░『Zephyr』░(KNY OC STORY/ KNY OC X KNY-OLD/DISCONTINUED)

𝙲𝚑𝚊𝚙𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝟷𝟼: 𝙲𝚘𝚗𝚝𝚛𝚊𝚜𝚝

".. Shinazugawa-sama?" Fukurō glances at her trainer from across the kitchen table. It had been around three months since she had began her training under Sanemi, but it felt like only a few weeks.

"What?" He asks, chewing on his food slowly.

"... When is your birthday, if you don't mind me asking?"

Sanemi swallows his food so his voice was clearer. "November 29th. Why are you asking?" But he could already predict the reason behind her sudden question so early in the morning. She was going to do something special, wasn't she? Just like how she had done with Kanroji's birthday in June. Fukurō had stayed up all night cooking dishes she was sure Mitsuri would enjoy eating, but Fukurō had put so much energy into the task that she almost fell asleep on the 6th dish.

Sanemi ended up having Fukurō take a break from cooking, and finished up the final 8th dish for her. Does a girl like Kanroji really eat that much? He isn't judging her, of course, but it startled Sanemi of how many plates Fukurō was able to fill with her hands, a recipe sheet on the counter as she did so.

"Happy Birthday, Kanroji-san." Fukurō would say once Mitsuri had appeared in front of the front gates, the green socks on her legs matching her eyes, as well as the faded parts in her hair. Fukurō held four plates on each arm carefully, holding her breath as she tries to keep the balance.

Giggling, Mitsuri helps Fukurō carry the plates back into the mansion. "Hehe!~ Thank you so much for the gifts, Fukurō-chan! It's so considerate of you!~" Mitsuri smiles brightly, "I'll make sure to get you a gift as well for your birthday, I promise!"

Even though Fukurō had definitely done more than one would usually do, Sanemi grew a bit concerned for his tsuguko when Fukurō mumbled about doing better.

"Maybe I could have given her something else. Was it offensive?"

Or, the more frequent mumble,

"Did she actually like it? What if I let the Tempura* fry for too long? What if-"

It made him a bit annoyed. The constant mumbling and muttering he heard as she bit her nail nervously wouldn't stop until Mitsuri herself had visited the day after to thank Fukurō deeply. Why did she feel like that, anyways? Maybe it was just a one-time doubt. Although, she had promised the girls at the Butterfly Mansion that she would pay them back somehow for their gifts to her, even though they were a farewell gifts, which didn't need any paying back.

Shrugging, Fukurō brings her gaze back to her plate,"Oh. I was just curious, that's all." Despite her answer, Sanemi knew that she was telling a simple lie. He sighs, drumming his fingers on the table in thought. "... Well, what about you, Kazekachi-san? You can't be the only one asking questions."

Fukurō's tired manner brightened up, a slight smile spreading on her face. ".. Actually, it's a month from now. In July." She says with pride, "I'll be 15."

Sanemi's eyebrows raise. "Hm." He blinks. So she was born in the summer. He decides to take a risk in the conversation."That's not so far away. I know it might hurt to talk about, but uh.. Would you ever celebrate with your family?"

Fukurō nods in response, "Mhm. And it's no problem, Shinazugawa-sama. I don't mind talking about it." She tells him, "On my birthday, my family would bring me out in the evening to the street towards the street vendors, and we would always buy some Taiyaki*." She places her hand on her cheek as she leans on the table. "We would always go to the very same stall. We weren't exactly considered regulars, but my parents made sure to take me there every year. Even when they were unable to bring me, my brother stepped up whenever my father was away or my mother would be too busy taking care of the house."