Chapter 2

(……I didn’t expect to finish my work this early.)

(I’ve ended up with extra time on my hands, but what should I do?)

(I could just return to Starmony Dorm, but… No wait, isn’t today—

(Ah yes, it’s the release day for that new book I’ve been waiting for.)

(I haven’t been to a bookstore in a while, so this is perfect timing. I’ll stop by on my way back.)

From here, the closest bookstore should be in the shopping mall. …Hm?

Umu, looks like I didn’t miss anything. I think that should be all of it.

No need to thank me. More importantly, did you get hurt?

I see. That’s good, I’m glad to hear it. Well then, take care!

Well now, helping others is quite admirable.

Hasumi-senpai! What a coincidence running into you here.

Ah, I’m on my way back from work. Is that elderly woman an acquaintance of yours, Amagi?

Nope, I’ve never met her before.

She bumped into some people coming out of that back alley over there and dropped all her stuff.

And you helped her all by yourself? The people who bumped into her didn’t help?

That’s right. ……There was something weird about them, like they were in a hurry to get somewhere.

How disgraceful. Even if they were in a rush, they caused trouble for someone—they should’ve helped pick everything up as an apology.

In any case, thanks to your assistance she was surely helped. You did a good deed.

Fufu, I only did what anyone would do.

You said you just finished work, Hasumi-senpai, were you planning to head back to Starmony Dorm?

No. Since I finished work early, I was thinking of stopping by the bookstore.

I see. Books…… That’s not a bad idea.

? Is there something about books?

Yeah. Actually, it’s almost Mayoi-senpai’s birthday. I came into town today to get him a present.

I’ve been going about the shopping district looking for something that might make Mayoi-senpai happy, but…

The more I think about it, the harder it gets to figure out what he’d really enjoy; I’ve been struggling with it.

So that’s why you were mumbling about books earlier. However, I feel like he would be happy with anything you give him.

Come to think of it, what did you give him for his birthday last year?

Well…… I didn’t know what to give him, so I ended up giving him every single thing I thought about.

Mayoi-senpai was happy, but Aira got mad at me and said it was way too much.

I also realized it wasn’t ideal that I couldn’t settle on just one thing, so this year I want to give him something that’ll truly make him happy.

Well, there’s no real reason to narrow it down to just one thing…… but I understand where your feelings originate.

Oh! If you don’t mind, Hasumi-senpai, could you help me pick out a present?

I think I’ll just end up overthinking again if I’m alone. It’d be comforting to have someone who can give me an objective opinion.

Hmm. I can’t say I’m particularly skilled at choosing presents……

But, I was planning to go to the bookstore anyway. When it comes to books, I should be able to offer some sound advice.

Thank you, Hasumi-senpai! I’m in your debt!

The nearest bookstore from here—were you planning to head over to the shopping mall?

Indeed. And with all the other stores there, it’s the perfect place to look for a gift, don’t you think?

Umu! I’ll definitely pick a present that will make Mayoi-senpai smile!

………

Hasumi-senpai, is something wrong?

No. There’s just a strange crowd gathering over there; it caught my attention.

……It’s true, huh. I wonder if someone is performing a live?

The atmosphere is a bit too imposing for it to be that. Looks like there’s several police cars stopped as well.

From what I can see, looks like there was a traffic accident. The front light is all smashed in.

Not a very pleasant sight. I hope the driver wasn’t injured…

In any case, it’s not something we should be staring at. Let’s head to the mall.