Oishi managed to discern which key unlocked the door he was currently standing in front of from his immensely heavy key ring, and held it up to the lock.
It was only then when he realised that the door was ajar.
Suspicious and apprehensive, he pushed it open lightly, waiting to see what kind of burglar snuck in to steal their fancy training equipment (which wasn't really that much) during the night.
He was greeted by a much more pleasant but equally surprising event.
The loud bang of a party popper made him do a double-take, before straightening up again.
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!"
The loud exclamation was followed by less confident shouts of "Oishi-senpai" or "Oishi!".
Vice-captain Oishi smiled and blushed in embarrassment.
But the chorus of voices was missing something.
"Well, you didn't really have to get up at five-thirty just to do this-" he replied, sheepishly. He'd never enjoyed big celebrations, especially if they involved depriving everyone of sleep. It's the thought that counts, he decided, laughing uncertainly.
"It's perfectly OK if it's for Oishi-senpai!" Momo's voice seemed filled with emotion as he punched a fist into the air, which the person on the receiving end was unsure whether sarcastic or not intentionally so.
Everyone cheered, a rousing one for the well-respected Mother of Seigaku.
"Speaking of getting up early, Eiji's not really..." Fuji pointed at the self-explanatory figure in the corner.
Oishi's expression softened, his eyes regarding his doubles partner with a sense of resignation. He made his way through the large group of people, who parted themselves obediently.
Eiji snored.
Someone in the crowd giggled, but was shot a disapproving look by someone else and stopped abruptly.
"Happy b..." Eiji's voice was slightly slurred by his half-open mouth. "Happy Birthday, Oi...shi."
And that, Oishi thought, putting his hand on his doubles partner's shoulder and shaking him lightly, is the only thing I need to hear.