I Just Want A Single Ending!

Bonus chapters are like surprise blossoms—unexpected, yet full of joy! 🌱

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As soon as he said it, Soyo remembered exactly what he was talking about.

It was that night when her mother, finally home after so long, had been called back to the office at the last minute, leaving her to eat the special dinner alone. But then, Saku had shown up unexpectedly, keeping her company for the meal.

That was when he'd told her he'd return the favor one day with a dinner he made himself.

She hadn't refused, though they hadn't set a date—his hands were injured at the time from practicing the bass, and they agreed he'd cook for her "some other time."

What she hadn't expected was that "some other time" would turn out to be tonight.

She'd nearly forgotten, but he'd remembered…

If she wasn't mistaken, that night he'd already had dinner but came just to eat with her.

He remembered even the smallest things, things she herself had nearly forgotten…

Saku checked the stove and called over, "Why don't you go wash your hands and get ready? The soup's almost done."

"Mm," Soyo nodded, heading to wash her hands.

Taking a seat at the table, she couldn't shake the feeling that so much had happened today.

And yet, as she thought about it, it felt like nothing had really happened at all.

She'd only slept most of the day. Saku had been the one doing all the work.

When he placed a bowl of vegetable minestrone in front of her, Saku asked, "So, would you like to start with dinner or the cake?"

"…Thank you."

Seeing the soup in front of her, Soyo murmured her thanks.

From his mention of soup earlier, she'd had a feeling, and sure enough—it was her favorite, vegetable minestrone.

She'd mentioned it offhand once, but he'd remembered.

It was incredible, really, how well he remembered the smallest details.

Even little things like this told her just how much he cared.

"No need to thank me," he said lightly. "How about a taste first? I've never made this soup before, so it might not be just right."

"There's no need to taste it. No matter how it is, I'm drinking every last drop."

Soyo answered with conviction. After all, he'd made it just for her.

"You don't need to force yourself," he chuckled. "If it's not good, just let me know."

After all, it was her birthday—her opinion was all that mattered.

"Could I start with the cake instead?" Soyo asked, her gaze drifting to the large birthday cake at the center of the table.

"Of course."

Saku pulled out a box of candles. "I'll put them on."

"I'll help, too." She got up to assist him.

But he gently refused. "No need. You can start thinking about what wish you'll make."

"Alright…"

Soyo sat back down, watching him arrange the candles with such focus. She closed her eyes, her mind turning to her wish.

She wasn't a kid anymore, and she knew wishes didn't magically come true.

But still… maybe.

Once all sixteen candles were in place, Saku lit each one before moving to the switch and turning off the lights.

In an instant, the room plunged into darkness, with only the soft glow of the candle flames illuminating the space.

"Alright, let's sing 'Happy Birthday.'"

Returning to the table, he softly began, "Happy birthday to you…"

I wish I could be family with Saku.

Without any hesitation, Soyo made her wish.

When the song ended, she opened her eyes and blew out the candles in a single breath.

"Happy birthday!"

Saku flipped the lights back on, restoring the room to its usual brightness, then pulled out a small, gift-wrapped box, holding it out to her.

"You even got me a gift?"

Soyo took it, her surprise evident.

"Isn't that what you're supposed to do?" he replied, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. "It's your birthday—what would be strange is if I didn't get you a present."

"I have to ask… did you go out and buy this today, too?"

Looking at the cake, Soyo felt a strong suspicion. He'd already admitted he'd almost forgotten her birthday—was this something he'd scrambled to get today?

"Caught me," Saku admitted, trying to keep his tone casual.

"…I knew it."

Today was a full-blown typhoon day. Just how far had he gone, and for how long, to get all of this?

Just thinking about it made her worry even more.

"What did you wish for, by the way? Can you tell me?" Saku quickly changed the subject, not wanting to linger on the topic.

"Nope. If I tell, it won't come true." Soyo shook her head seriously. "At least, that's what I've heard."

And besides, her wish was one she could never tell him.

"Well, here's hoping it comes true," he said with a grin.

"It will," she replied with conviction, nodding firmly.

Because as long as he was willing, her wish could absolutely come true.

"Can I open this now?"

Soyo turned her gaze to the gift box in her hands.

"Go ahead."

With his approval, she carefully unwrapped the package, revealing a jewelry box inside.

"What's this…?"

Opening the box, she saw a pendant shaped like a delicate yellow flower. She didn't recognize the flower, but the craftsmanship was beautiful.

"That flower is a yellow iris. It symbolizes lasting friendship and also has meanings of warmth and positivity," Saku explained with a smile. "I thought it was perfect for us—so here's to a friendship that lasts forever."

Just in case, he'd double-checked the meaning of the flower before coming back, wary of getting taken in by the sales pitch.

Fortunately, the yellow iris did mean what the clerk had said. He'd lucked out there!

Friendship that lasts forever…

Soyo's heart sank a little. She was starting to despise that word.

Because what she really wanted was to become family with Saku.

And that was a world apart from friendship.

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T/N: If this is how he treats his friends...how does he treat his s/o?

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