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“Do you think Hona-chan is going to make a reservation for dinner or lunch?”
“Uhm... honestly, I think she’s more likely to just prepare a fancy meal for all of us by herself.”
Saki balks, eyes growing wide as she stares at Ichika. The two of them are walking back to their apartment together, standing beneath a sun that does nothing to warm them from the cold. While Ichika is usually shy about public affection, she let Saki hold her hand today, and Saki’s going to pretend it’s because Ichika just really really wanted to and not because her fingers are warmer in her girlfriend’s grasp.
“No, she can’t be preparing that! What if one of us makes a dinner reservation and it clashes with her plans?”
“Maybe this should have been discussed before you decided to try a ‘four way surprise.’”
The date is Wednesday, February 11th: three days before Valentine’s Day. It’s only their third Valentines since officially starting to date, but they’ve been celebrating the holiday together for so much longer. Ever since they were kids meeting in their first years, they’ve exchanged chocolates and kind words and little gifts that were meant to make the others happy and smile. After all, the holiday has always been about celebrating the people you love, and the four of them loved each other right from the start.
Last year, they had done yet another gift exchange, and then Honami had made them a delicious meal for dinner. They had piled up on the couch and snuggled up as Saki turned on the romance movie she had so desperately wanted to watch. It’d been a perfect night in their apartment, and Saki has high hopes that this holiday will go just as well.
She’s starting to second guess herself.
See, Saki had an idea. One that she thought was brilliant, but as the days tick down, she’s beginning to worry that this might be more trouble than it’s all worth.
Still, stubborn as she is, she isn’t going to let Ichika imply that it’s a bad one. She tilts her head, pouting at her girlfriend and thankful her rosy, chilled cheeks mask the embarrassed blush she feels starting to spread across them. “I still think this is better! I mean, it’s not like we really ever planned out what we were doing all those years before.”
Ichika shrugs. “We weren’t adults living in an apartment all those years before,” she replies. “...and I struggled enough with gift giving as it was without factoring in lunch and dinner reservations.”
“Don’t be modest,” Saki huffs. “I loved the candle you made in our first year. And your chocolate was sooooo delicious in our second.”
It’s Ichika’s turn to blush. It’s only faintly noticeable, but paired with the way her eyes crinkle slightly, it’s clear as day to someone who knows her as well as Saki knows her. “See,” she says, changing the subject. “We did plan out our second year. The chocolate exchange, remember?”
Saki frowns. “...oh yeah. Okay, well, still. It shouldn’t be this hard to figure out whether I should take us out for dinner or lunch.”
“You should do dinner,” Ichika says with a hum. “I think Honami’s probably just going to bake, or something. She’s usually more of a tangible gift-giver like that.” She frowns. “Now Shiho, on the other hand…”
Saki bites her lip. “You’re probably right about Hona-chan. Oh, but there is that new restaurant that she’s been wanting to try for a long time now… I heard it’s pretty fancy too. What if she decides Valentine’s Day is a perfect day to try it?”
“Or what if she realizes that you want to make a reservation and doesn’t?” Ichika counters.
She’s right, Saki thinks, making a face. What if Hona-chan realizes that I’m making a reservation, and so she decides not to? Oh, but what if she thinks that I’m just thinking about it, but she doesn’t think I’d actually go through with it? Maybe she thinks my plan is to pick another movie out afterwards… she has been talking about cute romance movies she wants to watch lately… but what if she’s just trying to throw me off!?
And what about Shiho-chan?! How do they factor into all of this? Is Shiho-chan a dinner person? No, they’re more of a takeout person… but it’s a holiday! Maybe they’ll try and be fancy for once! No… surely they’ll leave the dinner stuff for me and Hona-chan. Or maybe they’ll just make me think that and they’re also making a dinner reservation because they want to surprise us with a nice place for once and then we have three dinner reservations because Hona-chan had secretly been planning one this whole time too! Then what do I do?!
AUGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH.
“Are you making a reservation?!” she cries loudly, turning on Ichika.
Ichika yelps with the sudden accusation. “No! I’m not.” She smiles. “I promise.”
Saki glares at her suspiciously. “Are you sure?”
Ichika gives her an endearing look. “I’m sure, Saki. Why don’t you just ask them and make sure your plans aren’t conflicting with theirs?”
“No!” Saki says. “That ruins the surprise! That was the whole point of this, Icchan!” She sighs. “This would be so much easier with just two people. Planning for all four of us is such a nightmare sometimes.”
That makes Ichika laugh. “Maybe,” she agrees, “but it’d be a lot more boring, wouldn’t it?”
Saki takes a second, then chuckles, squeezing Ichika’s hand. “It would.”
The two of them fall into comfortable silence, a slight swing in their arms as they walk through the windy weather of winter. While Saki dislikes the cold, she doesn’t mind being here with Ichika, enjoying their evening as they return from the errands they ran. And when they get home, they’ll be greeted by their partners and the warm meal Honami is surely preparing right now, and everything will be as it should.
Still, she can’t help but think…
“Hey, Icchan, do you think you could spy on Hona-chan for me?”
“Just ask her!”
——
Saki wakes up to the wonderful, wonderful smell of breakfast.
She sits up entirely too fast for someone who has been awake for all of five seconds, and two things happen as a result. One, her vision goes dark as her body takes a second to stabilize itself and regift her with the ability to see, and two, there’s a loud grunt from her side as she accidentally disturbs the only other person in bed with her.
“You elbowed me,” Shiho murmurs, sleep heavy in their voice. They try nuzzling closer to her, eyes still closed— clearly still half-asleep. “Back to bed…”
“Shiho-channnn,” Saki sing-songs, grinning down at them. Oh, if her phone wasn’t so far (an arm’s length) away from her, she would snatch it and take a picture of their adorable scrunched up face. “Good morning!”
Shiho grumbles, curling up closer to her. “Why are you so energetic?” they complain, some of the life returning to them as they speak. They blink open one tired green eye, squinting up at her in the darkness.
“Can’t you smell that? Hona-chan is making breakfast!” She giggles. “Extra special breakfast. Remember what day it is?”
Shiho just stares at her blankly. Saki rolls her eyes. “Come on, Shiho-chan, it’s Valentine's Day!” She bends down, kissing their forehead. “Happy Valentine’s Day, Shiho-chan. I love you!”
Her partner flushes, slowly pulling themself up. They run a hand through their hair, before leaning forwards and capturing Saki’s lips in a kiss. The contact lingers for a long moment, and then they pull away, cheeks red. “I love you too,” they say softly, and they’re rewarded by yet another one of Saki’s bright smiles.
“Come on, let’s not leave the others waiting!” Usually, Saki has to drag herself out of bed on days like these, but she went to sleep excited, and she’s waking up excited too. Plus, Honami’s cooking smells amazing, even through the closed door of the bedroom. She can only imagine that all her favorite foods have been made… sitting out there waiting for her to eat as much as she can… mmmm…
Shiho huffs an amused laugh at her enthusiasm, sliding out of bed. They slip a hoodie over the t-shirt they slept in, then follow Saki out.
The morning apartment scene is one Saki will never get tired of. Honami, true to the scent that wafts through the air, is busy in the kitchen. Most of it is finished, and Honami looks like she’s finally wrapping up. Ichika has busied herself with setting the table. The both of them are still in their pajamas, socks and slippers on their feet, and Ichika’s hair is still ruffled and messy, as if the only brushing she’s given it has been with her fingers. When she hears the door open, she turns and gives them a smile.
“Good morning, Saki,” she greets, setting a glass of water down. “Shiho.” Her eyes crinkle as her grin grows. “Happy Valentine’s Day.”
“Oh, good!” Honami says. She glances up, wearing a similar expression as she notices the two of them are awake. “I was going to try and get you up soon. Now I don’t have to deal with two grumps,” she teases. “Happy Valentine’s Day, loves.”
“I’m not a grump,” Shiho complains, walking over to her. They press a quick kiss against her lips. “Anything I can help you with?”
Honami gives them a grateful smile, but shakes her head. “We’re nearly done. Don’t worry about it. Breakfast is my treat today.” She grows a bit flustered. “Well, one of them, anyways.”
Saki giggles, bouncing across the room to pull Ichika in for a kiss. “I’m so excited,” she squeals, wrapping her arms around Ichika’s waist. “I can’t wait to see what everyone has prepared.” She puffs her chest out. “I think everyone is going to like mine the most!”
“It’s not a competition!” Shiho protests, crossing their arms. “...but mine is totally the best.”
Ichika chuckles, her laugh a warm rumble in her chest. “Well, I’d say Honami is winning so far, given that she’s the only one who’s done something today.”
“I just woke up, Icchan,” Saki says, glaring at her lightheartedly. “I’ll tell everyone my plan while we eat.” She squeezes her waist, steals another kiss on her lips, and then takes the same spot at the table she always sits at, knees bouncing as her stomach rumbles in anticipation.
The four of them get settled, say their thanks, and start to eat. Saki can’t bear to wait any longer.
“So!” she says, as soon as she’s swallowed her first fork of food. “What’s the plan for the day?”
Honami smiles. “Well, I thought it’d be nice to make a nice breakfast for everyone.”
“It was very nice,” Ichika agrees. She shovels another bite into her mouth. “Tastes delicious, Honami.”
“As always,” Saki hums, smiling. Nice going, Saki. Hona-chan’s meal of the day was breakfast! That means my dinner reservation is in a safe space. She has to bite back delighted giggles. See, Icchan! This was a good idea. Now Shiho-chan just has to say they got us tickets to a concert down the road and—
“I booked us a reservation for dinner,” Shiho says. “At a fancy new noodle place.” They smile. “My treat.”
They might as well have just announced they were leaving Leo/need to join STANDOUT.
Honami and Saki immediately whip their heads around to stare at them, eyes wide and mouths open. Then they both do another doubletake, staring at each other, before back at Shiho. Unbeknownst to all of them, Ichika hides her smile in her glass of water. “What?” Saki cries. “Dinner? But I thought—”
“Oh dear,” Honami says at the same time. “...perhaps we should have communicated.” She runs a bashful hand through her hair. “I booked us a dinner reservation too.”
Saki feels like her head is about to explode. “What?” she shrieks again.
Shiho pales. “Don’t tell me…”
“How did all three of us end up booking dinner reservations?!” Saki shouts, gripping her head with both hands. “Did no one think to get lunch?”
“I did,” Ichika says cheerfully.
Everyone slowly turns to look at her. She smiles. “I knew everyone was covering dinner, so I put in an order for lunch to be delivered here today beforehand.”
Well, that’s just the cherry on top of it all!
“You knew?” Saki yells at her, feeling immensely betrayed. “You knew we all had dinner reservations, and you didn’t think to tell us?”
Ichika shrugs, not looking very guilty. “You said you wanted it all to be a surprise.” She does a little motion with her hands. “Surprise?”
“You are terrible,” Shiho grunts, crossing their arms. Their eyes narrow, like they’re trying to figure out how to salvage this mess. Honami shoots Saki a sympathetic look, but she’s just about as confused and concerned looking at Shiho.
Ichika laughs, taking in the look on all of their faces. “I’m sorry,” she says. “It’s just the three of you all came to me telling me your plans after you made the reservation. I thought maybe this could be a lesson as to why leaving four people to make a surprise on the same day isn’t exactly the greatest idea… and I thought it’d be a little funny.”
Saki slumps in her chair, feeling miserable as she puts her hands in her head. “Icchan…” she whines, embarrassed and upset. She should have seen this coming, but she thought—
Ichika sees this, because she stands, moves over to Saki, and gently kisses her head. “Don’t worry, Saki,” she says kindly. “I know you mostly just booked your place for the drinks and dessert, because that’s what they’re known for. So I convinced the others to make a reservation for an early dinner, and you to push yours back later.”
Saki looks up, blinking at Ichika in shock. Ichika glances at the others. “...and I knew that because of that, Shiho and Honami’s reservations would fall at the same time, so I figured we could go to the place Honami booked for dinner, and for lunch, I actually am just catering the new noodle restaurant Shiho has been wanting to go to.” She beams, looking back at Saki. “So how about we enjoy each of these places, we don’t have to dress all nice to go get noodles— because I know Shiho didn’t want to do that anyways— and I'll buy you a drink tonight?”
Saki’s lip trembles, eyes widening as Ichika speaks. She throws herself out of her chair, tackling her girlfriend in a hug that sends them spinning across the room. “Oh, Icchan!”
“Ah!” Ichika yelps, but laughs, wrapping her arms around her and lifting Saki up in a quick twirl. She lowers her back down, smiling at her. “Was that a good surprise?”
Saki giggles, planting a kiss against her lips. “I guess it was,” she admits. “Even if you scared me at first!” She pulls away, shooting a look back at the table. Honami and Shiho both look amused and relieved.
Honami laughs. “Nice work, Ichika-chan.” She blushes. “I thought it was a little odd you were fighting so hard for an early reservation, and why you were pushing dinner so badly in the first place… but I thought it might have just clashed with your plans for later.”
“I thought you and Saki had conspired against us to plan another Valentine’s movie date night,” Shiho admits. They shake themself out, then laugh. “That was a good one, I’ll admit it. I didn’t know this place did takeout.”
“Me either,” Ichika says. “Lucky for us, though.” She glances around. “I figured we could just enjoy each other’s company here for a while and exchange our gifts early after lunch before spending the night out in the city.”
“Do you think we all got each other the same gifts too?” Saki asks.
Shiho rolls their eyes. “You know, I have a pretty good idea as to one thing that everyone has got.”
They all exchange looks. Then, all at once, they say, “Chocolate.”
One round of laughter later, Ichika and Saki return to their seats at the table. Saki smiles. “Well, I’ve got more than chocolate. I wanted to get a lot of things for everyone! I wanted everything to feel as special as it did last year, our first Valentine’s Day in our apartment. There was a lot to live up to!”
Honami looks at her warmly. “Oh, Saki-chan. Any day with you would have been the most special thing imaginable.” Her lips quirk up. “But I felt the same way. I may have gotten a little carried away with the baked goods, but I couldn’t help myself!”
Ichika nods. “Me too,” she agrees. “Not on baked goods, but, well, you’ll see.” She laughs. “I’m sure you won’t be very surprised.”
Either candles or flowers, Saki thinks fondly. Or both. Or combined.
Saki giggles. “Well, you already surprised us enough. And it sounds like we have an eventful day ahead of us!” she cheers. “I’m so excited.”
The apartment returns to its normal state: talking, laughter, and the music that plays quietly from the television to fill in the air and make their little home feel so alive. Every day, Saki thinks about how blessed she is to live here, to have these three girls at her side as she navigates their newfound adulthood. It’s been over a year since they’ve started living with each other, and nothing has ever felt more right to Saki in the world than waking up every morning with everyone at her side. She’s happy. Really, really happy, and she’s beyond thrilled that all of their surprises worked out in the end.
I knew this was a good idea, she thinks, satisfied, and pretending like it wouldn’t have gone to hell if they all hadn’t decided to tell Ichika their plans in advance. …I guess we got lucky there.
…maybe next year we’ll just decide on a restaurant together, though.