Chapter 30 : sixteen candles

Ayase found Mio in the small café across the street.“Ayase” Mio said gently.Ayase smiled tiredly.“sorry I am late, I had work.”They both knew that wasn’t the whole truth.Mio studied her.“You look like someone who almost made a mistake.”Ayase let out a small laugh.She had successfully avoided Ren for two days now.“…Maybe I did.”They sat in silence for a moment.Then Mio spoke:“Haru told me you raised them alone. After your parents died.”Ayase nodded.“I didn’t have a choice.”“You did,” Kilari said softly. “You chose to stay, now I understand why Haru is so mature.” she smiled “ I'm nobody to tell you what you have to do, but maybe you should enjoy your life a little.Ayase’s eyes stung.“I’m afraid that if I start living for myself, everything I built will fall apart.”Mio reached across the table and took her hand.“Or maybe it will finally breathe.”Ayase closed her eyes.Ren almost kissed her.She still can believe it.That handsome man wanted to know her, love her, be close to her.Takeshi sent her a text message on her way to the cafe, Ren was sad but understood her reaction.She wanted that kiss.Since day one she was attracted to him.Their little arguments.Their stares.His behavior when Aki sent her a gift.People around them noticed.But he is an actor and she is an employee.“By the way,” she said, a little brighter, “Haru’s birthday is next week.”Mio blinked.“…Already?”“He’ll be sixteen.”Ayase smiled despite herself.“He was twelve yesterday.”Mio laughed.She leaned forward.“I was thinking… maybe we should do something nice this year. Not just cake at home.”Mio hesitated.“ I'll help, but I don't think I should come, our relationship is still fresh”“I know,” Ayase interrupted gently. “but I think you have to be here or souta will be really annoyed” she laughed “I’m not planning something big. Just… something warm.”Ayase looked at the table.“He doesn’t ask for anything, that’s why he deserves it.”Silence.Then Mio nodded.“…Okay. What do you have in mind?”Ayase’s eyes lit up.“Friends, simple decorations, his favorite food, and maybe… a small surprise.”Mio smiled.Ayase’s chest tightened.Mio stood up, taking her bag.“Let’s make his sixteen memorable.”~The living room was a mess.Streamers hung crookedly, balloons were scattered across the floor, and Souta was halfway through “testing” each one by squeezing them until they squeaked—or popped.Ayase stood in the kitchen doorway, arms crossed, watching the chaos with a small smile.Mio was carefully arranging a big cake on the table.“Don’t worry,” she said softly. “It’ll be perfect.”Souta ran past her, tripping over a balloon, and yelled:“HAPPY BIRTHDAY, HAAAARU!”Haru appeared at the doorway, looking embarrassed but secretly thrilled.“…You guys really did all this?”“You did say you didn’t want anything,” Ayase said, smirking.“Well… you said that. We didn’t listen,” Mio added, giggling.Haru’s eyes went wide when Souta tugged him by the sleeve.“Come open your present first!”He looked down.Souta was holding a tiny, slightly stuffed lion.“…Thanks?” Haru said, unsure if he should laugh or cry.Souta grinned proudly.“It’s cute! Right?! I picked it myself!”Ayase couldn’t help but laugh.“You do realize this is for a sixteen-year-old, right?”“Yeah! But he looks like me,” Souta explained, rolling his eyes playfully.Someone knocked at the door.Ayase opened the door.Riku and Mai.Then Mr Sano.

They brought gifts

Haru's heart was burning with joy.

He finally sat at the table, cake in front of him, and Ayase lit the candles.

“Make a wish,” she whispered.Haru closed his eyes, muttering something under his breath.Souta peeked at him.“…You wished for me to stay cute forever, didn’t you?”Haru opened his eyes, horrified.“SOUTA!”Mio covered her mouth, giggling.Ayase shook her head.“…You really are impossible,” she said softly, smiling.Haru blew out the candles.Everyone cheered.Riku messed with his hair “ you're sixteen now bro, and you have a girlfriend ! before me !”“Maybe if you become an interesting boy, girls will follow you” teased Mai.Souta hugged Haru fiercely.“You’re sixteen! You’re officially older than me now”Haru groaned, laughing despite himself.Ayase and Mr Sano exchanged a glance.Quiet. Warm. The little family had a moment of perfect chaos and happiness.And in that mess of balloons, laughter, and popped confetti, Haru’s sixteenth birthday felt like… home.End of chapter 30