{A Casual Conversation Between Two 1}

July.

The rainy season ended as usual, and the temperature steadily rose in the height of summer.

For me, this time of year is a little special. When I was a child, it was just a period I passed, looking forward to summer vacation.

But since the summer of my third year in high school, that changed. Every July, I start thinking about various things and get restless on my own.

That’s because it’s Miyu’s birthday.

Despite being born in the summer, her name, “Miyuki,” doesn’t really evoke summer. But for the past three years, I’ve never missed celebrating her birthday. I send her a “Happy Birthday” message as soon as the date changes, and we make plans to eat cake together. Of course, I never forget to prepare a birthday gift.

In my senior year of high school, I spent all my allowance to buy her a ribbon in cherry blossom pink.

In my first year of college, when I had just started working part-time and had little money, I bought her a beading book she wanted.

Last summer, we went shopping together for a stuffed mouse—after checking out a real estate agency.

And this year, I still haven’t decided what to give her.

“This time of year, it’s hard to stop sweating,” Miyu said as she came out of the bathroom, drying her hair.

She walked over to the sofa where I was sitting, so I adjusted the air conditioner to lower the room temperature a little.

“Let me know if it gets too cold.”

“Thanks.”

She sat next to me and smiled brightly.

Her flushed cheeks from the bath and her damp, heavy black hair looked fresh every time, even though it’s been three months since we started living together. It was strange that even her ordinary pajama look seemed dazzling to me.

It was already July, but I still wasn’t used to it.

As Miyu carefully wiped her wet hair with a towel, she noticed my gaze. She blinked curiously.

“What’s up?”

“Nothing, really.”

I ran my fingers through my already-dry hair, even though there was no need.

“I was just thinking, it’s already July.”

“Yeah.”

Miyu glanced at the calendar on the living room wall. It was a monthly flip calendar featuring seasonal flowers. This month’s picture was a large sunflower stretching toward the summer sky. Next month would probably be morning glories.

“They say time passes faster as you get older.”

Miyu spoke wistfully.

“I’ve been feeling that lately, too. When I was a kid, it didn’t feel that fast, but now each day flies by. My grandma says it’ll feel even faster as I get older.”

It felt a little early for someone in their early twenties to be feeling that, but I understood.

I’ve been enjoying every day lately, so much so that I thought, Has it already been three months? At this rate, the year would probably fly by in no time.

By then, I might even be used to seeing Miyu fresh out of the bath.

“Speaking of July, it’s your birthday,” I said, and she smiled bashfully.

“You remembered?”

“I’ve never forgotten. I’ve celebrated every year since high school.”

“That’s true. Thank you.”

Even though I hadn’t celebrated yet this year, she was already thanking me. The real part was yet to come, though, I thought, as I continued.

“So, what do you want for your present?”

“Hmm, I’m not sure…”

She stopped drying her hair and, with the towel still draped over her, shyly hugged her knees.

By now, after four years, she understood that I wouldn’t back down with just, “Your feelings are enough for me.”

“I can’t really think of anything…”

Apparently, her wish didn’t come to mind immediately. She resumed drying her hair, frowning slightly in thought.

“When I think about what I want, it tends to be something practical.”

“That’s fine, too. Like what?”

“Well, it’s about time to replace my toothbrush, right? And don’t we need another pitcher for iced tea?”

“…Sorry, no, that’s not a good idea after all.”

A toothbrush and a pitcher for iced tea as a birthday present? That wasn’t just lacking in romance; it was too mundane. Even a couple married for years probably wouldn’t exchange such practical gifts.

“Okay, then.”

I offered a suggestion that seemed like it could lead to a solution.

“Something you wouldn’t buy for yourself but wouldn’t mind receiving as a gift?”