Chapter 67 Remember Why You're Staying
Toya's POV

I walked into Crase Café, and as soon as I did…some confetti suddenly went off!

"Toya", Meiko started. "Happy birthday!"

"Happy birthday", everybody else exclaimed.

"Thank you very much, everyone", I said.

"Toya", An started. "Kohane, Meiko and I baked you some cookies! Come and try some!"

"We hope that you like them", Kohane added.

"And I'll make you some coffee to go with the the cookies", Meiko added.

"Thank you very much for the cookies and coffee", I said. "I'm sure they'll taste delicious."

With that, I shared some cookies and warm drinks with my friends.

After we were done with this, Kohane suddenly held out an item to me.

"Here's your birthday gift, Aoyagi-Kun", she revealed.

Then, I took the item from her, and was surprised at what it was.

"Wait a minute", I said in realization. "Isn't this…the photo album you gave to Shiraishi-San for her birthday last year?"

"It is", An replied. "But…I decided that I wanted to give it to you, Toya."

"Really", I asked in shock. "But why?"

"Because…", An started. "In a few months time, we'll be moving to New York while you stay in Japan. Because of that…we wanted to give you something to remind of all the wonderful memories we made together."

After An said this, I looked down at the photo album.

I then opened it up, and upon seeing the pictures of me and my group together…I began to get emotional. I didn't even realize that I was crying…until a tear fell onto the page.

"Toya", An exclaimed before rushing up to me. "You're crying!"

"Are you okay, Aoyagi-Kun", Kohane asked in concern as she also I rushed up to me.

"I'm…", I breathed out. "I'm sorry. It's just…"

Before I finished…I let all the tears flow out.

"I'm going to miss you all so much!"

After I cried this out, I hung my head down as tears continued to pour from my eyes.

A moment later…I felt someone put their hands on my shoulders.

I looked up…and I saw Akito.

"Akito", I breathed out.

"It's okay, Toya", he reassured. "I'm…going to miss you too."

After Akito said this…he pulled me into a hug.

I froze up for a bit…before hugging him back.

"But", he started as he pulled away from me. "You've got to remember why you're staying in Japan. Saki-San and your baby need you."

After Akito said this, I looked at him in shock.

Then, I wiped away my tears…and nodded.

…

"I'm back", I greeted as I walked into Natsu's apartment.

When I did…I noticed that a huge red curtain had been hung in the back of the living room, where the piano was.

"Huh", I said in confusion. "Why has a curtain been hung up there?"

After I asked this…Ichika suddenly walked up to me, and she was wearing the type of outfit an usher would wear at a concert.

"Um…", she started nervously. "Good evening, sir. Please follow me to your seat."

I was confused, but decided to go along with what Ichika said anyway.

She led me to the couch, where I sat down.

Afterwards, she went to the curtain and pulled it down, revealing Saki, Tsukasa and Natsu; who were all dressed in the types of outfits people in orchestras would wear.

"Good evening, Toya", Tsukasa greeted. "Now that you are here, please enjoy a special birthday performance by us!"

With that, Tsukasa and Saki began playing the piano, while Natsu played the violin.

As I watched them perform, I thought back to what Akito said earlier.

"You've got to remember why you're staying in Japan. Saki-San and your baby need you."

After I thought about this, I looked at Saki…and a smile came to my face.

Before I knew it…the performance came to an end. The performers got up and took a bow, and I applauded them.

Then…I got out of my seat…before rushing up to them and pulling them into a hug.

"That was a wonderful performance", I said, before pulling away slightly. "Thank you all very much."

"Of course", Tsukasa exclaimed. "Nothing less for the birthday boy!"

"Yep", Saki agreed. "Happy birthday, Toya-Kun!"