Chapter 151: The “Private” Birthday Surprise
"I'm not going to the onsen! I'm going home." Rin’s voice cracked through the car like a whip.
Keiko blinked, confused. "Eh? Why not? It’s my birthday wish, Rin. Don’t you want to relax in the hot water after all those roller coasters?"
I sighed. Oh no… she really didn’t think this one through, did she?
"Mom!" Rin’s cheeks were crimson as she jabbed a finger at me. "Did you forget that Dad’s a girl now?! You’re telling me to go into the ladies’ bath with Dad right there next to me?!"
I rubbed my temples.
Thank you, Rin, for voicing the exact nightmare scenario I’ve been trying not to picture. Two seconds in the bathhouse and the staff would scream, ‘Oh wow, three generations of sisters bonding together!’ And then I’d have to die on the spot.
Keiko froze, her eyes widening as realization dawned. "O-Oh my god… you’re right! Sorry, sorry—I didn’t think!"
"Keiko," I said carefully, "you don’t even like onsens normally. Remember? You complained the last time because the water made your skin dry."
She fidgeted with her fingers. "Well… I just thought it could be fun, y’know? A family onsen experience, like in those warm fuzzy dramas."
Rin wasn’t having it. "No way. Just… no."
Keiko pouted for a moment, then brightened. "Wait, what about a private onsen? Just for us three. That would work!"
Rin groaned, clutching her face. "Mom! No! Private, public, outdoor, indoor—no!"
Keiko deflated again, digging into her birthday list like she was trying to find an escape hatch.
Her finger traced down the paper, lips moving. "...What about… arcade?"
Before I could answer, Rin shook her head firmly. "Mom, listen. It’s okay. Just go with Dad. I know you wanted to have a date with him too. Don’t worry about me."
I blinked. Rin sounded… mature? Sensible? Did my daughter just ascend into adulthood without warning me?
Keiko’s eyes softened and she hugged Rin tightly. "Thank you, Rin. You always make me feel special. You’ll always be my lovely daughter."
Rin gave her a small, genuine smile. "I love you, Mom."
My heart nearly melted. Look at them… such a beautiful mother-daughter bond. How heartwarming…
I opened my arms wide, hoping to join in the wholesome group hug. This is it! Family moment! Come on Rin, just this once—
Rin looked at me. Then she made the most disgusted cringe face I’d ever seen and hissed, "No way."
I froze mid-pose, arms dangling like limp noodles. Ah yes. Nothing like being rejected by your own kid while you’re still trying to look warm and fatherly. Perfect.
To cover the humiliation, I crossed my arms around myself and muttered, "Ha… cold in here, isn’t it? Totally wasn’t asking for a hug or anything. Nope."
Keiko giggled at my antics, but mercifully didn’t comment.
With that, we walked Rin home so she could spend the night warm and safe while we continued the birthday plans.
---
"So Keiko," I asked as we pulled away from Rin’s drop-off, "do you really want to go to an onsen? You’ve never been into them before."
Keiko’s cheeks turned slightly pink. She fiddled with her bag straps. "...Well, I thought… maybe if it’s a private one in a hotel, it could be… romantic."
I swallowed hard. Romantic. Uh oh. She’s been reading those romance novels lately. Please don’t tell me she’s expecting some wild steamy scene ripped straight from the novel she read.
---
The hotel loomed into view—sleek, modern, ridiculously fancy. The kind of place where the carpet alone probably costs more than my monthly salary.
"Keiko… this looks… expensive."
She grinned, smug. "Relax. I got a free voucher from Manna-san. A Christmas gift she gave me early."
I blinked. "What?! Really?!"
She nodded, clearly pleased with herself.
So basically… Keiko just scored us a five-star romantic date for free. Truly, I married a genius.
---
The room was massive, with soft lighting, crisp sheets, and an actual private onsen on the balcony. I spun around, gawking at the furniture like a villager who had just walked into a royal palace.
"Wow… I’ve never been inside a five-star hotel room before. Look at these pillows! They’re fluffier than my life goals! And this TV… is bigger than our dining table!"
Keiko laughed softly. "Yeah… it’s amazing, isn’t it?"
After settling in, I remembered the thing burning a hole in my bag. "Keiko!" I called, dramatically whipping around like a magician.
She turned, curious.
I produced a carefully wrapped box from behind my back. "Happy birthday."
Her eyes sparkled as she accepted it. She shook it gently, trying to guess. "Hmm… is it clothes? Or…"
"Just open it," I urged, grinning.
When she peeled back the wrapping, her jaw dropped. "Oh my… is this—?!"
Inside sat a pristine limited-edition Gundam model kit, the exact one she’d been eyeing online for months.
"How… how did you get this, Ryusei?!" Keiko gasped, her face glowing with pure childlike joy.
I smirked, puffing up proudly. "It’s my secret specialty. A husband’s secret techniques are not to be revealed."
She immediately grabbed my sleeve, shaking me like a maraca. "Tell meeee!"
"Nope!"
"Come on, Ryusei! Please!"
"Never!" I laughed, trying to back away dramatically.
But in my exaggerated dodge, my elbow bumped her bag that was perched on the bed. It tipped over, and—
fwoop!
Something small and silky flew into the air like a slow-motion dove in a romance film.
It landed squarely on the duvet.
My brain short-circuited. …Was that… lingerie?!
Not just any lingerie. Red. Lacy. Dangerous.
I froze, staring at it like I’d just uncovered forbidden treasure in an RPG dungeon.
Keiko’s eyes went wide, her face blooming scarlet. She scrambled forward, grabbing it with lightning speed. "T-that’s—! I-It’s nothing! Don’t look!"
I slapped both hands over my face. Oh my god. She really is preparing some romance-novel birthday sequel. I thought she was joking! I thought she’d just want cake and a nice dinner!
Meanwhile, Keiko stuffed the rogue lingerie back into her bag, muttering furiously.
I peeked through my fingers, voice cracking, "S-so… uh… private onsen, huh?"
She glared at me, mortified, cheeks still pink. "...Shut up, Ryusei."