"Kamikawa-kun, why aren't you talking?"
Sensing his gaze on her, Chika asked, pretending to be puzzled.
"Are you feeling unwell? If so, go to the hospital for a check-up!"
"I don't feel any physical discomfort."
He's someone with superpowers, so it's highly unlikely Ren would feel unwell.
"Is that so? Haha..."
Chika smiled awkwardly, and then, as if she saw something extraordinary, she pointed to Ren's other side and exclaimed, "Huh? What's that over there?"
"Hm?"
Ren unconsciously looked in the direction she pointed.
As a result, there was nothing there.
When he turned back, he found that Chika had fled into the distance.
"Goodbye, Kamikawa-kun, I'm going home."
After waving enthusiastically, Chika disappeared from his view.
"Goodbye."
After replying to the air, Ren walked towards his home.
After leaving Rizu's house, it was already evening, and there was no time for a stroll.
He had to play with Miku and have dinner in the evening, so it's better to return early.
Although there was still a short time before going home, he summarized his experiences during that period.
First and foremost, befriending Hayasaka Ai.
For him, this was a significant progress.
Of course, the main reason why he and Hayasaka became friends so smoothly was because they had known each other for a long time, and a lot had happened between them.
Only after that could he use a single sentence to make her agree to be friends with him.
Secondly, the only gifts left were for Miku and Fumino.
If nothing happened, according to the time mentioned by Hayasaka earlier, then the gift could be given to Miku this weekend.
That is, for two days after the fireworks show.
The fireworks show was held on August 25th, two days later. That day was Friday, and it would be the following weekend.
As for giving Fumino her gift, there was no other way but to wait until the villa renovation was completed in October.
Ren could only hope that Fumino wouldn't mind.
Then, the only return gift left was for Ichika.
Ichika seemed very busy lately.
Before, she used to send updates about what was happening at work and in her daily life .
But now she hadn't sent a message in a long time.
According to Miku's words during their game chat, Ichika left early and returned late, and it could be said that she only spent a little time at home.
Basically, they could only see Ichika at night.
Therefore, Ren didn't take the initiative to discuss the gift, but patiently waited for Ichika's return gift.
After all, Ichika was working very hard.
······
August 24th, Thursday, only one day left until the fireworks show.
Noon.
"It's been a long time, Naoki."
Nino looked at Kamikawa Naoki, who was walking towards her, then smiled and greeted him.
Approaching her, Ren replied, "Long time no see."
Ren often met Nino, but Naoki rarely met her.
Today was the day he made an appointment with Nino to go to the newly opened dessert shop to taste desserts.
"You obviously have time today, but you agreed to go to the water park with me later. Why don't you have free time on the day of the fireworks show?"
Every time they talked about this, Nino felt regretful.
Attending the fireworks show with Naoki, then holding hands and watching the fireworks together, just thinking about it made her feel how romantic it would be.
But they haven't held hands yet.
"I'm preparing for a big magic show."
Ren's reason remained the same, and he still used this excuse.
"How big of a magic trick do you need to make you busy throughout the summer vacation?" Nino complained.
Because of this large-scale magic, Naoki didn't meet Nino several times throughout the summer vacation.
"It's hard to explain, but it's just a big magic trick."
In fact, Ren didn't know much about magic, and he had been using his superpowers to fool people around him.
"Then can I go there and see it?" Nino asked hopefully, "It takes you a long time to prepare for a big magic trick. It must be amazing."
"We'll discuss it after it's fully prepared."
Ren couldn't respond to her expectations, so he could only fool her.
Especially because he didn't know what large-scale magic he had prepared.
"Okay."
Hearing this, Nino reluctantly asked further.
It would be bad if something like a taboo was violated.
After hesitating for a long time, Nino asked again, "Naoki, do you really not have time on the day of the fireworks show?"
"Sorry, no time."
When the time comes, he will attend the fireworks show as Ren, so naturally Naoki's identity won't be used.
"It's okay, you don't need to apologize for this." Nino smiled and waved her hand, "I made an excessive request."
Knowing that he didn't have time that day, she still gave embarrassing suggestions. Essentially, she was the one who needed to apologize.
As she led him to the dessert shop, Nino chatted with him: "So when are we going to the water park together?"
"My sister and the others will go on August 31st. That's the last day of summer vacation. Should we go a few days earlier?"
After confirming that he would wait until Gabriel and the others returned before going to the water park, Ren arranged the time to book the water park on August 31st and informed her.
"I have to go earlier."
He still remembered Nino's words about wanting to go to the water park before the end of summer vacation.
"You choose the time. Except for this weekend, I still have time at other times."
After thinking for a moment, Ren decided to leave the choice to her.
"In other words, you're still busy this weekend?" Based on his words, Nino drew a conclusion.
Ren agreed: "Yes."
"Let's take August 28th. That's a Monday. There should be fewer people at the water park."
After taking out her phone and checking the calendar, Nino chose the date.
Ren agreed: "Okay."