"How did you know today was my birthday, Miyako?"
Matsushita asked curiously as she poured Amane some tea.
She had indeed left clues, but those clues were left within Karuizawa's small group chat.
Miyako shouldn't have known about them, in theory.
"Oh, that? I looked it up in the student records," Amane said, pulling out her phone and opening the S-System.
There was a section for grade-level files.
Upon opening it, four options appeared below.
Options A, B, C, and D.
However, only the D option was highlighted for Amane.
Once you opened the file, it displayed a student's name, class, student ID, and birthday—just a brief overview.
It seemed to be the personal information registered when first entering the school.
One inconvenient point, though, was that the page didn't include the student's ID card number, so you couldn't directly add someone as a friend through the records.
Maybe the school had set it up this way deliberately, considering certain factors.
Matsushita stared in surprise at the page displaying her own information.
So all this could be looked up in the S-System…
Which meant that if someone put their mind to it, they could find out everyone's birthday…
"I've noticed most people don't really use this feature much—maybe it's just been overlooked," Amane remarked, her words drawing a wry smile from Matsushita.
She knew perfectly well that Amane was trying to comfort her.
But here she was, a member of Karuizawa's inner circle, being consoled by someone from Kushida's group.
And, of all people, it was Amane who had first noticed her birthday.
Even Kushida, who was known for her extensive social connections, hadn't picked up on it.
Then again, maybe she did know.
But just saw no reason to celebrate with someone outside her own circle?
"Since you're here, Miyako, why not stay for dinner and try my cooking?"
She had already prepared plenty of ingredients, originally planning to treat herself that evening.
She had been thinking spending her birthday alone might feel a bit lonely, but with Miyako here, it would probably be more lively, right?
"Want me to help out?" Amane offered.
"Huh? I can't let a guest help! Just wait a bit, Miyako. I've got some magazines over there—feel free to read them if you're bored."
Matsushita pointed toward a small bookshelf.
Seeing her decline the offer, Amane didn't press further.
She simply nodded.
After all, they weren't that close yet.
But it wasn't that Amane was just being polite.
Rather…she was worried Matsushita might be shocked by her appetite later…
Amane casually picked up a few books.
Some were fashion magazines.
Which fit Matsushita's image quite well.
A girl always on trend. No wonder she got along with Karuizawa.
But the other magazines were actually about current affairs.
Do girls really read this kind of stuff?
The moment she picked one up, her eyes were drawn to the man on the cover.
Amane narrowed her eyes.
Still deluding yourself?
Are you underestimating your own father?
Fool.
Hmph.
Amane wiped the disgust from her expression.
Then gently placed the magazine back on the shelf.
Had to admit, Matsushita was quite skilled in the kitchen. The home-cooked meal had a comforting, familiar taste.
"Let's eat!"
Matsushita had assumed Amane would be the reserved, delicate type.
After all, Amane's appearance and demeanor suggested a background far more refined than her own.
Even though Amane usually seemed lively and loved to chat, she expected her to act more like a proper young lady when visiting someone's home.
So Matsushita maintained a poised demeanor herself.
She delicately picked up a small piece of potato with her chopsticks.
But when she looked up, she was completely stunned.
Amane was already holding her bowl, eagerly scooping up large portions of meat and devouring them heartily.
Uh…
This wasn't quite what she had imagined.
"You can slow down, Miyako, there's plenty more…" Matsushita couldn't help but remind her, watching the exaggerated display.
Hearing this, Amane seemed to remember she was a guest in someone else's home.
She immediately switched to a different eating mode.
Now taking small, elegant bites.
While this matched Matsushita's expectations, seeing Amane sneak glances at the chicken while picking at the potatoes—like a little greedy kitten—made Matsushita burst out laughing.
"Alright, alright, relax. It's rare to have a meal with you, Miyako. No need to be so formal."
"You really get me, Matsushita. Suzune's always nagging me about table manners."
Suzune?
Matsushita thought for a moment.
She must mean Horikita, right?
Horikita did seem like a strict person.
"You have it rough, Miyako."
"Heh, what can I do? Having a friend like that is such a hassle."
Amane wore a sweet smile as she said the word "friend."
Thump-thump…
For a moment, Matsushita felt her heart race.
"Are you okay, Matsushita?"
Noticing Matsushita clutching her chest, Amane thought she might be feeling unwell and quickly set down her bowl, concerned.
"I'm fine, I just felt a bit hot all of a sudden."
Hot?
This time of year, evenings were actually quite chilly, weren't they?
But since Matsushita said so, Amane didn't press further.
The two chatted about school gossip while enjoying the dinner Matsushita had carefully prepared.
Finally, they shared the cake Amane had brought, wrapping up the little birthday celebration.
"Bye, Miyako! Feel free to visit anytime."
"Don't worry, I'll definitely come often—as long as you don't get sick of me. You should head back inside; it's cold tonight."
Amane playfully winked.
Then she skipped off toward the elevator.
Matsushita watched until Amane stepped into the elevator before returning inside.
Her gaze soon fell on the gift Amane had brought.
Opening it, she found an exquisite necklace.
One look and you could tell it wasn't cheap.
"Ah, she really went out of her way for me…"
Matsushita gazed guiltily at the gift.
Then carefully put it away.
--+--
The fun weekend always flew by in a blink.
Early the next morning, everyone welcomed another happy Monday.
Mmm.
Though everyone looked gloomy and lethargic, to the point you'd worry they'd doze off in class…
They must be happy, right?
Right as first period began, Ms. Chabashira walked in, looking stern.
Seeing her expression, Amane immediately wiped the smile off her face.
Horikita, who'd been chatting with her, noticed right away.
Ms. Chabashira was holding a thick stack of papers.
Could it be another end-of-month quiz?
Her actions caught the others' attention too. Gradually, the chatter died down, and all eyes turned to Ms. Chabashira.
"It seems you've all noticed. Today requires your full seriousness. It's the end of the month—time for a small test."
So it was a pop quiz.
Horikita thought it over.
No matter what kind of test it was, she wouldn't be at the bottom, right?
And Amane would be fine too, surely.
Amane?
Horikita glanced over.
Amane was already starting to doze off!
--+--
So boring. I just want to finish this and go back to sleep.
Maybe udon for lunch.
Amane happily thought about everything but the test.
--+--
T/N: While I am an inexperienced Translator, I have a Patreon! While it may seem empty as of now, webnovel will get 3 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.