“I don’t even know how to thank you for today,” she said, turning around. If it’s Taiyou-kun, I can say it. He won’t pity me or treat me any different, she told herself. “To be honest, my birthday’s actually today, but I hate this day.” Tsukiko took a deep breath. “My mom and I shared the date. We used to have a sort of joined party every year since I can remember. But five years ago, she had a midlife crises or something on our birthday. I think seeing her friends from college talking about their jobs and stuff really got to her. After the party, she went out, saying she had to find something and I haven’t seen nor talked to her since that birthday…” She felt the tears coming again. It’s been awhile since I said this to anyone…
Though his silence was hard on her, she was too afraid to see what kind of expression the boy had, so she didn’t turn around. Suddenly she felt his arms around her. Wha…
“I knew… My aunt told me,” he said his low voice. “And my dad taught me sometimes a hug is better than words.”
“Taiyou-kun,” Tsukiko said, “So you already knew…” For some reason, it hurt her heart, and the tears fell. So that’s why he put up with me today, Tsukiko realized the reason it bothered her.
“But don’t misunderstand. I didn’t spend the day with you because of that.” He tightened his arms around her waist. “I did it because I like hanging out with you…” he trailed off.
She rested her hands on top of his, feeling his warmth. “Thanks Taiyou-kun…”
They stayed like that for a while. When she stopped crying, she cleaned her eyes and turned around to face him. “I feel much better after saying to you. Thanks for listening to me.” She showed him a smile. He blushed and took a step backwards. Tsukiko giggled with his reaction.
Taiyou-kun put his hand inside the pocket of his jacket, looking the girl in the eyes. She tilted her head and came closer.
“What’s wrong?”
Suddenly he pulled his hand from the pocked, offering something to her. Looking closer, Tsukiko saw it was a small figurine, the main character from My Guardian Persona wearing the same cosplay as the one Tsukiko had.
“Happy birthday,” he said, looking away, his face the most red she had seen today. “I know it’s not much…”
“When did you…” Tsukiko accepted the gift, turning around.
“When we were on the arcade…”
Ah, so that’s why he took some time, Tsukiko realized. She kissed him on the cheek again and then hugged him. “Thanks for this. And thanks for putting up with me. Hope we can celebrate my next year together too.”
She could feel him trembling. Is that from embarrassment? She wondered, but for once, she didn’t feel like laughing. Instead of pushing her away, he hugged her back.
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