Jitsu -A different story-

"Are you okay?" That question could be a little complicated to answer not so much because of how it could be defined, but because often the answer is not complete or is full of lies to avoid some situation or concern on someone's part.

It would even help if you asked yourself that question. With so many things that we have occupying our minds, we ignore a simple fact, and that is to try to understand ourselves and know what is happening to us. Surely many reasonings or scenarios could be broken down in this regard, but at this moment, the reality was that Kurono had just said that question, and it was intended to be heard by Shizune.

"Hmm… Of course, I am." Unlike what was mentioned above, in Shizune's case, she answered without much trouble, and in addition to her completely visible smile, at that moment you could also notice how our dear couple's hands were together at that moment. "I'm perfectly fine, but I was a little distracted thinking about everything that awaits us."

Shizune laughed a little, and that same laugh was so contagious that Kurono couldn't help but smile just listening to it, causing his heart to calm down, but, even so, Shizune's voice was still heard in the place.

"Even though it may not be an out-of-the-ordinary experience, I really want to enjoy spending a lot of time with you and make the same amount of memories. So I can't wait, after all, it's our first trip just the two of us. I'm really excited, hehe." Just hearing that is possibly enough to leave more than one confused, and the simple question that would be on their minds would be what exactly is going on.

For that, it is necessary to travel a little in time, precisely to the day of Shizune's birthday.

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Just as Shizune had thought, that very day began with a feeling full of happiness and warmth, not only because she had learned to accept that her birthday was an important date for her, but also because the first thing that greeted her when she woke up was the affection and love of Kurono, as well as congratulations from him, which had made her experience those feelings.

With that, it could be understood that their date had ended at Kurono's house, which resulted in a fun night for both of them, but leaving all that aside, Shizune was taken to the apartment after a quick breakfast before Kurono went to work in a hurry due to the time. Shizune found the situation a bit amusing, and when she arrived at the apartment, the situation was repeated a bit as she was greeted by both Rena and Akira with the proper congratulations and some words due to her birthday, even little Makoto let out a few babbles in the middle of the whole occasion, and all of that had made Shizune feel even happier and a warm feeling took over her.

As everyone had agreed, the moment Kurono and Akio returned from work, everyone went to Kurono's house to start the small celebration for Shizune. She had already received some more congratulations when they called her from the town, as well as a rather enthusiastic call from Kazumi, although that same thing had been repeated when she had also arrived at Kurono's house to join in the fun, and, in short, Shizune had a great time that day.

The celebration was basically a dinner where everyone helped in some way as they prevented Shizune from intervening despite her complaints, although that was only at the beginning as, somehow, Akio had burned the rice, Akira wouldn't stop crying over the onions, and Rena had to leave the battlefield as Makoto was the hungriest.

But in the end, everything went smoothly. Everyone enjoyed the meal, again congratulated Shizune, and dedicated a few words of love and affection to her before enjoying the cake that was already prepared, there was no shortage of gifts, among which there were some clothes, makeup, or other things that Shizune really liked.

It seemed that this would be where it would all end, but when it was Kurono's turn to give his gift, he hadn't actually prepared anything. This left some of the people present confused, it was normal to assume that your partner should have a great, wonderful gift prepared for you on your birthday, but at that moment, Kurono looked quite calm and Shizune's mood didn't seem to change in any way either.

The confusion in the environment was actually only present for Akio and Kazumi, while both Rena and Akira had a rather peculiar smile like the one Rena was hiding from Shizune lately, and that lasted until Shizune took the time to give a small explanation.

"Actually, Kurono already gave me my gift last night." That explanation had a few holes, so much so that Akio was a little confused, while on the other hand, Kazumi had some ideas that some could possibly guess, but fortunately, Shizune was quick to clarify the situation even more.

Shizune searched her bag and quickly took out what seemed to be a pamphlet that both Rena and Akio found familiar, but as everything was explained, it became perfectly clear.

As Shizune had said, Kurono had given her her birthday present the night before, but that was nothing strange since, at that moment, it was already a little after midnight. Shizune had been so focused on the date that she hadn't noticed it, and when she was concentrating on the earrings Kurono had given her, she could see that there was something else in the gift box, and that was precisely the pamphlet she had shown to everyone.

The first thing that had to be mentioned was that Shizune was just as confused at first, but after looking at that pamphlet more closely, she realized that that little piece of paper was also quite familiar to her, and that was because it basically represented the gift Kurono had given Rena and Akio a while ago, which was a trip to an inn outside the city.

When those doubts left Shizune's head, she turned to look at Kurono once more and it was then that he explained everything more calmly. He reminded Shizune that in the past he had promised to take her to that place since she was interested in everything that Rena had told her about her trip, and understanding that, Shizune's surprise was greater and it took her a while to calm down.

Obviously, Shizune began to get excited at that moment and her head was filled with many ideas, she also rushed to thank Kurono since that surprise that was a mystery turned out to be more surprising than she thought. Shizune had already visualized the fact that she would have her first trip alone with Kurono, but among all the excitement and joy, the doubt that it was precisely Rena and Makoto appeared.

It was inevitable that that idea would appear in Shizune's mind, but imagining that something like that would happen, Kurono made a quick call that was immediately answered. Kurono had passed his cell phone to Shizune, she took it with curiosity and when she put it to her ear, she clearly heard a pair of familiar voices, and with just that, in addition to feeling calmer, there was no longer any doubt about the decision she was going to make.