[398] You Are All My Wings

Chapter 398: You Are All My Wings

After showering and changing, to the astonishment of the innkeeper, Hachiman led the four girls out of the hotel for couples.

As the sky had darkened by now, the streets were aglow with colorful neon lights.

Walking together, with dinner time approaching, Hachiman smiled and suggested, "Let's have dinner at my place tonight. Komachi will be thrilled to see you all."

Upon hearing this, the four girls exchanged glances.

It appeared that Hachiman still hadn't caught on to the birthday surprise, which was exactly what they had hoped for.

To maintain the element of surprise, Utaha spoke up to catch his attention.

"Are you really going to leave us and dine alone?"

"How could I?" Hachiman shrugged. "You've all put in so much effort today. How could I leave you behind and eat alone?"

"Let's go to my place. I'll cook for you myself."

With that, he turned and headed home.

Plan successful!

Watching Hachiman's retreating figure, the four girls exchanged glances, revealing expressions of triumph, and then followed him.

...

At Hachiman's house.

The decorations for the birthday party were already set.

A massive three-tiered cake adorned the table in the living room.

Thanks to Erina and the others' efforts, the party dishes were also nearing completion.

The remaining individuals were checking if there was anything else to prepare.

"Yumiko, what gift did you get for Hikki?" Yui, who was busy with the final preparations, asked Yumiko curiously.

"Oh, I just got him something random. Why would I bother picking out a gift for that guy?" Playing with her hair, Yumiko maintained her usual tsundere demeanor.

However, Yui, who knew her friend well, didn't buy her words.

Although often teased as "Silly Bun" by Hachiman, Yui was far from foolish, especially when it came to matters of the heart.

Yui had long noticed that Yumiko also harbored feelings for Hachiman, but her friend was too proud to admit it.

And indeed, it was true. For helping Hachiman pick a gift, Yumiko had agonized over it all day yesterday, only to finally settle on the most satisfying present with Mrs. Miura's suggestion.

"I wonder if Hikki will like the gift I chose," Yui muttered to herself with concern. "If Hikki doesn't like it, then..."

"If he dares! We've already shown him respect by celebrating his birthday, and he dares not to like our gift? That would be out of line!" Yumiko narrowed her eyes.

Beside her, Ebina also chimed in to comfort Yui, "Relax, Yui. The important thing about gifts is the thought behind them. And we've all come to celebrate Hachiman's birthday, I'm sure he'll be very happy."

"True, let's celebrate Hikki's birthday together. I'm sure he'll be delighted."

Hearing this, Yui nodded happily.

"It's the first time we're celebrating Hachiman's birthday. I'm so excited!" Saika's face showed eager expression.

Zaimokuza also added, "That's right, this is the first time I'm celebrating Hachiman's birthday as his best friend. It's definitely meaningful."

Just then, Komachi suddenly ran down from the second floor.

"Brothers and sisters, I saw Onii-chan coming home from the window. Get ready."

Hearing this, everyone quickly tidied up their things and hid in different corners.

As for Komachi, she turned off the lights in the living room.

At that moment, Hachiman arrived at the doorstep with Saeko.

"I'm home, Komachi. We have guests today."

Opening the door, Hachiman called out towards the direction of the living room.

But to his surprise, Komachi didn't rush out to greet him as usual, and the lights in the living room were off.

"Hmm? Is Komachi out?" Looking towards the dark living room, Hachiman was puzzled.

"Saeko, come in first."

He then prepared slippers for the girls.

To ensure Hachiman had a proper surprise, Komachi and the others had hidden their shoes well in advance, so Hachiman didn't notice them at the door.

After they changed into slippers, Hachiman led the four girls into the living room.

"Wait here, I'll turn on the lights first," he said, flipping the switch on the wall.

Just as the lights in the living room came on, everyone who had been hiding jumped out together, shouting loudly in unison.

"Happy birthday!!!"

In addition, paper poppers went off, adding to the festive atmosphere.

Even Hachiman was startled by the sudden appearance of everyone.

At this moment, Komachi came to his side, smiling, and hugged his waist.

"Onii-chan, happy birthday."

Not only Komachi, but the others also offered their blessings one after another.

"Hachiman-kun, happy birthday."

"Dear friend, wishing you a happy birthday."

"Hachiman-kun, happy birthday."

"Little devil, happy birthday!"

"..."

At this moment, Komachi also smiled at Saeko and the others.

"Onee-chan, thank you for keeping Onii-chan busy today."

Upon hearing this, Utaha, the one with the weakest constitution, discreetly rolled her eyes.

Indeed, it was quite tiring. After all, her legs were still a bit weak now.

Seeing them like this, Hachiman quickly understood what was going on and rubbed Komachi's head.

"This birthday party was your idea, Komachi."

At this point, how could he not understand? He realized that Saeko and the others had worked so hard today just to keep him occupied, so that Komachi and the others could set up at home.

"That's right, it was my idea, even though you never planned to celebrate your birthday in the first place," Komachi pouted unhappily.

Yui chimed in from the side, "Exactly, it's your birthday only once a year, Hikki, you don't appreciate it enough."

Upon hearing their words, Hachiman's face brightened with a smile of apology.

"I just didn't want to trouble you."

"But I still want to thank you all for celebrating my birthday together."

"Thank you."

With that, Hachiman bowed slightly to the group.

How long has it been...

Since he last celebrated his birthday.

In his previous life, besides his parents, who would remember his birthday?

Never did he imagine that after transmigrating, he would have the chance to celebrate his birthday with others.

All thanks to Komachi.

It's wonderful.

Komachi, his little sister, is truly amazing!

And not just Komachi, but all of them.

As he looked around at the girls, a soft smile appeared on Hachiman's face. "Thank you."

"Indeed, you all are my wings!"