Blue roses and red vines (Adohara)

13

"𝚄𝚕𝚝𝚛𝚊 𝚜𝚒𝚐𝚖𝚊 𝚐𝚊𝚢" - 𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝙼𝚘𝚕𝚎

About two weeks later...
Ado's birthday was getting closer. It literally was on the following day, the 24th. And yet, the artist was out in town and debating a good present...

「It would be really cruel to just give her nothing. I can't do that baking thing again either...」 There was a thundering cloud floating above Orihara's head. So many thoughts... with that mindset, she might never find a present.

Just then, she passed by a claw machine. ...a claw machine? Really?
There was a boy trying his luck. "Come on... This is my 54th time trying this, it's gotta work!" Curiously, the artist approached him. "Is the claw machine not giving in?" "GAH!" The boy jumped. "You almost made my spirit leave my body!" "Sorry, sorry... I deeply apologise..." "Whatever... do you think you could handle this sinful machine? I don't want to loose another 30 Yen." "Sure, I could try."

And with that, Orihara tried her best to get out a plushie. To her surprise, she actually got one out - it was a cute little stingray. "Wha... How did you..."
The boy gasped. "Miss, are you secretly controlling the mechanism with brainwaves?" "What? Where did that come from-??" "I've never met someone who could get a plushie out the first time!" He smiled brightly. "Thank you so much... I will never forget this day...!"

As the boy (and the stingray) left, Orihara turned her attention back to the claw machine. One of those could be a good gift...
And so, she tried her luck again. This time though, she got a whale. 「Its eyes look a bit like a ship's windows...」 The artist smiled. Was navigating a claw machine secretly her hidden talent?

"Toryo, Toryo, look!" Orihara arrived at home again. The cat slightly tilted her head. ❲Ergh, what is the human doing with those furry pieces of filled fabric again?❳ were probably her thoughts, but who could read a cat's mind. "I hope you didn't venture out again... You're getting old, remember?" Orihara petted her roommate. She was truly precious. And another reason Ado was coming over from time to time.

ORIHARA ⇒ Naima, guess what?

It was time to text again. Phone addicted artist...

NAIMA ⇒ You're interrupting my favourite show, dumbass (⁠╬⁠☉⁠д⁠⊙⁠)⁠⊰⁠⊹ฺ
ORIHARA ⇒ I apologise, but look at this cute little whale I got from a claw machine!! [IMAGE]
NAIMA ⇒ Are you broke or something? Why are you gifting Ado a 30¥ whale plush? (⁠ノ⁠｀⁠Д⁠´⁠)⁠ノ You really have no idea of being a girlfriend
ORIHARA ⇒ We'll see

"She really said I have no idea of being a girlfriend... Oh my. We aren't even girlfriends..." Orihara flopped down into her bed. She could ask the million dollar question tomorrow... but was that even a present? What if it's too confronting? AAAARGH-
Toryo hopped onto the mattress and gave the artist a gentle meow. "Silly little cat. You're right. Worries aren't the right thoughts for such a day."

Now, let's text the singer!! Luckily, she was online.
ORIHARA ⇒ Excited for tomorrow?
ADO ⇒ I was just going to ask you the same thing...
ADO ⇒ Are you a telepathic genius??
ORIHARA ⇒ A boy asked me that too today
ORIHARA ⇒ Maybe I'm an alien!
ADO ⇒ Otherworldish Orihara ★

That made Orihara laugh.

ORIHARA ⇒ That's me. But getting back to my question...
ADO ⇒ It's my birthday, how could I not be excited? The whole group's there, including you
ADO ⇒ I'm so happy to finally have friends for a party again
ORIHARA ⇒ I can tell
ADO ⇒ Also, I need to go now. Would you like to make a call later?
ORIHARA ⇒ Looking foward to it ♡

A call! That's probably the second time the two have ever spoken via telephone audio. Texting is easier, no?
"Ahhh, I can't wait..." And whilst waiting, Orihara could aswell do her diary.

On Ado's side...
The singer almost fell down the stairs as her brother called her. Who would ever leave Kiyoshi's skills unanswered?
"That smells so heavenly..." "I made it with all my organs this time." "Eww... Kiyo, that's disgusting... you zombie."
The two began to eat. "Say, what's planned for tomorrow? Going to the arcade like last time?" "Oh my, I was like, 17 there. No, this time we'll go to the amusement park." "That's quite a big step. You know how many people will be there?" "Yeah..." Honestly, Ado was a little scared at the thought of being in a bustling crowd. "But I've got my friends. They're here for me. Just like you were..."
Kiyoshi grinned. "You're growing up, little sister."

After dinner, Ado instantly called her best friend.
"And then he said I'd grow up. Like I was still the little girl he had to protect!" Orihara's laugh echoed through the speaker. "That's Kiyo for you, no? I bet he just wants you to be safe." "You bet... Well, I really love him for worrying about me. That's such big bro trait." "Haha, I can tell." "Say, is my present all wrapped up?" "Still curious about that one?" "I am!! It's a present from someone not from my family, of course I'm curious!" "You'll see... Let destiny decide your fate... hoooooo~"
Orihara really put up a spooky mood for that...
"You're really silly. Alright then.. sleep well? It's getting late, no?" "Oh my, you're right! Sweet dreams, Ado! Here's a goodnight kiss... mwah..." Ado giggled. "Okay, okay, I'm really filled with all that love. We're sounding like a wed couple at this point!" "Waaah, you're right! Nevermind it!" With that, Orihara ended the call.
And Ado needed to scream into her pillow for some time. Why did she say "wed couple"?? That's so weird!

𝓕𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓴 𝓶𝓸𝓭𝓮 𝓪𝓬𝓽𝓲𝓿𝓪𝓽𝓮𝓭...