I am very grateful to Saito. She has lent me books so many times that Iāve lost count. Even now, Iāve been lent 2 books every day.
Although she doesnāt bring the books to school like she used to, she still has a man visiting her house almost every day. That would still have to be stressful.
Even so, she still lends me a lot of books, and I canāt get over how sheās very sincere nowadays.
Iāve always wanted to give her something in return since sheās been very nice to me.
Iāve been in her care for too long, and I donāt think I can repay her for everything.
But, if I do have a chance, what better way to return the favor than on her birthday?
If I gave it to her as a thank you gift, sheād probably refuse. However, if I gave it to her as a present, she wouldnāt be able to refuse it, right?
I know when her birthday is. I happened to see it when I picked up her handbook, itās exactly 2 months after my own birthday, so itās not too hard to remember.
I canāt let this great opportunity pass by.
[Hey, is there anything you want?]
Normally, when youāre giving a present to someone, you would want the recipient to be happy, though in my case, I have no clue what she would like.
Thereās nothing I can come up with other than to ask her what she wants.
I shouldāve thought of a better way to question her. When I asked her bluntly, she had a puzzled look.
[What is it, all of the sudden?]
I could tell she put her guard up fromher voice.
[No, itās just that⦠I donāt know much about you and what you like]
[Thereās no need. Itās pointless to tell you either way]
[Donāt say that. Iām curious. Tell me something]
[ā¦. Fine]
I mightāve been a bit too persistent, but when I asked her like that, she gave a small sigh and agreed.
Luckily, she didnāt seem to notice I was asking with the intent to get her a present.
It might be a given. Since, on her side, she doesnāt realize I know her birthday, that thought
never came to her mind.
[Hmmmā¦]
She crossed her arms and lowered her eyes, she looked like she was thinking very hard.
But as time passed, she kept being silent, and didnāt open her mouth.
[Is there anything?]
[Even if you ask, I donāt have a lot of personal belongings to begin with]
Sheās trying to think of something to respond with, but it doesnāt seem like she could come up with anything, and looked annoyed.
[Hmm⦠Ah, there is one that I do want]
[Oh, what is it?]
[Itās a new book called ā”ā”] (TN: Yes, it is listed like that)
[ā¦. Books, huh]
Even knowing her, I was still taken aback by her answer.
It seemed a little out of place for a beautiful high school girl to ask something like that. Normally, they would want cosmetics or accessories, not a book.
I could only laugh at the unexpected answer.
[ā¦. Why donāt you buy it yourself?]
[Itās not that I canāt, but I donāt know if itās good or not because itās a new book. Itās also expensive because itās a hardcover.]
[I see]
She never expected to get a birthday present, so she just said what she wanted.
But is it okay to give her a book as a present? Iām sure sheāll be happy if I give it to her, but it doesnāt feel right.
In the end, I had no clue what to get her. She looked at me with a curious expression and looked a bit confused.