Chapter 13 A Birthday Wish
Saki's POV

The Next Day

Youthful/Friends had just finished another practice and we're now resting.

"The picture we took at the picnic yesterday got a lot of likes", Ena revealed. "Once again, thanks for the nice birthday surprise, everyone."

"No problem, Ena", Airi said.

"I'm just so happy that you liked it, Ena-Senpai", I added.

"Speaking of birthdays", Ichika started. "Your one is coming up, Saki."

"It is", Ena asked.

"Yep", I replied. "It's next week."

"Is that so", Airi asked. "In that case, you should tell us if there's anything you want to do, Saki."

"Anything I want to do", I repeated. "Let me think."

After doing this for a moment, I got an idea.

"I know", I said suddenly. "For my birthday, why don't we have a sleepover?!"

"A sleepover", Ena asked.

"I haven't had one since I got stuck in the hospital", I revealed. "But Ichi-Chan and I used to have sleepovers with our friends all the time!"

"It has been a long time since we've had one", Ichika said.

"And it does sound like fun", Airi added.

"I've got nothing against having one", Ena added.

"Then it's decided", I declared. "On my birthday, Youthful/Friends will be having their first ever sleepover!"

…

Before I knew it, my birthday had arrived.

After spending the afternoon shopping for supplies, I was setting up a snacks table in my room with the help of Ichika and my brother.

"And, done", I said when we had finished.

"Thank you so much for helping us set up, Tsukasa-San", Ichika said.

"But of course. After all, this is my sister's first sleepover since she's been out of the hospital. I have to make sure it's a night to remember!"

Just after Tsukasa said this, the doorbell rang.

"That must be Airi-Senpai and Ena-Senpai", I said excitedly.

"I shall go open the door for them", Tsukasa said.

Then, Ichika and I followed him downstairs, and watched as he opened the door.

"Greetings", he started. "You must be Airi and Ena? Allow me to introduce myself. I am Saki's older brother, Tsukasa. I warmly welcome you to the Tenma household! Do come in!"

After this extravagant greeting, Tsukasa walked to the side, bowed down, and gestured for Airi and Ena to come in.

"Well", the latter started as she came inside. "That was some greeting."

"That's my brother for you", I added as I walked up to my guests.

"Saki", Airi greeted. "Happy birthday!"

"Happy birthday, Saki", Ena greeted.

"Thanks guys", I said. "Now then, are you guys ready for Tenma Saki's birthday sleepover?!"

"Yep", Airi and Ena replied.

"Great", I exclaimed. "Then let's get this party started! First things firsts, let's change into our jammies!"

…

After we changed into our pyjamas, we all sat down by the table in my room and ate a bunch of snacks.

After a while, Tsukasa suddenly came in with something.

"Behold, my dear sister", he started. "I have brought you your birthday cake!"

"Yay", I exclaimed happily as Tsukasa put the cake down on the table.

"Ichika, could you please turn off the lights", he asked.

"Got it", Ichika replied before getting up.

While she went to turn off the lights, Tsukasa took out a lighter and lit up the candles.

Then, once Ichika came back to the table, everyone began singing for me.

"Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday, dear Saki! Happy birthday to you!"

When I heard this…I got emotional…and tears started forming in my eyes.

"Saki", Tsukasa exclaimed in concern as he quickly came to me. "Why are you crying?! Are you okay?!"

"I'm okay. It's just…it's been such a long time since I've gotten to celebrate my birthday with everyone like this. It makes me so happy!"

I said this with a big smile on my face. However, I suddenly remembered something, and that smile quickly faded.

"But…there's one thing that would've made me even happier."

I didn't need to say what this was. Ichika already knew.

"If Shiho and Honami could've celebrated with us."

"Yeah", I said sadly. "But…Shiho's busy with her idol group, and I've heard from Minori-Chan that she's in an online group with Honami-Chan. They're…probably too busy with other things right now to hang out with us."

"Yeah", Ichika said sadly.

Then…I was suddenly filled with determination.

"But…I won't give up", I exclaimed suddenly. "Someday…I'm sure that we'll all be together again!"

After I exclaimed this, everybody looked at me in shock.

Then, Ichika came up to me; tears also forming in her eyes.

"I hope we'll all get to be together again someday too."

After hearing Ichika say this, I smiled at her.

Then, I turned my head when I felt a hand on my shoulder.

"Saki, It's your birthday, so make a wish."

After Tsukasa said this, I smiled at him, before kneeling down in front of my cake.

I closed my eyes, and made my wish.

I wish to be together with Ichi-Chan, Hona-Chan, and Shiho-Chan again someday.