everything the ice bites
FOUR
"Happy birthday to you!" Karin sings merrily with Hina. "Happy birthday to you!"
Dinner is surprisingly enjoyable, Karin has to admit. The Balance is a fancy restaurant that offers private rooms, with a fantastic view, and as far as awkward encounters with the in-laws went… this one wasn't as bad as they usually were, despite what had happened earlier.
"Happy birthday, dear Tou-chan," Hina sings, clapping to the beat.
"Happy birthday, dear husband," Karin sings instead, joining in with the clapping.
While Werner and Maria didn't talk much as they waited for food, even they were impressed by the delicious meals prepared, changing the atmosphere into something bearable.
Then the birthday cake arrived, and how could Karin and Hina not start singing?
"Happy birthday to you!" Together, Karin and Hina finish in unison.
The most handsome man in the world blows out the candle, and applause breaks out again between them.
Thirty-nine years old, and Yukio is still as attractive as the first time Karin saw him.
But enough of such thoughts, Karin decides, it's time for presents!
"Hina-chan," Karin prompts, letting her daughter go first.
"Tou-chan, happy birthday!" With a wide grin, Hina has her father's entire attention, and she basks in it. "Your birthday present is me! Hina Vorarlberna!"
"Really?" Yukio gasps, surprised but pleased by her gift, teasingly inspecting her. Then he taps her nose. Hina giggles, delighted by his response. "I'm lucky to receive such a pretty present."
They really are an adorable father-daughter duo, Karin thinks, watching them with a smile. After a moment, she takes out a small gift-wrapped rectangular box that she's been hiding all evening, and places it in front of him.
"Yukio," Karin says, butterflies in her stomach. "Here is my present."
"Oh?" His lashes flutter, his eyes a curious shade of blue.
With care, he lifts the lid, and Karin watches amazement spread over his gorgeous features. Inside the box is a black watch strap.
"Where did you get this?" Yukio looks at her, stunned, and then places one half of the watch strap over his current brown one, admiring the sight. He turns to Karin once more, lips quirked upwards. Happiness overflows through him. "It's perfect. Thank you."
"I'm glad you like it," Karin grins, nervousness giving way to relief, relief giving way to happiness. "I even got them — well, turn it over and see for yourself!"
His initials are engraved on the watch strap in English.
Y. H. Vorarlberna.
It's very trendy these days, the attendant had told her, and while Karin didn't think her husband cared that much about what is or isn't fashionable, he did have an eye for details and would definitely appreciate it.
"I'll be sure to use it well," Yukio promises, a loving smile gracing his face.
Karin would kiss him right now, if only it was them in the room.
"Kaa-chan," Hina says, and Karin jerks back, the distance between her and Yukio widening, and she focuses on her daughter. "I need to go."
"Go?" Karin echoes, confused, before she realizes what her daughter means. "Oh. Okay, Hina. Excuse us, everyone; we are going to go to the bathroom."
Karin takes Hina's hand as they step out of the room, and belatedly wonders why Werner and Maria had remained completely silent during the song that was meant to celebrate their son's birthday.