She wanted to wish him a happy birthday. But how could she? How would that look? The wealthy Tenth Seat and academy director's granddaughter calling the ne'er-do-well poor local kid for any reason was just silly and unbelievably beneath her. What would she even say? "Hey, I'm glad you were born today?" Ha, no. She would never be able to live that down. Even if no one ever found out, she couldn't forgive herself for stooping so low as to show him her vulnerability. Not to mention, afterward, she would have to threaten him with expulsion to get it out of his delusional mind that she cared about him even in the slightest. But even if that were to work, her excuse would have to be so believable that if anyone on campus were to learn that she even uttered a word of kindness his way, they'd think nothing of it (or be too scared of what she might do to them if they did). Or else, that would be her pride and reputation—two things she would never give up—especially not for a Tohtsuki reject (she still has a bone to pick with her grandfather for undermining her authority by vetoing her transfer exam decision). She wanted to text him happy birthday before the day ended, but her brain was lagging on the right words…

Then again, his dorm mates did invite her to his surprise costume birthday party tonight. She could wait until then to speak to him. Better to do it in person, anyway. Spit it out and move on without a paper trail to haunt her forever. Plus, her attendance at a house party wouldn't be too suspicious. Or would it? When she thought of it from the gossip mill's perspective, it would probably raise a few eyebrows; she had to admit that she wasn't the most social butterfly in her class, but if the entire group of first-years would be present, why couldn't she for just one night be like one of the regular kids she quietly envied who got to do whatever they wanted without care or scrutiny. But if she showed up to his party when she'd missed all the others, there was no way no one would say anything or, at the very least, find her presence surprising. So, maybe because of how she acts towards him in public, it would cause people to start rumors. She tried to ignore the whisperings about them around school. Could their chemistry really be that undeniable?

But that was impossible because there couldn't be two more incompatible people on the planet than she was with Soma Yukihira. She didn't even like to say his name out loud. Besides, she was dating the most attractive and successful third-year any girl could want. And she liked being Eishi's girlfriend. He was a perfectly respectable young man with a blindingly bright future ahead of him. Just like her. Unlike him. They were the perfect Tohtsuki couple, and there was nothing about him that she would change. Not even how much he posted her on his socials. So maybe she shouldn't go to the party at all. She wouldn't want anyone to get the wrong idea either way.

Still, she did want to tell him a happy birthday. She found herself longing to let him know she was thinking of him on his special day, even though she didn't want him to know she was thinking about him a lot lately. She frowned at herself; it made no sense why this mattered so much to her, but it felt consequential like nothing would be the same if she did it. Maybe an insult or a facetious greeting would do the trick. Sarcasm always hid the truth very well. That settled it. That's what she would do.

Now, to source the most seductive costume money can buy.

a/n: HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SOMA YUKIHIRA! today also marks one year since i started writing this fic. it's been a daringly creative journey, and i've enjoyed every moment of creating it for your reading pleasure. thank you for sticking by me through the long pauses and hiatuses as i wrack my brain to bring you art.

disclaimer: this chapter is a time jump about a month ahead of where we are in the story. think of it as filler that serves a purpose. so i hope reading this slice-of-life one-shot from Erina's inner perspective about Soma was a refreshing birthday surprise and story development because it's about to get very interesting over here...

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8.20withLove