Chapter 9

Then academic tasks became busy as everyone prepared for final exams and entered the summer vacation. Nick occasionally called Akito to hang out, play games, grab a bite, or find a place to chat leisurely.

Even during Ryohei's vacation, he remained occupied, sometimes calling Akito and always emphasizing the importance of studying. It made Akito both anticipate and fear his calls.

As the summer break passed, they entered the even busier third year of high school. The Su family, especially Akito's parents, incessantly emphasized the crucial nature of the upcoming year. Akito listened in a daze, only responding with assurances to study well.

With the arrival of autumn at the beginning of the school year, Nick, on one particular day, wore a deep gray shirt with a bright silver border, neither flamboyant nor tacky. Akito shook his head, thinking that only Nick could pull off such a look.

In the first few days of senior year, teachers emphasized the importance of the upcoming year even more, leaving students drained after school. Akito went to find Nick, "Come out quickly after school."

Nick agreed.

At noon, Nick accompanied Akito to a cake shop where Akito picked out a birthday cake to collect later that evening. Nick asked, "Whose birthday is it?"

Akito replied, "Mine."

Later that evening, Nick and Akito went to their usual spot.

In the afternoon, Nick said, "Akito, come out."

Akito emerged, smiling, "What's the order? Speak quickly; we're about to start class."

Nick handed him a box from behind. Akito opened it to find a black shirt.

Akito, feeling a bit embarrassed, said, "What's this for?"

Nick pushed him playfully, "Go back, aren't you about to start class?"

He added, "I was in a hurry today, so I couldn't get anything better."

When Akito went back, he opened the box to find a note. It read, "Happy Birthday - Nick."