2. Valentines Day
Toshiro's eyes widened upon seeing of the item in Karin's hands. The fact today was the fourteenth of February had slipped his mind. "I can't..."
"Why not? We are friends, are we not?"
"Yes... but..." The boy felt his throat tighten. "I don't know how to reciprocate."
"What do you mean? I'm giving this to you as a friend. You don't have to."
"Tradition says even if it is just for a friend that I should do something in return." The boy looked at the candy, swallowing again. "I'm not good at this kind of thing."
"What if I told you that you accepting it would be enough of a reciprocation on your part?"
"I don't follow."
"I'm well aware how hard it is for you to make friends Toshiro. I also know that you struggle with social interactions. For you simply accepting the chocolate is a step up. How can I not be happy with that?"
The boy timidly took the chocolate into his hands, his cheeks flushing up. "Still... I want to do something."
"Toshiro..."
"I've received gifts from people I consider family before, but never a friend."
"I got that. You being my friend is enough."