#Happy birthday Kamuro

[diavolosnumberone]

Happy birthday to my dearest boy!!

[apotheoun-a]

@hirako5hinji​ asked:

15. Are they good at cooking? Do they enjoy it? What do others think of their cooking?

16. Do they collect anything? What do they do with it? Where do they keep it?

21. Do they have a temper? Are they patient? What are they like when they do lose their temper?

Super detailed questions about your OCs || ACCEPTING!

15. Are they good at cooking? Do they enjoy it? What do others think of their cooking?

“I like to think that I’m not to bad. Obviously I’m no Kensei-taicho, but I can make something pretty delicious.” It wasn’t a skill that was taught to him during the rest of his education, but it was something he chose to learn following his graduation from the academy. Partially out of necessity - there had been a cafeteria at the academy and the barracks had a mess hall, but there’s only so much bad food he could tolerate.

“I can make a lot of comfort foods pretty well. They’re not fancy recipes and they don’t require a million different ingredients or utensils, but it’ll fill your belly and warm you up!” He wants to be able to cook the kind of food that can make someone happy. “I want a home-cooked meal at my place is good enough to convince people to come again. If I can improve someone’s day a little with it, then I’m happy.”

[ I’ve yet to write about Hisaka feeding anyone! But I think they would enjoy it. I’m sure he’s done a lot of cooking for the visored over the century. Baking is about as much as he gets up too these days, and though he's not the most talented - his eye for detail a little lacking in the field - he's turned out some pretty delicious treats in the past. ]

16. Do they collect anything? What do they do with it? Where do they keep it?

“I... used to. I used to collect memories before, y’know. Not quite a scrapbook, cuz when I started I didn’t have a lot of spare income to afford that sort of hobby, and most of my stuff including unscrapbookable items and knickknacks. Items and stuff, nothing fancy. Really it’s - was - just a little cardboard box of items that remind me of precious moments. Fabric swatches from my very first kimono, uh, a hair pin Hisakata gave me when I stopped working as her kamuro, a rope bracelet I got for my 50th birthday, pressed flowers. That sort of thing.” He flushes, red to his ears and down his neck. It feels like an embarrassing confession, a weakness to reveal such sentimentality - over... well, over nothing particularly special. He was always on edge that someone would find the little box of trinkets and think it garbage, despite them being relics of his most precious memories. It would feel awful to have someone see such a close part of him and to snicker at it.

“Obviously, none of it came with me during his exile, so it was probably all destroyed or thrown out when my barrack was emptied.” He was very upset that he lost it all, but it felts like such a small and insignificant thing to mourn in the face of such great upheaval. He, surely, lost the least out of any of them.

“I never really started doing it again. It was too embarrassing.” The only thing he has left of his collection is the metal clasp he uses to keep his hair back.

21. Do they have a temper? Are they patient? What are they like when they do lose their temper?

He can, but he does his best to contain it. The environment he lives in - the history he’s had. A temper like his isn’t a good thing.

“Ah...” A sheepish hand drags through his hair, “I’m sorry, I try not to. Having a short temper like I do is not a trait I’m proud of, but I do my best. I always try to understand that people have things going on, and I do my best to be patient - some things are easier than others, but sometimes it gets the better of me.” He can snap.

He knows its best to just leave. To walk away and take the time to settle down, and breathe, but sometimes he goes off. Usually, he’s come to find it’s a bad thing, and it rarely end well for him.

“I learned how to manage myself as a child, I suppose it was just necessary, so I’m a lot better now, but. Hollowfication has... Destabilized me, a bit. The cigarettes help.”

[the-bejeesus]

       A defective SMILE user, O-Toko is the adopted daughter of Shimotsuki Yasuie. As a kamuro for the Oiran, she made money that Tonoyasu would use for the town of Ebisu. During her time there, she became best friends with the lady Komurasaki, who eventually revealed she was none other than Kozuki Hiyori. Even though she can’t express anything other than smiles and laughter, she is typically genuinely happy. That is until the day her father was executed. As much as she wanted to cry, all she could do was laugh. A truly horrid curse. Currently, she is enjoying the night of the Fire Festival, unaware that Onigashima is flying straight towards the capital, preparing to crash into it. 15 minutes remain.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, O-TOKO!!!

[ancsthctist-archived]

even in their old age, celebrations of life were frequent - a reminder that they've shared so much time together. ' ya know, rei-chan, it sure has been a helluva long time since kamuro. ' laying down on the roof garden on the outskirts of sotenbori, majima's arm laying underneath reijiro's neck, fingers grazing across an exposed collarbone... it was simply enough to be here. ' happy birthday, reijiro. i'm glad yer here with me. '

//. @gunafide // birfday // majima

     Osakan summers were sweltering, but the onset of the eve brought no small relief. Light pollution notwithstanding, it was a beautiful night with a cooling breeze that staved off the stifling heat that otherwise kept Reijiro at bay. With one of his legs draped over Majima's and his head cradled in his arm, he could think of nowhere else he'd rather be on a day that once held for him such immeasurable sorrow. He always preferred to keep his own birthday quiet and calm--a day with Majima with little to no fuss, and true to his word, the celebration of Reijiro's birth was kept a private affair--warm, calm, and intimate.

     ❝ Mmm, ❞ he turns his head slightly, enjoying the feel of Majima's muscle beneath his neck, and his fingers across his collar bone, ❝ Even longer than that since we first met in 1986... Thirty-five years. And just as long since we've been together. We've gotten old, haven't we? ❞ The question was accompanied by a gentle chuckle. The idea of getting old was... scary at first. But now they were in the throes of it, the old guard giving way to newer generations. The dissolution of the Tojo Clan and Omi Alliance certainly made things a little less stressful for Reijiro, and there was a calm serenity whenever he gave thought to the future. One of his hands would travel up to gently stroke at Majima's fingers.

     ❝ Thank you. You've made my life an adventure, ❞ he says after a brief moment of quiet, ❝ A terrifying, stressful, and often nerve-wracking adventure, but an adventure nonetheless. ❞ The addendum was playfully added, albeit in a slightly sharper tone. It was true at least--he couldn't lie. Being the partner of a Yakuza patriarch had its perks but also its dangers. Slowly, he adjusts, moving to lay his head against Majima's collarbone, lazily draping an arm over his chest, a contented sigh escaping him, ❝ And I look forward to many more years to come. ❞

[muwi-translates]

Ken ga Kimi Detailed Compendium - Kei

Special bonuses upon completion of endings and routes in Ken ga Kimi for V. Presented in a Q&A-esque format with the suitor’s voices. Some ending spoilers ahead. **Please don’t move this translation or claim it as your own.** What’s your name? “It’s Kei. Gramps and Gram said it’s a good name that works well with the Five Elements.”

Where is your birthplace? “Kinojou Mountain in the Kibi Province. You’d probably think there’s a bunch of weird flowers and animals there, huh?” When’s your birthday? “I was born on the 4th of April. ... What? I didn’t tell you so you could celebrate it.” Tell us about your weapons. “They’re called Raikiri and Kazakiri. The blades are thin, but they’re sharp. They’re short, with white flecks. Would be great if I could use them more masterfully one day.”

What happened on the Tokaido trip. “This was back when we stayed at the inns but; the way Kuroba sleeps is really weird. No, it’s not that his sleeping posture is bad- it’s the opposite. He lays on his front and doesn’t move an inch. That’s pretty scary, you know? Seeing that half the night.”

What is your sword style/school? “Don’t have one. I’m self-taught. But... I guess for the time being you can say it’s Ushitora-ryu. I’m pretty grateful to.... well, you know, my gramps, who taught me how to wield a sword. Really.” What is your special skill? “I’m pretty strong with sumo. If their only have their size going for them, then they definitely won’t win against me. And I guess I’m good at skipping stones as well. What’s with that look? It’s a useful skill, you know?”

In regards to a special person. “When I first met Kamuro, it was when he was still fighting a lot with humans. I couldn’t stand it so I went and saved him but ever since then he’s been stuck to me. Well, he did help me a few times, so he’s not too bad.”

Can we have a practice sword fight? “Hah! What a pathetic question. If you don’t want me to think you’re just messing around, come at me with all you’ve got!” In regards to the Ara (Wild) Ending. “I’m... sorry, to have made you remember all those horrible memories. But, to be able to be at your side in the end... I’m... truly happy.” What is your job? “I’m a roundsman. There’s lots of dangerous work, but there’s nothing for me to complain about if there’s money coming in.” In regards to your past self. “Since I was the descendant and prince of Ura, I was spoiled as a kid. But seriously, that old Grams shouldn’t have said all those unneccesary things. Like that I was like a girl-- that’s all just an exaggeration! Don’t believe that crap!” Tell us a ghost story. “You hear a ton of stuff like this when you’re a roundsman. ... Hey, I haven’t even started yet, why do you look like you’re about to start crying. ... *sigh* Guess I have no choice. If you’re that scared you can hold my hand. Here.” Don’t cry. “Shut up, I’m... not crying. *sniffles* I’m fine, lend me your shoulder for a bit. What? Don’t look this way...” In regards to the Kushi (Strange) Ending. “Those bastards really came together to trick us, huh? But... it’s thanks to them that I can be with you. I guess... I should thank them a little- hey, oi! Why are you laughing too?!” What things do you like? “Of course, finding strong guys makes me the happiest. And I like high places too. Oi, you, you were just thinking of something totally rude, weren’t you? You were definitely thinking about that- ‘fools and smoke...*’ something something, weren’t you? I’m not gonna get mad at you so say it to my face!” * 馬鹿と煙は高いところが好き - “Fools and smoke love heights”. What things do you dislike? “Even seeing weak people irritates me. And I can’t deal with beans, my body can’t stand them. Ah, no- don’t get me wrong. Your bean dishes... um... they’re delicious.” Pamper me. “Today, I’ll listen to anything you have to say. Usually I always end up saying harsh things to you, but I want to be especially gentle to you today. (softly) Well? What do you want me to do?” What’s the ideal marriage like? “Obviously the most important thing is for the people involved to be happy. As long as I always have you by my side, always smiling, that’s enough for me.” In regards to the Saki (Happiness) Ending. “Just being able to have a wedding ceremony with everyone laughing like this, not caring who is oni and who is human-- makes me so happy. This is our happiness. I want things to last like this forever, until the day humans and oni can finally understand one another.” When it comes to food it has to be... “If it’s taranome tempura and unagi, I can eat up no matter how much you give me. But... I won’t complain if it’s something you made either.” If you were in love with the same person as another... “Hah? Did you say Tsuzuramaru? That guy’s head is only filled with food, you know! B-Besides!, I already told you I love you. There’s no reason for me to change my mind!” If your wishes could come true. “You’ve already helped me accomplish all my wishes. So, all I want is for you to be by my side.” What you do in a day. “It’s mostly jobs a roundsman does. I patrol my district, and if anything happens I’ll go investigate. I transport criminals and things like that. Of course, if I have time, I’ll go train with my swords.” In regards to the Nigi (Peace) Ending. “You must feel lonely, being married over here. But from now on, I’ll be by your side, and I’ll protect you always, so you never have to feel lonely. No matter where, let’s stay together.” Please encourage me. “What’s with that gloomy face? When you’re so sad like that, it makes me feel bad. That’s why-- no matter what happens, I’ll always stand by you. I promise... so don’t make that expression...” Please spoil me. “T-Then... give me your hand. Come on- isn’t this good enough? How am I supposed to know how to do this stuff? ... Just being able to hold your hand like this... is satisfying enough.” A night where it’s hard to sleep. “What? Did you have a nightmare? Ugh, don’t cry because of something so small like that. Can’t be helped then, bring your pillow over here. ... What do you mean ‘why’? I-I’m saying we should sleep together! C’mon, come over here.” I love you. “W-What are you saying so suddenly?! Dammit- I... I like you too. I love you. Argh- I am NOT embarrassed.”

[serenlyss]

.41 ritshou

Thanks for the prompt! This ended up being a little more than a drabble haha but I had fun with it! This also turned into a Ritsu’s birthday fic so happy late birthday Ritsu!

—

Ritsu draws his knees up to his chest and wraps his arms around them, leaning forward to rest his chin atop them. It’s not a very comfortable position, especially considering the fact that he’s currently perched on the roof of his house, on a hard incline with nothing much keeping him from sliding down to the edge except for friction, but he does it anyway, because it makes him feel like his heart isn’t beating as fast or hard as it actually is and like he isn’t on the verge of a mental breakdown.

The night had started out fine. Ritsu hasn’t had a birthday party in a few years now, but all of a sudden he has people around him that he actually wants to celebrate with, people that want to celebrate with him. So why does he suddenly feel like the world is ending? Under his feet, he can faintly hear music playing as the party goes on without him.

The night had started out fine, but two hours in he’d looked around and realized that nearly half of the faces all around him were almost entirely unfamiliar. Classmates and club members, the student council, members of his old soccer team… he knows them all by name, but he doesn’t actually know them. He isn’t even sure if he can call them friends. Even Kamuro had been there, which had caused him to feel overwhelmed in a whole different way. He’d looked around and hadn’t see any sign of Shou or Shigeo or Teru, the people he’d actually wanted to be there, and suddenly it was like he’d been dunked underwater, the sensation stealing his breath from his lungs and making every step feel like the air itself had been resisting him.

He’d excused himself with perfect politeness, not an inch of his inner feelings allowed to be seen on his face, and made his way upstairs. He’d hardly even hesitated to throw open his window and climb outside, clambering up onto the rooftop where he now sits, wondering why in hell he’d thought throwing a party had been a good idea. He digs his fingers into the denim of his jeans and exhales, his breath colder than the July air outside.

“So this is where you ran off to!”

Ritsu doesn’t mean to flinch, but he does anyway, his body twitching involuntarily in response to the voice that he recognizes instantly as Shou’s. His friend pulls himself up fluidly onto the rooftop beside him and leans forward until his face is in Ritsu’s periphery, all bright red hair and pale, freckled skin and glinting white teeth in the darkness. His light blue eyes reflect the dim yellow street lights below them as he meets Ritsu’s gaze, legs sprawling out in front of him as he settles himself down at Ritsu’s side.

“What’s up? The party’s downstairs, you know,” Shou asks with all his regular flippancy and charisma, the words coming across entirely casual despite their deeper implications.

Ritsu waits a half-second before he replies, “Just getting some air. Did Shige send you?” He has a feeling that his brother, ever so sharp-eyed and intuitive nowadays, had been the first to notice his absence. He wonders if anyone else had, or if they’d been deaf to his presence to begin with.

Shou shakes his head and moves his face out of Ritsu’s line of sight, leaning back against the roof with his hands behind his head. Ritsu lifts his own head and lets his gaze follow him. “Nah, I came to find you when I got out of the bathroom and saw you were gone. It’s your party, you know, you should be there for it,” he replies. Shou’s calm demeanor has an area of effect on Ritsu, whose shoulders sink a little lower as he listens.

“I guess,” Ritsu murmurs, but even if he knows the party is technically for him, it doesn’t feel like it belongs to him anymore.

Shou’s smile falters at this, a hint of concern comes to his face. He props himself up on his elbows, turning to give Ritsu his full attention. “You alright?” he asks. “You look sad, did something happen? You can tell me, you know.”

I look sad? Ritsu echoes in his mind, blinking. That can’t be right. Ritsu is very careful to keep his thoughts to himself, and his expressions are always carefully under wraps. Not even his family can tell when he’s feeling sad, most of the time, though he has a feeling Shigeo sees more than he lets on. Ritsu opens his mouth to produce a scripted response: I’m fine, just a little tired. I ate too much cake and have a stomachache. I was taking a phone call before you showed up. Instead, the words that come out of his mouth are, “There were too many people.”

Shou doesn’t respond right away, which is weird enough in its own way. When he glances in Shou’s direction again, he finds wide blue eyes staring back at him, flashes of recognition and sympathy behind clear, unhidden surprise. “Really? You invited them, though, didn’t you?”

“Some of them,” Ritsu mumbles in response. He sighs softly against his knees and finally lets his body unravel, feet sliding down the tiled surface of the roof as his head and torso lean back against the roof beside Shou. He tucks his arms close against his sides and clasps his hands over his stomach, and feels a warm summer breeze blow his bangs out of his face and to the side. “My parents invited some of them, too, but they’re… all people I know.”

“Well then, you know a lot of people,” Shou says simply, wiggling his legs against the uneven roof’s surface in search of a more comfortable position. 

He’s barefoot, Ritsu realizes, having ditched his shoes somewhere along the way. For some reason it makes Ritsu want to smile; Shou never had cared much for manners or rules, and his rebellious spirit feels so, so refreshing when Ritsu is confronted by his own “good child” demeanor. He hums quietly. “I guess so,” he responds with a shrug of his shoulders, sinking just a little deeper into the roof as he breathes steadily and lets his wound-up limbs relax.

Shou, to his credit, looks perfectly at home, sprawled out on the rooftop with no shoes on. He isn’t wearing a jacket, either, but it’s warm enough out that the breeze doesn’t make him shiver. “Well, you may not know them all that well now, but there’s still time,” Shou points out, after a minute or so of silence has passed between them. “I know you have, like, a persona or whatever, but it doesn’t have to be like that forever. You can talk to them like normal people.”

“I guess that makes you a “normal person”?” Ritsu retorts, but it’s humorous rather than hostile. A faint smile blooms on his face as he tilts his head to the side to look at Shou.

Shou laughs, a quiet, private laugh meant only for him, one that’s so different from his usual boisterous guffaws that it nearly gives Ritsu whiplash every time he hears it. “Normal is relative,” he shoots back, and it feels like a weight is lifted.

Of course Shou’s answer to his dilemma would be simple, his solutions usually are. And, to Ritsu’s surprise, his solutions are usually good, too. “I’ll keep it in mind,” he promises.

Shou shoots him a grin, then sits up with a start. “Oh, that reminds me! I was gonna wait until everyone else went home to do this, but I think now is as good a time as any,” he babbles, reaching for his discarded bag and rifling through it for a moment. He fishes out a wrapped package, one with a little white bow stuck to the top of it, and holds it out to Ritsu. “I got you something. Y’know, like a birthday present.”

Ritsu had accepted more than a dozen gifts throughout the night from many of his guests, some of which he was excited to open, and some of which he’d known immediately would have very little sentimental value, but something about this moment, sitting on the roof of his house in the middle of a summer’s night next to the best friend he’s probably ever had, sends Ritsu’s heart racing all over again. He reaches out and accepts the gift, hears the cheap convenience store wrapping paper crinkle under his fingers, and wonders how much thought Shou had put into picking something out just for him. “Thank you,” he murmurs. “Can I open it?”

“Yeah, go for it.”

Ritsu picks at the wrapping paper carefully at first, as though it was necessary to preserve rather than destroy it, and only remembers that wrapping paper is meant to be ripped to pieces when Shou groans and tells him to hurry up already, you’re killing me! And so he smirks and does as he’s told, digging his fingers into the colorful paper and tearing it off in one smooth motion until he can finally tell when the gift in his hands is.

It’s a notebook, one with a hard cover wrapped in a strong, soft material. It feels almost felted under his fingers as he runs them briefly over the cover. When he pulls the cover open, he sees that it’s swiss bound, each page designed to lay perfectly flat no matter what part of the book he turns to. It’s nice, really nice, way nicer than the spiral-bound notebook Ritsu uses for his math homework.

“You’re always ripping out pages of your book to write ideas down on,” Shou says, sitting up so he can lean over Ritsu’s shoulder to look down at the notebook, “but then they end up getting lost or crumpled up at the bottom of your backpack. I thought if you had a book you could use specifically for jotting down your ideas and stuff, you’d be less likely to lose them at the bottom of your backpack or misplace them.” He taps his finger on one college-ruled page, reaching around Ritsu’s shoulder to do so. “What do you think?”

Ritsu is, quite frankly, speechless. Shou doesn’t often show himself to be a very emotionally mature person–neither is Ritsu, in that regard–but the gift undeniably has a lot of thought put into it, something Shou might have heard Ritsu complain about at one point and filed away for future use. “Thank you,” he says again, for lack of better words, “I love it.”

“I’m glad,” Shou says with a grin, pushing himself to his feet. He fiddles with the edge of his t-shirt, moving it back into place after laying down had rumpled it a little, and then he reaches out a hand to Ritsu. “C’mon, we should head back inside before your brother comes looking for us.”

Ah, right. Ritsu had nearly forgotten about the party still happening in the house underneath them. “Yeah, we should,” he agrees, and accepts Shou’s outstretched hand.

[akumanoken]

@futou-no-kuchinashi​

The kamuro beams to the captain and to congratulate him. Cheering; hands up in the air as she jumped up and down. Happy birthday, Okita Souji.

Saya’s jumping caught hera ttention, and he didn’t quite pick up why she looked so excited before remembering what today was, why she would be jumping and cheering at him.  “Ah!! Saya-chan I didn’t think you knew when it was!! Thank you.”  He smiled wide at the kamuro, shaking his head.  “Shouldn’t you be getting ready for Tanabata instead?? You’re going to the shrine tonight, right?”

[anime-matchmaker-blog]

Birthday Boy

Natsumatsuri Week 2k17 Day 1: Mob Psycho 100

Ritsu never had any major plans for his birthday. He preferred spending it with his family by enjoying a good meal and opening their presents at the table. At school, he would receive dozens of presents from girls he didn't know and they would all end up in boxes in the basement, untouched. The only presents that mattered to him were from his family.

He was at his desk the night before the occasion, homework spread out in front of him. A knock sounded on his door and Mob entered, hovering near the doorway. "Are you busy, Ritsu?" He asked. "I can come back another time…"

"No, I'm about finished. What's up, Nii-san?" Ritsu turned around to face him, inviting his brother into the room. Mob hesitated before sitting on the edge of his bed.

“I was just wondering…about tomorrow…” he trailed off, his words faltering. He took a breath, tried again. “Do you want to go to the festival with me tomorrow night? Hanazawa-san invited me and Tome-san and everyone in her club are going too. I thought…since it’s your birthday you might be interested…if not, we can just stay in and eat with Mom and Dad…”

He trailed off again, eyes looking down at his slippers. Ritsu drummed his fingers against his table thoughtfully. “Kamuro-san asked me to go with him,” he said slowly, “but I’d rather go with you, Nii-san.”

“So…is that a…?”

“Sure, I’d love to go. Maybe Mom and Dad can take us and we can go home altogether afterwards.”

Mob’s eyes lit up. “That sounds good. Should we ask them?”

“We might as well do it now.” Ritsu stood up to join him. “Let’s go. They should still be in the living room.”

The following evening, Teru stood at the entrance towards the festival, ridiculous T-shirt recognizable from miles away. Mob and Ritsu approached with their parents behind them, breaking off by waving goodbye. Mob spotted Teru easily and he led Ritsu toward him. “Good evening, Hanazawa-san,” he said.

“Ah, the Kageyama brothers. Good evening.” Teru smiled. Half the girls in his grade had asked him to go with them, but he turned all of them down in favor of going with his real friends. “Should we get going?”

“Sure.” Teru led the way, Mob and Ritsu following.

The festival grounds were packed with various people. Girls wore yukatas and boys dressed casually. Long lines snaked into the main walkway for food stands, crowds forming in front of the game booths as kids fought for the top prize. Ritsu remembered playing the games as a kid. He was never able to win anything but Mob won a prize every time. He always gave them to Ritsu though.

“Why don’t we play some games?” Ritsu suggested. Teru gave him a look, hearing a note in his voice that suggested something else.

“What are you thinking of?” Teru asked.

Ritsu pointed at one – the basketball booth. Teru smiled, his eyes gleaming. “I’m going to get the top prize.”

The boys went from game to game, firing guns, shooting hoops, scooping goldfish, and throwing darts. They all earned prizes from each of them, either small plush toys or actual useful items. No gaming system, unfortunately, which Teru was aiming for.

Ritsu could tell Teru was using his psychic powers to play. He used it in such a subtle manner, Ritsu thought he could win prizes without using them at all. Mob, on the other hand, never thought to cheat but he was still lucky enough to earn something. Maybe he was using his powers unconsciously.

At the food stalls, they started running into their other classmates, Teru running into a group of girls from his school. “Kageyama-kun!” Tome called out. She was wearing a purple yukata with an alien pattern. She bounced toward him, a grin on her face. “Well? How do I look?”

“You look nice, Tome-san,” came the monotone reply.

“Mob-kun!” Mezato tapped his shoulder. He turned around, noticing her pink and blue yukata. A camera was in her hands. “You’re here! Who else are you with?”

Mob gestured at his brother further away, who was talking with Kamuro and a few others on the student council. “It’s his birthday so I thought it’d be fun to celebrate at the festival with him,” he explained.

“Ah, really? Anyway, get him over here. I need to get a picture for the school newspaper.” Mezato raised her camera to snap a photo.

The boys were successful in getting away from their classmates and peers, gathering at a quiet spot beneath the trees. The fireworks began shortly, the flashing lights exploding into various shapes of all sizes in the sky.

Teru folded his arms behind his head. “You’re lucky to have a summer birthday, Kageyama’s little brother.”

“Can you call me by my real name?” Ritsu asked. “It’s Ritsu. Kageyama Ritsu.”

“Okay then, Ritsu-kun. It’s only fair, I suppose.” Teru smiled. “You had a good time?”

“Yeah.” Ritsu turned to watch the fireworks. “Today was fun. Thanks for making it even better.”

The festivities began to die down as the night went on. Teru bought Ritsu ice cream as a present and he and Mob went home with their parents. Ritsu collapsed onto his bed, exhausted. He looked up when someone knocked on his door. “Come in.”

Mob entered, holding a small package in his hands. He handed it to him. “Here, Ritsu. It’s for your birthday. I’m sorry I didn’t give it to you earlier…”

“It’s fine. Thank you, Nii-san.” Ritsu accepted it, turning it over to examine it. “What is it?”

“Open it.”

Ritsu carefully tore the wrapping paper aside. It was a journal, a pen wrapped beside it. His brother had been the one to buy him all his notebooks in the past. This year was no exception. “Thank you, Nii-san. I really appreciate it.”

Mob gave him a small smile. “You’re welcome. Happy birthday, Ritsu. Good night.” He headed back out, closing the door gently behind him.