Chapter 9 – Birthday Surprise

Hikaru was shocked when he realized the first floor of the inn was filled with party decorations. Balloons and colorful ribbons adorn every corner of the room. Of all the decorations, the one that caught his eye was the large banner written “Happy 20th Birthday, Hikaru!” on it, complete with his childhood photo. Without asking a question, Hikaru already knew who made all of this. They must be the two guys who ready with party hats and standing holding a cake with a candle on it. His two best friends, Yama and Mika.

“HAPPY BIRTHDAY!” Everyone in the room shouted celebrating Hikaru’s age. Yes, everyone, not only Yama and Mika, but also the inn staff.

“What is this? It’s like a kid’s party.” Despite saying that, it was obvious that Hikaru was blushing and couldn’t hide his blush face.

“It’s okay to come back like a child sometimes.” Yama embraced Hikaru while ruffling his best friend’s hair.

The party decorations in the room did look simple. However, if you pay attention, you will see a lot of small details that can’t be underestimated. Of course preparing and decorating all of this couldn’t possibly take a short amount of time. Hikaru swept his gaze and thinking, When will they all do it? Was the parcel in front of her bedroom door one of Mika’s tricks so that I wouldn’t come down and mess up last night’s decoration preparations?

Even though Hikaru think this celebration was too childish for him, but Hikaru appreciated every effort of everyone involved in preparing for this little party. Hikaru firmly believed that the staff used his bedtime to make up for this. No wonder some of them were seen opening their mouths wide because of the drowsiness that attacked them. Honestly, Hikaru was touched.

“Thank you to all of you. It can't be easy to make such a pretty decoration, right? ” Hikaru spread a smile to everyone in the room.

“No problem, it's really fun. It's been a long time since guests celebrated birthdays here.” The petite staff who had escorted them yesterday conveyed his heart.

“At first, only me and Yama who wanted to surprise you at midnight. Yes, in your room, of course. But, since you slept like the dead, we have to changed our plans and intended to throw a festive party in the morning. So, let's blow the candle quickly! ” Mika spoke to Hikaru, but her eyes continued to focus on the candle. Apparently, Mika was worried that the candle wax would drip on the cake.

For a moment, Hikaru tried to dig into his memories. He had forgotten the exact what time he had such a birthday party like this. Maybe when he was in elementary school. Although his mother often made simple birthday celebrations for him every year, this party was completely different. Festive, lively and somehow full of memories.

Everyone in the room sang a birthday song. It was clear that not only was the king of the party happy, but everyone in the room seemed to feel the same joy. They clapped their hands cheerfully while singing until Hikaru closed his eyes for a moment, making a wish before finally blowing out his birthday candle.

I hope everyone lives healthy and continues to be happy. Grandma too, I hope she gets the best place in heaven. Ah yes, I'm looking forward to that miracle, I hope grandma was right. Such was Hikaru's unspoken hope.

Hikaru really thanks his two friends who worked hard to plan this simple party. Even though it was sudden, in fact this was done so perfectly that Hikaru didn't notice. Hikaru thought that Yama might have put some sleeping pills on his coffee. If that was true, then it could answer the reason why he felt in deep sleep.

However, of course it was just a silly thought. Hikaru knew for sure the real reason he slept like a dead man. He has been too tired and sleep-deprived in the last few days, plus the lake house atmosphere is so calm and peaceful for him. It is perfect for his tired bodies and minds who need more rest.

Ah, at least I have to do something for these two special people. I have to help Yama express his feelings to Mika. Isn't that the best way to be thankful? Hikaru smiled at his two best friends who were now smearing each other's faces with his birthday cake cream.

***

“Hey, don't you think this is the right time?” Hikaru felt that this was an opportunity for him to talk to Yama and persuade him to immediately reveal his heart to Mika.

At that time, they should have visited one of the famous hills in Toyako with Mika. But, unfortunately, Mika got a sudden task from her father to supervise and inspect several other properties belonging to her family in Sapporo. Even though she was annoyed, Mika still left and didn’t argue with that. After apologizing for foiling their previous plan, Mika reluctantly left Yama and Hikaru to go with Uncle Yuuchi.

“Right time? For what?” Of course Yama was confused at Hikaru's words which felt so sudden to him.

“About Mika. I think this is the right time for you to tell her.” Hikaru raised his eyebrows, teasing Yama who now looked blushed when he realized what Hikaru try to tell.

"Ah, don't make it up.” Yama looked away, trying to hide his blushing face.

“Then … how long? You've kept that feeling to her for a long time. I know it's like a game of life and death. We know that Mika is an unpredictable girl in her heart, she could just reject you. But, don't you realize that Mika has never been seen close to other men besides us? What if Mika actually was also waiting for you to reveal it?” Hikaru tried to convey his opinion.

Yama was silent, trying to digest what Hikaru had just said. So far, Mika has been like that. Unlike other girls who liked to chatter their hearts out, that girl even looked like a boy. No, Mika is not dressed masculine, she is even very elegant when dressed. But, his mindset is very rational like a man. She is smart and not easily touched by her feelings. That is what makes Yama doubt about Mika's feelings for him.

“It's true, Mika has never been seen close to other men. But, that doesn't mean he doesn't have a special person, right? ” After that silence, Yama finally returned to his voice.

“Yes, I agree. But, isn't there a possibility that she's waiting for you as well? Why don't you use that possibility and rule out other possibilities? ” Hikaru tried to make Yama think more positively. He thought Yama needed more encouragement for many things.

“If it's true that girl has never been close to other men and waited for someone. Then … what if she wasn’t waiting for me?” Yama glared at Hikaru.

“Hmm? What do you mean?” Now Hikaru who looked confused.

“You said that Mika was never close to other men, apart from the two of us. Don't you ever think that maybe Mika isn't waiting for me… but waiting for you. ” Hearing Yama's words, Hikaru flinched a little. He had never thought of that possibility before.

Even though he laughed while tapping Yama's shoulder to cover the awkwardness between the two, Hikaru couldn't say what Yama said was impossible. What he said make sense and it is possible. So far, Hikaru only knows Yama's feelings for Mika, but not the other way around. Mika's feelings were indeed gray, unpredictable. However, if Mika really likes him, Hikaru himself doesn't know what to do, because all this time Hikaru has never considered Mika more than just his best friend.

The awkward atmosphere between Yama and Hikaru was really bad. They had never been caught in a situation like this before. Even though Hikaru tried to act normal, it still felt strange. Hikaru knew that Yama wouldn’t start to change the unpleasant situation he had now created, so Hikaru had to take action. He thought hard to change the subject. Luckily, Hikaru had something else to discuss.

“Ah, yes, I just remembered. Last night … did you see or feel anything strange?” Hikaru asked enthusiastically, hoping Yama would be a little distracted from discussing Mika.

“Strange? What do you mean?” Yama paid attention to Hikaru's question.

“Look, I woke up in the middle of the night hungry. I intend to go find Aunt Miharu to ask for leftovers from dinner. But, thank goodness there is a package of food from ... ah, I mean there is a package of food that I found in front of my room. “ Hikaru seemed choked up when he was about to mention Mika's name.

“Is it true? Luckily you didn't step down and ruin our party preparations. In fact, Mika and I were the ones who bought that food for you.” Yama seemed to understand Hikaru's attitude of holding back from saying Mika's name.

“Ah, I'm really grateful that you saved me from hunger.” Hikaru shook Yama's hand, as if that man had been saved from the hunger that could have claimed his life.

“You are too much.” Yama laughed, the awkwardness seemed to be resolved. “Then, what’s the strange thing?”

“Oh yeah, last night I saw a strange light descending from the sky. Precisely when finished dinner. Like a shooting star, the tail of the light is quite long, but I'm sure it falls onto the ground … right there. “ Hikaru pointed his index finger in one direction. Yes, it's another inn's backyard next to their inn.

“Hmm? Are you sure that thing hit the ground? If it was a celestial body, there would be quite a strong vibration, right? Aren't you hallucinating?” Yama looked at Hikaru direction while shaking his head in disbelief.

“I'm pretty sure, I even took a picture if you don't believe me.” Hikaru reached into his pocket to retrieve the cellphone and showed him a light photo that he had captured.

“It might just be someone's flashlight coming out into the backyard of the inn next door.” Yama still couldn't believe it because Hikaru's photo was less convincing. Hikaru seemed to be shooting the light too late, so he only managed to take a picture of the glowing bush. “Besides, we don't feel anything. You remember, right? We are preparing the party decorations all night. We are all awake. So, it's unlikely we wouldn't have noticed if something had happened." Yama explained.

“Yeah, I know. That's why I said, it was weird. The light is no less strange, the fall is perpendicular.” Hikaru moved his hand as if exemplifying how the light fell from the sky.

Yama was silent for a moment, looked at his friend. He wasn't sure what response he should give Hikaru at this point. The story and light that Hikaru described really didn't make any sense at all for him. But, even so, Yama didn't want to hurt Hikaru's feelings because he looked very serious when telling him. Hikaru is definitely not lying, it's just that the story isn't easy for to understand.

“Hmm… how about that? If you ask me, I didn't feel anything strange last night and it seems the inn staff did too. However, if something had fallen, it should still be there, right? If you're that curious, you better just ask the inn manager.” Yama suggested.

“That’s true.” Hikaru nodded several times. “Well, I'll find out exactly what light it is. Would you join with me?”

***

[to be continued]