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Ryuji was very proud of himself today. He hadn’t missed Sumi’s birthday! In fact, he was a day early! He’d confessed to Ann about how clueless he was about what girls liked, so she helped him pick out something for her. His friend even liked his choice, which showed that he’d done good. He was very grateful to Ann, who’d just chuckled and kissed his cheek before giving him her parting words: “Don’t be fake, be yourself. She’ll appreciate that more than anything.”
He really hoped Ann was right. He really liked Sumi, and he had no idea how she’d felt about him. He knew they were at least friends, but that didn’t mean she was actually interested in him. He hoped she was though.
When Ryuji saw Sumi next, it was at the place where her and Akira often met up to train. It was still the day before her birthday, but with her busy schedule he was sure she would appreciate it early.
“H-hey! Sumi!” Ryuji waved at her, and when she looked up from tying her shoe, her face lit up. He tried not to read too much into that.
“Ryuji, hi! What’s up? Did you need something?”
“Uh… Y-yeah…” Ryuji reached into his bag and pulled out a small, thin box with a red ribbon on it. “I know it’s a day early, but happy birthday. I, uh, hope you like them! They’re Ann approved!”
Hey stupid, why did you say that?! She doesn’t want to hear about another girl!
Sumi giggled and accepted the box, looking at it and shaking it before looking back at Ryuji. “Can I open it now?”
“Huh? Oh, yeah, sure! Go ahead!” Ryuji was glad he’d be able to see her reaction the moment of. He’d know if she really liked them.
Sumi beamed at him, nodding and carefully pulling the ribbon off. She was excited to see what he got her, but she would have liked it no matter what. She really liked Ryuji, and she was happy he’d remembered her birthday. As she opened up the box, her face lit up even brighter. “Oh, how sweet! New ribbons!”
“Yeah, I noticed you’re always wearing that red one, and while it looks really cute on you, I thought maybe you’d like being able to mix it up ever so often. Do you like them…?”
“I love them!” And without thinking, she grabbed him and kissed him on the lips.
Ryuji’s eyes went wide in shock, but he kissed her back nervously.
She pulled away after a moment, blushing and looking away. “I-I’m so sorry, I don’t know what came over me… But y’know, I meant it! I really like you, Ryuji.”
Ryuji was stunned for a moment, but when he snapped back to reality, he smiled a big, goofy grin. “I really like you too, Sumi! Would you wanna go on a date some time? Just me and you?”
She giggled and nodded. “I would like nothing more!”