Part 2

Happy Birthday!!

Yaaay, thank you very much.

I’m so glad we were able to start the party…! Really, I’m so glad!

I thought you’d play hooky a little longer. You came out pretty obediently, huh? I’m impressed.

I mean, I guess some stuff happened? Eh, don’t worry about it.

Alright, it’s time for presents. Anyone who’s ready can step up.

Well then, as a representative of the flower shop, if I may be so bold as to present to you… An economy sized pack of nutrients and fertilizer made specifically for the Aglaonema.

This fertilizer is a tablet that dissolves easily in water. Using it will make any plant grow big and strong. You’ll have peace of mind for the growing season.

Flower Laundry supports your gardening life. Happy birthday, Ten-san.

Oh wow, this’ll be a big help. I’ll be counting on you, Mr. Florist.

Happy birthday, Ten. I got you a water bottle and lunch box for when you go out. If you ever need me to fill them up, let me know.

Whenever I take my eyes off you, you end up relieving your hunger with cigarettes and alcohol. Make sure to eat a proper meal.

Yeah, gotcha. I’ll be careful.

Tengu, happy birth! Here’s a present from me ♪

Oh, Japanese sake…and it’s even the legendary “Kawauso.” How’d you even get this?

Nyeheheh~♪ Doesn’t this make you oh so joyful?

……

……Did you put something in it?

Ohoho!? So you noticed, Tengu!

The sake was Yoda’s choice. My present to you is the teeeeny tiny GPS floating inside!

It’s name is “Mr. Earth Positioning No. 44”! Completely waterproof and even more mini!

I was inspired by the GPS birth gift you gave me, and taadaa I made this item. It’s perfect for you, who loves hide-and-seek so much!

Woow, that’s pretty nice. It’s a unique gift.

(Though, this GPS'll be out of a job starting today.)

Everyone, I have reheated the conger eel tempura and rice balls.

Huh? Rice balls…? And what’s with this amount?

Kamina was the one who fried the tempura, but the rice balls were made by that idiot with some volunteers.

Don’t call me an idiot!

Isn’t it great? It’s a mountain of rice balls!

Woow, thanks Renga-san.

I didn’t know what foods you liked besides conger eel tempura, so I asked Yukikaze for advice and we decided on this.

This way, your stomach will be filled, and you can easily enjoy a variety of flavors. Plus, white rice pairs well with conger eel tempura.

The cake is called “Drunken ☆ Ponshu Scented Cake.” To be able to make a cake that even uses sake, Ushio is really amazing.

He said he wanted to keep it simple and didn’t decorate it this time.

I was in charge of taste-testing, and it was super delicious. The moment you take a bite, the fluffiness melts in your mouth…!

Really…….

A-Are you happy?

I didn’t want to do anything too “heavy,” but I really wanted to celebrate my friend’s birthday no matter what.

Happy birthday, Ten. Thank you for always being such a great friend to me!

…Right back at you. Here’s to our continued friendship.

Ah, I’m gonna head out for a smoke real quick. You guys can eat first.

Take care. No running off on us, alright?

I got it, I got it. I’ll let you put a leash on me just for today.

……*Exhales*

…...

Nanaki?

Ah, sorry. I saw you out here while I was getting a drink.

Oh…you’re already using the portable ashtray I gave you.

Yeah. It’s easy and feels good to use. As expected, you get it.

I’m glad that you like it.

…Murakumo-san, you look really cool when you’re smoking.

Puff~…, really?

Yeah. It has a kind of…allure to it.

Do you think smoking… makes a man seem more mature?

Hmm~, who knows. It’s bad for your health, after all.

Ah, but it’s good for getting people to remember your scent so they’re reminded of you wherever they go.

Your scent…

How about it, wanna try one?

Huh? No, I’m underage…!

Ahaha, I was just kidding. There’s no way I’d let you do that.

Once you’ve become a proper adult—

If you ever think to yourself, “I want to smoke.” and not for someone else’s sake or anything, I’ll give you one as a gift.

Okay. I’ll think about it.

(Honest and straightforward. Loved and protected by good parents and a proper family…)

(A kid who can become anything.)

—Nanaki.

Yeah?

Keep it up and grow up to be a good kid, alright?