( it wasn't a surprise to hear that reaction from her, considering how the ring around his neck was still with him.
and yet... he shook his head at her. )
yuka. that ring in the box, is the ring that i should've given to you a long time ago. that's ojichan's ring.
( she still couldn't believe how he got to pull the strings with them. then again, no surprise there. he's destined to be the next clan leader after all, skills in that department would be required.
her arm reaches further deep into the bag, getting into contact with a small
( the ring that was rightfully hers and taken away by the clan due to power imbalance. in his mind, rika had already served her purpose in his life. he gave her the ring out of respect of their grandfather's will. )
the one around my neck is just a replica. you're not the
younger days with their friends. though, his main priority was to keep his grandmother's pictures as precious mementos. )
there's another thing inside aside, that one is more important.
it wasn't easy. took a lot of talking to different clan members along with cross and maru's help to convince them. not to mention, you weren't the only one who benefitted from this.
( he takes out a photo album that were filled with pictures of their grandparent's in their
okay good because i don't want you to—
( yuka's words suddenly stopped, eyes staring in disbelief and surprises. she turns her head back and forth to look at him and back at the gift. fully taking it out, it was...
her ojichan's original white buttoned top. )
tsurugi.... how
i'll let yuka do anything she wants for her birthday today. but if i find out someone tries to ruin her day:
it'll be their necks that will cross my blade.
so BE. NICE. TO. YUKA.
( he rolled his eyes and shook his head while folding his arms. )
it's not. not like i have a lot of money on me anyways. i can guarantee that you'll like this one.
( he eyes her while she opened the gift, a sliver of a familiar white clothing inside. )
tsurugi, you really didn't have to—
( she watched him pass the gift bag to her, taking it. based on the weight, it seemed very hefty. she starts opening it while speaking )
don't tell me it's something expensive, because i'll actually bonk you if you spent so much on me!
@zenin_curs3 i'm not really big on parties since i don't have a lot of knowledge when it comes to that. i only thought of getting her a gift, hopefully it's enough.
i... don't think i've ever been good at throwing parties. but, i did get you something that i think you'll like.
( little did she know, he had a birthday bag along with him when he had arrived. he hands it to her promptly. )
( he could understand it. while tsurugi wasn't particular with celebrations, yuka always loved them. not with her birthdays in particular, but the concept of parties and celebrations were her thing. he admits to feeling guilty of not being well versed in that department. )
o-of course, like don't get me wrong. i'm really happy being here and all better than before. i just....
( she found herself scooting over to him, leaning slightly to lean her head against his shoulder. )
....i just wish obaachan and ojichan were here....
( the news about yuka's sudden recovery from the cancer in her brain was still something he could hardly believe. it was a major relief, but it left him contemplating about the purpose of his battle against maru. )
.... what matters is that you're still here.
( from crossed legs to hugging her knees, yuka's eyes were glued towards the horizon. )
i don't feel any different. but for some reason, this year was excruciating. and if anything, i thought i wouldn't even get to have another birthday again.
as if you can actually land a punch on me.
( he scoffed before plopping himself down onto the grass, overlooking the field before them. it was breezy today, and it helped him relax. )
so, how does it feel to be an age older?
( perking up, she looks up to see her brother which startled her for a bit. )
geez... you're gonna give me a heart attack at this rate! you're lucky i didn't punch you!
and what's with the sappy musings you got there?
( and there he goes, suddenly appearing by her side like a ghost. a hand placed on her hair to ruffle it a bit. )
so today's the day that i grow older huh? my birthday....
i don't really feel it as much but, i've definitely gotten mature and stronger. but i can't help but feel so sentimental.
well, as long as i'm with my brother and friends, i wouldn't want anything else in the world...