Valentine’s Day

The crisp winter air had a special chill on Valentine's Day, and Kazuki could feel it as he walked through the school gates. Despite the cold, there was a warmth in the atmosphere—there always was on Valentine's Day. The excitement of students, some nervous, some confident, as they prepared for the day filled with chocolate, confessions, and the promise of a good time.

Kazuki had never been one for the whole Valentine's Day hype. As much as he appreciated the attention he sometimes got, it was always a bit too much for him. But today was different. This year, there was Shizuka.

He had known her since childhood, and even though their relationship had shifted over the past few months, there was something undeniable between them now. Something that had grown in the quiet moments, in the unspoken gestures, and in the way they looked at each other when they thought no one was watching.

Kazuki wasn't expecting anything extravagant, but he couldn't help the little flutter in his chest as he thought about the possibility of receiving something—anything—from her today.

As he entered the classroom, he spotted her almost immediately. Shizuka was sitting at her desk, looking perfectly composed as always, her silver hair cascading over her shoulders. She was adjusting the ribbon of her uniform, but Kazuki noticed the slight blush on her cheeks that didn't quite match her usual calm demeanor.

"Hey, Shizuka," Kazuki greeted, walking up to her desk.

She looked up, her lips curving into a soft smile. "Hey, Kazuki. How are you feeling today?"

"Much better," Kazuki said, though the faint weariness from his recent illness still lingered in his voice. "Thanks for checking on me yesterday."

Shizuka smiled a little wider. "It was nothing. You're important to me, so I couldn't leave you alone when you were sick."

Kazuki paused for a moment, then leaned against her desk, feeling his heart beat just a little faster at her words. He was about to say something when a classmate walked in, carrying a tray of chocolates.

"Hey, Kazuki! Got a little something for you," the girl called out, handing him a small box of chocolate with a bright smile.

Kazuki blinked in surprise. "Thanks, but I wasn't expecting…"

The girl winked. "It's just a little something for my favorite classmate."

Kazuki chuckled awkwardly, accepting the chocolates. He wasn't sure how to feel, especially with Shizuka right there, watching him with her usual unreadable expression. Before he could say anything more, the bell rang, and everyone quickly settled into their seats as the teacher entered.

---

Later that day, after school, Kazuki and Shizuka walked together through the school courtyard. The sun had set, and the evening sky was painted with streaks of deep purple and red. It was quiet, the sounds of students retreating to their homes fading with each passing moment.

Shizuka turned to Kazuki, her gaze soft but intense. "Kazuki, I… I wanted to give you something today."

Kazuki felt a slight heat rise to his cheeks. "Oh?"

Shizuka's fingers tightened around the small bag she had been carrying, and for a moment, she hesitated. Kazuki couldn't help but notice how her silver hair seemed to shine in the fading light, the look of concentration on her face making his heart race.

"I've been thinking a lot about us lately," she started, her voice low and serious. "And, well… I've realized I care about you a lot more than I thought. More than I thought I was ready to admit."

Kazuki's chest tightened. He had a feeling where this was going, but hearing her say it out loud made his heart skip a beat.

Shizuka's smile was soft as she handed him the small bag. "Here. Happy Valentine's Day, Kazuki."

Kazuki took the bag, his hands shaking slightly. Inside, he found a box of handmade chocolates, wrapped neatly with a delicate ribbon. It wasn't just any gift. He could tell that she had put effort into this. Her eyes met his, filled with a sincerity that made him feel like he was the only person in the world.

"Shizuka…" Kazuki whispered, his voice softer than usual.

She blushed slightly, avoiding his gaze. "I don't expect anything in return, but… I just wanted you to know how I feel."

Kazuki smiled, a real, genuine smile. It felt like a weight had been lifted from his chest. "Thank you, Shizuka. I'm really glad you gave this to me. I wasn't expecting anything, but this… means a lot."

As he held the chocolates, he felt something shift between them. It wasn't just a Valentine's Day gift. It was a symbol. A symbol of how far they had come from the awkward moments to this—something real.

"Maybe I should get you something too," Kazuki said with a playful grin.

Shizuka raised an eyebrow, a teasing smirk appearing on her lips. "Oh? What's that supposed to mean?"

Kazuki chuckled and reached into his bag. He pulled out the small gift he had been holding onto all day—chocolates from a local shop. It wasn't homemade, but it was something he had carefully selected.

"For you," he said, offering it to her with a wink.

Shizuka's eyes sparkled as she took the chocolates. "I see how it is. You're not completely clueless after all."

They shared a laugh, the tension from earlier easing into something more comfortable. It was the start of something new. Something that neither of them had quite expected, but both were willing to embrace.

As they stood there, the night settling in around them, Kazuki realized that this Valentine's Day wasn't about the chocolates or the gifts. It was about the connection they had—something unspoken, yet undeniable.

And maybe, just maybe, it was the start of something more.