Oh, and this is my gift.

Louise pulled out a small box from her pocket.

I was actually wondering if this could be considered a gift.

The box seemed even smaller in Simons broad hand.

Especially after this morning.

Louise smiled awkwardly as Simon carefully opened the box. Inside was a bottle of black ink, as pitch dark as Simons own hair.

Its just plain ink.

Simon held up the bottle in the air to inspect it. The setting red sun disappeared behind the bottle as the blackness smothered the light.

Its not special.

Louise made sure to stress her point. Ink given as a gift was usually imbued with some novel magical property.

But I chose black ink for a reason.

Simon took his eyes off the bottle and looked at Louise. She looked nervous, as if she was worried if it was an adequate present.

Like I said before. Simon is the color black.

Simon easily recalled the conversation he had with Louise during the rainy season.

Ian chose the color purple for Louise.

Then what color are you?

I didnt ask. Maybe black.

Thats nice. Black is the generous embrace of all colors.

He remembered the warmth of her voice as she said that.

Thats why you chose black ink.

That, and something else, too.

Louise looked at the bottle in Simons hand.

I wanted to thank you.

Thank me?

Louise nodded her head.

Black is everywhere.

Especially in the Academy. Their books were always printed with black letters.

I used black ink when I wrote the statement.

Though that time she had lost her temper and broke the pen tip against the paper.

Sometimes when I see the color black, I remember you from that day.

Her day always brightened when she was reminded of that special person.

Because of you, I like the color black even more.

I didnt realize it meant so much

Me too, but its always nurtured my thoughts. Thats why I was wondering if I could give you this gift. So

Louise smiled at the black ink in Simons hand.

Im comforted by Simons color.

The ink was black. If you mixed every color in the world, it would probably be this generous color. It accepted anything without refusal.

I wanted to give you this wonderful color. So, thank you. And most of all, happy birthday.

She finished with her honest feelings before Simon could say anything.

Really, a lot!

Simon clutched the bottle with one hand, deeply moved by Louises words. The cold glass caught the warmth of his palm.

Thank you.

He stood up and sat the ink bottle on his desk.

Besides, youll need a lot of ink when youre preparing for your exams.

Should I use it?

Simon spoke in a soft murmur. He wanted to leave the bottle untouched forever. He was good at memorization anyway.

You should use it.

Ian picked up his own gift box and tossed it at him, and Simon skillfully snatched the box from the air.

If you really want to trample me under your feet, you need to work harder to stay at the top of the year.

I know.

He opened the package to reveal a pen and nib. The small, thin point was his favorite style to use.

You dont know anything, Simon Hillard. Not only will you need to use Louises ink, but youll need to draw out your blood and passion in order to stand against the fearsome Claire Iris.

Louise did not object to Ian describing Claire as fearsome. When it came to her grades, she was terrifying. She barely prepared for the exams and still took second place.

Dont worry, Ian Audmonial.

Simon placed Ians gift next to Louise on the desk.

I can get where I want with just the ink.

Ian felt his heart shake at Simons self-assured manner. Although Ian was afraid of Simon, he was always waiting, always hoping. Ian was willing to give everything to his cousin, but he knew retreating wasnt an optioninstead, he would give his greatest effort. Perhaps Simon was looking forward to that, too.

Thank you.

Simon smiled and took a card game out of the drawer. They couldnt miss out on a card game at this time of day.

Come to think of it, Simons favorite goddess of apples game is

Its broken. Someone stepped on it while searching my room.

That was unfortunate, but they made do with three good friends and a card game. There was not a shred of space for regret.

*

*

*

Time slipped by and eventually they drifted from the card game to lounging on a comfortable spot on the carpet instead. They talked about the professors and students, and laughed at everything they found funny, and Louise especially found herself overcome with giggles. The stars started to peep out in the darkened sky, and Simon lit a candle, which stirred more memories that they began to talk about.

Simon considered that this might be his best birthday ever. He might not have a birthday like this anywhere else.

His thoughts turned to Louise. Her birthday was between their graduation and New Years. They could spend it quietly in the Academy or in the capital, depending on what she wanted. However, Ian would have a busy schedule right after his graduation, and Simon might be studying abroad. Louise had always worked hard for the both of them.

Whats wrong?

Louise groggily hugged a pillow and murmured, Ill just close my eyes for a moment, then promptly fell right asleep. Sitting down.

Im a little worried about Louises birthday.

Ah.

Ian nodded as if he was thinking the same thing.

And Ian, a little while ago.

Simon confirmed that Louise was asleep before looking back at Ian.

Hmm?

You told a lie

Simon spoke with his heart unchanged, his voice chilly.

To Louise Sweeney.