Nine months later, it was my eighth birthday. I walked to school, skipping, and grinning. I walked up to Akito, and we both turned with wide smiles.

"Akito, guess what!" I exclaimed.

"Can I go first?" He said. I nodded. Of course. I had promised to listen to him.

"It's my birthday!" He exclaimed with a wide smile. I smiled just as widely.

"Me too!" He grinned, hugging me. When he pulled back, his smile fell.

"My family's holding a big party… I can't come too yours…" he said sadly. I looked up at him in confusion.

"A party?" I asked. He nodded.

"Yeah. Don't you have birthday parties?"

"Momma has parties, but she locks me in my room for them." He narrowed his eyes.

"Then you'll just have too come to my party! We'll celebrate together! And you don't have to get me a present!"

"I'd have to ask Momma." He shook his head.

"What's your family name?"

"Sohma," I said. He grinned.

"I'll send a car." I grinned back.

Later that night, after I had gotten dressed in a nice kimono, my mom came into my room, and rushed me out to the car. She gave me the usual countless lectures she could fit in, before slamming my door. Akito was in the seat beside me. He grinned.

"You're pretty," he said. I nodded.

"You two. Our kimonos match."

That night was amazing. Akito gave me one of his kimonos for my birthday, and in return, I told him I'd grow my hair out long because he said he'd like it like that.