Birthday
Rika unlocked their apartment’s door and both of them stepped inside.
Rika flicked on the light, and on the table sat a cake with 25 candles in it.
Yuki was astonished at Rika’s planning abilities. The entire thing couldn’t be more perfect.
Rika opened a bottle of red wine and poured both of them a glass.
Yuki took it silently.
“I wasn’t sure if you even like cake, so I got a bottle of wine too.”
Yuki nodded.
“I like cake, and wine. They’re perfect.”
Rika smiled.
“Awesome. Toast?”
Yuki lifted her glass and they clinked them together.
“Kanpai.”
Yuki’s voice had an oddly flat tone, almost sad.
“Is something wrong?”
Yuki looked into her eyes, with tears falling from her own.
Rika put her glass down and hugged Yuki.
“Did I get something wrong?”
“N-no. It’s just.”
Yuki sniffled.
“I haven’t celebrated my birthday in years.”
She began bawling.
“I’m sorry, is it too much?”
“No, it’s wonderful.”
She sobbed again.
Rika did not know what to say, or even if she could say anything. She was on the verge of tears herself.
Rika held Yuki and simply waited for her to be ready to talk again.
“T- thank you. I’m sorry, I don’t mean to feel bad for myself.”
“It’s okay...”
Rika carefully chose the words she should say.
“We can celebrate your birthday’s now if you want.”
Yuki giggled.
“Multiple birthday’s at once, is that even allowed?”
“I don’t think there’s a rule saying we can’t. Also, I think if you celebrate one you celebrate them all.”
Yuki smiled.
“That makes sense. Alright, how about celebrating all 25 birthdays at once.”
“Happy 25 birthdays.”
“Thank you 25 times.”
Yuki giggled once more.
“That sounds ridiculous.”
“I think it’s fine.”
Yuki blushed, considering how much Rika had done for her since they met. She’d become the most important person in her life within such a short time.
“I- I love you.”
“I love you too.”
