The final bell echoed faintly through the halls, its chime melting into the murmur of footsteps and chatter as students poured out from classrooms. Valentine's Day was already winding down, yet the sweet smell of chocolate still lingered faintly in the air — a quiet reminder of the day's warmth and awkward confessions.
Jousuke stepped out of the classroom, a faint smile curling on his lips. His bag felt heavier than usual — not because of textbooks, but because of the several small boxes inside.
Leah had shyly handed him hers before lunch, cheeks burning as she mumbled something about "handmade truffles."
Rika had caught him just after classes ended, pretending to be casual while giving him her box — but the nervous tremor in her voice gave her away.
Then there was Kaede. A dramatic conversation after giving her gift on the rooftop.
Poku and Jitsukawa, both fellow student council members, gave theirs too — cheerful and friendly, neatly wrapped and accompanied by bright smiles.
Jousuke didn't know whether to feel flattered or overwhelmed. Either way, he was grateful.
"Yo, Jousuke!"
Asa waved, slinging his bag over his shoulder. "Man, look at that face. You're loaded, aren't you?"
Jousuke chuckled softly. "Maybe. You're one to talk, Asa. I saw half the girls lining up for you."
"Eh, what can I say? It's not my fault I'm popular," Asa grinned, running a hand through his hair dramatically. "But I gotta admit, that one from Rika looked fancy. Hand-wrapped and all."
Sakamoto joined them from the door, munching on a stick of chocolate he'd received earlier. "You're both lucky. I can't even fit all mine in my bag. Gonna have to carry some home by hand."
Natsu trailed behind the three, hands in his pockets, expression deadpan. "Wow. Must be nice. I got none."
Asa laughed. "C'mon, Natsu, don't sound so bitter! There's always next year!"
"Or never." Natsu sighed. "Still, I'd rather have one meaningful chocolate than a hundred from people I barely talk to."
Sakamoto smirked. "Philosophical, huh? Maybe you're the real winner here."
Jousuke smiled faintly, glancing toward the window as they made their way down the hallway. The sun was already dipping, washing the sky in warm gold and pink.
Outside, the air was crisp. Students scattered across the courtyard, waving goodbye, laughter echoing as everyone drifted toward their usual paths home.
The four of them walked together — Asa talking the most, as usual.
"So, who's the best chocolate, huh? Be honest."
Jousuke blinked. "Huh?"
"You know, whose tasted best. You tried them all yet?"
"I didn't even open them." Jousuke replied, laughing softly. "I'll probably eat them later."
Sakamoto raised a brow. "You're too polite, man. I would've devoured them on the spot."
"Yeah, and then get chased by the girl who made them." Asa teased.
"Worth it."
They laughed as they reached the school gates. The sun had fallen lower now, streaking the clouds in deeper orange and lavender. The warmth of the day slowly melted into the cool touch of evening.
Jousuke slowed his pace, feeling a quiet peace settle inside him. He wasn't thinking about the chocolates anymore — not really. What lingered in his mind was the look in Kaede's eyes when she handed hers to him, the way she'd said his name so softly.
Asa noticed the silence and nudged him. "Hey, Daikuhara. You good?"
Jousuke blinked out of thought. "Ah, yeah. Just.. thinking."
"About?"
"Nothing." Jousuke said, smiling faintly. "Just a long day."
"Right. Valentine's overload."
Sakamoto stretched. "Well, I'm taking a shortcut home. See you guys."
Asa followed suit with a lazy wave. "Same here. Don't eat all those chocolates alone, man."
"Yeah, yeah." Jousuke chuckled.
Soon, it was just him and Natsu left, walking along the quieter street. The noise of students faded behind them, replaced by the soft hum of the evening breeze.
Natsu stuffed his hands deeper in his pockets. "Hey, Jousuke."
"Hmm?"
"You ever feel like... it's weird? Getting all that attention?"
Jousuke looked thoughtful. "A little, yeah. But I think it's nice, too. People just... show how they feel in their own way."
"Even if it's awkward?"
"Even then." Jousuke said with a quiet laugh.
They reached the crossroad where their paths split. The sun was almost gone now, the sky fading to violet.
"See you tomorrow." Natsu said, giving a small nod.
"Yeah. See you." Jousuke replied.
As Natsu turned away, Jousuke stood still for a moment, gazing up at the faint stars appearing above the rooftops.
His hand brushed over the small paper bag inside his coat pocket — Kaede's chocolate. The wrapping was simple, but it carried a warmth none of the others did.
For a moment, Jousuke smiled softly to himself.
He didn't need to open it yet. Just knowing she thought of him was enough.
The wind picked up, cool and gentle, brushing past as he started walking again — the streetlights flickering on, one by one, in the quiet of early night.