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Every day is his birthday. That was in Gojo’s mind when he received every presents and gifts from his parents’ colleagues. Almost every day he got something new from them. He got it more on his birthday.
Gojo is 6 years old now and a 1st grade elementary student in one of elite schools in Japan. He enrolled in that school in January and now it’s December 1st. Almost a year has passed and Gojo is really popular at school. Other than being the richest, he also excels in his school work. That’s why even though Gojo is being naughty and rebels towards the teacher, the school can’t do anything to stop him. But his mischievousness drastically decreased after he met Ieiri.
They aren’t classmates, Gojo is in 1-1 and Ieiri is in 1-5. It was sports day, Ieiri’s class joined the girls’ soccer game. Ieiri was in the team as right wing. At first, Gojo wasn’t really interested in this game but his classmates asked him to watch it for them so Gojo couldn’t decline their request. Gojo never put any interest in any girls too even though he got so many fans. Then it hit him, Ieiri saved him from the ball that was flying right to his head. After Ieiri passed the ball to her teammates, she came back to Gojo. She realized that his face is red, Ieiri quickly kneeled in front of Gojo.
“Are you okay? You’re not hurt right?”
“…..”
“Erm, I’m sure the ball didn’t hit you..” Ieiri closed the gap between her and Gojo until their forehead met.
“You didn’t have a fever too. But, want me to take you to the infirmary?”
“I have a name.”
“Oh, I’m Ieiri Shoko.”
“Gojo Satoru.”
“So? You alright?”
“Yeah.”
“Okay.”
Ieiri left Gojo to play again, while the boy still stared at her in awe. He felt it in his chest, something stirred when that incident happened. After that, he began to follow Ieiri everywhere. From eating lunch to going home together. Ieiri doesn’t really mind the company but she couldn’t help to sigh every time Gojo’s fans stare at her with hatred. Not that she cared about them. Still, it’s making her uncomfortable. She tells Gojo about this, so his fans won’t bother her again and he did exactly what she asked him to do. He gathered all of the members in his fan club and he made an announcement to them.
“If you can’t be friends with Shoko, then you can’t be my fan either.”
His statement baffled Ieiri. It will only bring more enemies for her. Gojo is famous not only for his brain and his pretty face, but also his rude trademark. This is one of the examples. Ieiri sighs, it’s not supposed to be like this.
“I like her and I will protect her from any harm. That includes all of you.”
And somehow, Gojo has forgotten about all of this.
On his birthday, Gojo goes to school with happy heart, he expects to bring tons of presents from everyone at school. Because he knew how many of them want to be on Gojo’s good side. However, when he arrived at school, no one seems to care to at least congratulate him, even his teachers. Everyone forgets about his birthday, it is close to exam week and everyone is busy studying. Also, they’re still angry at the way Gojo treated them back then. All of them except Ieiri.
Gojo drooped his head low when the bell rang, it’s time to go home but no one said happy birthday to him. He grabs his bag fast and run from the classroom, almost crying. Ieiri was trying to walk to his classroom, saw him running and chases him. She yanks his bag lightly.
“Satoru. Why so hurry? Do you have something to do at home?”
“No, my ride’s here.”
“You aren’t the type to go home right away.”
“….”
“Happy birthday.”
“Huh?”
“Do you think I will forget?”
“But, you haven’t said it since this morning.”
“It was staged. I want to say it when we go home. Oh, also this.”
Ieiri gives Gojo a mini box wrapped prettily with ribbon on it.
“For me?”
“Yeah. It’s not an expensive gift but I hope you like it.”
His eyes sparkle, the tears that dwell on his eyes are gone. “What is it?”
“I know you like sweets, so I got you candies and I made paper stars. There is encouragement on every star. 365 pieces, so you can open it one a day until your next birthday.”
Ieiri blushes a little, but light from sunset helps her to cover her red cheeks. It's the first time for her to do something like this, so she is a bit shy. Gojo hugs Ieiri joyfully.
“Thank you so much, Shoko!!!”
After that, there is a rumor going on about their relationship but neither Gojo or Ieiri want to correct it.