answer. So I came."
Akane sounded a little embarrassed.
At first, she had thought Ichinose was trying to catch her as the "other woman" and had nearly bolted.
The answer was as good as saying nothing.
Kaoru followed her into the elevator, pondering for a moment before speaking again.
"Senpai, what do you think love is?"
Akane didn't hesitate before answering, "Love is just love!"
"How do you know when you've fallen for someone?" Kaoru pressed.
Akane instinctively thought of Horikita Manabu.
In the past, every time she saw his back, she would feel heartache and guilt, blaming herself for not being strong enough to share his burdens. Her mind was always filled with thoughts of how to stand by his side.
"Some people don't know why they love her, but she becomes the reason they can't love anyone else." Kaoru said, "I also believe that liking someone doesn't need a reason. If you like someone, you'll find a thousand reasons to justify it. Whatever feelings you have for Horikita-senpai, or whatever feelings you have for me—whether it's liking or disliking—I'll cherish this time together."
As his words trailed off, the elevator doors opened, and the two arrived at the first-floor lobby.
The sight of scattered students and the clamor of voices made Tachibana Akane's thoughts feel like a slow-motion film.
The air felt suffocating, and she couldn't discern who the central protagonist was in this scene.
Dazedly, she followed Kaoru.
His back wasn't as towering as Horikita Manabu's—it felt approachable, as if she could reach out and touch it, or even overtake him with just a little more effort.
"But I'm also despicable. If you dislike me now, I'll spend the coming days slowly turning that dislike into affection."
Akane snapped out of her thoughts.
This guy was still as punchable as ever—an arrogant, disrespectful brat rotten to the core, making her grit her teeth in frustration.
Then, Kaoru suddenly felt someone kick him.
A figure dashed ahead, grabbed his scarf, and yanked it downward, forcing their eyes to meet in an instant.
"Listen, can't you show a little more respect to your senpai?"
The girl's breath was scorching hot, her face flushed crimson, her gaze fierce.
"What's with all this talk about forcing feelings or disliking? Acting like some high-and-mighty lord—who gave you the right to decide how I feel?!"
Kaoru froze for a long moment before hesitantly replying, "Isn't that the case?"
"Of course it is! You've always been this arrogant—who could ever like someone like you?!"
Unaware that her actions and voice had drawn the attention of nearby students, Akane continued, "But even I don't know what I'm thinking! How can you be so sure I won't end up liking you?!"
Kaoru's lips twitched. Was this… a confession?
"You're just a junior! Stop acting so full of yourself!"
Akane slammed her forehead against his, and both winced in pain—neither had expected it to hurt so much.
"Ow, ow, ow… Why's your head so hard?! You hurt me!"
"You're the one who did it. How is that my fault?"
"Ugh, whatever!"
Taking a deep breath, Akane declared, "As your senpai, I'll tell you this: liking or disliking someone isn't so simple. It's not something you can just say lightly. You can play house today, but life isn't a game. I don't know what you're thinking, but this whole thing is absurd!"
Akane didn't understand them.
Yet, judging by Karuizawa's attitude, it seemed the girl was already committed to a lifelong devotion.
Kushida and Horikita Suzune also appeared indifferent, as if they wouldn't mind more people joining their circle in the future.
"Making a whole group of people happy is ridiculous in itself. Can you really accept spending your whole life running around for them? What attitude will you take when facing their families? And if they disagree, what will you do?"
"Putting marriage aside, how am I supposed to believe you'll make me happy? Even if you can leave school, we won't see each other every day. Am I supposed to wait two years for you?"