Holiday (2) Yi Chen's Birthday

Unknowingly, the night had deepened.

Yi Chen checked the time.

It was 10:30 PM.

Yi Chen said indifferently:

"Ichinose, it's getting late. Are we still going to play today?"

Yi Chen reminded her softly.

Although Ichinose still felt like she hadn't had enough, she knew it shouldn't get too late, so she nodded obediently:

"Mm, just a moment, Yi Chen-kun."

"I'm really so happy today, Yi Chen-kun."

Ichinose:

"Yi Chen-kun, come with me to a place."

Yi Chen nodded.

Afterward, Ichinose led him to a dessert shop where there were three couples and a few staff members.

As soon as they walked in, the staff treated the two of them very kindly.

Yi Chen just felt that the service at this shop in Japan was naturally like this.

Ichinose found a corner seat, and the two sat down.

Yi Chen didn't think much of it; whatever Ichinose wanted to do, he would just accompany her.

The two ordered a few desserts at random and waited quietly for their food.

Suddenly, the lights in the dessert shop went out.

Yet, the shop was surprisingly quiet.

Yi Chen lost his vision.

But Yi Chen was calm and unhurried, not bothered at all.

He didn't know if it was because he had experienced things he had never experienced before today, or...

Ichinose?

At this moment, the sound of a lighter flickered.

The faint candlelight slowly illuminated Yi Chen's face.

Yi Chen observed calmly.

"What's going on?"

Yi Chen felt a bit uncertain inside.

He saw Ichinose holding an exquisite cake in her hands.

The candlelight reflected on her face, which was full of smiles, making her look exceptionally gentle and sweet.

"Yi Chen-kun, happy birthday!"

Ichinose said softly, her eyes filled with sincere blessings.

"Happy birthday!"

"Happy birthday, wishing little Yi Chen a happy 16th birthday!"

"Yay! Yay~"

The voices of the staff rose one after another.

Yi Chen was stunned at first, looking at the scene before him in complete disbelief.

Following the words, "You've worked hard this year~"

Yi Chen didn't know why, but a line of warm tears streamed down the corner of his eye.

Seeing Yi Chen crying, Ichinose immediately said anxiously:

"Yi Chen, what's wrong? Why are you crying on such a good birthday?"

The staff also looked at Yi Chen, feeling a bit bewildered.

Yi Chen didn't speak, and Ichinose came to his side, leaning close to look into his eyes.

She said gently:

"Alright, alright, Yi Chen-kun, you still have me."

"If you have anything you want to say, just say it."

Yi Chen gave an awkward, bitter smile, his voice choking up:

"I don't know either? Why is this happening?"

"Tears just started flowing out for no reason."

"You guys continue, I'm feeling a bit awkward."

Hearing this, the crowd let their imaginations run wild, and the three couples in the shop also came over to watch Yi Chen quietly.

Yi Chen looked at the people surrounding him, and for some reason, a wave of warmth surged in his heart.

Yi Chen spoke softly:

"I almost forgot that today is actually my birthday."

"Hahaha, in the past, my mom would just mention it to me casually and then send me some money."

"I've never celebrated a birthday before, so I'm very happy."

Hearing this, the crowd let their imaginations run wild again.

Those with vivid imaginations even shed tears.

Seeing this, Yi Chen hurriedly explained that he did have parents.

It was just that he had never celebrated a birthday, so he felt happy.

"Perhaps, this is what they call tears of joy."

Hearing this, the crowd returned to their enthusiastic state.

Yi Chen smiled and looked at Ichinose:

"Ichinose, thank you. I had completely forgotten that today was my birthday."

"Heehee, I've been keeping track of it the whole time. Go ahead and make a wish, Yi Chen-kun."

Ichinose pushed the cake toward Yi Chen and looked at him with an expectant expression.

The people in the shop also offered their blessings one after another.

"Make a wish."

"Happy birthday, happy birthday."

"Let's all sing a birthday song together."

"Happy birthday to you~"

"Happy birthday to you!"

Yi Chen was very happy as he looked at the people around him.

He closed his eyes and silently made a wish.

After making his wish, he opened his eyes and blew out the candles together with Ichinose.

At this moment, the shop staff also came over to offer their blessings.

They even presented some exquisite little gifts, including a beautiful bookmark with anime elements and a small doll.

Yi Chen thanked them one by one.

Ichinose also gave him a gift box.

Yi Chen accepted it with thanks and opened Ichinose's gift right in front of her.

"A box of candies? Paper cranes? Little stars, all sorts of handmade items."

Yi Chen was very happy and took Ichinose's hand.

He looked at Ichinose with a flushed face.

Ichinose also looked at Yi Chen, blushing with shyness.

Seeing this, the people in the shop started to tease them.

"Kiss! Kiss!"

Yi Chen slowly leaned in toward Ichinose.

And just like that, with everyone watching, the two shared a passionate kiss.

Several shrill screams erupted in the shop.

Afterward, everyone happily shared the cake together.

Yi Chen and Ichinose, both red-faced, thanked everyone.

The crowd enjoyed the cake, the sweet taste spreading in their mouths.

Yi Chen was completely won over.

Yi Chen looked at Ichinose, his gaze becoming firm.

Soon, the birthday celebration was coming to an end, and Yi Chen wanted to get up to pay for the celebration.

At this moment, the shop owner walked up to Yi Chen's side.

He said heartily:

"What's wrong, young man? Looking for the restroom? It's over there."

The owner finished speaking and pointed toward the direction of the restroom.

Yi Chen looked at the owner with a smile on his face:

"No, that's not it. I'm here to settle the bill. I've had a truly wonderful time today."

After saying this, Yi Chen bowed deeply to the group, expressing his heartfelt gratitude.

Staff Member A:

"This kid is so polite, he's too kind."

Staff Member B:

"He's a good kid. No wonder he has a girlfriend who treats him so well."

Yi Chen naturally knew the staff wouldn't have thrown him a birthday celebration for no reason, so he glanced at Ichinose.

His heart was filled with a complex mix of emotions.

Then, the staff member began to explain on their own:

"Little Yi Chen, your girlfriend came by yesterday. She told us all about your birthday and asked us to help arrange this for you. Where else could you find such a wonderful girl?"

"You must treat your girlfriend well; don't let her down."

Ichinose snuggled up close to Yi Chen.

Yi Chen looked at everyone with a smile.

Yi Chen smiled and said:

"Rest assured, I will definitely treat her well."

"Until the day I disappear."

"By the way, how do we settle up for today? I still need to pay, right?"

At this moment, the owner waved his hand dismissively, walked up to Yi Chen, and said heartily:

"Young man, this one's on the house. I've been moved by the youth you two represent once again."

"Back in my day..."

After Yi Chen and Ichinose offered their sincere thanks to everyone in the shop, Yi Chen still scanned the code to pay 8888 Japanese Yen.

The two stepped outside to breathe in the fresh air.

It was a beautiful night, and this birthday was deeply etched into Yi Chen's heart.

Yi Chen felt that the world could actually be a beautiful place; before, when he stayed cooped up at home, he had never been able to feel any of the world's kindness.

That is why everyone should really go out and walk around more.

Yi Chen checked the time; it was nearly 11:30, so he said to Ichinose:

"Ichinose, thank you so much for today."

Ichinose looked at Yi Chen obediently:

"It was my pleasure, Yi Chen-kun, my boyfriend."

The two looked at each other and smiled.

Though they were still a bit reluctant to part, they shared an embrace.

They looked up at the late-night sky.

The two returned to the station and waited for their train.

Ichinose leaned on Yi Chen's shoulder and whispered:

"Yi Chen-kun, what wish did you make?"

Yi Chen looked at Ichinose tenderly and whispered:

"I just want things to stay like this, simple and peaceful."

Ichinose smiled:

"That's so casual."

The two arrived at Shinjuku Station and parted ways.