It Won't Come True If I Tell You

After seeing most of what there was to see, the two of them figured Satoru Gojo and Suguru Geto must have finished resting by now. They turned in unspoken accord and headed toward the dessert stand where they had parted earlier, ready to meet up with the other two.

They had not gone far before they spotted two familiar figures in the distance.

Satoru Gojo stood waiting in boredom, a bag of desserts in his hand and a snack between his lips, while Suguru Geto quietly kept him company.

Their eyes met, and all four shared a knowing smile, naturally coming together again.

"You two finally done looking around?" Satoru Gojo strode over to meet them. "You spent so long alone together. You weren't secretly bad-mouthing us, were you?"

Suguru Geto followed at an easy pace, his expression gentle, and quietly added, "Did you have fun?"

Shoko nodded lightly, looking pleased. "Yes, I had a great time."

Qingxiao looked composed, having long since recovered completely from his earlier awkwardness. He merely gave a slight nod in reply.

After an afternoon of wild fun and leisurely wandering apart, everyone had thoroughly enjoyed themselves, keeping all the day's warmth and liveliness in their hearts.

The warm sun slowly faded from the horizon, and dusk gently spread over the whole city. Streetlights came on one after another, softening the brightness of the day, while the evening breeze brushed gently against their faces, carrying the faint scents of everyday life from the streets. After an afternoon of fun, they were relaxed in body and mind, and by now, they were inevitably a little hungry.

Satoru Gojo rubbed his stomach and was the first to suggest dinner. Suguru Geto agreed, settling on a nearby Japanese izakaya. Quiet and tasteful, it was just right for a small gathering and conversation.

Qingxiao and Shoko had no objections. The four walked out of the Amusement Park side by side, their staggered silhouettes stretched long by the streetlights. Chatting in the evening breeze, they strolled toward the little restaurant tucked deep in the lanes.

Warmth filled the izakaya, shutting out the heavy darkness outside. Warm light flickered amid the gentle bustle of food and cooking. With the day's noise and restlessness left behind, the atmosphere was leisurely and peaceful.

Menu in hand, Satoru Gojo ordered lavishly, choosing every signature dish, determined to give Shoko's birthday every bit of ceremony it deserved.

While they waited for the food, Satoru Gojo still did not forget to tease Qingxiao about his earlier words of protection, drawing one quiet laugh after another from everyone.

Qingxiao no longer had any of his earlier awkwardness or embarrassment. Looking composed, he joined Satoru in joking around.

Shoko sat beside him, quietly listening to their laughter and conversation, her expression serene and easy. Every so often, her fingertips lightly stroked the silver lighter in her pocket. All the day's surprises, companionship, and tenderness settled deep in her heart, steady and burning warm.

Steaming dishes arrived one after another, their savory aromas filling the air and soothing away the day's fatigue.

As though he had prepared everything in advance, Satoru Gojo took advantage of a lull in the conversation to reach over and lift a large, beautifully decorated cream cake from its hiding place in the corner.

Pure white cream covered its surface, dotted with little sugar-dusted berries and mint leaves. It was a surprise he had specially ordered ahead of time and secretly brought along.

The warm yellow candles were lit one by one, their wavering flames dancing softly. Suguru Geto rose to turn off the lights, leaving the candlelight to illuminate the small dining table.

"Come on, come on, blow out the candles and make a wish!" Satoru Gojo urged, propping up his chin, his eyes full of anticipation. He was even more excited than the birthday girl herself.

Smiling, Suguru Geto raised a hand to shelter the wavering flames, keeping the evening breeze from blowing them out.

Shoko gazed at the dancing candlelight before her and leaned forward slightly. Her hair fell in soft curves in the warm glow. She paused quietly for two seconds and silently made a wish.

Then she blew gently, and the row of flames went out at once. The room fell into darkness, with only the moonlight shining in through the window.

As soon as Suguru Geto turned the lights back on, Satoru Gojo immediately leaned closer, unable to wait as he asked, "Shoko, Shoko! Come on, tell us what you wished for! Was it to get rich, eat every delicious thing there is, and never have to train?"

After his noisy questions, a brief silence fell around the table.

Shoko did not answer right away. Her gaze drifted across the tabletop and, without warning, came to rest on Qingxiao beside her.

She watched him quietly for two seconds before slowly looking away. Turning toward the eager Satoru Gojo, she said with a hint of mischief, "I'm not telling you."

"It won't come true if I tell you."

Satoru Gojo froze for a moment, then his face fell and he wailed, "Aww-that's so stingy! Just tell us a little!"

Something shifted in Suguru Geto's gaze. He smiled faintly, seeing through it without saying anything, a trace of understanding tenderness passing through his eyes. He quietly watched the subtle atmosphere flowing wordlessly between the two, taking in the scene without comment.

That glance of hers had struck Qingxiao straight in the heart.

Small ripples once again stirred his previously calm emotions.

Shoko never needed any deliberate gestures. A simple look, a remark that left something unsaid, could easily stir waves in his heart and make him lose his composure again and again.

Anyone else would only think the girl had kept an ordinary birthday wish to herself. Only he vaguely sensed that the wish she had hidden might have something to do with him.

That unspoken romantic tension flowed around the table, quietly settling into the night the four of them shared.

The four raised their glasses and gently clinked them together. There was no elaborate toast, only a simple, heartfelt wish that held all their feelings of companionship.

The night deepened, and the meal neared its end. The day's liveliness and tenderness slowly drew to a close.

This winter birthday that belonged to Shoko alone had no grand fanfare, yet it was filled with the most sincere care and companionship.