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Today had started like any other day for Chisato. She woke up, did her morning routine, and walked towards work. It had been complicated for all the girls in Pastel Palettes; fights were not an uncommon sight for a while; but they had prevailed. The band had stayed strong, even while they started their individual careers and college studies, nowadays the group of friends were able to enjoy their time together often.
“To think I’d get all nostalgic, fufu. Maybe Maya-chan is right to poke fun at our age.”
It was not long before Chisato found herself in front of the agency doors. Just as she was entering the building, the chorus of Shuwarin Dreamin echoed inside her bag. Wondering who would call her so early, she fished out her phone and smiled at seeing the caller’s ID.
“Hello, Aya-chan.”
“Hello, Chisato-chan! How did you sleep?” The sweet voice of Chisato’s girlfriend, and currently voted ‘Best Idol I’d Like to Marry’ – Aya Maruyama – lifted Chisato’s spirit as she accepted the call.
“Lonely. I missed my dear Aya-chan.”
“Ugh. Chisato-chan~” Chisato smiled at the sound of Aya whine. It was a comforting thought, knowing she could still tease Aya after all these years. “I missed you too. I like starring in more movies, but I just wish we were cast together more often.”
“Look at you, a celebrity and complaining about having work.”
“Chisato-chan~”
“Sorry Aya-chan, you are just too cute to not tease.” Chisato gave a not-so-sincere apology. “Really though, you know I always love hearing your beautiful voice, but why did you call me?”
“Ah right!” Aya perked up. “There was a small change of plans this morning. The agency already sent us to another location for today’s work, I’ll send you the details.”
“Thank you, Aya-chan. Then, I’ll see you soon.”
“Yes. I’ll see you soon Chisato-chan. Love you”
Hearing those words never fails to send Chisato’s heart racing. “Love you too, Aya-chan.” Chisato decided the day was already a great one.
“Chisato-chan! Over here!”
Just as Chisato got off the train, she saw her fellow bandmate and prodigal guitarist – Hikawa Hina – jumping over and over, motioning to her to come closer. Years ago, Hina’s antics would have exasperated Chisato, but after becoming close friends and family with the rest of Pastel Palettes she had grown fond of each of the little quirks and personalities of the girls.
“Hina-chan, you are being too loud. Remember this is a public space.” That did not mean however, that Chisato wanted to draw attention to herself or Hina, so she was quick to contain some of Hina’s energy.
As if just waiting for Chisato to be on range, Hina glomped on her while ignoring Chisato’s half-hearted complains.
“Here, Chisato-chan!” Hina started once she let go of Chisato, tough she kept their arms linked. “The clothes in this store are so boopin~, you really need to try them out.”
Chisato raised an eyebrow. “Clothes?” Already suspecting what was happening, Chisato still played along with Hina’s suggestion.
Hina dragged her to a nearby store, and just as she had said, the clothes were quite cute. In fact, Chisato noticed most of the clothes were exactly of the style she liked to wear in more casual settings.
“Here, Chisato-chan. Try this!” Hina did not waste any time to bring some clothes to Chisato. She made Chisato keep trying many combinations, and even joined her with some matching outfits.
All in all, the time flew with Chisato having fun. Before they knew it, it was already mid-day.
“Thank you, Hina-chan.” Chisato said once they were outside the store. In her hands there were almost a dozen of bags. “Really, you didn’t have to buy me so much.”
“You’re welcome! You looked really zappin on those, Chisato-chan. I had to buy them.” Hina smiled at her. Suddenly, Hina’s phone vibrated inside her pocket.
“Ah! I almost forgot.” Hina fished out her phone and sent Chisato a text. “Eve-chan is waiting for you here.” Hina gave Chisato a quick hug and left, not before taking all the bags from Chisato.
“Happy birthday!” Hina shouted as she run off.
Chisato chuckled, happiness warming her body. Excited at the thought of her friends planning a special day for her, she hurried to the location Hina sent her.
Once Chisato arrived at the designated spot, it was easy for her to recognize Eve among the people mulling in the street.
“Eve-chan.” Chisato called out to Eve.
“Chisato-chan!” Eve turned to see Chisato already at her side. Just as Hina did, Eve engulfed Chisato in a tight hug. “Happy birthday, Chisato-chan. You look as radiant as always. Let this be another great year!”
Chisato loved how Eve was so earnest on her compliments, a complete breath of fresh air compared to the usual people she met on the industry – the rest of Pastel Palettes excluded, of course.
“Thank you, Eve-chan.”
“You must be hungry, Chisato-chan. I found this coffee some time ago, I’m sure you’ll like it.” Eve guided Chisato to a nearby local.
Once inside, Chisato found it was not a typical coffee shop. All the walls were covered by plants; roses arched through the columns, violets framed the windows, and many others Chisato could not name adorned ever corner in a beautiful combination.
Even the smell was incredible, a special mix of coffee, tea, and flowers that Chisato found irresistible.
“Eve-chan, this is incredible. How did you find this?” Chisato asked once they sat.
“Kaoru-san recommended it to Maya-chan for one of our dates.”
“Eh~. Kao-chan is surprisingly good at choosing romantic spots.”
The two friends laughed and had a fun time, just talking about nothing. Just as Chisato anticipated, the food really good. “I’ll have to remember this place for my next date with Aya-chan.”
After their lunch, Eve led Chisato for a couple of streets. They both stopped at a non-descript building as Eve said goodbye to Chisato.
“Thank you for today, Eve-chan. I really enjoyed it.”
“You’re welcome, Chisato-chan! I hope you enjoy the rest too. Here” Eve passed Chisato a ticket. “Just enter here, Maya-chan is waiting inside. Happy birthday!” Eve hugged Chisato and left.
Alone once more, Chisato entered the building. It was a bit dark, but the atmosphere was rather cozy. It was not long before she encountered a man in uniform waiting next to a door.
“Ah, Shirasagi-san, right?” The man said as Chisato neared him. “Could I have your ticket please?”
Chisato wondered what all this was about but complied with the request.
“Excellent. Thank you. Please enjoy your stay.” The man motioned towards the door.
Once inside, Chisato realized she had entered a small theatre. A lone light illuminated the center of the audience seats, and Chisato supposed she had to sit there.
The moment she sat down, the lights above her turned off, and the stage slowly opened up. At the distance, Chisato recognized the figure of her childhood friend – Kaoru Seta – and her fellow bandmate – Maya Yamato.
“Ah, welcome my dear Chisato. The sight of you really lift my spirits, specially on such occasion. Today, the Seta company has a special play dedicated to such a beautiful flower.”
“Just as Kaoru-san said, today is a special occasion for you Chisato-chan. We hope you like our present. Happy birthday!” Maya continued.
Feeling tears prickling at her eyes, Chisato watched as Kaoru and Maya, with the help of the rest of Kaoru’s students, put up a special show dedicated to her.
After the show, Chisato did not wait to run towards her friends.
“Oh, Maya-chan, Kao-chan.” Chisato’s voice wavered as she tried to contain the sheer emotions she was feeling. “Thank you, thank you so much.” Chisato hugged the two of them.
“No thanks are needed, Chisato-chan. This is nothing more than what you deserve in such a special day.” Kaoru said.
“I’m glad you liked it, Chisato-chan. You still have to go to a last place though.”
“Oh, Maya-chan. Even more? I feel so spoiled.” Chisato said, still hiding her face against Maya’s chest.
“Huhehe. We all like spoiling you, Chisato-chan. We love you.”
After Chisato calmed down a bit, Maya took her to once of the changing rooms. Inside, Maya gave Chisato a dress and a pair of shoes.
“I’m sure you already know who’s next. Once you change, you’ll find a car outside waiting for you. Happy birthday.” Maya gave Chisato a last hug and left her change.
Chisato was amazed at how her day was going, she could hardly believe it could get better, but it seemed her girlfriend planned to end the night on a high note. She changed on the black mini-dress and heels Maya gave her and walked outside. Maya said to look out for a car, but it was actually a limousine that waited for Chisato.
A fifteen-minute drive later, Chisato found herself arriving at a high-end restaurant at the town outskirts. Waiting inside for Chisato, Aya stood in the middle of the floor. An elaborate haircut and a deep blue dress adorned her lover’s figure in such a manner Chisato had to remind herself not to just gawk at Aya and keep walking.
“Hello, Chisato-chan! Happy birthday!” The sight of Aya’s smile, reserved specially for Chisato, was almost too much for her heart.
“Oh, Aya-chan.” Chisato quickly closed the distance with her girlfriend and hugged her tightly. “Today has been so wonderful.”
“I’m glad you liked it Chisato-chan. We all wanted to make today special, and we coordinated to give you the best day we could.”
“Well, I’d say you accomplished just that.” Chisato said. “I love you, Aya-chan.” Chisato fixed her glance on Aya’s eyes as she closed the distance between their faces.
“I love you too, Chisato-chan.” Aya dipped down the rest of the way and shared a tender kiss with Chisato. She poured all her love unto it, hoping Chisato could feel just how important was she to her life.
The two separated, her hands intertwined as the two gazed tenderly at each other.
“Now then, let’s enjoy our night together, Chisato-chan.”
“Yes!”