"It's not even music!?"
"Ha ha... I was shocked the first time I heard it too."
"Chihaya~ classmate~~!!!"
Tanaka Asuka came over with half-lidded eyes, a melancholy expression, and not the slightest smile. She patted his shoulder.
"I admit it, you win. Your Feminine Charm is higher than all of ours combined... Have you considered gender reassignment surgery?"
Himemiya Chihaya took hold of her little hand pressing against him. Faintly, he felt the skin beneath her neck seem to flush a shade pinker at that moment.
Taking advantage of the moment, his other hand lifted her chin. His index finger slid over the bridge of her nose, made even more alluring by her glasses... Then he gazed deeply into her eyes and said:
"Compared to changing genders, I think cross-dressing would be easier to accept."
"..." X N
Perhaps they thought it was merely his way of counterattacking. Unexpectedly, no one took it seriously.
Only Tanaka Asuka broke free from his hold in dissatisfaction, closed her eyes, and headed toward Nakasako Kaori.
"I-I see. When you try it next time, m-make sure to call me over to watch!"
After lighting the candles for Tsuruzuka Mizore, making wishes, and officially cutting the cake, he hurriedly grabbed a slice and made as if to leave.
"Have fun, everyone! I still have something to do, so I need to head out first! Just go home directly once you're done!"
"Huh? At night?"
"Busy office workers don't distinguish between day and night, you know."
"No wonder you've been in such a hurry ever since school. So you had something to do... Ah, Mizore! I'll give you your present tomorrow!"
"Mm... Thank you, Asuka-senpai."
"It's nothing~ nothing~ Think of it as my reward for getting to eat such delicious cake thanks to you~"
Tanaka Asuka's