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Today was Valentine's Day, and Sakiko's birthday.
After practice, everyone sat down.
"Togawa-san, do you know what day it is?" Umiri asked.
Sakiko blinked. "February 14th," she said flatly, as if reading from a calendar.
"Bingo!" Nyamu exclaimed. "I'm kinda jealous. You get two special days in one."
"Saki, did you really forget what today is?" Mutsumi asked.
"It's just Valentine's Day," Sakiko replied stiffly.
Nyamu stifled a laugh. "It's your birthday, silly."
"Hey, isn't this Saki's first birthday in Ave Mujica?" Mutsumi pointed out.
"You're right," Uika realized. "I guess we really haven't been formed for very long, have we?"
"But we celebrated Wakaba-san's birthday as a band in January," Umiri reminded them.
"Don't forget we celebrated Mortis' birthday that day, too," Nyamu added. "She looked like a kid in a candy store."
Mutsumi looked away. "That was her way of saying she appreciated it..."
Uika looked sad. She knew that Sakiko wouldn't allow them to celebrate.
Nyamu slung an arm around Uika's shoulder. "Don't worry Uiko, we'll just throw her a secret surprise party," she whispered under her breath so Sakiko wouldn't hear.
"Think you could distract Saki-chan while we do that?" Uika whispered back.
Nyamu's grin widened into something predatory, her pink eyes gleaming with mischief as she leaned closer to Uika, her breath tickling the other girl's ear. "Oh honey, you know I'm the queen of distractions," she murmured, twirling a lock of purple hair around her finger. "Just leave it to me. I'll have our dear leader so tied up in nonsense she won't notice you sneaking off."
"Thanks, Nyamu-chan. I owe you one."
Nyamu winked and walked over to Sakiko, beginning her distraction plan.
Uika, Mutsumi, and Umiri quickly left to Uika's apartment.
"Who's better at baking?" Uika asked, looking over at Umiri and Mutsumi.
Mutsumi raised her hand hesitantly. "I-I've baked a few cakes...."
Uika clapped her hands together, lavender eyes sparkling with sudden determination. "Perfect! Mutsumi-chan, you're on cake duty. Since it's also Valentine's Day, maybe a red velvet cake? Or am I shooting too high?"
Mutsumi bit her lip. "Red velvet's...complicated. The layers, the cream cheese frosting-"
"I'll help you," Uika said. "Umiri-chan can handle decorating."
Umiri nodded, already pulling ingredients from Uika's fridge with practiced efficiency. "Decorations won't be an issue."
Uika's face suddenly fell.
Mutsumi tilted her head. "Uika?"
"Do I deserve to be doing this for her....?" Uika muttered. "Who am I kidding? Saki-chan's so perfect, and I'm just...normal."
Umiri stopped mid-reach into the cupboard, turquoise eyes narrowing. "Misumi-san." Her voice was calm but carried an edge that made Uika flinch. "You're the one Sakiko chose first. That's not 'normal'—that's everything."
After everything was complete, Nyamu led Sakiko to the apartment.
"Hide!" Uika hissed.
Everyone ducked behind the couch.
Sakiko walked in.
Uika, Umiri, and Mutsumi popped up. "Surprise!"
Uika took Sakiko's hands. "Happy birthday, Saki-chan. I'm so happy I get to spend it with you. I want to spend the rest of my life with you, if you'll let me. I didn't have time to get you a gift, but does offering myself work?"
Sakiko hugged Uika. "You're the best."