Birthday

The day started off like any other. At this point she had gotten used to the daily life that she was going to spend for the next year. Nothing special had really hit the mark. Learning about baking and getting to know more about Chiffon's background was interesting, but despite her best attempts, there was no budging from Anadama. However, this day was a little different. At least for Kosaki.

The morning was quiet, as usual. She awoken out of bed later than normal, as it was a weekend. She had no plans either, days like this always warranted a break. Almost hard to believe that it had been nearly a month since she joined the school, she thought. It was weird to her not to see her friends at home almost everyday, but it was becoming more normal as the days passed. That didn't mean that she wasn't in touch with any of them. That's why she wasn't surprised to see her phone filled with a few messages to check.

"I wonder what Ruri wanted to say." She opened up her best friend's message first. It seemed fair.

'Happy Birthday.' Was all it said. Confused, She checked her calendar and the date reminded her of what day it was. June 15th. With everything that had happen recently, she had forgotten about her birthday. It felt surreal, she certainly wasn't planning on spending her birthday in a different country just one month ago. She checked through the other messages still unread.

'Welcome to being another year older haha. Happy birthday'

'I know we haven't seen each other for so long, but I'll never forget your birthday."

'Hard to believe your gone still, hope you have a great birthday. We miss you.' Reading the last message, from Raku, made her heart skip a beat. What did he mean by missing her. She shook her thoughts. She didn't still feel that way. Did she? Right now that didn't matter. It was her birthday after all. Now with more of a reason to not waste this day, she went off into the bathroom to get ready for the day.

Once finished, she put on a light blue summer dress. Even if she didn't go out, putting on some nice clothes made her feel special. Heading down into the kitchen, it was strange to see it empty. Usually she would see George cooking up some breakfast for them. Then she remembered that it was a weekend, which were his days off. She didn't mind, she was in the mood to make breakfast for everyone. Getting right to work, she gathered up all the ingredients needed to make a proper meal for a group of people. Thankfully, living in such a wealthy household meant that supplies were generally not low.

"Ah I see you've already began." A voice grabbed her attention. It was the butler, in more causal clothing than his regular suit attire. "You really don't have to."

"But it's your day off. I wasn't expecting that you'd be down here now."

"True, but I am aware that it's a special day for you. Which by the way, I hope you have a pleasant birthday."

"Thank you, but how did you know? I've never mentioned it before."

"I've read you file. You shouldn't be working at our benefit on a day like this. I can take over today." He offered. He was much kinder to her compared to Anadama. Always speaking with a nicer tone as well as offering help without being asked.

"Thank you, but today I want to do something special for all of you here. Because this is my first birthday without my friends and family." She frowned saying that. It was unfortunate to not have them here with her. But she believed that was probably for the best.

"I apologize that it has to be like this."

"Please don't apologize, it's not your fault. It's not anyone's fault."

"I understand, still though. May I be of help to you in making this meal?" He was really persistent in being a helper. That was something that he always enjoyed, even in his work.

"Sure. If you really want to." And so they began. There were plenty of ingredients to work with for both of them. She tried thinking of what she should make for all of them. From what she learned from Chiffon, she knew that the girl preferred lighter meals. So she began slicing up some fruits and found some yogurt place them into. George was heating up the stove to cook some eggs and had already placed some bread into the toaster. "May I make something for Mr. Miyanagi?"

"Mr. Miyanagi? Oh you mean Master Anadama. You should call him by his first name Ms. Onodera."

"Really? Isn't that too informal given our relationship?"

"He would prefer that. Master is more into the simple things despite the life he is in." His statement was made more ironic considering that he continued to use the term, 'master', when addressing the boy.

"That's quite a surprise." She thought that living with him, there was much she didn't know about him. Even though she tried to start up conversations when they walked by each other. He always seemed tried to come up with excuses to avoid her. She was sure that he was hoping that she'd eventually give up, like Chiffon had. Every time those two walked by, not even a word of greeting was uttered.

"I'd say the same goes for what foods he eats. Just some eggs sunny-side-up and two pieces of toast are more than enough to make him happy." He got a couple of eggs out for his master. "I don't know if it's worth the effort for you. I can handle it."

"No, I really want to make something for him. And I think I have an idea for that." Even being aware of his preferences, she believe that he should have something special. It didn't seem right to make something boring for him. She was sure he'd still enjoy it.

"Ok, but I still think that a couple of eggs and toast will do for him." He felt that she was making a mistake. However, from how he acted when she made breakfast before. He thought that there might've been a chance to turn him over. No matter how unlikely. He continued working on his own food, keeping an eye to ensure that it was cooked properly.

She continued on her meal for Anadama. While an omelet might have been to extravagant. Doing something special with pancakes might do the trick. After getting the mix, she put together the ingredients and mixed them. George thought that was a good idea. Anadama was impartial for pancakes, just never had time to make them for himself in the morning. She also grabbed out some berries and cream to add on for toppings. As decoration was her specialty at the shop, she was able to create a fairly elaborate design with what she had.

"That look wonderful." He complemented. Where did you learn how to do that?"

"I don't know, I've always been good at this. That's what I do at the shop mostly."

"That sounds nice." He said. But there was something that bothered him. If that was her job at her family's bakery, was what made the master of the house made by her? He didn't want to confront her on it, she probably didn't know. And she didn't seem like someone who would lie about it, especially since she had never heard of the school. She was definitely trying though, baking something each night after most of them had already went to bed. Her prelim test was coming up soon.

"Well it looks like we've got everything ready." She thanked him for the help, at the same time Chiffon was coming into the kitchen to make something for herself. She was greeted with the sight of a filled table covered with tasty foods, with an aroma to match.

"Wow!" She was amazed, "You guys really went all out on this." Peering over the table, she spied a bowl filled with yogurt topped with fruits meticulously placed showing the attention to detail. "I see you really pay attention to what I say." She sat down at the spot. "Thanks, Onodera."

"You're welcome, it's really no problem." She shied away from the compliment. Never one to bask in the glory. "I wonder where Anadama is? I thought he'd come down by now."

"Probably sleeping away his weekend. I swear he's so lazy."

"Oh I'm sure he's just doing something else right now. In fact I'll go get him now." Kosaki volunteered.

"Oh miss you really don't have to."

"Don't worry about me. Oh and please don't wait for us, you can go ahead and start eating." Before he could object, she rushed out of the kitchen.

"Well I'm not waiting for that wastebasket." Chiffon commented and started to dig in.

Heading up the stairs, Kosaki made her way to his room. Even though this was her idea, she felt her muscles tense up as she got closer. Heart rate rising, knees slightly weak, she knocked on the door. She waited for what felt like an eternity. Even though she knew he wasn't a bad person, she'd be lying if she said she was wasn't nervous. After only five seconds, he opened the door.

"Oh it's you. What do you need?" He asked coldly. He didn't look happy to see her.

"Well I was just wondering what you were doing at this moment?" Trying her best not to sound nervous.

"Weird of you to ask that, but if you must know I've just been catching up on some reading."

"Oh really? What is it?" She peeked around the door and saw the same covered book from the flight.

"That's not really any of your business." He leaned over, blocking her view.

"S-sorry." She backed off. "I was also going to ask if you were hungry."

"Well I guess I was going to grab something to eat in a little bit."

"Perfect! We've got something special down in the kitchen." He stared at her confused. He realized that she only came here to try and get him down there.

"I don't know, I could stay up here for a little while longer." Unfortunately for him, his stomach didn't feel the same way. The rumblings betraying his real feelings.

"I don't think that's what your belly is saying." She nervously giggled.

"Fine! But I'm only going down there because I'm hungry. I'm not doing it for you or anyone else." His words sounded like someone else she knew. Maybe there was hope for her yet, she thought. "Don't tell me you've made me something else again?" He asked.

"Oh I see you found out."

"It was pretty obvious. George knows my favorites, and he knows that I like my eggs sunny side up."

"I see. Well I'm sure that you'll enjoy breakfast today."

"Doubt it." She ignored his quip and led the way down to the kitchen. As they reached the room, they saw the others already begun in their meals.

"Well look here. I guess the master of the house isn't above eating with us peasants." Chiffon couldn't resist from making sure he knew her disdain.

"Well usually when I see you, I just lose my appetite." Scanning over the table, he saw the stack of pancakes. Knowing that it was for him, he sat down in front of it. Kosaki sat down at her respective plate. Right across from him.

"What do you think?" She asked, hopeful in a positive response.

"The pancakes? I guess they're alright. He lied. It actually looked very beautiful, but his pride kept him from wanting to complimenting anything either of the two did. It didn't taste too bad either as he took a bite. In fact, there were a few additions he could feel put in.

"Well I think they look wonderful." Chiffon added. "Don't worry about what he has to say.

"I'd say you should absolutely listen to what I say. Seeing as I'm responsible for your grades most of the time." He replied. "I've got the best taste in the world, I can tell when things are added when they shouldn't be. Or maybe when it was actually a good idea. I'm better than that girl over at that chef academy or whatever!" He confidently proclaimed.

"Yeah, yeah, yeah. I know. You've said that a million times!" She countered. "Is there anything else you've got to say to us when you're not trying to ignore us."

"I don't know how things are done where you're from, but last time I checked. I still live in a country where I'm free to say whatever I want. Or to not say anything at all."

"Well whatever happened to some hospitality. We all live together."

"That doesn't make us a family. Or anything more than strangers."

"Well you two please be quiet!" That stopped their growing argument. Coming from George, that surprised the both of them. "I understand that you two have your difference, but could you please not fight today of all days? You're upsetting the birthday girl."

"Birthday girl?" Anadama quietly asked. He turned to look at Kosaki. She didn't say anything to stop either of them. But she clearly didn't enjoy their squabble. Her eyes welling up with tears. This wasn't what she wanted for a group breakfast dinner.

"Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry I didn't know that." Chiffon apologized.

"Yeah…" he didn't know what to say, or do. "I've lost my appetite." He excused himself from the table. Leaving them on their own.

"I can't believe you've never told me about today. Is that why you set up this breakfast for us?" Kosaki nodded. She had really hoped that maybe they could have had a good time together. She felt foolish for believing that.

"I was just hoping that maybe we could have some time together."

"There's nothing that you can do that will change him. I already told you, he isn't a good person." She didn't want to believe that.

"I wouldn't say that you're free from blame." George said.

"I know, if we had known that it was her birthday. We probably wouldn't have done that."

"You both shouldn't need that." They fell silent. Kosaki asked for some time alone. Despite Chiffon's protests. She decided to go out back in the gazebo to get some fresh air. Even though Chiffon thought that she should stay inside and be with her. George believed differently. He was confident on what was going to happen next.

Being outside felt so much better for Kosaki. The sun shined brightly, yet the gazebo provided the right about of shade from the heat. It had been a couple of hours since breakfast, that went poorly for her. She was discouraged by what had happened. She really wanted Anadama to be more welcoming to the both of them. She thought that maybe if they acted more kindly to him, that maybe he may have returned some of that.

That was not to be, but that didn't mean she was going to give up. There were many times in her life that she wished she pushed harder, tried a little harder. Her life would certainly be very different. After everything that had happened, she wasn't going to give up so easily. Even when the old her would have fallen. Feeling refreshed and with renewed conviction, she got up, but when she turned. She saw Anadama standing out there, hands behind his back.

"Hey." He said to her, much more quiet than he had ever sounded before.

"Oh. H-hello." She was certainly surprised to see him of all people standing there before her. Not that, that was a problem for her. "How long have you been there?"

"Sorry, I just got here. Am I interrupting something?" She couldn't believe it. The boy that had been ignoring her or spoke with ice in his veins, was now talking to her with meekness.

"N-no. I mean, I was just about to come inside, but I can stay here for you. If that's what you want." That was his preference. He didn't want anyone else wanting to see him.

"Yeah, that's fine with me." He stepped into the gazebo, hand still behind his back.

"What do you have?" She asked, curious what he was hiding. But from how he normal acted, wasn't a surprise to her.

"Well I never got a chance to apologize earlier." He explained. "So I made you this." He revealed a small cake, topped with a lit candle.

"Wow!"

"You don't have to act amazed, I know it's not that special. I just made this a little earlier." He crossed his arms and tried to look cool. "I'm doing this because I'm not an animal… And I'm sorry for the way I acted."

"Thank you!" She hugged him. Catching him off guard.

"Alright, alright. It's not that big of a deal." He said, blushing from the show of affection. "I just made a small cake, that's all." As she went back to pick up the cake she placed down. He was about to leave her be, until she stopped him.

"Wait. Where are you going?"

"Back inside, you can enjoy your cake by yourself." He retorted. "You should make a wish before that candle goes out."

"Then, I know what I want to wish for." She was about to continue on explaining her wish, but he cut her off.

"Aren't you, you know, not supposed to tell people what your wish is? I'm pretty sure we were told it wouldn't come true if you did that." Amused, he started to walk away once more.

"I wish that you would have one slice of cake with me!" She shouted, stopping him in his tracks. She couldn't believe how bold she was, they stood there silently for a moment. As a high school student, she was incredibly shy and soft spoken, so doing this would've made her explode from the thought. Now as an adult… She still felt like her body was about to blow up from the embarrassment.

"Well ok then." He sighed, defeated. "There's no point in fighting it at this point. You are the birthday girl after all." He sat beside her, as she blew out the candle. As she took a bite from the cake, Anadama came to a realization that he had only brought out one fork.

"Yum! This really is an amazing cake that you made." She enjoyed the flavors that enveloped her mouth. Her great sense of taste gave her an effect of sitting cozily by a fire, warm and cozy. Lost in the taste, she didn't notice Anadama reaching his hand out to grab the fork. Bring herself back, she saw him take a bite with it. "W-w-what are you going?!"

"Uh, I'm eating?" He responded, fork still in mouth.

"Yes! But I just used that!" Her body heated up. Doing that was basically the equivalent of an indirect kiss for her. The idea that he was also tasting her mouth was embarrassing.

"Well yeah, it's the only fork we have. Oh wait don't tell me you believe in that 'indirect kiss' myth." He glared at her. It's not technically a myth, but the importance might seem a bit foreign to Anadama.

"I-i guess." She looked away, unable to look him in the face.

"That's ridiculous." He ranted. "That's not what make a kiss. Kissing someone means that you love them, whether it means your family or a girlfriend or boyfriend type thing." She stopped and thought about that. He made a point, was what she thought about displays of affection superficial?

"Wow, that's a good observation. Where did you learn that?"

"Well I do read a lot of roman..." He paused, staring at her as he found himself about to reveal an embarrassing secret. "I mean who asked you anyway!" He stood and stormed out. "And don't expect this to be a normal thing either." She watched him as he went back inside.

He was a strange person to her. So secretive and usually cold. But she couldn't understand why do something nice for her. Or maybe she could, this wasn't the first good thing she seen him do. And neither was it going to be the last.