...

(I think I'm starting to get nervous...)

(But this really isn't all that different from giving chocolates to Ichika and the others.)

Here goes nothing...

Hi, Shiho!

Good morning!

Morning.

You seem like you're in a good mood, Minori.

Hehe. Can you tell?

I got a return gift from Haruka just a bit earlier!

She made these chocolates herself too!

I'm gonna cherish them forever...

No, you should eat them.

I mean, that's why she made them for you, right?

Right! She even said so herself.

As much as I don't want to, I'll make sure to eat these.

Oh, Shiho, that reminds me. You went to the Chocolate Factory with Haruka, right?

Yeah, that's right!

I couldn't believe it when Haruka told me about what happened...!

We just happened to realize that we were both looking up what the Chocolate Factory's like.

It also seemed like the perfect opportunity for me to make some chocolates in secret for Saki and the others, so I decided to invited her along.

(Wait, this is my chance...)

So...

So what was the Chocolate Factory like, Shiho?

Huh?

Haruka already told me what she thought, but I'd really love to hear from you too, Shiho.

Yeah, me too!

What I thought...?

I mean, it was a factory as advertised, but the tour was mostly centered around its museum.

Although, I don't think any of us were expecting to be surprised with a show right off the bat.

Oh, Haruka told me about that too!

Like how these chocolate fairies guided you around and stuff.

Yeah, Chocomi and Chocoko.

Oh, their names even make it sound like they're chocolate fairies!

Yeah, very true...

But they weren't your usual fairies with wings or anything. They looked just like bars of chocolate.

Huh?

B-Bars of chocolate?!

Yeah. The kids loved them, but it was pretty surreal.

I-I'm having trouble imagining what they're like now...

Sorry, I'm not really sure how else to describe them.

So, it might be good to go see them for yourself.

Definitely! It'd be great to go when Tsukasa's there performing as an extra too♪

Oh, you heard about that too?

Something happened to the cast member who was performing alongside him, right?

And everyone worked together to keep the show going.

Yeah... But I doubt you'll ever get to see a repeat of what happened.

(Okay, now's my chance...!)

So, you two...

Yes?

Here... I made these at the Chocolate Factory. Thank you both for Valentine's Day.

Wait, for us?!

Thank you so much, Shiho!

I don't know what to say!

I mean, I can't just take and not give back.

(Still, I never saw myself giving chocolates to anyone other than Saki or the girls.)

Oh, also.

Please open them when you get home.

Wow! It's a chocolate bunny! It's so cute!

You opened it...

Huh? H-Hahaha...

Sorry, I couldn't resist...

U-Um... Shiho?

Can I open mine too?

By my guest...

Thanks!

Oh, I got a lop rabbit!

Oh, you're bunny's really cute too!

I really like how it's smiling!

Yeah! Thank you so much, Shiho!

You're both welcome...

(But I should be the one thanking you two...)

(For celebrating my birthday, exchanging gifts on Valentine's Day and just being there to talk...)

(I sort of can't believe how well I'm getting along with my classmates.)

Thank you so much...

Is something the matter, Shiho?

No, it's nothing.

(It's kinda nice to make something myself for a change.)