September 14
We didn't know until long afterwards that it was Kakeru's birthday, as Kakeru didn't say anything. After that, we said that we would celebrate it next year. But, his birthday next year didn't arrive. So, before that day, ask him when is his birthday and ask him what he wants.
He was sitting in a park, gazing at the letter. Well, trying to plan a birthday party. He needed to make a big show of asking about when Kakeru's birthday is in front of everyone. Then, he could convene a meeting in secret where they will be able to plan Kakeru's birthday. For now, even if he came up with a surprise birthday party plan, the others would have other ideas, which may be better. Yup, he might just as well keep the letter back in the envelope.
"Suwa." A voice came from behind.
He jolted with shock. He quickly turned his back and saw Naho.
"Oh, it's you." Discreetly he tried to hide the envelope. It would be catastrophically if she saw the letter. How was he going to explain?
"Wait…" Naho squinted as she tried to read the sender's name on the envelope.
"Did you get a letter from the future too?" said Naho.
That was not what he was expecting Naho to say.
"Did you also get one? Was it about saving Kakeru?" said Suwa.
"Yeah!" Naho sounded excited, before becoming slightly dejected. "I can't believe that Kakeru would commit suicide."
If it was not for the many moments when Kakeru showed a sad smile, he wouldn't have believed it too. "Hey, Naho, did your letter said anything about Kakeru's birthday?"
"No, it didn't."
"Well, mine did. Here, I'll show you." Naho took Suwa's letter and started reading it.
"We should plan a birthday party for Kakeru. We need to contact the others. Do you think if they have received a letter from their future self too?" said Naho after she read the letter.
"It seems quite likely." The fact that Naho had one allowed him to think that the others may have received one too. Even if they didn't, it would probably be safe to tell them too? Certainly, he didn't think that telling others that he had a letter from his future self was a good idea, but considering the odds are much higher now, maybe he should.
"So, is there any reason for you to gather us on this fine day that should be my holiday?" asked Hagita.
"Well, Naho and I have something important to say." said Suwa.
"Something important? What are you going to say? You both are going out not?" said Hagita.
"What nonsense are you saying, Hagita?" said Azusa. Naho has started blushing due to Hagita's comment.
"Yeah. Don't start nonsensical stories." said Suwa. "Anyways, what I want to say is…" Gosh, it was harder to say it. After all, if they didn't receive a letter from the future, it would be embarrassing and they might start thinking that he was mad.
"Have you guys received a letter from your future self? Suwa and I have received one." said Naho. Her sudden courage to reveal her secret surprised him. Earlier, he was worried that Naho might be afraid of telling out the secret of the letter from their future-self. When had she started to change to this new confident self?
"Yeah, I have." answered Takako
"I have one too. Gosh, this is so exciting! I thought that I was the only one that had it." said Azusa.
"Well, so normal of you to be so self-centred. I have one too." said Hagita.
"I bet you thought the same thing, stupid Hagita." said Azusa. They were about to descend into their usual bickering self, before Takako stopped them. Suwa was really starting to wonder when these two would start realising their feelings for each other and start dating.
"So, all of you have received a letter from your future-self? Was it about Kakeru?" said Suwa.
"Yeah, it was. I can't believe what the letter said when I first saw it. Actually, I still don't believe it. But, whatever it wrote came true. Not all, I guess, since we have been actively trying to change things." said Azusa. Takako and Hagita nodded silently in agreement.
"Yeah, these issues are important, and that saving is Kakeru is very important. I'm sure we will be able to save him." said Naho. Suwa thought that she had really changed as a person. This confident version of Naho. Somehow, she had assumed the role of the leader in this Mission Save Kakeru.
"Anyways, what Suwa and I wanted to discuss about today is about Kakeru's birthday." said Naho. "Did your letters talked about not being able to celebrate Kakeru's birthday?"
"I can't remember exactly what the date is, but I think so." said Azusa.
"It's September 14th, you doofus." said Hagita.
"I'm not." said Azusa.
Ignoring the bickering couple, Takako said, "So, are you two planning to hold a birthday party for him? Maybe a surprised birthday party?"
"Yeah. But we still need to ask him when is his birthday. Kakeru might get suspicious about how we know when his birthday is if we try to surprise him directly." said Suwa.
"So, are you guys joining in this plan?" asked Naho.
"Of course!" said Azusa. Somehow, she had finished her argument with Hagita. Or has she?
"Yeah." said Hagita and Takako.
"Great, we can start planningnow." said Suwa. It seems that his original worries about how to organise a birthday party for Kakeru went away when he shared this burden with his friends.
September 14 – cont.
When you want to ask Kakeru what he wants for his birthday present, make sure you ask that after everyone have asked. I'm pretty sure that he would say "Flowers." Ask him the reason why. Make sure you get him a bouquet of flowers.
Back then, I didn't do a good job of supporting Naho and Kakeru. Maybe, I'm just selfish, since I liked Naho too. But, after I saw them how Naho was after Kakeru died, I regret that I didn't support them. Certainly, I'm selfish here, asking you, my past self to sacrifice, but I hope you will, for Naho and Kakeru's happiness.
"Kakeru, what birthday present do you want?" asked Suwa to Kakeru as they were walking back home after their soccer practice.
"Hmm, you're really late in asking, you know. I already got a soccer bag, a set of manga and a ticket to next Matsumoto football team football match."
"Haha, Kakeru. It's not even your birthday yet and you are saying this like you have received all the presents."
"Well, I'm not sure. I think I have nearly everything I want." said Kakeru.
Seems like it was not going the way of the letter. In a way, the future certainly has changed and diverged. In this universe, Kakeru doesn't like Naho, if he would to believe what Kakeru have told him during the MatsuBon summer festival. Still, he decided to follow the letter and make sure that the others have asked Kakeru what presents he wants before he asked.
"Hmm, I know! Get me a bouquet of flowers." said Kakeru with a mischievous glint in his eye.
"You want a bouquet of flowers? What for?"
"You will know on my birthday what it is for. I'll tell you what to do with it. Oh, make sure you choose Naho's favourite flowers."
"So, you want to give Naho flowers?"
"You'll know on that day!"
Somehow, everything seems to be going according to the plan of the letter. He was nearly expecting it not to, though.
"You left something in the classroom?" asked Kakeru.
"Yeah, I just realised it. My Mathematics textbook." said Suwa.
"Ok, then I'll wait for you here."
"You might just as well accompany me, instead of standing here like a dumb person."
"What? You are afraid of the dark? Well, the sun has not set yet."
"Just accompany me, won't you?" Suwa was starting to wonder if Kakeru had seen through their surprise birthday party plan and was trying to make it difficult for him.
"Well, say please Kakeru-sama."
"Aren't you ashamed of yourself? Forcing people to say such gross words to boost your ego."
"Well, I'm going home then. Bye, Suwa."
Suwa was completely sure that Kakeru did that on purpose, knowing that they had planned a surprised birthday party. They have tried to create a semblance of normalcy today, but it didn't work after all? Maybe it was the fact that they haven't given him their gifts which had leaked the secret out. After all, they were pretty blatant about asking what he wanted as a birthday present just a few weeks ago.
"Well, since it is your birthday… 'Please, Kakeru-sama'"
"Hahaha. Why are you so desperate?" said Kakeru.
Step 1 of the plan—Bring Kakeru to the classroom—succeeded.
"Happy Birthday, Kakeru!" said Naho, Takako, Azusa, Hagita and Suwa in unison, once Kakeru opened the classroom door.
"Eh, Kakeru! Why are you frozen in the doorway?" said Suwa.
"Ah… This is surprising. I actually have forgotten that it was my birthday today. Thank you, everyone." said Kakeru.
"Here is our gift. Don't be surprised about it." said Takako and Azusa.
"Ah, the ticket for the football match?"
"You mean tickets!" said Azusa. "We got you two of them."
"Here you go." said Hagita as he passed his present.
"Oh, you got me the manga. Thanks." said Suwa.
"Here you go!" said Naho as she passed her present. It was a sports bag.
"Thank you very much, it must have been expensive."
"Not really haha. Nothing is too expensive for a good friend."
"Oh ya! Where's your present?" asked Azusa to Suwa.
"Well, I left it outside. Wait for a while."
Suwa came in with a bouquet of flowers.
Azusa started howling with laughter. "What are you, his boyfriend?" Hagita and Takako snickered.
"Shut up! That's what Kakeru said he wanted."
"Oh, you really did it." said Kakeru, before descending into laughter.
"Now what, Kakeru? You want this?" asked Suwa.
"Ok, I'll tell you what I want you to do now." said Kakeru before whispering some words to Suwa.
"What?" said Suwa.
"Just do it. It's for my birthday after all." said Kakeru.
Suwa slowly walked towards Naho, holding the flowers.
"There you go, Naho." said Suwa.
"What for?" asked Naho.
"To express my thanks for all the things you have brought into my life."
"I don't think that I did that much though? You did more for me, Suwa. I should be the one thanking you."
"No, you really did change my life. Thank you, Naho."
"Oh, Suwa finally confessed his love." Hagita remarked.
"I did not. This is all Kakeru's fault. He wanted a comedic sketch and he forced me to say all that." said Suwa.
"Seems like you act rather naturally though." said Kakeru.
Naho stood rather dumbfound, holding the bouquet of flowers in her hands while Suwa chased Kakeru around the classroom. Azusa and Hagita laughed at what was happening in the whole scene. Takako observed everything quietly.