NTR Kousuke

Chapter 136: The Meaning of White Day

Shall we get going?

So we set out to buy the main event of White Day—a return gift.

Nagase-san is still super hyped up from the shooting game.

That game is great for stress relief. You just empty your brain and shoot like crazy.

When I play with Sho, we can't stop laughing and it's exhausting, but we're in sync, so it's fun.

Nagase: "...You're thinking about another girl, aren't you?"

Nagase-san puffs out her cheeks a bit and gives me a sharp glare—she's so cute it gives me chills.

...My fear of girls still isn't getting any better. Am I going to be okay?

So, see? I make sure to show I'm not thinking about other girls.

"Nope, I was thinking about my best friend, a guy."

Nagase: "...That's not good! Even if you're bad with girls, you can't just run to boys! That's not productive!"

I'm not running!

I give her a wry smile.

What do you want? Anything? Then maybe something sweet? That's how it goes.

The sweets corner in the station building's basement is full of not just gorgeous flavors, but also flashy treats that girls would love!

Like most girls, Nagase-san loves sweets.

...What do you want? Chocolates or something?

Nagase: "Yeah, I love chocolate!"

"...White chocolate is tasty too, right? Do you like cookies?"

Nagase-san makes a difficult face,

Nagase: "...Yeah. I mean, I like them, but... maybe not right now?"

Really? Then what do you want?

I know that if you don't guess right away at times like this, girls can get annoyed.

I try to think about Nagase-san's thoughts and preferences...?

Her gaze, the mood, what we've talked about so far...?

Nagase-san is stylish, sociable, and outgoing, but she's also kind of a romantic...

"...How about macarons?"

Nagase-san's face lights up and her eyes sparkle!

...Girls really do love macarons, huh...?

They're tasty, and stylish too.

So many colors, so many types even with the same shape—why do girls love them so much?

Looks like Nagase-san is no exception.

Glad I seem to have guessed right.

Nagase: "...Macarons are delicious♪ And so cute♪ Getting them from Kousuke-kun? I can't believe you'd give them to me—♪"

...She's in such a good mood, huh?

I didn't know she liked macarons this much.

I knew girls liked them, but really? This much?

...Well then.

I buy a pretty expensive macaron gift box, meet up with Nagase-san who's been waiting, and we head up to the top floor's observation cafe to have tea while I give her the macaron gift.

"Thanks for the chocolate the other day. Congrats on winning the finals—I won't lose next time, okay?"

I gently hand Nagase-san the most colorful box, packed with the best, prettiest macarons from the gift set.

Nagase-san is grinning ear to ear! She looks so happy hugging the macaron box and is absolutely delighted.

Nagase: "I'm so happy with the return gift! Winning and going out is so much fun! I'm really glad we'll be together again next year!"

I'm just glad she's happy!

Nagase-san puts the macaron gift on the table and keeps gazing at it.

...She really liked it that much? She loves macarons that much...?

Nagase: "...There's a meaning behind White Day return gifts, you know."

"...Huh?"

Well, of course there is.

Nagase-san blushes, lets out a little giggle, and then changes the subject to Koji.

Nagase: "...About Koji-kun, you know? He gave me his return gift earlier, remember? 'My feelings! Please give them to Ninomiya-san! My burning passion!' he said."

Yeah. I nod.

Nagase-san says something shocking.

Nagase: "...Giving a handkerchief on White Day? That's a return gift that means 'I want to break up with you.' Because a handkerchief makes you think of wiping away tears, it's associated with parting."

"...So that's why she checked if it was okay to give it?"

Nagase: "...Nii-chan (the gyaru, real name Niina Ninomiya) gave Koji-kun a Black Thunder to shut him up, so there's absolutely no chance there...?"

"...Absolutely none, huh..."

Poor Koji.

Still, so gifts have meanings, huh? I think I've heard that before, but I never really paid attention... That was close.

I'm relieved I went with sweets that don't last.

Even when we parted at the station's ticket gates, Nagase-san was still holding her macarons tightly—her love for macarons is just adorable.

Well, I'm glad she's happy! I headed home.

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On the way home, Nagase Aya can't stop grinning.

Kousuke-kun gave me macarons!

Maybe he just doesn't know the meaning...

But for now, that's okay!

The meaning of macarons on White Day is,

"You're someone special."

Nagase Aya's house is pretty close by.

Even so, Nagase Aya hugged the macaron box tight and went home with a big smile.

Reliving her time with Kousuke today as she walked...

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