Chapter 189: A Day to Remember
It was already past 3 p.m. The house smelled of warm broth and roasted meat — the kind of scent that lingered in the air and wrapped around you like a memory. I sat on the couch, my abdomen still sore, watching Keiko move gracefully around the kitchen. She was humming softly while cooking, her sleeves rolled up, her hair tied back, and a faint smile on her face.
Rin would be home in less than an hour.
The clock ticked softly as I leaned back, pretending to relax, but honestly, I felt restless. I hated just sitting there, watching Keiko do everything alone. My wound still ached from earlier, but my guilt was heavier than the pain.
“Keiko, let me help you at least cut something—”
She turned around instantly, glaring at me with her hand on her hip. “Ryusei! Don’t you dare move from that couch. You were bleeding again just a few hours ago.”
Her tone left no room for argument.
I sighed, scratching my head, “I’m not that fragile, you know…”
Keiko gave me that look — the one that said ‘argue again and you’re sleeping on the couch’.
I quickly raised my hands in surrender. “Alright, alright. I’ll behave.”
“Good,” she said firmly, though the corner of her lips lifted into a smile as she turned back to the pot.
I could only sit there, watching her in quiet admiration. The way she moved — efficient, focused, yet full of warmth — reminded me why I fell for her. She looked so beautiful, even with a light sheen of sweat on her forehead and a messy apron.
To at least do something, I prepared Rin’s birthday gift and placed it neatly on the dining table. I also helped set up the decorations — nothing extravagant, just a few colorful ribbons, a small “Happy Birthday” banner, and a candle waiting to be lit on the cake.
When I tried washing the dishes, though, Keiko’s voice cut through the kitchen like lightning. “Ryusei! Don’t you dare!”
I froze mid-action, the sponge in my hand. “But—”
She turned around with narrowed eyes. “Do you want to open your wound again?”
“…No, ma’am.”
“Then sit.”
I sighed and obeyed, slumping back onto the couch like a kid caught sneaking snacks before dinner. Keiko chuckled quietly at my pout, shaking her head.
Twenty minutes later, she finally finished cooking. The table was filled with Rin’s favorite dishes — creamy gratin, tempura, and miso soup with tofu. Everything looked so warm and homey that my heart softened just looking at it.
“Thanks, Keiko,” I said quietly.
She smiled, brushing her bangs aside. “You don’t have to thank me for something like this. It’s her special day.”
I wanted to say something romantic in return — but before I could, the sound of a key turning at the door made us both jolt.
“I’m home…” Rin’s tired voice echoed from the entryway.
Keiko’s eyes widened. “She’s here!”
“Already?!” I whispered, panicking slightly.
“Hide! Quick!”
We crouched behind the couch like a couple of kids about to prank someone. Rin sighed as she stepped in, taking off her shoes and muttering to herself, “I’m so tired…”
She walked toward the living room, and the moment her footsteps reached the edge of the carpet, we both jumped up.
“Surprise!” we shouted.
Rin nearly dropped her bag. “W-wha—?! What the—?!”
Keiko beamed. “Happy birthday, darling!”
“Happy birthday, Rin!” I added, trying not to laugh at her shocked expression.
Rin blinked, her mouth half-open. “M-Mom?! You’re home?!”
“Of course,” Keiko said with a grin. “It’s not every day my only daughter turns eighteen.”
Rin’s cheeks turned pink, though she tried to look composed. “T-thanks, Mom… Dad…”
Keiko walked over and hugged her tightly. Rin stiffened at first but then slowly hugged back, her face buried against Keiko’s shoulder. “Thanks, Mom… really.”
Keiko smiled warmly. “Come on, let’s eat. I made all your favorites.”
“Seriously?” Rin’s eyes widened as she saw the table. “Wow… you cooked all this?”
“Yep,” Keiko said proudly.
Rin sat down, looking amazed — and maybe a little emotional. I could see it in the way her lips trembled slightly, though she tried to hide it by reaching for the chopsticks.
We started eating together, the three of us, for the first time in what felt like forever. Between my work, Keiko’s schedule, and Rin’s school, we rarely had moments like this anymore. But tonight, everything felt peaceful — laughter and warmth filling the small dining room.
“Rin, you’re graduating next month, right?” I asked while taking a sip of soup.
“Yeah,” she said, chewing quietly. “It’s weird… feels like high school went by so fast.”
“Time really flies,” I murmured. “My little girl’s all grown up now.”
She rolled her eyes, embarrassed. “Dad, don’t say that, it’s cringy…”
Keiko giggled. “He’s just proud, you know.”
Rin glanced down shyly, pretending to focus on her food. “...I know.”
After dinner, we dimmed the lights, lit the candles on the cake, and sang together. Rin smiled awkwardly while holding back a laugh, her cheeks glowing in the candlelight.
“Make a wish,” I said softly.
She closed her eyes for a moment, took a deep breath, and blew out the candles. The smoke curled up gently, fading into the soft hum of the moment.
Keiko clapped. “Happy birthday, sweetheart.”
“Thanks,” Rin said with a small grin. “Really… thanks for all this. I didn’t expect anything.”
“You should expect more,” Keiko said proudly. “Here—this is from me.”
She handed Rin a small charm, a red string tied around a silver bell. “It’s for good luck,” Keiko said. “Especially with your graduation coming up.”
Rin stared at it for a long moment. “...It’s cute.”
I chuckled quietly. “She gave me one of those too, you know.”
Keiko blinked. “You still remember that?”
“Of course. How could I forget?” I smiled gently.
Rin looked between us, smiling shyly. “You two are weird sometimes.”
“Here,” I said, handing her a wrapped box. “My turn.”
Rin carefully unwrapped it, her eyes widening the moment she saw what was inside — a professional makeup kit.
“You said you wanted to learn makeup, right?” I said.
Her lips trembled slightly. “Y-you remembered that?”
“Of course,” I said softly. “I’ll support you, no matter what you choose.”
Rin bit her lip, trying to hide her watery eyes. “Thanks… Dad.”
For a moment, she looked like she wanted to hug me — but stopped halfway, fidgeting awkwardly.
Keiko smiled knowingly. “Go on, Rin.”
Rin sighed and finally leaned over, hugging me lightly. “Just for today, okay?”
I laughed softly and hugged her back. “I’ll take it.”
When she pulled away, her eyes were a little red. “Thanks, both of you… I really wanted to spend today with you.”
Keiko placed a hand on her cheek. “You can always spend your time with us, you know. We’re not going anywhere.”
Rin nodded slowly, her voice quiet. “I know… I just don’t say it much, but… I love you both.”
The room fell silent for a heartbeat — warm, emotional silence that said more than words could.
Keiko smiled, eyes glistening. “We love you too, Rin.”
And I, sitting there watching the two most important people in my life smiling together, felt my chest tighten — not from pain, but from gratitude.
After everything that had happened — this small, ordinary moment felt like a miracle.
A day of laughter, warmth, and peace.
A day to remember.