-Hello, Dan- Himari said in her soft voice.
-Ah, hello, it's been a long time since we last saw each other.
-Yes, you're right, but it's not that I don't want to see you, it's just that lately I haven't had any free time because of the basketball team.
-Because of the national tournament that's coming up?
-Exactly, now we have to train much harder if we want to defeat those damn girls from Kyoto!- She said with eyes that showed she was going to get revenge at any cost.
(They lost against them in the previous tournament and they mocked her team).
-I understand, but is that the only reason you talked to me? Just to say hi?
-No… well that too, but that's not exactly it, I want to ask you a favor.
-A favor? What favor do you need?
Himari hopped in place where she was standing.
-Who has a birthday in two days?
Dan stayed silent, trying to quickly remember who it was before realizing he didn't remember.
Himari had already noticed, it was typical of Dan to forget things.
-Seriously?
-The PE teacher's birthday?
Himari stood on her tiptoes and grabbed him by the collar to shake him.
-Nooo! It's Jhonatan's birthday!
Dan pulled away from the grip so he could breathe.
-Ahh. Obviously I already knew, it was a test to see if you remembered.
-Yeah, uh-huh, whatever you say. Well, I wanted to ask you to come with me to the mall to buy his birthday gift.
-And why does it have to be me?
-Brandon and Josías are busy today.
Besides, you're the one who spends the most time with him, so you know him well.
Himari started walking toward the school exit.
-Well, let's go.
Dan crossed his arms.
-What if I refuse to go?
She turned sharply toward Dan.
-I'll break your legs- She threatened seriously.
-Let's go buy Jhonatan's gift!- Dan exclaimed while walking toward the exit.
The two arrived at the mall where inside there were several different stores, many options.
-What does Jhonatan like? What could I buy him?- Himari asked while looking at the stores.
-Well, he likes sleeping in class, so you could buy him a pillow so he can sleep better- He said sarcastically.
But Himari was already inside a bedding store choosing the most comfortable pillow.
-It was a joke! You're going to make him lazier than he already is!-Dan exclaimed.
Himari put the pillows back in their place and left the store to approach him again.
-So what can I buy him?
Dan fell silent again, this time trying to remember what Jhonatan wanted the most.
Finally he remembered and snapped his fingers.
-I got it. Come, follow me.
He started walking toward the escalators. Himari smiled and began to follow him.
-Okay.
While they were walking toward the store Dan had in mind, he asked her.
-And why did you ask me for help choosing a gift for him? If I remember correctly, you two have known each other since you were kids, right?
-Yes, first we were childhood friends and then a couple, but sometimes I feel like he still doesn't have enough trust in me.
-And why do you think that?
-I don't know, maybe there are things he finds normal to say to you guys but feels embarrassed to tell me.
-Like the things he likes or wants?
-Exactly, when he's with me he never tells me what he wants or likes, so I thought maybe he would tell you.
-Yeah, there are things he's told us he'd like to have. Some of them are kind of childish, so that might be why he doesn't tell you.
-Is he afraid I'll think he's still a kid?
-Maybe.
Himari smiled warmly.
-That idiot…
They arrived at the store Dan mentioned.
-We're here, this is it.
-A… toy store?
Dan nodded quickly.
-Yeah, this is what he once told me he wanted.
The two entered the store. Himari followed Dan, who was looking for something specific.
He stopped at a shelf and grabbed a toy box
-Here it is! This is what he wanted!
Himari moved closer to see the box.
-Did he really say he wanted this?
Dan nodded repeatedly.
-Yeah, he told me he'd like to have a remote control helicopter.
She narrowed her eyes.
-You're not going to take it, are you?
-Maybe. But most of the time I'll just borrow it, I promise.
Himari grabbed the toy and took it to the cashier to pay.
-Alright, then I'll take it.
After paying, the two left the store. Their mission had already been completed, the gift was ready, but both of them got hungry.
-Want to go eat something?-Himari asked.
-Please, I need it.
While they were walking toward the McDonald's, they were talking about Jhonatan. Dan kept his gaze on the ground until, when he lifted it to look ahead, he saw someone familiar approaching.
It was Noemí, who had also come to the mall. Dan was surprised to see her.
Noemí was also surprised to see him. Her gaze settled on him and then on Himari, who didn't know her.
-Noemi...