There was no doubt—this was self-deception.
But if she didn't deceive herself, then she would have to accept that those words were written by Asakusa Toru, and from that foundation, begin analyzing, speculating, and dissecting every diary entry—how much was false, how much was real, and whether the real parts were the ones she cared about.
She would have to wonder whether he really had a girlfriend behind the scenes, whether he was playing with other girls, and why he kept his distance from her instead of touching her thigh—
…Ah, sorry. That last one didn't count.
Her jealousy was about to explode.
Jealous of the others who could read his diary.
Jealous of those who could share secrets with him that she didn't know.
Jealous of those who, under the pretense of the diary, could glimpse a more genuine side of him.
The flames of jealousy rose higher and higher.
But that wasn't allowed.
"Perfect" Ichinose Honami wouldn't envy anyone.
Because of that contradiction—
Because of that simple reason—
She chose to run away again.
Not only did she avoid thinking deeply about the identity behind the diary, she even ignored what should have mattered most—the uninhabited island special exam described in it.
Reading the diary every day—
While ignoring everything inside her heart.
And just like that,
July 20 arrived.
Her birthday.
...
July 20, Thursday.
Even though it was her birthday, summer vacation hadn't begun yet.
Classes and exams still loomed ahead.
A student's duty was to study.
So aside from the flood of gifts and congratulations she received during breaks, she reserved her time for her friends.
In other words—
A party.
To spend her birthday with her closest friends.
And with the person she liked most.
And on that very day—
To confirm his feelings.
To confirm the truth behind the diary.
To confirm whether he was really dating Chihiro.
...
The preparations were taken care of by everyone else.
As the birthday girl, she only needed to wait for the surprise.
After some discussion, the venue was decided—
Shiranami Chihiro's dorm room.
Streamers.
Balloons.
Confetti.
Cake.
Snacks.
Laughter filled the space.
For Class A, money wasn't a concern.
What mattered—
Was the memory.
"—Happy Birthday!!!"
Surrounded by cheers, she felt like she could stay in this moment forever.
Shibata Sota smiling brightly.
Kanzaki Ryuji forcing a faint smile.
Chihiro smiling with nervous anticipation.
And—
Asakusa Toru, smiling gently.
The lights dimmed.
Curtains drawn.
The room fell into darkness, lit only by candlelight.
"Fuu—"
She blew them out.
Lights returned.
Her wish remained unspoken.
Even she didn't know what she had wished for.
But she hoped—
It would come true.
...
The party atmosphere was warm and lively.
Chihiro loved it.
But—
This wouldn't last forever.
She had decided.
Today.
No matter what.
Even if it was Honami's birthday.
As the cake was cut and shared—
She reached into her bag.
"Ta-da!"
She raised a bottle.
"Look what I got from Hoshinomiya-sensei!"
Alcohol.
Strictly forbidden for students.
But rules were rules—
And people were people.
Even Class A had its rebellious side.
Curiosity.
Temptation.
The illusion of becoming an adult.
Chihiro wanted to become an adult.
Not through alcohol—
But…
Something else.
"…I won't drink."
"Same here."
Unexpectedly, both Kanzaki and Shibata refused immediately.
"Why?!"
Chihiro was shocked.
It was alcohol!
Shouldn't they at least try it?
"…It smells," Shibata shrugged. "And what if we get drunk? We can't stay overnight."
Then he glanced meaningfully at Asakusa and Ichinose.
"…You two could try."
The intention was obvious.
No one thought this was just about drinking.
She wanted someone drunk.
Who?
Hard to say.
But everyone understood.
"…Then I'll drink a little."
Ichinose pushed her cup forward.
She needed something—
To push herself forward.
Chihiro carefully poured a small amount, then looked at Asakusa.
"And you…?"
"…Alright."
He wouldn't get drunk.
...
Time passed.
Night deepened.
The cups grew damp.
Faces flushed.
Even though it was just light plum wine—
For first-timers, it was enough.
And compared to Chihiro—
Ichinose seemed even worse with alcohol.
Gradually—
The room quieted.
The door clicked shut.
Asakusa's phone lit up.
Messages.
From the two who didn't drink.
They were leaving.
[We're heading out. Take Ichinose back later.]
Then another message.
[You should confess. Don't make the girl do it.]
…Perhaps resignation.
Perhaps acceptance.
The dots representing them on his mini map moved away.
Gone.
"…Honami seems asleep."
Chihiro whispered.
She was flushed—
But her eyes were clear.
Of course she hadn't drunk much.
Looking over—
Ichinose was resting against the table, breathing softly.
Not fully drunk.
Just…
Tired.
And safe.
"Yeah… she's asleep."
Asakusa nodded.
"…Then…"
Chihiro moved closer.
Carefully. Quietly.
She glanced once more at Ichinose—
Then looked up.
"…Toru-kun. Can you give me your answer now?"
Her answer.
Yes—
Or no.
He looked down.
Her outfit—
A soft white dress.
White stockings.
Leaning forward slightly—
Revealing more than intended.
Ichinose slept beside them.
It was her birthday.
And yet—
Chihiro was asking for an answer.
"…Yeah."
He spoke.
"I like you, Chihiro."
"Go out with me."
"I'd love to."
She smiled.
Then moved closer.
Fingers resting against him.
Closing the distance.
Following her friend's advice—
He didn't let the girl take the lead.
Confession.
Acceptance.
Everything flowed naturally.
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