Birthday – Iori Fujimura

[kozvme]

Today, May 15, is Iori-kun's birthday.

All the Company members brought presents and food, and gathered at Iori-kun's.

Iori: ... Everyone, you must be tired from practice. You shouldn't have gone this far for me.

Iori-kun lowered his head with a stiff expression.

Hinata: What are you even saying, Iorin! It's your once in a year important day, so you have to celebrate properly! ♪

Madoka: He's right. The others were getting ready to enjoy this day, too!

I said with a smile as I set the food on the table.

Iori: Tenpura, Kyoto-style grilled spanish mackerel, even boiled root vegetables... All my favorites.

Iori-kun's expression slowly softened. In order not to miss that moment, I quickly readied the camera.

Iori: ....!!

Just before I could take the picture, Iori-kun turned his face away.

Iori: .... I don't like being photographed.

The troubled Iori-kun turned red. Sousei-kun, who was also aiming for a chance to take a picture, shrugged exasperated.

Sousei: This is a tricky situation. He's a tough one.

Subaru: Sousei-san, Madoka! Leave it to me!

Subaru-kun said with sparkling eyes while, with loud sounds, he cracked his knuckles.

Subaru: Well then, it's finally time to have your presents! Everyone, attention to our birthday boy, please!

Jin: Then, I'll go first.... Happy Birthday, Iori.

Jin-san gave him a Japanese style arranged bouquet of seasonal flowers.

Kyouya: A teaware set from me.

Kaito: I'm giving you these silver cuff links. They're custom-made, just so you know.

One after another, the presents were handed to Iori-kun. In the blink of an eye, both his hands were full of gifts. His eyes were gently half‐closed, but his lips tight as to hold back a smile.

Subaru: Madoka, this is your chance to take a picture! Don't miss the right time!

Subaru-kun whispered as he handed Iori-kun a huge, fluffy object.

Subaru: Iori, what's this~?



Iori: Th- This is... A shoebill nuigurimi......! Thank you, everyone.

He muttered earnestly as he broke into a smile. I won't miss it--
To trasure his happy smile surrounded by presents, I proceeded to take the picture...

_____________________________

The pleasant party was near to its end and it was about time to go home.

Madoka: It's about time I go home, too.

After finishing cleaning up, Iori-kun quietly approached me as I was getting ready to go home.

Iori: I'll see you off to the station.

Madoka: But, Hinata and the others are still here and it's your birthday...

Iori: You don't have to worry about that. Let's go.

Without waiting for my reply, Iori-kun hurriedly reached the entrance. I quickly chased after him.

Iori: Madoka.... Do you still have time?

When we reached the path of the park from which the sea could be seen, Iori-kun, who stayed silent until then, murmured quietly.

Madoka: Eh...? Yes, there's still some time before the last train.

Iori: ... Then, let's take a little detour.

Iori-kun said, as he walked off the park sidewalk.



Madoka: Woah...! The scenery from here is so breathtaking....!

Although it's the park near the Company, it's in the opposite direction to the station, so I've never been able to stop by.

Iori: During the day it's quite crowded with tourists, but at this time it's quiet and you can admire the calm sea.

Madoka: I see... You don't like it when it's noisy, after all. Don't tell me, you wanted to spend your birthday quietly?

I tried to ask, nervously. Iori-kun closed his eyes quietly and shook his head.

Iori: You're wrong on that. Celebrating with everyone like that... I was quite... happy.

He said hesitating. His expression didn't change, but the tone of his voice was tender. You could understand it from his words.

Iori: I received a lot of things, but the best present was having all of you there. I know very well how busy everyone is, but taking the time to get me presents... That makes me happy more than anything.

Madoka: Hearing you say that...

Because of the unexpected words, I was fraught with great emotion.

Iori: I mean... the fact that it was fun celebrating with everyone is true, but-- my true intentions are different.

Madoka: ...?

As he spoke under his breath, I felt uneasy and stopped.
When I looked at his face as if to ask, his cheeks were slightly colored--

Iori: ... It's my precious birthday. I greedily wanted to celebrate with just the two of us.

Madoka: Iori-kun...

Without knowing it, the distance between us reduced. It was an embarrassing, tantalizing, strange distance.

Iori: This is the first time I had so much fun for my birthday... Thank you, Madoka.

Madoka: .... Happy birthday, Iori-kun.

Haggling those words, we looked at each other and smiled. The spring night wind was blowing too much between the two of us who were cuddled close together.
We stayed close to each other for some time​, while admiring the sea, but--

Madoka: Ah....! The last train....!

I quickly glanced at the time: 5 more minutes left. I need to tell Iori-kun and run to the station...

Iori: If you can't make it to the train, I'll take you home. It's not that far, isn't it?

Madoka: But it will for you when you go back. And, you didn't lock, right?

Iori: There's no problem. Hinata and Kaito will probably stay over, anyway. And... it'll be midnight soon. I might as well... until the day is over... together...

Iori-kun said on a whim. I locked my eyes with his and finished what he was saying.

Madoka: You want to stay together until the day is over?

I smiled back at Iori-kun who was getting all red as he nodded.

Madoka: Then.... Until the date changes... Until your birthday is over, let's stay like this.

Iori: Madoka... Thank... you...

Another step and we grew closer. I savoured the warmth of our touching shoulders--