Ajin and Teru ate fruits as breakfast, agreeing they should purchase proper food soon, the taste of mango and plum was driving Ajin crazy.

In Miss Hano’s shop, Ajin did the same routine as the day before, cut fabrics and carry them to the girl named Millie. 

Together, Teru and Ajin went to wood shops, purchasing a nice table and three chairs, one for Teru, one for Ajin and one for Akimatsu. “I think this set of three chairs would be nice paired with the table you chose.” Teru commented as he pointed to a set, “Why three? We just need two, one for you, and one for me.” Ajin laughed. “Ajin, your brother needs one too you know, did you forget we live with him as well?”

“Of course not, but he’s ill, it’s best he stays in bed.”

“But what if he gets better? Where will he sit?” Ajin stayed quiet. He knew Akimatsu would never need a chair, he couldn't even sit up right for him to pretend he's having a meal with the two boys. He is indistinguishable from a corpse. “Right, let’s get him one too.” Ajin replied with a smile.

The next two days were uneventful. On the 7th day of Ajin’s new life, his birthday arrived. The day before Ajin informed Miss Hano and Miss Akiye Yuri he would take the day off in both jobs, and they were more than happy to let him, since it’d be for his birthday. They wished him an early happy birthday. Teru took the liberty of taking the days off, both the day before Ajin’s birthday as well as his birthday. He went out to buy him a birthday cake and since he was acquainted with Miss Akiye, he met up with her and made a plan. The next day, Ajin’s birthday, Teru insisted they go to Miss Akiye’s home, the paint shop, and that they’ll just chat as part of his birthday. Ajin didn't mind the idea, Teru and Miss Akiye were the only two around his age he considered friends so this would be like a little friend meet up. He was excited.

“Soooooooo, Miss Akiye knows we’re coming?” Ajin asked Teru. “Yes, she does, I let her know we might stop by to say hello.” Teru smiled. He felt himself about to explode with happiness, he and Miss Akiye planned a surprise birthday party for him. “If I pay her for the supplies, do you think she’ll allow us three to make paintings? Just a little activity we can do.” Ajin asked Teru, hopeful, he wanted to do something special for his birthday but didn’t have anything planned, so a small little paint party would be nice. “Well, I’d say she’d say yes, she loves painting after all.”

“Hopefully she agrees.” Ajin exclaimed.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!” People exclaimed as the lights of the dark paint shop turned on and everyone popped out of everywhere.

Ajin jumped in surprise. Miss Akiye and her family were in attendance, Miss Urano and Wakumi Aine and the elegant boy, who was being held by his shoulders by Miss Wakumi. Miss Hano with a smile, gleaming, and coworkers from both shops. “Come this way!” Miss Akiye said happily as Ajin felt himself being pushed. He looked back to see Teru pushing him and Miss Akiye grabbing his wrist and pulling him somewhere. They reached the dining room and it was decorated. In the middle of the table, a cake. Ajin felt his eyes water and Miss Hano soon appeared in front of him. “Here, a gift from me and the girls in the shop, we made this for you. Go put it on!” Miss Hano placed the gift in his hands and then he was pushed again into the room he had once been in. Where he had laid Akimatsu to rest. The door closed behind him and he looked down at his gift.

It was a new robe and a cape. Excited Ajin undressed in front of the room mirror, his scar glaring at him. He changed into his new robes and looked down. The robe, gold and white, with beige designs. The designs ranged from flowers, leaves and stars. The cape, beige with white embroidery of leaves. Ajin put it on as well and his eyes watered more. “This is such a beautiful gift.” Ajin thought, “It is, happy birthday master. You’re 17 now, your mother and father awaited this day, sadly they are not here, but they would’ve wanted me to tell you that they love you, care about you and for you to know you would’ve been a great king. But instead, be the amazing person you are.”

Ajin felt touched by Riki’s words, tears forming in his eyes. Riki came out of his chest and hugged Ajin’s head as the tears fell. “Thank you Riki.”

“Anything for you.”

Ajin walked out of the room, “WOW! Look at you! Such a handsome young man. Doesn’t he look lovely dear?” Mrs. Yuri asked as she turned to her husband. “Yes, happy birthday kiddo.” Mr. Yuri added. Ajin felt himself get flustered but smiled. “Come on! The cake will rot before we get a chance to eat it! Go stand behind the cake!” Teru exclaimed, pushing Ajin to the cake. “Ok, ok, I will.” Ajin laughed. Everyone sang him happy birthday. Everyone happily ate cake and laughed. All but Akimatsu. 

Miss Urano approached Ajin. “Happy birthday Ajin.”

“Thank you Miss Urano.”

“Of course, this is my son, Kioshi, you work with him here in the shop.” Miss Urano said as she grabbed the elegant boy by his robe and pulled him over to them. “Oh- I didn’t know he was your son.” Ajin laughed. They didn’t look alike so Ajin would’ve never assumed. “He has his mother's temper and looks and my hair.” Miss Wakumi added, joining the conversation. “He’s been with us since he was nine.” Miss Wakumi laughed as she fluffed Kioshi’s hair. “Mother, leave my hair, I just brushed it an hour ago.” Kioshi sneered as his cheeks flushed. “Sorry drama queen, I forgot.” Miss Wakumi laughed more, Miss Urano laughed along as Kioshi fixed his hair. Ajin laughed too seeing this loving family display. He felt empty but happy for them.

The day was lovely and lively and Ajin, Miss Akiye and Teru painted together. And as a group, everyone took a picture together to keep as memory. Ajin was allowed to keep the print. After the party Ajin walked home with Teru and they wished each other good night. Ajin laid in bed and wished Akimatsu could’ve been at the party. He enjoyed himself, and didn’t feel the weight of the world and Akimatsu on him at all. But now that he had time to reflect and feel what he wanted to feel, he couldn't hold back crying. Remembering his parents, the workers of his castle which he considered friends, and his best friend which he had the corpse of, and he laid next to it every night. He wanted to feel creeped out by it but he felt so accustomed to it, he was carrying the only part of his old life he had. That is, aside from Riki. He longed for the day he could finally leave for another life. Even if, he was starting to like this life, another awaited him.