She paced the classroom, oblivious to the puzzled looks her classmates were giving her. Only one thought was running through her mind as she continued to circle her desk, biting her lip.

How?

She had failed twice already, yet she was trying again, knowing she would be unsuccessful.

Then why?

She stopped in her tracks, nearly skidding into one of her classmates. She gazed into space for a second or so, then started pacing again, twirling a stray strand of hair she had found on the side of her face.

I shouldn't waste it.

She paused again, glancing at the small package she had left on her desk. It was a tiny box the size of her palm, wrapped very carefully in red wrapping paper. A small gold ribbon was glued on the bottom left corner of the present.

She hadn't chosen pink, thinking he would reject it. What kind of boy would want to be caught holding something pink?

She started pacing again, faster than before, all her worries whirling around in her head like a broken, high-speed merry go round.

It was starting to give her a headache.

Slowly, she stopped maneuvering her way around her desk and sat down, breathing out heavily.

She stared at the wrapped chocolates on her desk once more.

If I don't do it today…

She shoved the package into her pocket and made her way out of the room.

---

She caught a glimpse of him walking into a classroom.

It's now or never.

She followed him into the room, only to be pushed aside by a crowd of eager, chocolate-giving girls. There were seven, no, eight of them, at least. They were making high-pitched, excited squeals, surrounding their target. She retreated into a corner, unsure of what to do.

She noticed that each of them was holding a small box – some were elaborately wrapped, while others were heart-shaped and a violent shade of pink.

She looked at her own gift.

Simple, plain and not worth him.

She looked up at him.

He was cheerfully accepting each and every Valentine's Day chocolate he received, proceeding to thank those who had given him presents with a huge grin.

Slowly, she exited the room.

A trash can lay right outside the door. It was already full to the brim with what looked like summer holiday homework.

The neatly wrapped package lay clutched in the palm of her hand.

Then it was gone, like all the hopes of success she had harboured.

---

Kikumaru Eiji, a cheery Seishun Gakuen Tennis Club Regular, managed to stagger out of his classroom, his arms overflowing with Valentine's Day gifts.

"Uwhaaah! I got loads of chocolate today!" he managed to exclaim, his mouth already watering. "Time to get to the cafeteria and eaaaa-"

He stopped in mid-stagger.

He was right next to a trash can.

On top of the trash in it was a small, red box.

Kikumaru reached out to touch it.

He smirked.

"Buhiii! More chocolate!" he yelled, nearly dropping the load he was holding.

Tucking the box he had fished out from the can into his pocket, Kikumaru continued down the corridor.

---x owari