After Asuma came in, his gaze quickly swept the living room. Only when he spotted Kurenai Yuhi sitting near the kitchen did he seem to relax, a smile appearing on his face. "Makoto, happy birthday! We're not late, are we?"
Uchiha Makoto smiled and welcomed them inside.
He knew Asuma had a vague crush on Kurenai. His main reason for coming this time was probably to "supervise" her safety.
Harada Yuichi was his teammate. Though he carried little weight, Makoto had specifically invited him today.
Before long, there was another knock at the door.
This time, a small group had arrived.
Genma Shiranui, Namiashi Raidō, and Aoba Yamashiro were all classmates he got along with reasonably well. Carrying the gift boxes they had prepared, they poured inside in a lively crowd.
"Makoto! Happy birthday!"
"I heard you've come up with something new again! When are you going to show us?"
"Enough chatter, let's eat! What's this dish? It smells amazing!"
The little living room instantly became even more crowded, and even livelier.
Laughter, conversation, and the clatter of bowls and chopsticks mingled together. The aroma of food filled the air, and the lights shone on faces that were still young, yet brimming with energy.
The birthday party had officially begun.
Standing in the kitchen doorway, Uchiha Makoto watched the noisy, heartwarming scene before him, and some corner of his heart quietly softened.
Setting aside all the schemes, the system, and his worries about the future, at least in this moment, this simple youthful bustle and friendship were real and warm.
Of course, it would have been even better if he could ignore Kurenai Yuhi's occasional glances at Nako, Nako's quiet but constant attention to him, and the knowing looks Obito and the others occasionally shot his way...
*I, Uchiha Makoto,