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It was weird. Hayasaka had witnessed that girl’s erratic behavior plenty of times. More often than not, there was even a pinch of hope that for once her actions would be predictable. However, yet again, Fujiwara had overcome her expectations and managed to leave her completely flabbergasted─positively for once.
Hayasaka’s birthday was kept secret for a really long time, she’d rather not celebrate even, but there Fujiwara was holding an adorably adorned white mini cake just for her. It was awkward, feeling special and completely exposed at once. Gathering her thoughts in an attempt to mutter a “thank you”, only one thing crossed her mind.
“How did you find out about my birthday?” The confusion got the best of her. The cake was placed at the small round table in front of them.
“Geez, I expected some courtesy. Do you like it?” Chika smiled and wiggled her legs under the table, always too full of energy for such a tiny frame.
A small blush crept into Haysaka’s face before she blurted out any words again. She looked down at the flowery daisy decoration─who were also her favorites, by the way─before returning the gaze up to the anxious blue eyes in front of her.
“Yes, I love it,” and those words seemed to make Chika light up even more.
Chika smirked slightly before stating proudly: “Nothing is impossible for the great detective Chika Fujiwara. Also, we’re friends. Friends should know each other’s birthday, even when there’s some digging around involved.”
Hayasaka squinted. “You asked Kaguya, right?”
Fujiwara pouted slightly. “Fine, I asked Kaguya.”
“Why didn’t she come, then?”
“Well,” Chika said as she looked inside her purse for something, “I thought this time could be just the two of us for the sake of it.” She took two glittery candles that together formed the number 22, placed them on the cake, and then took out a lighter and lit them up. “I doubt you’ll let me sing happy birthday but at least make a wish.”
If possible, the crimson tone in Hayasaka’s face had deepened. “You can sing for me, actually. I would like that.”
The only reason why she allowed it was because she knew it would bring the brightest smile possible to her companion. Weirdly, as time passed and their friendship grew, Ai came to realize how fond of Chika’s smile she actually was, and how special she felt when that smile was directed to her. That, and so many other privileges, were solely destinated to Fujiwara. Hayasaka said it was merely because it was nearly impossible to interact with Chika and not grow affectionate to her silly little quirks and odd behavior, but whenever those feelings were mentioned to other people they seem to misinterpret it.
“You care a lot about her,” Kaguya had once said, and those words lingered in Hayasaka’s mind for a long time. How much of it was simply a friend worried about the other and how much was something else? If it had any other meaning to it, Hayasaka couldn’t quite place it, even if in deep thought. Being her true self around Fujiwara just felt natural, and giving her reasons to smile was even a bit selfish.
What Hayasaka wouldn’t be able to guess, not even in a million years, is that in her brain, Fujiwara debated similar thoughts. Why was she so willing of going beyond her limits for a friend? Chika visited five bakeries before choosing the perfect cake. Obviously, it was quite a pleasant experience overall─tasting cakes is always delightful─but those visits were based on the fear of not doing the best she could for Hayasaka. So, yes, friends went beyond their way for friends, even more for extra special ones.
Chika sang happy birthday as calmly as she possibly could and watched as Ai closed her eyelids and blew off the candles.
“What did you ask for?”
Hayasaka rolled her eyes. “If I tell you it won’t become true.” She took a slight pause before continuing. “We should eat the cake.”
An uncomfortable laugh left Fujiwara. “Funny story, I actually forgot to bring plates.” With another hustle in her bag, she raised two spoons. “We only got these questionable spoons.” The pink haired girl got up and moved her chair closer. “This is a lot better.”
While Hayasaka redirected her focus towards the cake and the frail spoon, Chika observed her quietly, eager for an approval reaction that came upon the first taste.
“Oh my god. Where did you buy this? I’m sure this must be the best cake to ever exist.”
It was Chika’s turn to become shy. “I’m glad you liked it.”
They started eating peacefully, with Fujiwara, unable to stay silent, humming a song while Hayasaka enjoyed the moment─until she raised her eyes and noticed Fujiwara’s face full of white frosting. Hayasaka stretched her arm to clean it but once their skin got in contact, something happened.
Maybe it was caused by the way their eyes met, or the sudden electricity in the air. Whatever it was, in that split second, Hayasaka understood why people thought their relationship was different─when the urge of kissing Fujiwara began, she didn’t fight it. The surprise, however, was the fact that the other girl started to lean in, like their thoughts had a level of connection between them. Out of despair or shock, Hayasaka also went in her direction, so fast that their lips met only a second later.
If all this time they were supposed to be only friends, how come she tasted so good? Better than any cake on earth, a different kind of sweetness. Her tongue tasted like the forbidden candy that easily becomes a craving. The heat of their faces quickly spread through their entire bodies, and a new exciting feeling blossomed in their hearts. It would never be the same again─and none of them wanted to.