Chapter 1

…That should do for the birthday seat.

(Fluffy cushions, slippers, and hand towels prepared with a scent Toi likes.)

(Table arrangement looks fine too…)

The decorations on this side are done too, Ryui-kun.

All set and ready with the ‘Chii-sama Respect Fluffy-Cute Decor’. It’s guaranteed to lift Toi-san’s mood.

…Please, check it over.

Got it.

Hold on, is this really okay? It might be Toi-san’s birthday, but it's yours too…

You’re working harder than anyone. You were up at four in the morning to help with the flower delivery.

It’s Toi’s birthday, of course I’d do that.

Besides, you think I could just sit back quietly after seeing that?

You mean that ‘Ani-sama Everywhere Display’ shrine taking over the corner of the living room? The pressure coming off it is unreal…

There's a huge pile of photos and merch that Toi-kun put together just for your birthday, including handmade acrylic stands, fans, and four life-size panels.

No matter where you look and stand, it’s all Ryui. …Doesn’t that make you feel a little shy?

The hell are you saying. Toi made all of this for me. ‘Course I’m happy.

Ahaha… You two are really close.

Yeah. A brotherly bond anyone could envy.

Only thing left is to check the decorations.

Kiro, Chief. This side’s fine already. Go help Toi.

Okay… With, the cake, right?

Weell then, we shall go too! Let’s go, Gii–

You two stay here.

Hogyaa!!

The neck grab into a perfect seiza takedown… Smooth as ever.

Who knows what you guys’d get up to if I let you out of my sight. It’s Toi’s birthday, so you two ain’t leaving my line of vision.

Booo. Just sitting around is boooring.

Oh, but this might be our chance, Netaro.

Ah!! That’s right!! Ryui will only be able to see Toi once he shows up! We shall give him our presents now.

Presents?

Mine is… the ‘Mirror That Makes You Look 10cm Taller’! I was gonna go with a real height-boosting machine, but it was a no-go~

You’re always coming up with weird stuff. Put yourself in the shoes of the person who has to accept it.

Then let me give mine. I may be preaching to the choir, but here’s an amulet for family safety and prosperous business, and–

This is… A hard paper ticket from an old railway line that got shut down.

(And the date printed on it is my birthday… This thing’s rare as hell!)

You once gave me a valuable railway collectible, so I thought I’d return the favor… But maybe it just feels like I’m pushing my hobby onto you.

…It's fine. Thanks.

(As expected of someone whose social media handle is ‘Galaxy Express... The king of the railway enthusiast community doesn’t mess around. He knows exactly how to hit a railfan’s weak spot.)

My gift is a deluxe fighting game pack. It’s the new release, and it looks like it comes with all sorts of bonus content. I hope you’ll check it out.

The one we played on your birthday…!

I’m not losing the next time we play, so you’d better be ready.

L-Likewise. I look forward to playing it with you again.

(To think I’m getting presents too. These guys are way too kind…)

(I’ll put the presents next to the shrine for now. Better get back to checking the decorations.)

…..Looks like there aren't any problems. All fluffy and cute. It should be good to call Toi over.

Happy birthday~!!

Thank you for the birthday wishes, everyone!

Tch, just celebrating for Toi would've been enough.

No way! We’re celebrating yours too! That’s why I made this cake specially for you.

“A birthday cake to you, the one I love so much♪ If we eat it together, all our senses will be in sync too~”

I put all my feelings for you into this. …Will you accept it?

Of course. It must’ve been tough to make. You did really well,

Ehehe…

(On birthdays, I can feel Toi’s feelings closer than usual. Is it because it’s the day we were born together? But…)

Just looking at it isn’t enough. ‘m gonna take a bite.

Yes, eat up! Here… Say Aaaah.

Aaaah… Mm. Yeah, this seriously is the best in the world. I'm so lucky to be able to eat a cake like this.

Huh? What's with this weird music...?

(HAMA House almost collapsed from Yowa’s paper fan. I didn’t know how things would turn out, but…)

Getting to watch Chii-sama, Renga-san, and Kiro-chan’s collab live from the front row! My mind’s totally blank… I have to burn this into my memory– Ah, no! Chii-sama and I just made eye contact!!!!

(Glad it all turned out fine.)

(Toi’s completely absorbed in their performance too… His eyes are sparkling…)

Hey, Ryui-kun. Are you enjoying the party too?

Huh?

Tao-kun and the others mentioned it too, but today’s your birthday as well. I hope you take a moment to celebrate yourself too.

…Geez, don’t fuss so much about it.

“We’re juuuust getting started! Next up is… this song♪!”

A finger heart was just sent my way…!

(If Toi’s having fun, ‘course I’m having fun too.)