Chiharu's Birthday Mayhem
By: pnaixrose
Disclaimer: I don't own CCS or any of the characters. Please don't sue.
Friday, May 28...4 DAYS LEFT
She woke up with a groan as the light from the window blinded her. She wanted to go back to sleep. She hadn't slept that well for the past couple of days and it had been so relaxing for once when she got into bed last night. But oh well. It was morning again. Time to get up.
Yawning, Chiharu got from her bed towards her mirror. She smiled as she saw her reflection. It was like she was a totally different person from yesterday! She felt great! The meeting with Yamazaki when she got home from school really cheered her up. They were friends again. There was no more tension and best of all, Yamazaki was himself again. She blushed unconsciously at the thought of him. She had never seen that side of him. He had always been so goofy and making her laugh that she never realized that he could be so...sensitive and sweet. She realized that there was so much that he was hiding behind his story telling silliness. She wanted to learn more about him.
But right now, she felt terrific! Nothing could destroy her cheerfulness. But then she saw the calendar that hung up near her mirror. A red circle was drawn around a special date only a few days away...a very special date.
His birthday.
"Oh no..." she groaned as she changed clothes for school. "I still don't know what to get him!"
Yep. She was back at square one. This birthday present problem had been on number one on her mind just a few days ago but then...well she didn't want to think about that right now. After all, she had to brainstorm to find the perfect present! She only had five days left! Would she be able to find a great present for him?
She decided that she'll brainstorm during class. And maybe the others will help her out a bit! Chiharu quickly ran a brush through her hair. She had kept it down today. Why? Well...yesterday...
"You're even prettier with your hair down..."
Blushing madly, she packed all her stuff into her bag. She didn't know that he had such an effect on her. Just by giving that little compliment, made her change her hair style. It was so flattering but she didn't mind. Yamazaki had said it, after all. If leaving her hair down pleased Yamazaki, then she'd do it. She'd do anything at all for him.
Seeing that she had a lot time before leaving, she bounded down the steps, her school bag at hand. Smelling a pleasant aroma in the air, she skipped into the kitchen where her mother, her father...
and Yamazaki?
The three smiled at her as she stood there trying to figure out why he was here. She sputtered through her sentences, trying to say something as her father and Yamazaki watched her from the table and her mother cooked breakfast. But the only thing she managed to get out was:
"Y-Yamazaki-kun!"
He faked a pout. "Chiharu-chan, not happy to see me?"
Chiharu shook her head quickly as she took a seat next to him. He was wearing his school uniform, his bag lying against his chair. It looked like he stopped by before going to school. "No, it's not that. What are you doing here?"
He shrugged, a goofy smile on his face. "Waiting for breakfast."
The girl smiled and sighed, shaking her head. That didn't answer anything. Why was he here? It was early in the morning! Oh well. If Yamazaki was here, she was happy!
"Chiharu-chan, you look quite happy," her mother teased as she placed their breakfast in the center of the table. "Haven't seen you smile in a while. You were always off in your room moping, too."
The daughter blushed and glanced at Yamazaki who seemed to be red in the face too. "W-Well..."
But the observant mother seemed to notice as her grin grew wider. "Oh, so that's how it is."
"Hope you two weren't fooling around behind our backs, Chiharu-chan," her father said with a smirk. But it sounded like he was half joking and half being stern. After all, she was his only daughter.
The two seemed to redden even more as they stiffly got their food onto their plates. "N-No!" Chiharu insisted, "I-It's not like that!"
Chiharu's mom nodded. "Mmhmm.." she said as though she was still unconvinced. "But anyway, what are you kids planning? Haven't seen you around this whole week, Yamazaki. It was a surprise that you showed up today at six in the morning. But nevertheless, it was a nice surprise." Her husband nodded in agreement.
But Chiharu's eyes were wide. "Six in the morning!" She glanced at the clock on the wall. It was seven o'clock. "You've been here for an hour! Why didn't you wake me? This is so embarrassing," she said flushing a bit. Yamazaki had never waited in her house for her to wake up at six o'clock in the morning.
He laughed, his eyes twinkling. "You're grumpy in the morning," he said as he took a bite.
She pouted in response. "Am not..."
"I'm just joking. I really just wanted to walk with you to school," Yamazaki said with a smile.
Although she was happy, she felt something kind of weird going on here. They were being nice to her...well, more than usual. "Why?" she asked suspiciously.
The three looked at her in surprise as if she had grown another head. Why were they looking at her like that?
But her mom giggled. "You really don't know, honey?"
Honey? Now when was the last time her mother called her that?
"Uhh...no...Did I miss something?" she asked in confusion.
"Well, it's your–"
But her mom was cut off as her dad glanced at her with a scheming smile on his face.
"Oh! Never mind, honey," her mom finished with a smile.
Chiharu groaned. More hiding? More secrets? "Aww! C'mon! Tell me!"
"Don't worry you'll find out," Yamazaki said grinning. "And it's not anything bad. Don't worry."
"It's just a shock you don't remember," her dad added.
Chiharu grumbled under her breath. Great. Just great. More secrets and surprises. But this time, even her parents seemed to be in it! It was no use to get the scoop from all three of them together.
"Why did you come so early today?" Chiharu asked Yamazaki as they walked along the sidewalk. It was seven thirty and they were still quite early for school so they ambled along slowly. It seemed like a peaceful day. The breeze was soft and gentle, not causing any coldness to their skin. The birds were chirping and even some of the people seemed to be enjoying the morning by stopping their usual rush to work and just breathing in the fresh air.
Chiharu saw a blush creep up his cheeks. "Umm...No r-reason," he said looking up ahead.
She smirked. "You liar! You're blushing and stuttering! Tell me!" she said playfully.
Yamazaki still shook his head. "M-Maybe later."
She gave a teasing "Hmph." "Hey, what's the secret going around now?" she asked. "Between you and my parents during breakfast?" She wasn't really fond of secrets now. In fact, she hated them! She hated not knowing anything.
But Yamazaki just laughed. "Well actually, some farmers saw some UFO's over their fields some years ago on this day," he looked at her and winked. "Maybe they'll come back and take over the country!"
Chiharu sighed and punched him lightly on the arm. "You baka."
"I missed this," Yamazaki suddenly said as they climbed up the entrance steps to their school.
She blinked at his suddenness. "Huh?"
He seemed to have a slight blush on his face. "N-Nothing. I just said that I-I missed walking with you, Chiharu-chan."
Chiharu faked a pout as they entered the hallways. "Well it's your fault for not being around," she joked.
He groaned. "Oh don't start that with me. I was busy."
"And with what?"
She saw him grin widely as students walked past them, hurrying to their classes. He didn't speak another word though. She pouted. Oh well. At least they weren't avoiding each other anymore.
Students were filling up rapidly now. It was almost time for classes to begin. This was the time where they usually started showing up. It was like a high school hallway rush hour.
As they turned the corner Chiharu spotted Eriol and Syaoran carrying something odd into their classroom. She was about to call out to them and run over to get a better look when Yamazaki suddenly took her hand and dragged her somewhere else. When she turned towards their homeroom class again, Eriol and Syaoran along with the things they were carrying were gone. They had probably gone into the classroom already. She didn't even notice with all the people passing by.
"Hey!" Chiharu said with a frown. "What are you doing? Class is that way!"
Yamazaki laughed nervously as he practically pushed her down a random hallway into the crowd. "I-I was just thinking that we'd take a little detour first."
Confused, Chiharu blinked. "Why? And what were those things that Eriol and Li-kun were carrying into class?"
"You're really nosy, you know?" Yamazaki said with a grin.
"Hmph," she said getting a bit irritated. "We'll be late, Yamazaki-kun!"
Buthe onlysmirked, knowing exactly what to reply. "Since when did you start becoming so worried about being late?"
It's true. She has never really cared about being late or not. But it was better being early at class than late in her opinion. The real reason she wanted to get to class was to see what the others were up to. They were up to something...she could feel it. Syaoran and Eriol wouldn't be carrying those things for no reason would they? What were they carrying anyway? She wished that she had been closer to see!
Why was everyone acting weird? Seems like they were all in on something except her! Damn secrets! She began feeling gloomy again. They were all keeping secrets and she didn't like it a bit. Yamazaki probably noticed but she heard him heave a sigh.
"You mad again, Chiharu-chan?" he asked quietly as they turned another corner.
Chiharu just let out an irritated sounding "Hmph" again. But as irritated as she was, she was still greatly curious at what they were doing in the class. There was time to get angry later but now, she was going to find out what they were up to whether Yamazaki let her or not. She glanced up at Yamazaki who was looking ahead, trying to dodge the crowd that filled the hallway. Letting out a scheming yet playful smirk, she made up her mind.
As a particular large crowd passed them, Chiharu suddenly slipped out of Yamazaki's hold and rushed back towards their homeroom class. She looked back as she gently pushed the swarm of people and winked at the guy that had just started to try to catch her. But of course, she was quite a way from him what with that crowd and all.
"Ch-Chiharu-chan!" she heard him yell. But as she turned her head to see him, she saw a smile on his face. "You're way too nosy you know?" He laughed again as he cut through the crowd.
Making sure that he saw her face, she teasingly stuck out her tongue. "Well you guys are way too secretive!"
But finally, she had reached the part of the hallways that wasn't crowded as much and she stopped in front of their classroom. Seeing Yamazaki catching up to her, she giggled and burst the door open.
POP!
Before she closed her eyes, she saw a huge amount of glittery stuff along with hearing the loud pop. But she was so caught off guard that she screamed in surprise. After a second or so she heard laughter surround her and she opened her closed eyes. She gaped, her mouth practically dangling open. She realized that the glittery substance was confetti. But the next thing she realized was that there was a rainbow assortment of balloons everywhere with colorful streamers hanging from the ceilings and walls. It was such a drastic change of scenery from the usual bland white school walls that every classroom had in common. It was like a burst of color to her eyes. Maybe that's why her eyes were opened so wide.
But she figured that the colorful background wasn't what surprised her so. It was because her classmates, both close friends and mild acquaintances, were all looking at her with big smiles on their faces. Some looked silly with birthday hats on their heads and some were just simply looking happy.
"N-Nani?..."
She knew she probably sounded stupid as she stuttered like that but she couldn't help it! Her mind was in a blur probably from the sudden pop she received when she had entered that she still heard ringing in her ears. But none the less, it took a while before all this registered in her mind. Why would they be throwing a party for her when it wasn't even her–
She gasped out loud as she turned to Yamazaki who was standing next to her looking cheerful. "Y-Yamazaki-kun! Wh-What day is it today?"
His goofy grin seemed to grow wider and he slung his arm on her shoulder. "Silly. It's May the twenty-eighth."
It took yet another moment for her jaw to adjust into place again as the classmates laughed. Her shocked face slowly changed. Her lips turned upwards at the sides and she let out a laugh. "I'm so stupid..."
"Happy birthday, Chiharu-chan!" Sakura said, looking silly as she practically jumped up and down as she held Syaoran's hand.
Syaoran however looked even funnier. His expression was mixed into a grin and an irritated look from his eyes. Though the description might seem very unlikely it was true. Chiharu guessed that he probably was the fact that Sakura had forced him to wear one of those birthday hats on his messy brown head. But none the less, he looked pretty happy.
"Did you really forget, Chiharu-chan?" Naoko asked, her eyes dancing behind her wide glasses.
"Uh...Yeah. Gosh, this is embarrassing," Chiharu replied with a giggle. "But why go through all the trouble? I mean...the whole class?"
"Well they noticed that you weren't acting like yourself," Rika said, her hair containing a yellow ribbon for the special occasion. Chiharu noticed it. It was her favorite color after all. "They all wanted to cheer you up, you know? Besides, Yamazaki practically begged them."
Chiharu heard Yamazaki let out a nervous laugh and she saw that a tint of red was appearing on his cheeks. It was a sight to remember! The Yamazaki was embarrassed! But her classmates that surrounded her nodded to Rika's statement in agreement. Chiharu realized that she wasn't such a great pretender.
"Oh wow. I-I'm really sorry for that. I was probably was acting really weird to some of you too, right? Uh..." She had a loss of words from both the surprise and the guilt that she felt.
But she saw Eriol shake his head, a gentle smile resting on his lips. "Oh, Chiharu-san. No need to apologize. We simply wanted to put a light in a darkened day."
"Feh! How corny..." was heard as a silent moment came up. Chiharu figured that it probably came from the notorious Li Syaoran.
Eriol seemed to have heard it too because he smirk and cleared his throat. He was already readying his typical suave reply. "Chiharu-san, I'm quite sure that we have. After all, the Li Syaoran is standing right before you with a childish hat on his head. That would light up anyone's day."
Everyone erupted into laughter as Syaoran suddenly turned red. He instinctively reached up to remove the embarrassing hat but Sakura stopped him, a teasing grin on her face. He just sighed as he put down his hand.
Tomoyo was standing in front of Eriol, with a video camera in front of her face. This of course was no surprise. But when she suddenly took out her digital camera and clicked the shutter towards Chiharu's way, they were all mildly baffled. Of course Tomoyo would have those electronics hidden somewhere, but she had always preferred videos to snapshots.
"What are you doing, Tomoyo-chan?" Chiharu asked after she saw a flash from the camera.
Tomoyo grinned widely and let out her signature laugh. "Ohohoho! I'm taking a picture of the birthday girl and the birthday surprise party coordinator! I won't get a shot like that until you guys finally start going out!"
It was then that Chiharu noticed that Yamazaki was standing very close to her, his arm still on her shoulder. She turned red as Yamazaki noticed too. He immediately separated from her, the blush invading his cheeks again.
"Uh...I-I..." he stuttered, "It-It's time for cake!"
But of course, the class just had to erupt in laughter once again. To make it worse, they started begging Tomoyo for copies. She would make quite a profit if she decided to sell those pictures.
Chiharu sighed happily watching Yamazaki as he went to the cake that was lying on top of her desk. He started this whole surprise party. He did it...for her. Tomoyo's comment was still ringing in her ears. If only she and Yamazaki were together like that.
"Bye-bye Mihara-san!"
"See ya later!"
"Happy b-day!"
Chiharu was standing on a spot in front of their high school as some classmates she didn't really know waved goodbye to her. It was odd to her actually. She wasn't exactly a popular one in the school.
She felt someone nudge her. "Ne Chiharu-chan, you're really popular!" Naoko said with a wink.
Chiharu was of course with her friends. They were practically around her the whole day. She didn't mind though. She loved the company. It felt especially good after all that time alone she spent during the past week.
Shaking her head in embarrassment, she replied, "The only reason is because you guys planned it all."
"Well, we just helped. Yamazaki did all the planning," Syaoran said. He had finally taken off the hat when the teacher entered his aroused and noisy class with Sakura's permission.
"Where is Yamazaki anyway?" Rika asked, looking around.
Chiharu sighed, shaking her head. "He's in the principal's office."
But the others laughed. "I can't believe he did that though," Sakura said.
After their tardy homeroom teacher had suddenly barged in the class looking quite frustrated and yelled Yamazaki's name angrily, Chiharu learned that the party wasn't exactly allowed. After the students had cleaned up the party willingly, the teacher had given them a long lecture about disobeying school rules and coordinating a party without permission. He also said that it had taken up so much time to clean the mess up that it had taken up the whole class time. But it wasn't only that. He was the one who came in late after all. But when Chiharu inquired to Eriol why the teacher told Yamazaki to go to the principal's office at the end of the day, Eriol said that Yamazaki was the one to make sure that the teacher would come late. When Chiharu asked how, Eriol replied that he had flattened the teacher's tires really early that morning.
"He shouldn't have done that. He's going to get into trouble because of me now!" Chiharu groaned. Here comes that guilt again.
But Tomoyo smiled tenderly. "I think it's pretty sweet. He did that for you."
Eriol chuckled. "Oh no, she's implying something. Man, Yamazaki makes us look bad," he joked. "Yes, angel? Would you like a surprise party too?"
She laughed in reply. "You're silly."
"But Tomoyo-chan is right! Yamazaki did it for you! See, Chiharu-chan? He does like you back!" Sakura exclaimed as she grabbed Chiharu's hands in excitement. "You guys can just tell each other and you'll be together!" The others agreed.
Even though it made Chiharu feel a bit better, she was still unsure. After all, it was easy for them to say it. But they weren't Yamazaki so they weren't entirely sure. If Yamazaki actually said that he liked her, then...
...She'd be the happiest girl in Japan.
"I don't know..." she replied, her voice quite uncomfortable and nervous. "I-I hope..."
"We'll help you out, Chiharu! Don't worry a bit!" Rika said.
"Thanks...I guess."
Suddenly someone bounded up to them, a happy grin on his face and they stopped talking about the subject immediately. Chiharu hoped that he hadn't heard anything. "Hey guys! Sorry I'm late!" Yamazaki said cheerfully.
"Well? How'd it go?" Syaoran asked.
Yamazaki's grin grew wider. "They have no proof so they can't do anything!" He sighed. "Wow. I really love the justice system. Well anyway, you guys wanna hang out today? Let's celebrate Chiharu-chan's birthday and my escaping my seemingly inevitable detention."
The others seemed to glance at each other briefly. Chiharu barely noticed it, but Yamazaki however didn't seem to notice at all. Maybe he was still too happy that he escaped detention or even suspension.
"Actually Yamazaki, we're all busy," Eriol said simply. But unknowing to Yamazaki, Eriol cast a slight wink to Chiharu. "Tomoyo and I had plans to do something for her mother's company. It's some kind of formal party or something I think."
Tomoyo nodded in confirmation. "The Daidouji Company's going to open another branch somewhere. They're making it quite a big deal."
This was odd. Chiharu knew that the Daidouji Company had opened a branch somewhere. But didn't Tomoyo tell her that the party for it was on Sunday?
"I'm going to think up some new scenes for the play I'm writing," Naoko said. "The drama teacher was asking me to make another one for the annual Nadeshiko Festival."
Another odd one. The drama teacher would ask Naoko to write a play for the Nadeshiko Festival. After all, she was a play writer prodigy! But the Nadeshiko Festival was still a ways off and their teacher always did everything at the last minute.
"My mother and father's anniversary is today," Rika added. "They had said that they wanted a family get together later on."
This wasn't as suspicious. It was actually very good. After all, who would know if her parents' anniversary was today?
"My mother's coming in from Hong Kong in a few days," Syaoran said with a sigh. "I have to clean up the apartment."
"I'm helping him, too," Sakura said with a convincing smile. "You know Syaoran. His apartment is really messy."
But Yamazaki had started to catch on a bit. He wasn't stupid. "Li-kun's messy? Last time I went to his apartment it was really clean. Wasn't Li-kun always a neat freak?" he asked with a raised eyebrow.
Uh-oh. Chiharu tried to hide a smile. They would have to come up with something good to make up for that mistake. Well, it wasn't like she didn't appreciate that her friends were trying to get her and Yamazaki alone together. It was just really funny.
How ironic! Now she's in on the secret that Yamazaki didn't know!
"Uh..." Syaoran said obviously trying to come up with something.
"The truth is!" Sakura barked as she looked around nervously. "I-I wanted to be with Syaoran-kun alone!" She seemed to realize what she said because she blushed. "I-I mean...uh..."
Syaorna turned as red as her. "Me too...I mean...alone time...uhh..."
They were failing miserably! But it was still really funny to watch. Chiharu heard the others trying hard not to crack up in laughter.
But Eriol, being as clever as always, just shrugged and played along. "Tsk, tsk. Obviously they want to make out...or even do something more."
The couple blushed even harder as the group of friends finally did burst out laughing.
But Chiharu had to admit. Eriol made a nice save!
"Heh. Alrighty then," Yamazaki said as the laughter died. "Guess Chiharu-chan and I will go alone."
"You do that," Naoko said smiling widely.
As the group said their goodbyes and Chiharu and Yamazaki turned to go, she saw the others give her thumbs up and winks when Yamazaki wasn't looking.
Those guys...
"So where are we going, Yamazaki-kun?" Chiharu asked as they walked along.
"Wanna get some ice cream first? Ain't that one of your favorites? My treat."
Chiharu scooped the cold ice cream with the tiny plastic spoon that it came with. Feeling the cool breeze in her hair as the ice cream cooled her mouth, she sighed happily as she watched the scenery with great interest. This was the park that she and Yamazaki had gone to so many times before. It was close to both of their houses and when they were younger they often made plans to come here. She remembered those days. She was always the late one compared to him. When she got there, he'd already be digging in the sandbox, making a pretty castle of sand, a large usual grin on his face.
"You remember those times too?" the guy beside her said. It was odd. It was like he knew exactly what she was thinking. "I miss those times. They were...less complicated then teen days," he said with a laugh.
Chiharu nodded. "I agree. Sometimes I just reminisce without thinking about the old days." She laughed.
"So that's what you think about when you daydream!" Yamazaki said as he ate his ice cream. "Now tell me, am I ever there?" he joked.
But Chiharu blushed. He was right on target. He was there in practically all of her daydreams. "Oh shush you."
He chuckled as they watched a small group of little kids taking turns on the slide. "So how does it feel to be sixteen?"
She thought for awhile. "It feels exactly the same."
Yamazaki faked a frown. "I still can't believe you're older than me by a couple of days! I remember that you made of fun me back then. 'I'm older than you!'" he said, imitating her voice unsuccessfully.
They both laughed. But as the silence enveloped them, Yamazaki chose to drive it away.
"You know," he said quietly, "you changed a lot over the years..."
Chiharu blinked in confusion. That reminded her that she was obsessing over how everyone was changing a few days ago. She had even asked herself if she had changed! The answer to it was right here in Yamazaki. He of all people would know. They've been together ever since.
"Wow! I was wondering if I had changed a few days ago too!"she said with a smile. "So I have?" Yamazaki nodded slightly, a content smile resting on his lips. He seemed distracted though and Chiharu was curious. "What's wrong?" Then a though entered her mind. "I-Is it a bad change? Was I better before?"
She was worried now. Did she turn into some kind of meanie? Or had it to do with physical appearance? After all, you're always a great deal cuter when you're younger.
Yamazaki immediately shook his head. "No, no! I mean...y-you're...perfect the way you are now..." He blushed. "I was just wondering if...if I was keeping up." He probably saw the confusion in her eyes because he continued. "Well, Chiharu-chan with you changing so much...I'd wonder if...you'd still like me. Your pick of friends might've changed or something, you know? Or maybe you'd get tired of being around me all the time."
Wow. He was so wrong about everything.
"Oh, Yamazaki-kun," she said, a smile brightening her face. "No matter what I'd never get sick of you! Gosh...you worry too much. But believe me, you're changing too."
She mentally awarded herself a prize. She did that all without a blush creeping up on her face! Yay!
Yamazaki grinned. "Changing in a bad way? Or good way?"
"Good way."
Definitely, she added in thought.
He smirked. "Wow! Has the great Chiharu-sama been checking me out? I'm honored! So tell me, what are my best features?"
Chiharu blushed deeply. There goes that 'no-blushing award' she gave herself. She punched him lightly on the arm.
"Oh yeah. I should give you your presents now, shouldn't I?" Yamazaki said as he fumbled around in his book bag.
"Yamazaki-kun!" Chiharu shouted almost angrily. "You didn't have to! Don't waste your money!"
But she must admit to herself. She was quite happy that he said that. He seemed to care...a lot.
"I wanted to and it's not a waste," he insisted. Then he handed her a yellow bag with a gold ribbon tying the handles together.
She gasped as soon as she saw it. The ribbon... "This is...the ribbon that I lost!" she said in surprise. "That was a long time ago though. How'd you get it?"
"Asked your mom a few days ago and got it this morning," he said. "She said she found it buried in a bag of old toys of yours."
Chiharu smiled. That's why he had been there so early that morning. He wanted to get the ribbon before she woke up and saw him with it. As she slowly slipped the ribbon off the handles, she held it, staring at it in awe. It was her most favorite ribbon. She remembered that she had been crying a bit when she lost it. Now it was here...because of Yamazaki.
Suddenly she flung her arms around him. "Arigatou! Arigatou!" It wasn't because she had her ribbon...it was because Yamazaki was the one to bring it back to her.
He laughed, pulling her away slowly. "That's not the only present, you know."
She saw the bag on her lap still held some contents in it and she blushed. "Oh yeah..."
Dipping her arm into the bag, she brought out a medium sized teddy bear. She gasped. It was so cute! It was a furry brown, like the color of her hair. But it wasn't only the teddy ear that amazed her. Yamazaki had somehow attached a long velvety jewelry box to the bear so it looked like it was holding it. Chiharu smiled. Simple yet...sentimental.
"I uhh...remembered that you liked stuffed animals..." she heard Yamazaki say.
She nodded. "I love them."
"Well, I hope you love the other present it's holding then..."
Chiharu reached out and took the jewelry box from the bear. Opening it slowly with a rising excitement inside her, she almost cried when she saw what was inside.
That bracelet they had seen. It was only a few days ago but she fully remembered that day they saw it. They had been looking around the shopping district and she saw this in the jewelry store. She couldn't believe that he remembered this!
"Y-You said you really liked so...I got it," Yamazaki said. For some odd reason he sounded pretty nervous. "Do you...like it?"
She was silent for awhile, just staring at the beautiful bracelet. It was just lying there, with its thin silver chain and it's perfect yellow flowers looking up at her. Yamazaki had never given her anything so pricey before. She remembered how much it cost!
But all the same, she was quite happy. The first jewelry she got from someone...and from Yamazaki too!
As she thought before...it was simple yet sentimental. She absolutely loved it.
"O-Of course you wouldn't like it," Yamazaki started rambling. "I-I mean I hoped that you would. That's why I asked Kinomoto, Daidouji, Rika, and Naoko's help to come with me and find something! But every time, after we had gone searching for something, they would all say the same thing. 'Just give her what you think you'll like. She'll like it!' Ah, I think they were wrong. I'm so sorry Chiharu. I tried to get you something really nice! I really did!" He laughed nervously. "I can return it if you like. Then I'll give you the money and we'll go find something you'd really like."
Another silent moment passed as Chiharu just continued staring at the beautiful thing. She smiled feeling her eyes well up with tears.
"Oh Chiharu-chan...I'm really sorry!" Yamazaki said. He was sounding more nervous than ever before! She felt so bad for making him worry.
Suddenly, she gave him another hug without warning. It was like the long hug they shared the day before when they finally stopped avoiding each other. This one was different somehow though. It felt more...well, she was at loss of words right now. She'd find the right one later.
"You better not give it back!" Chiharu said, not pulling away just yet. "I absolutely love it!"
Feeling his arms wrap around her, she realized that he wasn't as nervous anymore. "Are you sure? Like I said, we can try to find another–"
Chiharu shook her head. "No! I love it! Thank you so much!"
He pulled away reluctantly and smiled. "Oh wow. Really?"
She nodded, hugging the bear close.
Letting out the breath he was holding in, he smiled serenely. "Want me to put it on you?"
Chiharu giggled, blushing a bit. "Sure..."
He took the bracelet gently from the box and reached for her wrist which she extended to him. With a soft click, he latched it on. "Wow. It looks beautiful on you, Chiharu-chan..."
"Th-Thanks. But thank you so much again!" Leaning in for a quick hug, she realized something funny. "Whoa!"
Yamazaki blinked. "What?"
"You barely have told a lie all day!" Chiharu said in surprise.
Hegrinned happily. "You noticed? Finally! It's so hard not to say anything!"
Chiharu giggled. "Did you finally realize how much those stories annoy everyone?" she joked.
But he shook his head with the wide grin back on his face. "Nope. It's another birthday present for a special someone."
She smiled and laughed. "Thanks...but you know I'd never admit it to anyone else but, I like your stories!"
Yamazaki laughed along with her. "Of course! Everyone does!"
Chiharu giggled and hit him softly, staring down at her new bracelet.
"Thanks again..." Chiharu said. "For everything."
They were at her front door, saying their goodbyes. They figured that they had better get home soon. The sun was beginning to set, casting pinkish shadows into the blue sky. Even though Chiharu didn't want to leave...she still wanted to spend time with her family. So she stood there, her teddy bear in her arms, her ribbon tied around its neck, and the bracelet dangling slightly on her wrist.
Yamazaki just grinned. "No prob. After all, you're Chiharu-chan. But you know what?"
"Hmm?"
He cocked his head to the side, smirking. "I liked how everyone made up all those excuses to get us alone."
Chiharu blushed, her mind racing. "You knew?"
"Of course! My dear, I am the king of excuses, you know? Well, ja ne."
He walked away waving as she waved back. She stared after his retreating figure when she realized something.
His birthday was in four days.
She groaned as she got out her keys and opened the front door.
How will she ever give him a present as good as this?
