Chapter 149: A Surprise?
“Keiko?”
The old man squinted at me like I had just asked him for his bank PIN.
“Eh?”
I rubbed the back of my neck, embarrassed. “I mean… I was wondering if you had an idea about what kind of birthday gift or surprise she’d like. You know… since you’re married too and all.”
For a moment he just stood there, eyebrows furrowed, lips twitching like he was holding back either wisdom or laughter. Then he sighed and muttered,
“Why don’t you just ask her directly?”
I froze. “…That’s it? That’s the big advice?”
“What, you expected me to hand you a scroll of ancient romantic secrets?” he snorted, already turning away and heading into the kitchen.
I followed, watching him casually chop vegetables like we weren’t talking about the most important event of my December. “So you don’t have any tips? Nothing at all?”
He paused only long enough to smirk. “The best tip I can give you is not to overthink it. Gifts are nice, but being there matters more.”
I sighed. That was somehow wise and unhelpful at the same time.
“Fine,” I said, giving up. “But I’d like to request a day off on that day.”
That at least made him grin. “Heh. Have fun, youngster.”
I smiled. At least I’d secured the day off. Step one: done.
---
That night, I came home later than usual. The lights in our room were still on, though, spilling soft gold across the floor. My lips curled into a smile even before I opened the door.
Inside, Keiko was sitting on the bed, a book in hand. She looked up and whispered, “Welcome home.”
I smiled back, my heart squeezing. “I’m home.”
As I shuffled around the room, pulling out clothes for a quick shower, I asked, “Why aren’t you asleep yet?”
“Huh?” Her eyes widened, guilty, like a child caught stealing cookies.
I checked my watch. “It’s 12:30 a.m., Keiko.”
She blinked, then gasped. “Oh my… I lost track of time.”
Curious, I reached for the book in her hands. The title made me raise my eyebrows 'Between You and Me: A Story You Read When You Fall in Love.'
“A romance novel?” I teased.
Keiko’s face went pink. She quickly tucked it away like it was contraband. “W-well… I just felt like reading one lately.”
I smirked, leaning closer. “Oh? You’re trying to be more romantic?”
Her blush deepened. “N-not really… it wasn’t even that interesting.”
“Not interesting, but you lost track of time?” I pressed, grinning.
Keiko turned her head away, lips twitching. “I was just… curious.”
I chuckled, unable to stop. She was adorable, like a teenager embarrassed about being caught with a secret diary. “So this is your new hobby, huh? Maybe I should read it too, take some notes.”
“Don’t you dare,” she said quickly, though the corners of her mouth betrayed a tiny smile.
I sat beside her on the bed, softening my voice. “By the way, Keiko… your birthday’s coming soon.”
Her eyes widened again, this time with a spark of excitement.
“Is there something you want to do? Or something you’ve been wishing for?” I asked gently.
She looked thoughtful, biting her lip before finally answering, “There are many things I want to do with you.” She blushed again, then added softly, “Can I tell you later? I’ll try to sort it out.”
“Of course,” I said at once. “Take your time. Whenever you’re ready.”
Her shoulders eased, and she smiled, happy in a way that made my chest feel warm.
“I already told the old man I’m taking the day off for you,” I added.
“Really?” Keiko looked touched, her eyes softening.
“Yeah. And if I can, I’ll take off from Manna’s Kitchen too.”
She nodded, smiling so sweetly it almost made me forget my exhaustion.
“Well then, go take your shower and rest,” she said.
I gave her a small smile. “Yes, ma’am.”
---
The following night, I came home to find Keiko waiting for me again, this time with papers in her hands.
“What’s that?” I asked, setting my bag down.
She held it out shyly. “My… list.”
I took it and scanned the pages. My eyes widened. It was long. Like, epic saga long.
“Uh… Keiko?”
“Sorry!” She waved her hands, embarrassed. “I didn’t mean to write so much. I just… kept thinking of things and couldn’t stop. Obviously, we can’t do all of them on one day.”
I grinned, shaking my head. “No worries. This isn’t too much at all.”
She blinked. “Really?”
“Really,” I said firmly. “We’ve got time. Not just on your birthday, but after too. We can spread these out over months, years even.” I held up the paper. “This is basically our adventure map.”
Keiko laughed, eyes sparkling. “Adventure map?”
“Yep.” I tapped the list dramatically. “Every item on here is a quest. Together, we’ll conquer them one by one. Maybe we’ll even get special couple EXP.”
She rolled her eyes but was smiling ear to ear. “You’re ridiculous.”
“And you’re adorable,” I shot back without missing a beat.
That got her to blush again, her shoulders hunching slightly as if to hide it.
I scanned the list again, reading aloud a few. “‘Visit the hot springs together. Going overseas. Stargazing family outing. A whole day without phones…’ Wow, Keiko. You weren’t kidding about variety. This is like a seasonal menu.”
She laughed softly. “I just… want to spend more time with you and Rin in different ways.”
I swallowed, suddenly aware of how serious her voice was beneath the lightness. “Then we’ll do them all,” I promised. “Every single one. Even the ones that sound impossible, we’ll find a way.”
Her smile softened, her eyes glimmering. “Thanks, Ryusei.”
I nodded, folding the list carefully like it was a contract. “Now it’s official.”
She tilted her head. “Official?”
“Yep. Binding agreement,” I said solemnly. “You wrote it, I accepted it. If I fail, you have the right to punish me.”
Keiko chuckled, shaking her head. “You really read too many manga.”
“Hey, it’s not manga,” I argued, puffing out my chest. “It’s love law.”
That earned me a pillow to the face.
I laughed so hard I nearly fell off the bed.
---
Later that night, as we lay side by side, the soft hum of the heater filling the silence, I felt Keiko’s hand slip into mine under the blanket.
She turned her head slightly, her hair brushing my cheek. “Goodnight.”
“Goodnight,” I said, kissing her forehead before drifting off.