Chapter 31

What A Birthday

"I’m glad you came. But you’re really too early."

She said. We were walking hand in hand away from the shrine.

"Early? Oh yeah.. I only got up to the first clue in the mailbox."

She looked worried for a second. "Did you get up on the roof?"

Were those clues supposed to lead to the roof so I could see the cake?

"Yeah, I was told that you were on the roof at first." I smiled at her.

"Yes, I saw the cake…." I added.

She grinned in reply.

“It was beautiful."

She stopped and turned to me. "There's something I should give you."

She put her hands in her pocket and came out with my gift.

It was wrapped neatly in box.

She presented it with both hands, shyly.

"Hope you’ll like it."

I smiled.

"Thanks."

I took it and cradled it on my palm.

“You know, it really doesn’t matter what you give me…

being with you is the best gift already.”

I paused and then with a tone of seriousness,

“I promise you, I will never leave your side. I’ll protect you.”

I think she blushed.

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Chapter 32

What A Birthday

I peeked inside the wrapping.

Sitting in the middle

on a silky cushion was another box,

a tiny wooden cube.

Engraved on the top were two surnames, Narimiya and Uchida.

I let my eyes take in the box.

Somehow, I was mesmerized by it’s simplicity.

But mysterious power resonated from it.

I glanced at her hesitantly.

Her eyes looked up at me curiously,

waiting to see my reaction.

“Open it.” She said softly.

I reached inside.

I think I knew what it was.

And I knew it would be something to cherish.

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Chapter 33

What A Birthday

It’s song floated around us,

a gentle touch speaking soft words to our hearts.

I could once again feel the emotions

that Aoi always could give me,

the overwhelming happiness,

the peace and comfort,

a hint of playfulness,

full of tender love.

I was swept away into a land of dreams,

a perfect world, a peace that never shatters.

Hand in hand, our souls dancing on the light breeze of music.

I couldn’t help but smile.

It sweetly sang to me a song in Aoi’s voice.

“It’s a song I wrote on the piano.”

“The one I was working on.”

She told me softly.

"Yes, I remember."

“I put it in this music box so you’ll be able to hear it all the time.”

I smiled. "Thanks. It's definitely your song.

"Why didn’t you play it for me earlier? It’s beautiful.”

I gave her a hug. “It reminds me of you.”

She gave me a quirky smile, against my chest.

“I wanted it to be a surprise."

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Chapter 34

What A Birthday

"You really like surprises." I chuckled.

She grinned.

"There’s one more thing. Give me your cell phone.” She said more firmly now.

I raised my eyebrows but passed her my phone.

She turned around hiding her deft actions. What was it?

"Don’t look!”"She said as I tried to sidestep around her.

I laughed and stayed still.

After a moment, she slowly turned around.

“Tadaa!” She held up my phone for me to see.

There was something hanging off of it.

“Keep it on your phone always. I won’t forgive you if you take it off.” She said smiling.

It was a protector good luck charm from the shrine, an omamori.

“I made it myself. You’ll be protected.”

I took the cell phone and touched the silky red surface.

It was soft.

“I’ll keep it on for sure.”

I smiled. “Hmm.. since I swear to always be with you, it’ll work for both of us won’t it?”

She smiled back.

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Chapter 35

What A Birthday

I heard a muffled giggle.

What was that?

I spun around squinting at the trees around us.

Dark and ominous, the sun was suddenly blotted out by scattered clouds.

I suppressed a shiver, even though the summer air was still hot and humid.

Aoi didn't seem like she heard anything. Was it just my imagination?

We were near a shrine, and it gave me the creeps.

I decided I probably watched too many horror films.

"Let's go."

It was broad daylight, what could happen?

I reached for Aoi's hand and felt safer with our fingers entwined.

Everything would be okay with her.

But as I thought that,

I heard the leaves rustle and figures in the shadows moved.

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Chapter 36

What A Birthday

We were not alone.

I instinctively moved forward in front of Aoi,

but to my surprise, I saw Miko-chan emerge from the trees.

"Miko-chan?!" I heard Aoi say.

Miko looked uncomfortable.

"Why did you have to make a noise?"

I heard a second voice behind her.

"You spoiled the moment."

It was Akira; he was grinning.

"What are you doing here?" I demanded slightly annoyed.

They looked at each other.

Miko was first to say something. "It was his idea." was all she said.

Akira shot a blaming look at her. Then he took something from his pocket.

He held his hand out.

On his palm was a cell phone.

It was Aoi's.

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Chapter 37

What A Birthday

I nearly lunged at Akira, but caught myself.

He made those calls?

“Why do you have it?” I snarled.

The two of them looked startled.

“We found it at Aoi’s house..” Akira said hesitantly.

His eyes were cloudy but genuine.

“Miko knew Aoi-chan would be here.”

“Oh.”

There was a pause. Then I felt a hand reach for mine.

I looked over at Aoi’s warm smile.

“It’s alright. Now at least we don’t have to look for it.” She said reassuringly.

“Mm.” I nodded.

But inside I had a feeling this was something more complicated.

Who made those calls then?

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Chapter 38

What A Birthday

Nevertheless, we headed for home and called it a day.

The party was still happening;

I knew they wouldn't have left yet.

Not without clearing out the fridge and trashing the house at least.

I grinned to myself.

What a birthday.

I managed to forget about those prank phone calls.

But would it come haunt me again?