Master of Teasing

"Happy Birthday!"

- yuki... yuki... - a soft and gentle voice sounded.
 - ugh...
- good morning.
- morning... how much now?
- 8 AM.

- Understood... *yawn*... wait a Minute?! I didn't tell mom where I was.. - Nishikata interrupted mother of Takagi.
- Don't worry about that.  I called your mom and told her what happened.
- Oh... Um... thank you.
-  You're welcome. Sit and have breakfast.

Takagi's house

Nishikata had breakfast at Takagi's house and although he was a bit confused, he continued to be calm. Takagi continued to tease him and laughed along with mom.
- It's so nice, Nishikata. You decided stayed with Takagi on the night.
- Well, she wasn't feeling well.... So, yeah, I thought it was a good idea.
- Thank you, Yuki. *kiss on the cheek*
- Ughm... *blushed*
- Haha.
- *giggles*

Suddenly the phone rang and Takagi's mother went to pick up the phone. While she was gone, Takagi has decided to tease a little Nishikata.
- Yuki. Is it your birthday tomorrow?
- Yeah.
- Say,  what do you want for your birthday?
- Um... I don't know. I guess, a new game: "A Hat in Time".

- Hm... Interesting. But, you know, that you don't have a console.
- Oh... right. (Crap! I forget about it.) Well, i guess my parents give me a new console.
- *smile*
- What? - Nishikata looked at her with dumb face.
- Oh, you know what I'll give you?
- No... What?
- I don't tell you. It's a secret. *giggles*

Nishikata thought to myself it was another one of her jokes. But, suddenly...
- Honey. - said Takagi's mother. - It was your dad. He said he'd be gone for 2 weeks.
-  Why? He promised!
- I know, honey. But try to understand him. His work is not easy; and he is trying his best to be with us. And he doesn't like it himself.   
Takagi disappointed face came out from behind the table, not saying a word. 
- Honey? - mother Takagi, too, lowered the eyes and sit down for the table with depression. Nishikata same decided to go to Takagi, but the door was closed. 

- Rie... Open the door. I want to talk with you. 
- ... - in response there was only silence and the barely audible sounds of crying. 
-  Rie, i... I know what you mean. I have the same problem with my parents. But, they love me and... your father loves you too.
- ...

 Nishikata tried several more times to open the door and talk to Takagi; but it was useless. Then he went home with a upset face. 
- Goodbye, ma'am.
- Goodbye, Nishikata.
- ... Bye, Rie.
Nishikata went out of the house and went to himself.

Takagi's mind

"Why? Why isn't he around when I need him? Maybe he doesn't need me. Maybe it's me with all your heart hates and tries to avoid him. Or maybe I just made it all up in my head... He was so rare on my birthdays; he was never with me when I was in pain; he always made excuses for being at work and he was very busy. But... maybe not?
 (Your father loves you.) Yuki... *remembers*

 Flashbacks