Evening. The day of the birthday.
Inside the Okinawa branch office, the atmosphere had shifted. There was less paperwork, more small talk, and people were preparing to leave for the evening celebration.
"Mr. Nakagawa?" Haruki looked up from his desk as the branch chief approached.
"The staff’s ready to head out," the man said with a smile. "They’re all packed and waiting downstairs."
"Ah, your uncle’s birthday today, right?" Haruki asked, standing and giving a light stretch.
"Yes," the chief nodded. "Nothing too big, but many old friends and family are coming. You’re still planning to join us?"
The chief gestured toward the parking lot. "Would you like to ride with me? I have the company van, or my car if that’s more comfortable."
Haruki shook his head gently. "No need. I’ll follow you on the scooter. I prefer riding alone."
"Understood. I’ll let the others know."
Haruki grabbed his blazer and helmet, walking out with his usual calm demeanor.
Behind him, near the office entrance, several of the younger female staff watched him go with barely contained sighs.
"Eh? He’s not riding with us?"
"I wanted to ask him so many questions..."
"Ugh, I even fixed my hair!"
"Come on, he’s so tall and handsome. Wouldn’t it be fun to ride together?"
Once the office lights were turned off and everything was locked up, Haruki and the branch chief made sure all was in order. Then they headed downstairs.
Most of the staff were already waiting—some seated in the company van, others getting into their personal cars to follow.
"Mr. Nakagawa, you can from behind," the branch chief said.
Haruki walked over to his scooter, strapped on his helmet, and started the engine with a calm flick of his wrist.
Inside the van, a few female staff members peeked out through the windows, watching him.
"Aww... if he brought an extra helmet, I’d totally ride with him," one whispered.
"Same. That’d be way more fun than squeezing in here," another added with a giggle.
Meanwhile, at the Kitayama family house, the yard was lively with activity.
Guests already filled the space—some seated around tables laughing over drinks, while others wandered from group to group, offering birthday wishes to Mr. Kitayama.
Laughter blended with the clinking of glasses, and sake bottles were already half-empty.
Inside the house, Keiko and a few of her female cousins moved swiftly between the kitchen and the guest area, carrying trays and bowls.
"Good thing Kyouko Nee-san paid for a chef," one cousin whispered while refilling a platter. "And hired someone to handle dishes and serving the guest. Otherwise, we’d be overwhelmed."
Keiko nodded, brushing her hair back with a sigh. "Yeah. That really saved us."
In the corner, Kenji and the other male cousins were busy with seating arrangements, drinks, and refills.
Kyouko’s mother peeked in from the hallway, smiling softly at the lively scene.
Then her expression darkened slightly.
"Huh?" Keiko looked up.
"Your sister. Where’s Kyouko?"
Keiko blinked. "I think she’s still in her room."
Her mother frowned lightly. ƒгeewebnovёl.com
The party was in full swing, but Kyouko was nowhere to be seen.
Another delivery truck pulled up near the entrance, the sound of crates clinking as the back door rolled open.
From the crowd, someone called out, "Mr. Kitayama!"
The older man turned toward the gate, smiling as he recognized the voice.
"Ah! Happy birthday!" The delivery man stepped down from the truck, waving. He was about the same age as Kitayama.
"Thank you, thank you!" Kitayama laughed heartily, clapping his hands together. "Now come in, have a seat!"
"Not yet," the man chuckled. "Still have a delivery to unload."
"Yeah, got a phone order earlier today. Paid in full."
Kitayama raised a brow. "Paid by who?"
The man pulled out his delivery sheet, squinting slightly. "Hmm... let’s see here... Harusawa Kyouko."
"Ah! My eldest daughter!" Kitayama beamed, clearly pleased. "So that was her doing."
Several guests looked over curiously as the truck crew began unloading crates of sake, beer, and soft drinks.
The air filled with chatter again.
"So, where should we place these?" the delivery man asked.
"Kenji!" Kitayama called out, grinning.
"Show them where to put all this. It’s from your sister!"
Kenji blinked in surprise, then nodded.
"Kyouko?" her mother’s voice came gently through the sliding door.
"What are you doing?"
There was a small pause.
"Umm... just adjusting this kimono..."
The door slid open halfway.
"Here," her mother said, stepping inside, "let me help."
Kyouko smiled softly and turned her back toward her.
Her mother moved carefully, adjusting the collar, smoothing the fabric along Kyouko’s waist, and tying the obi with practiced fingers.
"You always take too long with this," she murmured fondly.
Kyouko kept her voice low, steady.
But her hands still trembled slightly, tucked into her sleeves.
Kyouko reached for the soft fabric and slipped on her facemask, adjusting the straps behind her ears.
Her mother looked at her through the mirror.
"Still shy around a lot of guests?"
"Kinda..." Kyouko murmured, eyes shifting away.
"Oh, my poor baby~" her mother cooed with a teasing smile.
"M-Mom..." Kyouko pouted slightly.
Her mother giggled. "Come on now, at least eat something and have a drink."
With a final check of her obi, Kyouko gave a small nod.
More guests continued to arrive, laughter and voices filling the garden and hallways.
Sake was flowing, small plates were being refilled, and conversations blurred from one group to the next.
Near one of the tables, Kitayama raised his cup with a hearty laugh.
Across from him, Ichiro, his first cousin, poured more sake into his glass.
"Oh, by the way, Kitayama," Ichiro said as he sat back down, "I hope you don’t mind, but my son will be coming by soon."
Kitayama blinked. "Your son?"
"Yes. He’s bringing a few of his office staff with him. Figured I’d bring them along to join the fun."
Kitayama grinned, his cheeks already flushed from the drinks. "Huh? The more the merrier!"
Ichiro chuckled. "Thought you’d say that."
They clinked glasses, the party growing louder around them.