Akihiko glanced back and noticed Ayaka lagging behind, her gaze fixed on the ground.
With a quiet sigh, he slowed his steps until he was beside her, then took her hand without hesitation.
His fingers were warm, firm, yet surprisingly gentle.
"Why are you walking so slow?" he asked, amusement lacing his voice.
Ayaka jolted at the unexpected touch but didn't pull away. Her heart pounded in her chest, but she kept her face neutral.
She had so many questions—so many things she wanted to ask him. But now wasn't the time.
Their quiet stroll continued until they arrived at the apartment building.
As Ayaka reached for her keys, something felt off. She frowned.
"Wait… Did I forget to lock the door?" she muttered.
Before she could dwell on it, she twisted the knob, and the door swung open.
"SURPRISE!"
A chorus of voices erupted from inside, followed by an explosion of confetti.
Ayaka's eyes widened in shock as she took in the sight—her closest friends gathered in her living room, balloons and decorations scattered everywhere.
In the center, Yuki and Keiko stood holding a beautifully decorated cake, its candles flickering.
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY, AYAKA!" they cheered.
"W-wait… What day is it?" she asked in disbelief.
"It's July 23rd." Akihiko said, smirking as he reached over and ruffled her hair. "Seriously? You forgot your own birthday?"
Laughter rippled through the room. Ayaka blinked, overwhelmed by the warmth surrounding her.
Everyone—Kazumi, her brothers, even Takeshi and Yuriko—had come together for this. And then, there was Akihiko.
Her heart swelled. They had all done this… for her.
A radiant smile broke across her face. "Thank you, everyone! I can't believe this! My heart feels so warm from all your love!"
Keiko and Yuki lit the candles, the soft glow illuminating Ayaka's face.
"Make a wish!" Yuki urged, practically bouncing with excitement.
Ayaka closed her eyes. 'I wish for the people I love to always be happy.'
She exhaled slowly, then opened her eyes and blew out the candles. Cheers erupted, followed by claps and laughter.
"YAY! LET'S START THE PARTY!" Kai hollered, blasting music from the speakers.
The room buzzed with energy. Friends chatted, played games, and shared laughter.
Ayaka found herself on the sofa, happily munching on snacks when Keiko and Yuki scooted in beside her, their eyes twinkling mischievously.
"So..." Keiko drawled, nudging her, "How was your date with Mr. Ice Prince?"
"He was the perfect distraction so we could set up everything!" Yuki giggled. "The moment we told him our plan, he volunteered to take you out!"
Ayaka gasped. "So that's why he suddenly asked me! You two planned this!" She playfully smacked their arms.
The three of them dissolved into laughter, but then Yuki leaned in, lowering her voice. "Okay, but seriously—did you talk to him about the accidental kiss?"
Ayaka's laughter faded. She stole a glance at Akihiko, who was standing across the room, casually chatting with Kazumi, Yuriko, and Takeshi.
He looked completely at ease, as if nothing had happened.
"Well… he didn't say anything about it..." she admitted, avoiding their knowing stares. 'And I definitely can't tell them that he kissed me again.'
"But don't worry! After tonight, I'll ask him for real!" she declared, her voice brimming with determination.
"That's the spirit!" Keiko and Yuki cheered, clapping their hands.
Just then, Kai clapped his hands, grabbing everyone's attention. "Alright, everyone! It's time for the gift-giving!"
Kei dragged a chair to the center of the room. "Ayaka, take a seat!"
She obediently sat down as her friends gathered around.
"I'll go first!" Kai announced, handing her a neatly wrapped package.
Ayaka tore into the wrapping and gasped. "No way! This is the bag I've been wanting!" She squealed, throwing her arms around Kai. "Thank you!"
Kai chuckled. "I knew you'd love it."
"My turn." Kei said, passing her a box.
Curious, Ayaka unwrapped it and let out a shocked gasp. "No! It can't be! This is the limited edition merch from my favorite gamer! But… but this was sold out!"
Kei smirked. "Your big brother has his ways."
"Thank you so much!" She hugged him tightly.
The gift-giving continued, each present filling her with warmth. Dresses, makeup, little trinkets—each one chosen with care.
Then, Takeshi stepped forward, holding out a book. It wasn't even wrapped.
"Here." he said flatly.
Ayaka took it, reading the title aloud. "'His Melody'… by Moonlight Sonata?"
"Yeah. That mysterious author who refuses interviews and avoids publicity." Takeshi explained.
"No one even knows if they're a man or a woman." Ayaka mused.
Takeshi shrugged. "The main character reminded me of you. You should read it."
Ayaka smirked. "Wait… Is this a personal gift, or am I just borrowing it?"
Takeshi scoffed. "I didn't have time to wrap it, okay?"
She laughed. "Thanks, Takeshi. I'll read it later."
He just then walked out while rolling his eyes on her as usual.
Finally, all eyes turned to Akihiko.
He raised an eyebrow. "What?"
"Where's your gift?" Kazumi asked, smirking.
Akihiko crossed his arms. "I didn't prepare anything."
A collective gasp filled the room.
"Dude, that's so pathetic!" Kazumi groaned. "You didn't even get a gift for the girl y—"
Before he could finish, Akihiko clapped a hand over his mouth. "We appreciate your input, Suzuki."
Ayaka, flustered, waved her hands. "I-it's fine! He treated me earlier, so that totally counts as a gift!" She shot Akihiko at a nervous glance, hoping to ease the tension.
The room fell into an awkward silence until Kai clapped his hands. "Alright, enough of that! Who's hungry? Let's eat!"
The guests quickly turned their attention to the food, chatter resuming.
Ayaka let out a quiet sigh of relief. She'd thought for a moment that Akihiko and Kazumi would start another fight.
'Kai really does have perfect timing.'
-----
While everyone was enjoying themselves, Yuriko suddenly squealed.
"Everyone! It's starting!" she cried, pointing toward the window.
Ayaka's heart skipped a beat. She bolted toward the balcony just in time to see the night sky burst into color.
'Fireworks.'
Brilliant reds, blues, and golds bloomed overhead, reflecting in Ayaka's wide eyes.
The sight was breathtaking, the air filled with the sound of crackling explosions and laughter.
"This is the ultimate surprise!" Yuki grinned.
"Happy birthday, Ayaka!" everyone shouted again.
Ayaka pressed a hand to her chest, overwhelmed with emotion.
She turned to her friends, her family, and finally to Akihiko, who stood slightly apart, watching her with an unreadable expression.
She smiled, her heart overflowing. "This is the best gift ever."
And in that moment, surrounded by the people she loved, she had never felt happier.
------
As the last guest stepped out, the apartment finally settled into silence.
The remnants of laughter and warmth still lingered in the air, the faint scent of candles and cake drifting through the space.
Ayaka let out a deep sigh and flopped onto the couch, exhausting washing over her in waves—but it was the good kind, the kind that came from a heart full of joy.
Akihiko sank down beside her, his posture relaxed but still effortlessly composed.
His silver hair caught the dim glow of the apartment lights, his sharp blue eyes flickering toward her.
"Did you have fun?" he asked, his voice lower now, softer.
Ayaka turned her head toward him, her lips curving into a grin.
"I sure did! Especially when you and Kazumi lost at charades. You looked like you were about to murder him for not guessing correctly." She burst into laughter at the memory, her body slightly tilting toward him.
Akihiko let out a slow exhale, rubbing his temple. "I don't know why I always end up paired with him..." he muttered, his tone laced with pure suffering.
Ayaka giggled, resting her head against the couch. "It feels… warm..." she murmured. "Being surrounded by people who love you. It makes you feel like you belong."
A comfortable silence stretched between them, but then Akihiko shifted slightly.
She felt his presence intensify beside her before he reached into his pocket and pulled out something small.
"Here." His voice was calm, but there was an unmistakable tension beneath it.
Ayaka blinked as he handed her a small velvet box. Her heart skipped a beat.
"A-Akihiko… I thought you didn't—"
"I just wanted it to be us when you opened it." His tone was casual, but a faint redness dusted his cheeks, betraying him.
Ayaka swallowed, suddenly feeling the weight of the moment.
With slightly trembling fingers, she carefully unwrapped the box. The second she lifted the lid, her breath hitched.
Inside was a necklace—delicate yet striking. The chain was thin, made of pure white gold, but what truly captivated her was the pendant.
A crescent moon entwined with a wolf, intricately designed in dark onyx and silver.
The craftsmanship was exquisite, every detail carved with precision. The wolf's eyes gleamed with a blue stone—one that eerily matched Akihiko's.
Her fingers traced the pendant, feeling the cool metal against her skin. "This is… beautiful." she breathed, awe in her voice. She looked up at him. "Thank you, Akihiko."
Before she could lift the necklace out, his fingers brushed against hers as he took it from the box. "Let me."
Ayaka hesitated for only a moment before shifting, sweeping her hair over one shoulder, exposing the delicate curve of her neck.
Akihiko moved in, his presence suddenly overwhelming.
He leaned in closer than necessary, his fingers grazing the nape of her neck as he fastened the clasp.
His breath was warm against her skin, sending an unexpected shiver down her spine.
She bit her lip, her cheeks heating. He was too close.
The scent of his cologne, a mix of something clean and subtly spicy, filled her senses.
The cool touch of the chain against her collarbone contrasted with the warmth of his fingertips, making her feel lightheaded.
"There." he murmured, his voice slightly lower, rougher.
He didn't pull away immediately. Instead, he turned her gently by the shoulders until she was facing him.
His gaze traveled to where the necklace rested against her skin, then lifted to meet hers.
"It's perfect." he said, his lips tilting into a rare, almost-smile.
Ayaka's breath caught. The way he was looking at her… as if the necklace belonged there as if she belonged to him.
The thought made her heart pound erratically.
For a long moment, neither of them spoke.
The world outside faded—the distant city lights, the lingering party atmosphere—all of it dulled in comparison to the heat simmering between them.
Ayaka clenched her hands into fists, gathering her courage.
Her pulse raced as she saw his gaze darken slightly, his expression unreadable yet intensely focused on her.
"Akihiko..." she whispered, her voice barely above a breath. "Can I ask you something?"