Morning crept in with a hush, the air warm and heavy, as if the world itself were still half-asleep. Cicadas droned from the trees, their cries sharp and steady, threading through the quiet with a restless rhythm. Golden sunlight filtered through the slits in the blinds, casting delicate stripes across the wooden floor. From a nearby window, the comforting aroma of miso soup and steamed rice drifted in, curling through the room like a gentle whisper. Outside, the streets lay still in that fleeting, magical calm that came before the day truly began—when everything felt possible and nothing had happened yet.
Downstairs, after a long, exhausting lecture from their mother, Asuka and Keisuke finally stepped out for school.
"At last, we're free and in one piece," Keisuke said, breaking the silence with a sigh of exaggerated relief.
"That's for sure," Asuka said, and they started walking towards the school while doing little chit chats about the things which they will do later.
"See you later," Asuka smiled as she waved him off, turning toward her own classroom.
It was still August 18th, just two days before Manjiro's birthday, and she still hadn't figured out what to get him. Her thoughts swirled with indecision.
Sliding into her seat, she placed her bag on the desk and gazed out the window, eyes soft with thought.
"Will he come today… or not?" she muttered under her breath.
A moment later, the classroom door creaked open, and Manjiro stepped in.
"Morning," he said, not particularly cheerful, but not dull either—just… neutral.
"Morning," she replied quietly.
Something about him felt off. Asuka couldn't quite put her finger on it—his presence felt a little heavier than usual. He wasn't acting like himself. She watched him for a second longer, then turned away.
Maybe it's just hormones, she thought. He is getting close to his pre-teens, after all.
Manjiro took his seat without another word, and soon after, the teacher entered, beginning the day's lessons.
By the time school ended, the sun had dipped lower, casting a warm amber glow through the hallways.
"Bye, Manjiro," Asuka said as she packed her things.
"Bye," he replied, giving a small wave. "Will you come out to play today?"
She hesitated, then replied, "Uhh… I don't think I can today. I've got something important to do."
"Oh yeah? What's that?"
She smiled mischievously. "It's a surprise. Can't spoil it."
Without waiting for a response, she walked away.
---
Later at home…
Asuka locked her bedroom door and immediately got to work on Manjiro's gift. Outside, Keisuke knocked on the door.
"Hey, you coming out for snacks?" he called.
"Can't. I'm busy," she replied.
"Fine, I'll bring them to you," he said before walking away.
That night, Asuka stayed up late, fingers smudged with paint and eyes heavy with sleep, but her heart full of anticipation.
---
August 20th – Manjiro's Birthday at the Sano Residence…
The room shimmered with color—balloons floated along the ceiling, anchored in cheerful clusters at the corners. Streamers curled down in loose spirals, and a bold "Happy Birthday" banner stretched proudly across the wall. Star- and heart-shaped balloons bobbed in the air, lending a playful charm to the space. Laughter rang out like music, the sweet scent of cake and celebration filling every breath.
All of Manjiro's friends had come, and Keisuke, along with the others, darted around the room, playing games and joking before the cake-cutting.
After the celebration, one by one, everyone handed Manjiro their gifts. Then Asuka stepped forward, holding out a neatly wrapped rectangular box.
"Here," she said softly, her eyes glimmering. "This is for you."
Manjiro took it with a smile, then glanced at her. "Can I open it now?"
"Of course," she nodded.
He carefully peeled away the wrapping paper and opened the box. Inside sat a glass jar, adorned with a delicate, hand-painted floral design that seemed to dance along the surface like a blooming spring garden. Shades of soft pink, yellow, and violet mingled with strokes of leafy green, giving life to each tiny blossom. Just beneath the golden lid, a rustic twine bow tied everything together, making it feel personal—tender, thoughtful, and quietly magical. Inside, the jar sparkled with hundreds of tiny, colorful paper stars.
Manjiro's eyes lit up. "It's beautiful," he whispered, mesmerized. Emma and Keisuke peeked over his shoulder, equally enchanted.
Emma sighed. "I wish someone would give me something like this someday…"
Manjiro carefully unscrewed the lid and reached in, pulling out one of the stars. His fingers gently unfolded it—and as his eyes scanned the writing, his expression shifted.
His breath caught slightly. "These are… memories?" he asked, looking up at her. "You wrote down everything… all the things that have happened between the four of us?"
Asuka nodded, her cheeks warming. "It took a while… but I couldn't think of anything better than giving you something that held all the moments we've shared."
Manjiro's smile widened into something soft and full of feeling. "Thank you, Asuka. I'll treasure this for the rest of my life."
"Hehe, you don't have to make such a big deal," she said, flustered. "It's just a gift."
"But it's from you and you worked hard on this," he said simply.
The night unfolded in laughter and new memories, but somewhere in Asuka's heart, a quiet storm still stirred. She couldn't rest yet—not with the weight of the things she still had to face.