After the funeral, something about the way me and Keiko lived our lives changed. It wasn’t like we suddenly became a picture-perfect couple who sent good morning selfies and baked cookies together — no, it was subtler than that.

We started visiting our families more often. Not every weekend, we weren’t saints, but about once a month. That’s good, right? I mean, for dysfunctional, emotionally constipated adults like us, that’s practically a milestone.

Keiko still checked in on her mom more often, though. Most of the time it was through short phone calls during her lunch breaks because, well… life was hectic. But every now and then, when she got a proper day off, she’d go see her. I liked that. I respected it. Even if she’d never admit how important it was to her.

Time moved fast. The kind of fast where you blink and suddenly it’s May again.

And May meant one thing — my birthday.

May 21st, baby.

This year, I was genuinely excited because Keiko asked me out on a date. Not just any date. A proper, no-Rin, no-family, no-third-wheeling date. Just the two of us. Finally.

When we told Rin about it, her reaction was… well, classic Rin.

"Nice, I have a date too on that day," she said, crossing her arms, acting way too cool for a high schooler.

I could almost see the jealousy bubbling under that calm exterior, though. Not that she’d ever admit it. She’s always had this ice-queen act, pretending she doesn’t care. Rin: Queen of Pretending to Be Unbothered Since Birth.

I mean, seriously — sometimes I wonder if she picked up those cold, deadly glares from Keiko. They could both murder a man with one stare.

But anyway, this wasn’t about Rin.

This was my date night. My birthday. My time.

Except… there was a problem.

I had no idea where the hell to take her.

I’d been googling, scrolling through social media, even eavesdropping on customers’ conversations all week trying to find the perfect spot. But every idea had a problem. Too far. Too expensive. Too crowded. Too weird. Too couple-y. Too basic. Too haunted. Yes, that was a real option someone suggested.

It was damn hard to find the perfect spot, since our date had to be at night after work — and that immediately killed half the options I had in mind.

I groaned as I scrolled through yet another “Top 10 Date Spots in Tokyo” list on my phone, my head literally starting to hurt. I scratched my head in frustration when Keiko’s sharp voice snapped me back to reality.

"Scratching your head won’t make the dish get to the customer, Ryuko!"

Oops.

“Gotcha!” I blurted, snapping to attention like a scolded schoolkid.

As I served the food, Aki slid over to me, grinning like she’d caught me hiding a scandalous secret. “Getting scolded on your birthday, girl.” She giggled.

“Shut up,” I muttered.

“What’s got you so worked up anyway? Maybe I could help.”

I hesitated for half a second. I mean, Aki was younger and kind of a social butterfly. She probably knew all the trendy places. But then again… she was also Tokyo’s fastest gossip. If I told her anything, by tomorrow the entire staff and maybe half the neighborhood would know about my date.

“Nah… I’m good.” I sighed.

She pouted. “Ugh, no fun. You always keep it to yourself.”

I stuck my tongue out at her. “Maybe if someone didn’t have a mouth the size of Shibuya Crossing, I’d tell you.”

“Who you calling big mouth?!” she pinched my arm and I yelped. “Ow, ow, ow! Okay, okay!”

Right at that moment, I felt a shadow loom over us.

There she was.

Keiko.

Arms crossed, eyebrow raised, gaze sharp enough to cut diamonds.

No words. Didn’t need them.

Aki immediately released me and scampered away like a scolded cat. I sighed. “Sorry… Keiko.”

God, I was so embarrassed.

---

After we finished closing up, the staff surprised me with a birthday cake. I appreciated it. Really, I did. But I was itching to wrap things up and leave.

“Thanks, guys. Seriously,” I smiled, clapping my hands. “I’ll treat you all tomorrow.”

“Wooo! Let’s party now!” Aki shouted.

“No,” I shut her down instantly.

“Aw, come on. It’s your birthday.” Miko chimed in.

I sighed. “I’m not saying no forever — just not today. Tomorrow.”

Aki pouted dramatically. “What, your boyfriend waiting for you or something?”

Damn this girl.

Before I could retort, Keiko calmly stepped in. “It’s because I couldn’t make it today. That’s why Ryuko’s doing it then.”

The two girls exchanged knowing looks and went “Ooooh, I seeee.”

Thank god for Keiko. I owe her a lifetime of desserts for saving me.

Then Ruka, who rarely got involved, spoke up too. “Yeah. I’ve got stuff to do today too. Thanks for covering, Ryuko.”

I blinked at Ruka.

Holy hell, was that… kindness? From Ruka?

Maybe the world really was ending.

“O-oh… no problem,” I stammered.

Keiko clapped her hands once. “Alright, good work today, everyone. Let’s get out of here.”

Without another word, she turned and made her way to the exit.

Phew.

Date time.

I bolted out of there like a man escaping prison and met Keiko at the station. She was already waiting, her usual calm expression on her face.

“So, where are we going?” she asked.

Ah, crap.

I scratched my cheek awkwardly. “Umm… about that. I’ve been searching all week but… I didn’t find anything good.”

She blinked at me, confused.

I couldn’t even look her in the eye. I’d overthought it so much, I’d killed every plan before it even had a chance.

But instead of getting mad, she just… smiled.

She took my hand — which, okay, made my heart skip a beat — and said, “Then just follow me.”

I stared at her for a second, completely thrown off by the sudden gesture. That one small, unexpected touch did something stupid to my chest.

I swallowed hard, gave a small, embarrassed grin, and nodded. “Y-yeah… okay.”

And just like that, the world felt a little lighter.