Airi Sakura's Birthday Present. / Airi Sakura Gets Her Wish.

Sakura Airi: It's the 15th, that's my birthday.

Upon seeing the message, the boy was taken aback at first, then immediately took out his phone to check his notes.

It turned out that it was indeed the other person's birthday that day. He had specifically made a note not to forget, but because he had been busy with other things lately, he hadn't thought of it at the time.

Hashiba Hikaru: How could I forget this day? I'll go celebrate Airi's birthday then.

Sakura Airi: Yes, no need to bring any gifts, your presence is the greatest reward for me.

Hashiba Hikaru: That won't do. You have to go, and you have to bring a gift. That's what makes it perfect. Where is Airi planning to hold her birthday party?

After typing that line, the boy suddenly realized about the other person's social situation. Although it had changed a lot compared to before, she probably still didn't have many friends.

Sakura Airi: It was in my dorm room, just Hikaru and me, I didn't invite anyone else.

Is that really the case?

Hashiba Hikaru: I understand, I will definitely keep my promise.

Sakura Airi: Yes, although it's my birthday party, I actually prepared a gift for Hikaru too. You'll find out when you open it.

Hashiba Hikaru: Okay, I understand.

After the chat ended, the boy sighed. It seemed that Sakura's journey to make friends still had a long way to go.

But she said she also prepared a gift for me. What could it be?

I'm a little concerned about it.

~~~~~

317

Chapter 317 Sakura Airi's Birthday Gift

After agreeing to attend Sakura Airi's birthday party, Hashiba Hikaru decided to carefully select a gift for her.

After all, they've known each other for so long, so he knows exactly what the other person likes. Photography-related items are the best choice, but as a birthday gift, it also needs to be original.

"... What should I buy?"

Hashiba Hikaru sat in front of her computer in her dorm room, intently gazing at the dazzling array of online products on the screen.

Although Tokyo Advanced Nurturing High School prohibits students from leaving the school grounds, there are no restrictions on online shopping. In fact, there are staff members responsible for delivering goods to students' dormitory doors.

"If it's a digital camera, how can I be creative with it?"

The young man had few opportunities to give gifts to others, and for a moment he didn't know how to choose.

After much deliberation, Hashiba Hikaru finally chose a camera shop whose advertisement prominently displayed the word "Customization".

In today's commercial world, anything that's customized instantly increases in price. But since he's developed a relationship with Sakura Airi, spending a little money on her is nothing.

Online shopping cannot be done using the school's Private Points, but before entering high school, Hashiba Hikaru used her middle school scholarships and prize money from various large-scale competitions to set up her own personal account.

In this life, his parents were quite open-minded and very supportive of him preparing his own private treasury in advance. The procedures were completed almost without any time, and the amount in the card is currently quite substantial, more than enough to buy a gift.

"All done, now we just wait for the goods to be delivered."

Hashiba Hikaru stretched. In any case, he had spent a long time choosing this gift, and he hoped that Sakura Airi would like it.

Meanwhile, in a girls' dormitory upstairs, a red-haired girl was anonymously communicating with a seller on an online forum. Because she worked as Blog Idol and print model, she had some knowledge of special channels on the internet.

Sakura Airi is buying a special beverage that is prohibited for minors—alcohol. This is part of her long-planned scheme, and alcohol is the most important prop.

"Okay, could you please prepare two sets of item A for me? For payment, you can contact this number, and they will transfer the money to you."

Sakura Airi sent the private number of her manager from when she was Blog Idol. The manager was an older, capable woman who knew Sakura was extremely shy, so she specially signed a contract for the girl that did not require her to appear in the photos, but only to submit photos on time. Moreover, she took good care of her in every way.

"That solves everything, as long as we have this..."

Sakura Airi lay down on the soft bed, filled with anticipation for her upcoming birthday party because of the promise Hashiba Hikaru had made.

"I will never give up!"

--

October 15th arrived quickly, the birthday of Libra Sakura Airi. Just before school ended, the red-haired girl's heart began to race; she couldn't wait to see what was about to happen.

"That concludes today's lesson. get out of class dismissed!"

After Chabashira Sae, dressed in a pure black office lady uniform, left, Sakura Airi packed her schoolbag and ran quickly towards the back door, not wanting to wait a moment longer.

Meanwhile, Hashiba Hikaru, who was supposed to report to the Student Council, was also walking towards the dormitory. After completing the vote collection operation, Horikita Manabu temporarily suspended his work arrangements.

Since the Student Council election is coming up soon, the students need to focus more on preparing their campaign speeches; whether or not they go to the Student Council to report for duty is up to them.

As for his girlfriend, Hashiba Hikaru had already told her in advance that her plan for today was to stay in the dormitory to prepare her speech. Ichinose Honami never asked too many questions about this. The girl had already gone shopping hand in hand with Ando and the others.

"Everything is ready; now it's time for the main event."

The boy wrapped the gift he had prepared in an exquisite gift box. He carried the box in his left hand and held several documents and a notebook in his right.

Since we agreed to prepare a speech, we must complete the task of writing it today, as the election is fast approaching.

As the saying goes, we must grasp both hands firmly.

Upon arriving at Sakura Airi's dormitory, the door opened quickly, and the boy skillfully stepped into the entrance hall and closed the door behind him.

"Light, you've come."

The red-haired girl greeted him with a joyful expression.

"Of course, I already Airi, I can't break my promise."

Hashiba Hikaru observed Sakura Airi's attire. Since she was in the dormitory, she had long since changed out of her burgundy school uniform and was now wearing a rather comfortable set of casual clothes.

The girl wore a light green sleeveless top that revealed a white tank top underneath, and a pleated skirt with lotus leaf trim that extended outwards, showcasing the beautiful curves of her calves. Because of her revealing outfit, it accentuated Sakura Airi's stunning figure, radiating a unique charm.

"This is a gift I prepared for you. Since Airi doesn't like cake, let's cook together later."

After turning his gaze away, Hashiba Hikaru handed the gift box he was carrying to the girl. Just as the girl looked at his other hand with curiosity, the boy explained calmly.

"These are some things I need to take care of later, kind of like official business."

Upon hearing this, Sakura Airi's expression faltered slightly, then a hint of self-reproach appeared on her pretty face. "Is it because I disrupted Hikaru's original plans?"

"Of course not, I just thought I might be staying out late today, so I brought it over."

Noticing the change in her expression, Hashiba Hikaru quickly reassured her, "After all, spending time with Airi is the most important thing. This is something I can do in my spare time, it won't be a problem."

"Really? That's good."

Sakura Airi nodded, seemingly accepting the explanation. She then took the things that Hashiba Hikaru was carrying from both of her hands and led the boy into the bedroom.

"Aren't you going to open the gift and check it first?"

Hashiba Hikaru smiled slightly.

"Let's prepare dinner first, and then we can open the presents after dinner."

Sakura Airi placed the gift box and the materials the boy had prepared on her desk, and then took his hand and led him to the stove.

"Yes, it's Airi's birthday today, so everything is up to you."

"Hehe, the gift I prepared for Hikaru will only be revealed during dinner, so please look forward to it."

Sakura Airi smiled sweetly and began preparing dinner with the boy.

After working together for more than forty minutes, the fragrant dinner was ready. As Hashiba Hikaru moved the dishes to the table, he suddenly smelled a unique aroma.

"This is..."

"This is the gift I prepared for the light."

The red-haired girl placed a beautifully packaged bottle on the table. Because she had already unscrewed the cap, a rich aroma immediately wafted out.

What kind of drink is this?

Hashiba Hikaru curiously picked up the bottle of beverage, took a sniff of it up close, and a look of astonishment instantly appeared on the boy's face.

"This is... wine?!"

"Yes, I got it through special channels."

Sakura Airi nodded, acknowledging what it was.

"Hiss, I remember minors aren't allowed to buy alcohol, so what's wrong with Airi...?"

"Has Guang forgotten that I work as Blog Idol and print model? I asked my manager, San, to buy it for me. Today is an important day, so drinking makes it even more meaningful."

Sakura Airi noticed the surprise in Hashiba Hikaru's eyes, but she cleverly backed down by saying, "If Hikaru doesn't like it, I can drink it by myself."

"No, since Airi has already prepared, I certainly can't just stand by and watch you drink it all by yourself."

Hashiba Hikaru didn't bother to find out why the other person did that; after all, it was just drinking, and he didn't care at all.

"Since it's a birthday, I'll drink with Airi."

"Uh-huh."

Seeing the other person nod, a sly glint flashed in Sakura Airi's beautiful eyes. It was indeed alcohol, but it had been specially mixed, and besides making people drunk, it also had other effects.

"Let's eat! I'm starving!"

Hashiba Hikaru and Sakura Airi sat down facing each other at the table. He poured himself a full glass of wine and then poured half a glass for the girl opposite him.

"Airi is a girl, so she should drink less."

"Oh, I understand."

Sakura Airi had no objection to this. Her face flushed slightly as she watched the boy across from her finish his glass of wine, her heart involuntarily quickening its pace.

"This wine tastes really good, and it even seems to have a hint of fruitiness."

After drinking a few drinks, Hashiba Hikaru felt a strange sensation in her chest.

"Hikaru? Are you drunk?"

Sakura Airi's soft voice reached the boy's ears, and he grinned, "Not yet! I've only had a little bit to drink, how could I possibly be drunk?"

"Then you should eat more, don't just keep drinking."

"I know."

A dozen minutes later, after a hearty meal, Hashiba Hikaru intended to get up to wash her face, but the boy found her steps were a little unsteady. Even though she wasn't drunk, she didn't know why her body was somewhat out of control.

"Light."

"?"

"Light."

Sakura Airi's shouts rang in Hashiba Hikaru's ears one after another. He opened his eyes wide and saw the girl walking towards him.

"What's wrong? I don't need anyone to help me up. I'm not drunk at all."

The boy pressed his forehead. He could see things clearly without double images or blurred vision, but for some reason, his body was out of his control.

"It's alright, let me help you to bed to rest for a while."

"Uh... okay then."

~~~~~

318

Chapter 318 Sakura Airi Fulfilled

After witnessing Hashiba Hikaru's appearance, Sakura Airi helped the boy walk towards the bedroom. Although it was a bit difficult, a smile involuntarily appeared on her lips.

"Is there something wrong with this wine, Airi? My vision and sense of touch are perfectly clear, but why do I feel so weak?"

Hashiba Hikaru checked himself over, and something he found very strange.

"It was just a regular bottle of wine I bought online. I drank it, but I didn't feel anything special."

Sakura Airi helped Hashiba Hikaru to sit down on her bedside, then leaned against the boy.

"Really? Is it because I drank too much at once?"

Hashiba Hikaru touched her forehead and felt some heat emanating from her body. Normally, people might experience a fever after drinking, but she did not show any obvious signs of intoxication.

The boy's vision was clear; he felt neither dizziness nor double vision. Turning his head, he could clearly see the pretty face of the red-haired girl beside him, and even notice the faint blush on her face.