nhp | (Sutamai) Short Story, DGS April 2018

A Meeting Between Gentlemen (to be confirmed)

Summary: Four characters from Matori, the CIU First Division, Revel, and the Kujo Household make an appearance this time ♪ What are each of their feelings in this story told with the theme of “White Day” in mind…… ♡

Characters: Imaoji Shun, Sugano Natsuki, Maki Keita, & Kujo Soma.

It’s been one month since that day where chocolates oh-so-sweet were flying about all around town. Now with White Day right in front of them, what are these men gathered here talking about……?

Sugano: Just by looking at the members here, you can tell that today’s theme is definitely a meeting between gentlemen.

Maki: I’d be happy if that was so, but…… it’s hard to say something like that for yourself.

Sugano: C’mon Maki-kun, give yourself some more credit!

Imaoji: I’m sorry to say but today’s theme is apparently to do with White Day.

Kujo: Is it already that season? Time certainly flies by quickly.

Sugano: Though you say that Kujo-san, you’re perfectly on schedule with your preparations for the return gift, aren’t you?

Kujo: Well now, who can say for sure?

Sugano: Don’t phrase it in a way that’ll make me curious…… But why don’t we look back on our memories of Valentine’s Day before getting to that?

Imaoji: Everyone seems to have a story of their own after all. It sounds like we’ll be able to hear some interesting tales.

Sugano: Are you one to talk, Imaoji-san?

Imaoji: Sorry to disappoint as you’re getting your hopes up but I won’t be able to speak of anything worthwhile?

Maki: (I don’t think that’s true though……)

Imaoji: Rather than being about me, it’s going to end up becoming a story about everyone in Matori. If I recall, it happened a few years ago…… Seeing as it would have been quite a handful to return the favor for any Valentine’s Day chocolate received, we decided to refuse them all. However—

Sugano: Oh, I know about that! I overheard the story in passing where like the female employees started a petition against it! Something about wanting the people in Matori to accept their chocolates no matter what.

Maki: Isn’t that quite the rebellion?

Imaoji: Regardless, it’s still a story to do with everyone in Matori.

Kujo: I see. So it’s fine to speak of something like that for our “memories”.

Sugano: Oh, have you thought of something, Kujo-san?

Kujo: There was a time in the past where I was given the rights to name a star along with some chocolates. It was a rather memorable present.

Maki: So in other words, you’re saying that there’s a star somewhere in space whose title was decided by you……?

Imaoji: There’s certainly a difference in the scale of things here.

Sugano: Wait, this is too much like a penalty game with having to reveal our own stories after this.

Kujo: You were the one who initiated this topic from the very beginning, were you not?

Maki: Going with the flow of things…… it’s okay for Sugano-kun to play the part of the punching bag, right? Then before that, I’ll—

Sugano: Maki-kun, you were fine with not giving a follow-up in this situation!

Imaoji: No, by all means, let us continue along with this order of speaking. Please go ahead, Maki-san.

Maki: Thank you. When speaking of a monumental Valentine’s Day memory, then for me it’d have to be receiving a life-sized chocolate statue.

Imaoji: That is…… quite overwhelming.

Maki: My subordinates went out of their way to make it for me. I was really happy with their feelings, but personally dividing up portions of a life-sized chocolate of myself to hand out to the employees felt a little bit…… conflicting.

Kujo: Hmph. It’s because you’re beloved by your subordinates that you’re able to speak of such an experience.

Imaoji: Last up is Sugano-kun. You don’t have to hold back. Please do tell us your most interesting story.

Sugano: Why are you raising the bar!? Compared to everyone else’s story, it’s plenty average, you know?

Kujo: Why not try telling us for the time being?

Sugano: It’s from when I was a student though. Like always, for Valentine’s, I had received so much chocolate to the point of not being able to carry them all.

Kujo: Is that all there is to it?

Sugano: No way! That alone just makes me sound like a jerk who is only bragging!

Maki: Well then, was there something like a dangerous item within the pile of chocolates or—

Sugano: This isn’t a horror story, alright! It’s just that…… no matter how many I received, they were all obligatory chocolates.

Imaoji: I see. So you were in the so-called “friendzone”.

Sugano: Yep, that’s about right. But well, I was happy to have received so many chocolates. Although returning all the favors was kinda hectic.

Maki: No doubt. It’s not an easy thing to decide on what to gift back after all.

Kujo: Whether it be obligatory chocolates or chocolates of one’s true feelings, or if you’re dating them or not…… there are many factors involved.

Sugano: By the way, did you all receive any “true feelings” chocolates this year?

Imaoji & Kujo & Maki: …………

Sugano: Huh? Everyone’s remaining silent. Oh, I might as well point out that I received chocolates from a girl that I thought was pretty neato.

Imaoji: Have you already decided on what you’re going to give her in return?

Sugano: I’m right in the middle of contemplating it. She’s different from all the previous girls up until now so it’s hard to come up with something.

Maki: …… The truth is, same here. I received chocolates from someone that I consider as being a person that I want to properly return the thought to.

Sugano: Oh, as expected of Maki-kun! Way to go~!

Maki: I want to invite them out for even just a meal, but they’re a busy person so it’s been really…

Kujo: Returning the favor to fit the person in question is a difficult thing. I too have thought of various ideas but it does not seem as if I’ll settle on one thing any time soon. I want to be able to do my utmost at something in the same way that she gives it her all in everything that she does……

Imaoji: There isn't much else that I can do to top the rest of you, and…… it’s small, but I want to prepare something for her that could bring a smile to her face.

Sugano: Well then, why don’t we start a strategy meeting now? I’m sure that if us four gentlemen combine our powers, then we’ll definitely come up with a good idea!

Maki: That’ll save me a lot of trouble. It seems like I wouldn’t have really been able to decide on my own after all……

Kujo: Fortunately, I have time available today. Count me in as well.

Imaoji: I’ll also be participating.

Putting forth the effort because you wish to see your beloved’s excited expression is the same for Valentine’s Day and White Day. Surely, what awaits each of their gentle desires is your smiling face……