Summer's Promise
Chapter 17: "Happy birthday, Luka-chan!"
"Nee, nee, Ia," Lily called out to her friend who typed on her cellphone as they walked home together.
"Hm?" Ia replied, eyes stuck to her phone's screen.
"What do you want to do for your birthday this year? It's coming up, you know."
Ia put away her phone and stopped walking. Lily, who passed her friend by a few steps, returned back to where Ia stood to ponder.
"Do you think we can throw a party for both Luka-chan and I?" Ia wondered.
While they continued to walk, Ia told Lily about how she learned of Luka's birthday. It was the day after their school festival when they visited Luka to check up on her. She fainted while dancing around the bonfire with Gakupo, unable to finish the 'legendary charm to keep couples together.' When the group of friends were in Luka's room, Ia found a picture in Luka's album dated on January 30th of five years ago. In the picture, Luka and a girl with red, curled twintails stood behind a table where a birthday cake was placed.
"So, her birthday's seven days away from yours, huh," Lily pointed out.
The two childhood friends agreed that it was a good idea to throw a party for both Ia and their new pink-haired friend. Excitement already got to them and they started trying to come up with party ideas. However, silence only filled their walk home. Realizing that they couldn't come up with an enjoyable party, the two paused and began panicking.
"Ah!" Lily exclaimed when she saw two familiar people walking to the train station.
"KA-GA-MI-NE TWINS!" running to them, Lily and Ia yelled.
Rin and Len stopped on their tracks and turned to find their sister's friends rushing to cross the road. Lily and Ia made it to the other side of the road despite the cars' honking and the drivers' yelling.
"Good afternoon, Lily-senpai, Ia-senpai," the twins synchronously greeted with a short bow.
Lily and Ia proceeded to ask the twins questions on how birthdays were celebrated in their household. Len told them about how their birthday, two days after Christmas, was usually celebrated at home with the family. Then, Rin described how Luka would either spend her birthday with solely the family or her childhood best friend, Teto.
"Now that you mentioned it, Nee-chan's birthday's coming up," Rin realized.
"I have extra allowance. Want to go stop by a shop and get her something?" Len asked his twin sister, getting a nod for a reply.
"Then, if you'll excuse us, senpai-tachi," Len and Rin bowed to their seniors.
Lily and Ia gave their thanks to their juniors, returning to the path they were taking to go home. The two girls both agreed to throw a party that Luka had never experienced. Though they still weren't specific on what to do for Luka's birthday party, they narrowed it down to one central idea based on the twins' given information: to have a big celebration with all of Luka's new friends.
Luka arrived home to find a delivery truck parked by her house. When she saw the sign on the truck, her face lit up and she quickly walked in to her house. Inside, a group of men bowed to Luka's mother before they started heading out of the house.
"Okaeri, Lucchan," Luka's mother affectionately welcomed her daughter as she began to prepare tea.
"Mom," with bright blue eyes twinkling in excitement, Luka looked at her mother.
With a smile, the kind mother signaled Luka to head up to her room. The pink-haired girl dropped her bag and ran upstairs. After opening the door, her jaw hung when she laid her eyes on the upright piano waiting in her room. She slowly and quietly walked in as if preventing herself from breaking the serenity that filled the air.
The antique piano was stunning. It was white and had carvings of flower accents on the upper front board. Though it was old, the surface was still smooth. The white bench was actually newly bought, but it perfectly matched the instrument. Luka lifted the fallboard and a set of black and white keys invited her to press them. She pulled the bench out and sat down, back straight and fingers resting on the keys.
Then, Luka took a deep breath and a beautiful melody began to pour out.
Downstairs, the rest of the family arrived in time to listen to Luka. Their eyes were closed to savor the good notes flowing in the house from Luka's room. When she finished, they couldn't help but clap their hands to praise her. Back upstairs, Luka's face blushed in content to hear her hard work pay off.
After a week of planning, Ia and Lily figured out what party to throw for Luka. When all the details were set, Ia and Lily sent out a text message to their circle about the plan. Each friend was also given a role to fulfill to make everything work. Miku and Miki were given the task to make sure that Luka was dressed. Lily and Ia were going to take care of the reservations and the setting of the karaoke room they'll get. Gakupo and Kaito were in charge of the menu they'll order and getting the cake. Even Luka's twin siblings were given a job to do, which was to ask their parents for permission to allow Luka to celebrate her birthday with friends.
During judo practice, Gakupo's mind was occupied with thoughts on a birthday gift for Luka. Since he and Miku were spending more time with Luka than her other friends, he didn't want to ask anyone for help because he would only seem like he didn't know Luka. Gakupo couldn't concentrate on his practice that he was knocked down by a lower-ranked clubmate, still thinking about presents even after hitting the ground. Realizing that one of their ace members weren't focused, their sensei called it a day.
After Gakupo changed back to his school uniform, he started walking back to the main building to exit the school. His mind was still unfocused on his surroundings that he bumped into his adviser, Kiyoteru Hiyama.
"I'm so sorry, sensei!" Gakupo bowed multiple times while helping his teacher pick up his things.
"It's okay," the bespectacled teacher awkwardly smiled while fixing the glasses on his face.
The two made their way down the hallway after gathering all the things they dropped. At first, it was silent between the two, but when Gakupo realized that Kiyoteru could help, the purple-haired student ranted to his teacher.
"What do you like most about this person?" Kiyoteru asked, not knowing who it was that Gakupo was talking about because he didn't mention Luka's name.
"Eh?" tilting his head, Gakupo wondered what Kiyoteru meant.
"I mean, if you're this worried about a birthday present for a person, then you most certainly like this person, don't you? I don't know if it's romantically or not, but this person is surely important to you."
The purple-haired boy was stopped in his tracks. He began to think about Luka and not the present for her. Gakupo liked her smile and how it always comforted others. He liked how Luka was always cheerful even if she was shy. He liked her determination to always do her best and never give up.
He liked her.
"Sensei," Gakupo muttered after his reflection.
"This person...she's great. She's always so bright even when she's too timid or embarrassed. She cares about her friends more than herself. Her intentions are so pure and she never wishes harm on anyone. She's soft and gentle and...too fragile for me," Gakupo spoke gently as they kept walking.
Kiyoteru easily noticed the sadness in Gakupo's blue eyes. The teacher somehow felt as if he couldn't help to ease whatever pain his student was feeling. However, Kiyoteru could help Gakupo with picking out a present.
"She seems like a wonderful person," Kiyoteru smiled as they reached their separation point.
"How about you try thinking about a physical aspect that you like about her? Maybe you'll find something that would suit this aspect," the teacher patted Gakupo on the shoulder before leaving his student.
"Physical aspect, huh," Gakupo said to himself, Luka still in mind.
"Happy birthday, Luka," the pink-haired girl's parents greeted her as they enjoyed dinner the night before her birthday.
"Happy birthday, Nee-chan," the twins also said.
Luka opened the gifts she received from her family. Though she never asked for any, her family still showered her with presents. From the twins, she received a gorgeous hair brush with accents on the back. Luka's parents gave her a thoughtful card with money inside. She hugged all of them individually and gave them her thanks. While they were finishing up eating, however, Luka realized something odd.
"Don't you all usually give your gifts on the day of my birthday?" she pointed out.
Luka's parents looked at each other, trying to find an answer. Rin panicked and thought that their parents would reveal to Luka what her friends had planned for her. Len smoothly saved the day, though it required bringing up Luka's past birthdays.
"Don't you usually spend your birthday with Teto?" said the blonde boy.
Luka looked down on her food, her chopsticks on her lips. She couldn't answer her younger brother. This year, Luka wasn't going to be able to spend her birthday with her best childhood friend, Teto. Not only was it because of the physical distance, but also because Teto's friendship with Luka was also getting farther.
Luka's mother sensed the heaviness on her daughter right away and tried to make conversation.
"So, have you talked to Teto-chan?" Unknowingly, she made Luka feel worse.
Luka caught on right away with the fact that her mother was trying to change the atmosphere. To prevent her parents and siblings from worrying, Luka put on a smile.
"I have. She's doing well," Luka lied.
The normal surrounding was back, but Luka didn't feel pleasant inside. She excused herself out of the table after everyone finished their meals. With just a bit of hope flickering inside, Luka ran up to her room and checked her social media profile, her emails, and phone for any birthday messages from Teto.
There was none.
With wide eyes, Luka fell to the floor, not even realizing that tears were already streaming down her face.
Lily and Ia looked at the karaoke room with satisfactory smiles. The room was propped with colorful decorations, thanks to their hard work. Kaito, along with other servers, entered with the ordered food and placed them on the table. Shortly after, Gakupo walked in with a box of cake, which he put on the table, and a paper bag that he hid by one of the karaoke lounge's couch.
"Now, all we're waiting for is the other celebrant," Lily smiled at Ia.
After exiting the subway, Miku blindfolded Luka's eyes with a red cotton cloth. Then, Miki and Miku locked arms with Luka and guided her to the karaoke lounge.
"Where are we going?" the pink-haired girl asked, tightly holding onto her friends.
"We're almost there. Don't worry," assured Miki.
When they arrived, Miki opened the door while Miku removed the blindfold. Luka's eyes adjusted to the colorful lights that she found herself surrounded by. Pops also accompanied the confetti that shot up the room. The vibrant decorations were busy, but they still set the mood of the event. In the center of a table full of food was a round cake with white frosting and strawberries on the border. In the center of the cake were candles lit up, ready to be blown by the birthday girl.
"Happy birthday, Luka-chan!"
Luka was left with wide eyes and slightly-opened mouth. Her heart raced with overwhelming feelings of happiness. Nevertheless, all her feelings decided to form as tears. Her calm blue eyes were blanketed by tears waiting to fall.
"Thank you, everyone," after a short breath, a smile finally stretched on Luka's face, her tears finally falling.
The group of friends guided Luka to the table where she blew the candle after thinking about her wish.
"I hope everyone stays happy."
When all the candles were blown out, the party commenced. Miku and Miki sat down and started eating with Luka. Ia and Lily sang a lively duet, their favorite song. Though the two were singing nicely, Gakupo and Kaito mischievously danced around and bothered the singers. Their performance, to Luka, seemed like a comedic act from a late-night television program, which she found hilarious. They served the cake, a strawberry shortcake, after most of the food was eaten and they've all sang at least once.
"Ia, isn't it your birthday, too? Why didn't you blow the candles with Luka-chan?" Miki asked as they both munched on their own slice.
Ia recalled what Luka's twin siblings said about how their pink-haired sister spent her birthdays.
"I figured Luka-chan would be a bit lonely since she couldn't celebrate her birthday this year with her childhood friend. Seeing her smile and cry tears of joy earlier was enough for me," a kind beam lit up Ia's face as she looked at Luka, whose smile stretched from ear to ear.
Miki hugged Ia and quietly greeted her. Miki was impressed of Ia's thoughtfulness and selflessness. She was glad to be friends with the platinum blonde. Looking at her group of friends, Miki was thankful for them and how they cared for each other.
Time passed and everyone have had their share of the microphone. They sang their hearts out, also enjoying each other's company and celebrated Luka. Their time limit came right on time because it was time for them to start heading home. With the help of some servers, Gakupo and Kaito tore the decorations down while the girls cleaned up the table. The room was back to its initial state and the circle of friends left after expressing their gratitude to the staff.
Luka, Miku, and Gakupo separated ways from Ia, Lily, Miki, and Kaito at the train station. While waiting for the train, Gakupo felt as if he had forgotten something. Since Luka and Miku included him in their conversation, he couldn't pinpoint what it was that he forgot. Minutes later, the fast train passed by, sweeping the winter wind with it. Right after Luka and Miku got on, Gakupo realized that he left Luka's gift at the karaoke room.
"I need to go back!" Gakupo declared to the two girls with him, rushing to the station's exit to take back what he forgot.
"Wait, Lu—" Miku shouted as Luka ran after Gakupo moments before the train's doors closed.
The train gradually sped up, leaving Miku by herself. Inside the vehicle, Miku watched Luka run down the stairs to chase after the purple-haired lad. Though Miku didn't want to admit it, she was aware that Luka and Gakupo felt the same way about each other.
"I don't want you to get hurt, Luka-chan," Miku anxiously thought.
Meanwhile, Gakupo made it to the karaoke bar where he asked a staff to retrieve the item he left. His request was tended to right away, giving Gakupo enough time to get home before curfew.
"Ahh," Gakupo whined in disappointment.
"How could I forget to give this to her?" the purple-haired boy scolded himself.
As he started walking with heavy feet, upset, footsteps approached Gakupo from behind. Turning around, Gakupo found Luka panting hard to catch her breath, steam blowing from her open mouth. Her cheeks were bright red from the cold breeze hitting her face as she ran. The thick muffler that she wore around her neck were all tangled up, too.
Gakupo's face began to blush, realizing that he just made a girl run after him. To make it worse, it was because he forgot about the present he got for the very same girl. Embarrassed, Gakupo just stretched out his arms, the paper bag in his hands.
"Here," he exclaimed, his head down to hide his flustered face.
Luka, still quietly panting, carefully took the gift from Gakupo. She looked inside the bag, but tissue paper covered the actual content.
"Y-you can open it, you know," Gakupo turned away, tousling his shaggy purple hair in a timid way.
The pink-haired girl reached in the bag and pulled out a rectangular box. She wrapped the paper bag's handle around her wrist as she lifted the lid of the box. Inside was a satin blue ribbon neatly folded. Luka pulled it out to reveal the ribbon's thick, wide, and long full form. The ribbon's hue was brighter than her blue eyes.
"It's for your hair," the gift-giver noted, still looking away.
When he heard nothing from the girl, Gakupo finally turned his eyes back to Luka. Her eyes glimmered in delight. She kept staring at the ribbon, which she laid out in front of her with both of her hands.
"Thank you so much, Gakupo-kun," Luka's eyes met Gakupo's to show her sincerity.
A current zapped Gakupo's heart, making him blush even more. Noticing that his face was getting warmer and warmer at the sight of Luka, Gakupo turned away again, scratching his head.
"You're welcome. Come on, I'll take you home."
Luka returned everything in the bag and they began to walk to the station. Her heart danced around, her arms swaying by her side in such a cheerful manner. Luka found herself tinily skipping behind Gakupo, who had a satisfied smirk on his face.
Upon reaching the train station, Luka found a familiar face waiting by the entrance. Squinting her eyes, the pink-haired girl wasn't mistaken with who she thought was there. Gakupo followed behind her as she hurriedly paced to the waiting person.
"Dad?" Luka called out, hugging her father when she noticed his distressed look.
"Luka, we need to go."
"Why? What's wrong?"
"Sir, do you need any help?" Gakupo asked when he noticed that Luka was panicking.
"Who's this?"
"Dad, this is Gakupo Kamui. He's my friend," Luka introduced.
Gakupo bowed his head after introducing his name. Luka's father gave him a pat on the shoulder to acknowledge him.
"Evermore-san, if you—"
"Clyde* is fine. It was nice meeting you, Mr. Kamui, but my daughter and I are in a hurry," Luka's father, Clyde, started walking to where his car was parked.
"Dad, what's going on?" Luka was now agitated, confused as to what's going on.
"Your mother's in the hospital."
All of Luka's exhilaration from the celebration and the gift she received disappeared in an instance. Her big eyes displayed her fear, much to Gakupo's concern.
Author's note:
nee- "hey"
-tachi- a plural suffix (eg. watashi-tachi = we)
okaeri- "welcome home"
judo- a modern martial art created in Japan, where the objective is to either throw or takedown an opponent to the ground, immobilize or otherwise subdue an opponent with a pin, or force an opponent to submit with a joint lock or a choke
eh- "huh"
*Clyde is a name used in this story to prevent the identity this story's character is based on. Any living or dead person bearing the same surname is not related to this story or the characters of the story. (Mayumi-chan: The reason why I chose 'Clyde' to name Luka's foreign father in the story is because of Luka's voice provider's name containing the character for river [Asakawa, kawa being the character for river.] 'Clyde' is a Scottish river, and because the person, who this character is based on, is of Scottish descent, I decided to use this name. Like I've been saying, all names in the story that are needed to be created have some kind of relation to the main characters. Thank you for your understanding.)