Chapter 187: Rin’s Birthday Preparation
It was already 12:00 p.m. when I finished showering and got myself ready. The air felt lighter today, warmer somehow — like the world finally decided to give us a break after everything. I sat on the couch, adjusting the bandage on my side, waiting for Keiko to come home.
Today was Rin’s birthday.
We’d planned a small surprise for her — nothing fancy, just a quiet celebration at home with cake, food, and decorations. Since I was still recovering from my wound, we thought it’d be best to keep things simple. Rin didn’t know anything yet, not even that Keiko had taken a half day off from work.
The house was peaceful for once. I kept glancing at the clock, then at the little notes I’d scribbled — cake first, then groceries, then set everything up before Rin comes home from school.
Then, the sound of the front door opening broke the silence.
“I’m home!” Keiko’s voice filled the room.
“Welcome home,” I said, smiling as I stood up.
She blinked, a bit surprised to see me already dressed. “Oh… you’re ready?”
“Yeah,” I said, smiling. “Can’t keep the birthday girl waiting.”
Keiko’s expression softened into that worried look I’d come to know too well. “How’s your wound? You didn’t need help with the bandage?”
I shook my head. “Nah, I managed. It’s fine.”
She studied my face, as if to make sure I wasn’t lying, then smiled gently. “Okay. Please wait a bit, I’ll change first.”
I chuckled. “Take your time, no worries.”
She disappeared into the bedroom, humming softly as she went. I couldn’t help but smile to myself — even after everything that had happened, that sound still made me feel safe.
Fifteen minutes later, the door opened again — and I swear my heart skipped a beat.
Keiko stepped out wearing a long, soft-colored dress with a slightly oversized jacket draped over her shoulders. Her hair was loose, falling naturally past her shoulders, and there was a faint blush on her cheeks — or maybe it was a bit of makeup.
“Okay,” she said, grabbing her bag. “I’m ready. Let’s go.”
But I just stood there like an idiot, completely frozen.
It had been so long since I’d seen her like this. Not just beautiful — adorable. Familiar and yet somehow new.
“Ryusei?” she called, tilting her head. “Why are you just standing there?”
Her voice snapped me out of it, but before I could react, she stepped closer — too close — and placed both hands gently on my shoulders.
“What’s wrong?” she asked softly. “You have something on your mind?”
What’s on my mind? You, I wanted to say. You’re on my mind, you absolute goddess.
Instead, I leaned forward and gave her a quick peck on the lips. She froze immediately, eyes wide.
“W-why…” she stammered, her voice small, “why did you—”
I couldn’t hold it in anymore. “Why are you so pretty and cute today?” I blurted out.
Keiko blinked, flustered. “W-what do you mean?”
I gestured vaguely at her outfit, sighing dramatically. “You’re wearing makeup and a dress. We’re just going to a cake shop and grocery store nearby! How am I supposed to concentrate like this?”
Her cheeks turned a deeper red as she looked away shyly. “B-because I wanted to try looking prettier for you… somehow.”
That hit me straight in the heart. She looked so bashful, fiddling with her sleeve as if she regretted saying it aloud.
I couldn’t help it — I pulled her into a gentle hug, careful not to press my healing wound.
“I changed my mind,” I whispered.
She blinked. “Huh? What do you mean?”
I leaned closer, whispering right next to her ear, “Can we just stay home and have sex right now?”
Keiko instantly went rigid. Then, she pushed me away gently and smacked the back of my head.
“No!” she hissed, her entire face red. “Today is Rin’s day!”
I groaned dramatically, rubbing my head. “I know, I know! But we still have time before she gets home…”
Before I could finish, she poked my abdomen gently — right where the wound was. I yelped in pain.
“See?” she said, face still red but smiling teasingly. “We can’t do anything yet. You need to heal first.”
I pouted, muttering like a sulking kid, “Okay, fine… I get it. Let’s go.”
As I put on my shoes, I reached out and took her hand. It was warm — always warm. Just as we were about to head out, I heard her whisper under her breath, almost too quietly for me to catch:
“When you’re fully recovered… I’ll dress up again for you.”
I froze. My heart almost exploded out of my chest.
“W-wha—” I started, but my voice cracked halfway. I was grinning like an idiot before I could stop myself.
“Don’t jump around!” Keiko scolded, seeing my reaction. “You’ll open your wound again!”
I tried to calm down, but the happiness bubbling in my chest was impossible to contain.
“You’re really trying to kill me, huh?” I teased.
Keiko rolled her eyes, though I could see the faint smile tugging at her lips. “Stop being dramatic and move. Rin’s cake won’t buy itself.”
I chuckled and followed her out the door, limping slightly but happier than I’d been in weeks.
---
The weather outside was beautiful — gentle wind, warm sunlight, the kind of day you’d never believe followed the chaos of a storm.
We walked side by side down the street, our hands occasionally brushing. Sometimes Keiko would scold me for walking too fast, sometimes I’d tease her about carrying too many bags.
We stopped by a small cake shop near the station. The scent of cream and vanilla filled the air, and Keiko’s eyes sparkled as she stared at the rows of cakes behind the glass.
“She’ll love the strawberry one,” Keiko said confidently.
I nodded. “Yeah, that’s her favorite.”
As we waited for the shopkeeper to box the cake, Keiko leaned against me gently. “You know,” she said, “it’s been a while since we’ve done something like this.”
“Yeah…” I replied softly. “Feels good, doesn’t it?”
She smiled, resting her head briefly on my shoulder. “It really does.”