Sixteenth
Two weeks before the graduation of the outgoing sixth years, Tamao comes up with an idea to organize a surprise party for Miyuki.
"She's done a tremendous number of things not just for Miator, but fot the entire Astraea Hill as well. I believe it's only fitting if we recognize her in our small way."
Her suggestion had been met with much enthusiasm. Even the former president of Spica and Miyuki's archrival, Toumori Shion had agreed happily with the proposal. However, the incumbent Council had also made it clear that it was still up to Tamao to figure out a way to get Miyuki to the party's venue.
"Honestly!" Tamao had thrown up her hands in irritation. "Do I need to get everything done around here?"
The subsequent giggles around the table had told her the obvious answer: a resounding "yes."
In the end, Tamao decides that the simplest excuse to give Miyuki is the half-version of the truth.
"Hikari-san and Amane-sama wants to give a surprise party for Shizuma-sama at the greenhouse tonight. It's like a farewell party from the current Etoile for the former Etoile, kind of thing.
Miyuki nods, but looks at Tamao wistfully.
"I understand…but I was hoping to spend the time alone with you. There's so little time left…"
The sadness in Miyuki's eyes pierces through Tamao's heart. Tamao takes the older woman's hand and cradles it to her cheek.
"Then we won't stay long, I promise."
The first thing to surprise Miyuki is the sight of Shizuma, the "supposed to be" party celebrant, standing in the crowd in front of her wryly smiling at her with her trademark grin. The second-third-fourth-and fifth things to surprise her are the yells of "Surprise, Rokujou-sama!" in unison, the dozens of flickering scented candles, the tables of tea and cookies, and the entire party committee. All of them – Shizuma, Nagisa, Hitomi, Mizuho, Chiyo, Amane, Hikari, Yaya, Tsubomi, Chikaru, Kizuna, Remon, Kagome and the rest of the incumbent council members from all three schools – are grinning at her like idiots. And standing somewhat behind her, with the widest grin of all, is Tamao.
Shizuma is the first to break the post-greeting silence.
"Honestly, Miyuki, you should just see that look on your face. It's priceless!"
The surprise party goes even well than Tamao had hoped. The guests make genuinely touching speeches about Miyuki, with the most moving coming, surprisingly, from Shion. Although a tinge of sadness runs through the room (felt especially by the soon-to-depart sixth years), the atmosphere remains joyful for the most part. Eventually, however, the guests leave one by one, until finally, only Shizuma, Nagisa, Tamao and Miyuki are left. The four women spend half an hour in companionable silence, gathering up the trays and tea sets. Shizuma turns to Tamao and hands her the greenhouse keys.
"Would you mind doing the locking up with Miyuki, Tamao-san? Nagisa-chan and I will be going on ahead with the other things."
Tamao nods. Grateful gray eyes look into smiling green ones. After a quick moment, Tamao notices a little note attached to the keys. "Good luck…and thank you." By the time the younger blue-haired girl looks up, Shizuma and Nagisa have disappeared down the path to the Strawberry Dorms.
Tamao and Miyuki go about extinguishing the candles in the room. Miyuki is about to put the last ones out, when Tamao calls out to her softly from behind.
"Miyuki-sama, don't blow them out yet. There's one more surprise left."
Miyuki turns to find Tamao holding a large envelop tied with a red ribbon. She gives it to her mentor with a hopeful, yet apprehensive smile, and then she turns around to leave.
"When you're done, I'll be waiting outside by the steps."