Chapter 26 Remember Our Time Together
Akito's POV

"Meiko-San", I greeted as I walked into the Crase Café.

However, Meiko wasn't there. In fact, the place was completely empty.

"That's strange", I said to myself. "Meiko-San, are you there?"

I didn't get answer. Then…I realized that I could smell my favorite food.

"What a minute", I started in realization. "Is that…"

With that, I began following the scent, and it led me to the counter.

I got a closer look…and saw a plate of pancakes.

"Why is there a plate of pancakes just standing here", I asked myself.

Then…I noticed a note besides the pancakes, so I picked it up and read it.

Happy birthday, Akito! Please enjoy these pancakes!

I recognized the handwriting on the note, and a huge smile came to my face.

"Well then", I started. "Don't mind if I do."

With that, I sat down in front of the pancakes and picked up a fork that was next to them.

However, just as I was about to take a bite…a bunch of people suddenly jumped up from behind the counter!

"Surprise", they all yelled.

"Gah", I screamed in shock.

Then…I fell off the bar stool I was sitting on!

"Akito", I heard a familiar exclaim. "Are you okay?"

With this I opened my eyes, and saw An staring down at me worryingly.

"Here", she said as she held out her hand. "Let me help you up."

With that, I took An's outstretched hand, and as soon as I grabbed it…I pulled her on top of me.

"Akito", she exclaimed through giggles as I began ticking her. "Let me go!"

"Nope", I stated. "That's what you get for scaring me on my birthday."

"We didn't mean to scare you", An stated. "We were trying to surprise you!"

After An said this, I stopped tickling her. She then took a moment to catch her breath.

"You're mean", she stated. "But, since it's your birthday, I'll forgive you."

After An said this, she gave me a kiss on my cheek.

"Happy birthday, Akito", she said.

"Thanks, An", I said.

Then, we both got off the floor.

"Happy birthday, Shinonome-Kun", Kohane greeted.

"Now", Meiko started, "Let's get this birthday party started!"

…

After I ate my pancake, my friends told me that they had a gift for me.

"Here Akito", Toya said as he passed it to me. "I hope that you like it."

With this, I opened the gift; which was a CD.

"A CD", I asked.

"Yes", Toya replied. "And it has all of our original songs on it."

"Really", I asked in shock.

"Yep", An replied. "We all worked together to make it, but Toya was the one who came up with the original idea."

"I…", Toya started, suddenly becoming nervous. "I'm not sure if I'll be able to celebrate your next birthday with you, Akito. So…I wanted to give you something special. Something to remember when we were together in Vivid BAD SQUAD."

After Toya said this, I began getting emotional.

Then, I stood up before walking up to him, and giving him a hug.

"Thank you, Toya", I said. "For everything."

"Thank you for everything as well, Akito."