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Ikuyo had always looked forward to her birthday; it was something new each year. Sometimes it was an extravagant event meticulously planned by her beloved Hitori, while others it was a simple night out at a nice restaurant.
She had grown to love both outcomes. She realized the only thing she truly cared about on her special day was being able to spend it with the love of her life, Hitori Gotoh.
She never would have expected what Hitori had in store for her this year, however…
“…Ah, here it is!” Hitori happily exclaimed.
She had been following her phone for directions, but seemed to have gotten lost for a spell. Ikuyo was proud that her girl was able to find her way, knowing how out of her element she was.
Ikuyo shifted her attention to the building Hitori had brought her to - a modestly sized ryokan connected to an onsen.
She was quite surprised when Hitori brought this up initially. The idea sounded nice, but there seemed to be plenty of obstacles in making it a reality. Tokyo wasn’t home to many ryokans, or at least ones that were affordable. Kessoku Band was doing well, but not that well. She was already worried about having to travel and whether that would tire Hitori out or not.
On top of that, ryokans can be quite busy depending on where you go. If Hitori was already tired out from the train ride and then had to deal with crowds of people, Ikuyo shuddered to imagine how she’d feel. She didn’t want Hitori to feel uncomfortable just to make a silly little birthday better.
But, surprisingly, Hitori had already thought of all of those things. She found a nice little place not too far out of Tokyo, and made sure that it was a smaller inn with a good amount of privacy. Of course, it was a little pricey, but she assured Ikuyo that she budgeted in advance to make this happen.
Ikuyo couldn’t help but feel she may have been underestimating her fiancée’s determination. She decided to make up for it by having the best day ever at this ryokan, and showing Hitori that she did an amazing job. And, admittedly, Ikuyo was quite pleased at the prospect of soaking up in the hot springs for a while. The idea of washing away all of her school stress while next to the girl she loved… That alone is enough of a gift.
“I-Ikuyo?”
“Huh?”
Hitori’s meek voice broke Ikuyo out of her own thoughts as she realized Hitori had been waiting to enter the building the past minute.
“Ah, sorry! I’m ready!” Ikuyo said with cheer.
“Are you sure? You looked deep in thought,” Hitori pointed out with probing eyes.
“Hehe, it’s okay! I was just thinking about how much I love you~,” Ikuyo said, only somewhat bending the truth.
“E-Eh? Wh-Where did that come from?” Hitori asked, red as a beet.
“Well, I was just thinking about how thoughtful this gift was, and how excited it made me… and that made me think of how much I love you!” Ikuyo nonchalantly explained.
“I-Ikuyo…” Hitori’s face stayed a bright red as she scratched her cheek.
“Don’t forget our rule, honeybun,” Ikuyo reminded with a gentle smile.
“A-Ah, hehe… I love you too,” Hitori said, affection abundant in her bright blue eyes.
A silly smile bloomed on Ikuyo’s face. “You know… I technically said it twice.”
Hitori was surprised, but quickly giggled to herself. “Th-Then, I love you too too!” She said with a faux pride.
It didn’t take long for Ikuyo to start laughing, which caused Hitori to laugh with her. The day had barely even begun, but they already felt so warm together. Ikuyo wasted no time wrapping her arms around Hitori’s back and locking eyes with her. Hitori was dazed for but a moment, before quickly returning Ikuyo’s passionate gaze.
Ikuyo smiled. “You’re way too cute.”
“E-Eh?” Hitori’s blush came back in a fervor. “Th-That’s… You of all people saying that…”
“Hehe~!”
“W-We should really check in with them,” Hitori tried to break away, but Ikuyo held tighter.
“Can’t the birthday girl get a quick gift before that?” She asked with an alluring light in her eyes.
“A-Ah, um…” Hitori seemed embarrassed, but quickly turned it into a smile. “Of course,” she replied.
Closing her eyes, she leaned in and gave Ikuyo a soft yet passionate kiss. The warmth of her lips evaporated any exhaustion Ikuyo had built up from the trip and immediately made her want to start assaulting Hitori with kisses in fervent affection, but she held herself back.
As Hitori slowly pulled away, it took everything in Ikuyo not to pull her back in, but… she assured herself that they’d have plenty of time for that and more later.
Taking a breath, Ikuyo looked to Hitori once more. “Let’s head in~.”
After settling into their rooms, Ikuyo declared that she wanted to try out the rec room. There was still some time before dinner, so Hitori saw no reason to decline. More than anything, however, there was one aspect of the night in particular that Hitori was looking forward to.
It’s quite simple, really. Ryokans provide yukatas for all their guests to walk around in, and Hitori has never lost her weakness to seeing her fiancée in different attire. Even before the day began, she knew any possible hardship would be worth it to see Ikuyo in a yukata.
With this thought in mind, she changed into her own quickly. If this were in their teen years, Ikuyo would no doubt have to walk Hitori through tying her obi properly for the millionth time, but if there’s any knowledge Hitori’s retained for her twenties, it’s how to put on a yukata! …Maybe that’s not something to be exclaimed.
With thoughts swirling in her mind, Hitori idled by the door, meticulously planning out the rest of their day in her head. If they spent the next hour playing in the rec room, they could make it to dinner on time, which she was sure was going to be delicious. Afterwards, she estimated there’d be just enough times to wash themselves and soak in the hot springs. It’ll be cutting it close with the time they close it for the night, but Hitori preferred that. She knew it would mean less people, and more alone time with Ikuyo.
“I’m ready!” A cheerful voice breaks her out of her mind.
As Hitori turns towards her beloved, her eyes shine as they latch onto Ikuyo’s outfit. She was thinking so much about seeing Ikuyo in a yukata that she didn’t even take a look at her own while putting it on, but… they’re beautiful. The designs are far more intricate than the ones provided at larger ryokans. This really was the right choice.
“It’s a cute design, huh?” Ikuyo said with a smile that threatened to melt Hitori.
“It really is…” She responded, gazing further at the cloth.
A standard black with splashes of pink and red flowers all over. It seemed somewhat random where they were placed on the clothing, but the chaotic nature somehow added to its beauty. Ikuyo was always beautiful, but Hitori couldn’t help but feel she looked stunning in this moment.
“What’s up?” Ikuyo asked with a slight blush forming.
“Ah, um…” Hitori blushed in kind. After a pause, she said, “You just look so pretty.”
Ikuyo’s blush grew stronger, but she still smiled wide. “Thank you, Hitori. You look pretty dazzling yourself!”
Hitori let out a small giggle. She was so happy little interactions like this made their respective hearts jump out of their chests. Of course they knew the other was pretty, but… the love held in their eyes when speaking it… Hitori was sure that’s what caused this reaction every time.
Ikuyo clung to Hitori’s arm. They exchanged a brief look before Hitori realized she was assigned as the guide for the day. She was more than happy to do so. She wanted to guide Ikuyo to the best birthday imaginable.
“Ready to go?” Hitori gently asked.
“You bet!” Ikuyo replied with spunk.
Smiling to herself, Hitori led the way. Luckily, the inn was small in comparison to others, so she didn’t have much trouble finding her destination. As she slid open the door, Ikuyo made a sound of awe.
Peeking inside the room, many amenities laid waiting. A ping pong table, arcade cabinet, crane games; multiple things caught Hitori’s eye.
“Which one do you wanna do first?” Ikuyo excitedly asked.
“You’re the birthday girl,” Hitori replied with a smile.
“Oh! Hehe, then, um, ping pong!” She said with a silly expression.
Hitori agreed and they moved towards the table, each occupying their respective sides. Hitori let Ikuyo start for the prior reason. She happily threw the ball in the air and smacked it with her paddle, bouncing it off the table and towards Hitori.
Hitori was slow to send it back, just barely managing in the last second. Admittedly, she was enamored by her opponent. The grace with which she hit the ball was enthralling. It wasn’t intentionally done, most likely, it’s just… the way Ikuyo moved and the swaying of her yukata. Hitori was captured by her everything.
She felt she had been distracted by her beauty all day. She didn’t mind it all that much, but she knew she had to put it aside to make this game fun. In some ways, this reminded Hitori of the P.E. classes they shared together. Hitori would be enamored with her then too. But Ikuyo was just so…
“Gotcha!” With this declaration, Ikuyo knocked the ball right past Hitori, earning her first point.
Hitori realized she was at a total disadvantage when thinking about Ikuyo. Perhaps she loved her too much… at least to be successful in sport against her. To remedy this, she came up with a tactic.
As she hit the ball towards Ikuyo, she asked her a question. “So, um, how do you like the inn so far?”
Ikuyo looked surprised for an instant, but recovered in time to hit the ball back. She smiled, seeming more than willing to accept Hitori’s challenge. “It’s nice so far!” she said, swatting the ball away once more. “You’re so good at coming up with birthday ideas~.”
Hitori hadn’t accounted for flirting, but it was still somehow easier to deal with than her own thoughts. “W-Well, I just want them all to be memorable.”
“They are,” Ikuyo instantly replied. “All of my birthdays have been so much better since I started spending them with you.”
“Ikuyo…” The ball flew past Hitori.
“Ah, sorry! I wasn’t trying to distract you that time!” Ikuyo said with a giggle.
Hitori giggled too. She didn’t mind losing a point with a compliment like that. “Hey, Ikuyo?” She threw the ball up in the air.
“Yes?”
Hitori smacked the ball towards Ikuyo. “I love you.”
“I love you t-” The ball flew past Ikuyo before she realized what happened. She looked towards Hitori in a pout. “Cheater.”
“H-Hehe, it’s payback,” Hitori said with a playful smile.
Ikuyo couldn’t help but fold into a smile as well. “Haah, well, I still love you too. Even if you’re a cheater,” she just had to add on.
Hitori quickly approached her side of the table. Standing behind Ikuyo, Hitori wrapped her arms around her fiancée’s stomach. Her height had some advantages. She was now free to kiss Ikuyo’s scalp any time she desired. And each time she did, the scent of Ikuyo’s lovely strawberry shampoo wafted into her nose. She had developed a certain feeling of comfort in response to this scent. Though, she just felt comfortable with Ikuyo in general.
“You still won,” Hitori whispered to her.
“Only cuz you were distracted,” Ikuyo responded.
“You noticed?”
“Silly. You think I don’t love when your eyes are on me?” She said with a loving warmth.
Hitori could only giggle in response.
“I want more kisses,” Ikuyo said with no room for denial.
“Well… if that’s what the birthday girl wants.” Hitori leaned her head over Ikuyo’s shoulder, as Ikuyo turned her head to meet Hitori’s eyes. For a moment, they just started at one another, before Hitori moved in and stole Ikuyo’s lips. An electric shock ran through her body as their lips collided. Hitori truly didn’t love anything more than kissing Ikuyo. She loved it so much that the instant she took a breath, she moved in for another one.
After another ten seconds of loving stares and melting from warmth, Ikuyo pulled away and giggled. Hitori was confused.
“You really like that lipstick, huh?” Ikuyo said teasingly.
“E-Eh?? What do you mean?” Hitori asked, a blush present on her cheeks.
“I did a test, hehe. You always kiss me more when I wear this one,” Ikuyo said with a wink.
“Th-That’s mean,” Hitori said with a pout.
“Sorry, sorry! But, it’s just… you’re so cute… I wanna know how to get more kisses out of you~,” Ikuyo continued teasing.
“I-Ikuyo…! I-I can’t…” Hitori had gotten better at dealing with Ikuyo’s teasing, but there were days like today from time to time where she was simply too enamored to bear it.
“There’s a way to make me stop talking, you know~.”
With that as the last straw, through a fervent blush, Hitori crashed into Ikuyo’s lips once more for the most passionate kiss of the day. She was red from embarrassment, but she still craved the warmth from Ikuyo’s lips. She held for far longer than usual, but Ikuyo continued to stare lovingly into her eyes.
Even after she stopped to take a breath, Hitori knew… this had started a chain reaction~.
After a lovely, but filling dinner, Hitori made her way to the onsen with Ikuyo. After finishing washing herself, she stepped out into the hot springs. As her feet touched cold stone, she looked around and saw no one else in the water, just like she was hoping for. This also meant she was faster than Ikuyo.
Hitori considered waiting to go in the water with Ikuyo for a moment, but the night breeze quickly changed her mind. Putting her towel to the side, she put one foot in the water and immediately felt the refreshing sensation of hot water wash over her. She modestly stepped in and sat close to the entrance, ready for Ikuyo whenever she stepped out.
Hitori let out a breath of happiness as she felt her worries wash away in the hot water. As she looked towards the sky, searching for comfort in her favorite stars, something else caught her attention - the moon. She had been so focused on Ikuyo’s birthday that she’d completely lost track of its cycle. It seemed to be full tonight.
Hitori smiled to herself. She always liked the moon. It’s always been exceedingly pretty to her. Perhaps it’s part of the reason she always stays up so late… Yeah, no, it’s just her horrid sleep ethic.
Still, she couldn’t help but be entranced by the moon on this beautiful night. Its warm glow only seemed more appealing while this water made her feel at home. She leaned back, stretching her legs out and putting her hands to the side, but she kept her gaze fixed on the moon.
“Wo~w! It’s so pretty!” A cute voice exclaimed, startling Hitori out of her reverie.
She hurriedly turned towards its source, ready to greet Ikuyo, when her voice got stuck in her throat. It wasn’t out of nervousness or shock or anything of that ilk, however. It was Ikuyo herself.
“Why are you staring at me, silly~?” Ikuyo asked with a light blush.
It wasn’t the reason Ikuyo was most likely suspected. Sure, if it was early in their relationship… well, anytime before they moved in together, Hitori might have felt a little overstimulated visually from something like this. But, perhaps due to the increased frequency of the sight, it was no longer enough to knock her out immediately… most of the time. No, it wasn’t anything lecherous that caught Hitori’s eye.
“O-Okay, seriously, what’s up?” Ikuyo asked with both a sizable blush and embarrassed smile, somewhat moving to cover herself up.
“A-Ah, no, it’s just…”
Hitori gazed at her body some more. She’d never seen her like this. It was something she’d probably scarcely see again too.
Ikuyo was completely bathed in the moon’s celestial glow. Her soft, fair skin was accentuated by the moon’s pale light. Hitori had always known that Ikuyo’s body was something to behold, but she was enraptured by it in this lighting. Her eyes scanned Ikuyo’s entire body; her face, her chest and arms, her hands fiddling in embarrassment, her legs, all of it was bathed in the same shine. It was like Hitori was witnessing a perfect being. Perhaps not to everyone, but perfect solely to Hitori.
To Hitori’s eyes, Ikuyo’s body shimmered in the luminescence. She was…
“You’re beautiful, Ikuyo,” Hitori said in a trance-like state. “With the moonlight, every single part of you is just… beautiful…”
“H-Hitori…”
Ikuyo’s face instantly turned red at this, as she put her arms behind her back. But Hitori made an effort to lock eyes with her. She wanted Ikuyo to truly see this wasn’t coming from a place of lust, rather from a place of the utmost love.
Ikuyo’s blush remained, but Hitori could tell it was from the sheer weight of her words. Ikuyo couldn’t help but break into a bashful smile.
“That’s… quite the birthday present, girl,” Ikuyo said with an embarrassed laugh.
“I’m just… being honest,” Hitori said as a blush spread on her own face, realizing what she had just said.
In the interim of Hitori’s brain catching up to her own words, Ikuyo plopped herself beside Hitori and clung to her arm, resting her head on Hitori’s shoulder.
“…You know, you didn’t even let me see you in the moonlight, meanie,” Ikuyo said with a playful pout.
“I-It’s not like the water’s foggy,” Hitori said somewhat sarcastically.
“Yeah, and I’m currently enjoying that view,” she replied smugly. “But I didn’t get to see you naturally in the ‘glow’ you mentioned. I feel robbed,” she said in a playfully dramatic tone.
Hitori giggled at her acting. “W-Well, you can always look at me when I leave.”
“Oh, I will,” Ikuyo replied immediately.
“I-Ikuyo…” Hitori looked away with a blush.
“Honey, you made my heart feel like it was gonna burst just five minutes ago. You’re gonna let the birthday girl tease you a little~,” Ikuyo said with a smirk.
“Y-Yes,” Hitori gave in.
“Ehehe~, you know you’re just so cute that I can’t help it,” Ikuyo said with affection abundant in her eyes.
“I-I really meant what I said, though…”
“I know,” Ikuyo gently responded, gracefully patting Hitori’s head. For a moment, Hitori wondered why she didn’t comb her hair like usual before remembering she did it up before entering the waters. “It’s exactly because you meant it that it did such a number on my heart,” Ikuyo added.
“…I love you,” Hitori said with a shy smile.
“I love you too. So, so much~,” Ikuyo heartily replied.
For a moment, the two simply bathed in their own warmth. Hitori couldn’t tell if the water was what was heating her up anymore. This feeling in her heart… only one girl could cause it~.
“Um, did you like dinner?” Hitori asked her beloved, wanting to make sure the day’s been up to her standards.
“Mm! It was so yummy! There was so much though… I feel like I’ve gained some pounds from tonight alone,” Ikuyo said with a blush.
“Th-That’s healthy for you,” Hitori said almost automatically.
“Jeez, I’m not in high school anymore, Hitori. You don’t have to make me eat more anymore,” Ikuyo said with a pout.
It’s true, Hitori had broken Ikuyo out of being underweight, but she still looked quite thin in her eyes. Sometimes Ikuyo claims she has more of a tummy now, but… Hitori just thinks she looks as stunning as always.
“Well, I’ll still keep an eye out,” Hitori said only somewhat jokingly.
“I don’t have my high school metabolism anymore either, you know. It would be a battle to lose these pounds,” Ikuyo said with her eyes closed in mild annoyance. “Ah, but whatever, it was worth it for the nice meal. You liked it too, right?”
“Ah, yes,” Hitori happily replied. “It was so good… and there was so much… hehe~.”
“Yeah, you even ate all the vegetables. You don’t even do that for me,” Ikuyo said, giggling.
“A-Ah, no, it’s just, um, I didn’t want to be rude, so-”
“Hooooh, so you’re fine with being rude to me?” Ikuyo said with a devious smile.
“N-No, it’s just…” Hitori looked away. “Y-You know that I’m… picky… so you don’t judge me if I can’t eat things sometimes.”
Ikuyo once again began to pat Hitori’s head. “Hehe, I know, sweetheart. It makes me happy that you try for me. I like finding the foods you love most. I even tell Nijika what you don’t like when we go over~.”
“E-Eh!? N-No, you don’t need to-”
“I know I don’t, but I want to,” Ikuyo cuts her off. “Plus, Nijika likes spoiling you more than I do sometimes, so it’s not like it’s any trouble for her.”
“I-I guess that’s… true…” Hitori looks down.
“None of us judge you for it. I just wanted to know if this place did something different that you liked,” Ikuyo said with a kind smile.
“N-No, I just… put up with it,” Hitori admitted.
“Hehe, well, I’m proud of you for that~,” Ikuyo said with a grin.
Hitori basked in the compliment, before quickly shaking her head. It’s supposed to be Ikuyo’s day, yet she’s the one getting praised. Hitori swallowed her nervousness and asked the question she needed to.
“Ikuyo… Has today been good?”
“Eh?” Ikuyo looked into Hitori’s eyes, seemingly searching for something, before a smile bloomed on her face. “You silly. It’s been a great day~.”
“R-Really? I-I just got worried that we didn’t really do much…”
Ikuyo lifted her head and turned towards Hitori, meeting her gaze fully. “I’ve loved every minute of it, Hitori. Taking the train with you and listening to music. Playing all those games in the rec room. Bathing with you right now. Heck, I even loved just testing out the bed in our room. I love… everything when I do it with you. This birthday is perfect because it’s with you~.”
“Ikuyo…” was the only word Hitori could muster.
“Ah, but don’t get me wrong, I think you picked the perfect place for us. I enjoy every day with you, but I’ve really liked this place’s vibes. It just makes spending the day with you even better. Especially when I get to see you in a cute little yukata~,” Ikuyo added.
“H-Hehe,” Hitori giggled through a blush. “I’m… really happy. I never want to make this day disappointing for you…”
Ikuyo leaned her head on Hitori’s shoulder once more. “You never will. As long as you keep being the girl I love. That’s you, by the way~.”
“Ehehe~.”
“…Do you mind if we just stay like this? A little longer?” Ikuyo asked in a cute tone.
“Of course. It’s whenever the birthday girl wants to leave,” Hitori replied.
For what didn’t seem like a long time at all, Hitori simply enjoyed sharing her warmth with Ikuyo in the shine of the moon. She felt at peace, knowing Ikuyo had a good day. Now, she just wanted to enjoy the night with her~.
As Ikuyo tied her obi once more and finished putting on her yukata, all of the happy memories of the day ran through her mind. She truly couldn’t understate how happy Hitori made her.
With a pep in her step, she made her way to the exit that leads back into the ryokan. Unsurprisingly, her favorite pink guitarist awaited her. She smiled like the sun had just peered past the clouds when Ikuyo came into her line of sight.
Ikuyo smiled back and ran to take her hand. “Let’s head to our room.”
“Ah, it might take me a while to fall asleep. I’m feeling pretty awake,” Hitori admitted.
“I didn’t say we were sleeping,” Ikuyo said under her breath.
“Eh?”
“Ah, don’t worry about it.”
“Oh, um, okay,” Hitori said with a smile. “Um, the day’s almost over, so… I wanna say it one last time before it turns 12. Happy birthday, Ikuyo! Every year of my life since I’ve met you has been better and better. I hope I get to spend the rest of them with you too,” she said bashfully, but earnestly.
“Hitori,” Ikuyo replied, barely sure of what to say. “I want to spend the rest of my life with you… Every birthday only proves that more and more. The gift of you being in my life is enough for every remaining birthday. I just… can’t wait to call you my wife soon, hehe!”
“M-Me too!” Hitori excitedly replied.
“I love you so much, Hitori,” Ikuyo said, an honest light in her eyes. “You mean the world to me.”
“I love you too, Ikuyo. Y-You’ll always be my favorite person~,” Hitori said with a flirtatious confidence that Ikuyo couldn’t help but find adorable.
“And you, mine, my love~,” she happily replied.
Ikuyo tugged on her hand to start walking towards their room. She needed to start kissing her soon.
Today had been a mix of many positive emotions for Ikuyo. It was exactly what she needed right now, and she was continuously impressed with Hitori’s ability to recognize things like this. Even if it wasn’t as extravagant as some other years, it was one of her favorite birthdays.
But she wasn’t sad over it ending. She knew tomorrow would be just as amazing. And the day after it too. As long as she had Hitori’s hand to grasp, she could push through any hardship. That’s the kind of girl that Hitori made her feel like.
She wanted to face the world, hand-in-hand with her. Knowing that, she could end this night completely satisfied.
Of course, even with that said, the night was still young~.