—I love you.
These were the words she always wanted to hear from someone.
* * *
“…Recently, everyone is acting strange.”
A bench in the park. Luna, sitting besides me, dropped her gaze and said depressed.
“How should I say, they are acting distant. At times they all come together and seem to secretly discuss something. Even if I want to join them, they ran away as soon as they see me. Why is that? Do you know something, Shinobu-san?”
“…The sky, sure is blue.”
“Wh- Why are you trying to brush it away? If I made everyone unknowingly angry, then I want to apologize properly. Please tell me if you know anything!”
Luna shook both my shoulders greatly with teary eyes, whereas I, aware of the circumstances, somehow managed to keep my mouth shout, as I wasn’t allowed to speak about it.
I had to endure this for the surprise later on.
After all, for that very day we advanced our preparations very carefully…
* * *
It all started from an incident on a certain morning.
It was a kind of languid Monday morning after summer vacation with school resuming.
Before going to school, Luna, Machina, Elni and Nazuna watched TV in the living room. Apparently they were checking their horoscopes and amidst that, Machina lightly dropped her shoulders.
“…Today, I have the worst luck.”
“Machina, don’t pay too much mind to horoscopes. I basically have good luck every day, but only at times of best luck, I drop my wallet or get stung by a bee.”
“For a Goddess, doesn’t that mean you’re cursed?”
“Th- That’s not true! My life is just set to very hard! For that I get better items!”
Elni had a doubtful distinction between reality and a game. Petting her head softly, Machina said with an unusual gentle voice.
“Elni, you’re playing too much games lately. I get that the game you borrowed from Miichan is fun, but if you’re lonely, I’ll play with you, okay? Shall we go somewhere on the next holiday?”
“Nope. Because Shinobi will take me to the Tsundere Cafè next time.”
“T- Tsundere Cafè? What the, take me as well— wait, no! I was so kind to invite you! What’s with that attitude! Why are you so cold! Play with me too!”
…Apparently, not Elni, but Machina was the lonely one.
Mh, I should free some time to play with Machina as well.
Such thoughts crossed my mind, when Nazuna moved her gaze from the TV and faced Luna with a smile.
“Hey, Luna-oneechan, how was your luck?”
“Ehm, I… I do not know.”
“Mhh? You didn’t find your own zodiac sign? Then should I tell you? I remembered them all. What’s your sign, Luna-oneechan?”
“…I, wonder which?”
A bit troubled, Luna smiled with the ends of her eyebrows lowered. Seeing her like this, Nazuna tilted her head puzzled and Machina opened her mouth timidly.
“You know, Nazuna, Sister has—”
“Okay you two, we have to go now. Are you ready?”
Cutting into Machina’s words by interjecting, I urged the two of them.
Upon that, Machina made a face like she wanted to say something, but closed her mouth in the end, grabbed her bag and came over to me.
Nazuna on the other hand stared at Luna, then took her bag like Machina and came running over to me.
…I wasn’t really sure as to why I stopped Machina’s sentence. I merely might not have wanted to see a sad expression on Luna’s face.
When she came to send us off, Luna showed her usual smile, but it was unthinkable that she was unaffected about earlier. Nazuna seemed to have noticed something from the atmosphere as well, as midway on the way to school, she was unusual quiet, then suddenly stopped. Pulling on my sleeve, she asked with a small voice.
“…Brother, Machina-chan, could it be, Luna-oneechan doesn’t know when her birthday is?”
“Yeah, seems so.”
Luna was abandoned as a baby by her mother on a night with a full moon.
The villagers didn’t think well of Luna, “The whore ran for it, leaving her troublesome kid behind”, and she was bullied all the time.
It could be that no one ever celebrated her birthday with her. When I thought of that, my chest hurt incredibly.
Nazuna surely must have felt the same as me. Casting her eyes down and looking down, she squeezed out her words.
“…That’s no good. Not having a birthday is… just sad…”
When Nazuna said so, Machina comfortingly petted her head.
“Nazuna, as you know, Sister is a devil. Devils live far longer than humans, so they don’t celebrate their own birthday. To begin with, most devils don’t even know their birthdays. So you shouldn’t worry about it.”
“…You also, never celebrated your birthday, Machina-chan?”
On that question, Machina stopped petting Nazuna’s head.
“I properly celebrated it, since my mother was human. My father, a devil, didn’t know his birthday, but my mother gave him one. She baked a big cake on that day…. It was fun every year.”
Machina smiled with a somewhat sad expression that was nostalgic, yet regretful over something currently absent.
Upon that, Nazuna raised her head after listening to it and faced me.
“Hey, Brother.”
Looking at Nazuna’s face, it was more than obvious what she wanted to say. She probably thought of the same as me. I gave a small nod.
“We’ll be mimicking Machina’s mom, but let’s give Luna a birthday as well.”
When I proposed so, Nazuna nodded with a smile, but for some reason Machina widened her eyes and then tightly bit on her lips, averting her gaze just like that.
“…What’s up, Machina? You’re against to it?”
“No, quite the opposite. I think it’s great.”
Shaking her head lightly, Machina dropped her voice and continued.
“I was just thinking a bit. You both are amazing…”
What did she mean? A bit curious, I pondered about the meaning behind her words, whereupon
“—I allowed myself to listen to the whole story, Shinobu-sama.”
I was suddenly called out from behind and when I turned around in surprise, there was a Maid peeking out from behind a telephone pole. It was without doubt Kaorun.
“…What are you doing there? Are you bored?”
“Yes. That is correct. So I was stalking you, Shinobu-sama, to dawdle away. Same goes for Hijiri-chan.”
“It, It’s not the same for me!”
Along with her words, Hijiri peeked out her head from behind Kaorun with attitude.
“I was at a loss about how to call out to you, Shinobu-kun, so Kaoru-san told me to cling to you from behind and ask ‘Guess who!’. I was just waiting for the right timing!”
Denying with a bright red face, Hijiri then continued with a “Anyway”.
“I feel bad about eavesdropping, but you’re holding a birthday party for Luna-san, right? If so, can we help out? You know, the more the merrier.”
“Well, sounds good, but I was going to invite you guys anyway…Are you sure?”
“Of course. Luna-san might be my rival, but she’s a precious friend. I also want to participate in it.”
“I am of the same opinion as Hijiri-chan. Luna-sama might be my rival, but she is a fellow perverted maid. It is only natural to celebrate for a comrade.”
…I understood that Luna had a lot of rivals, but
“You’re the only perverted maid.”
I retorted with that to Kaorun, then made a suggestion while walking to school with them.
“Since we’re doing it, let’s make it a surprise party.”
“Yeah, sounds good. Let’s surprise Luna-oneechan.”
When Nazuna agreed with me, Kaorun showed a smile and opened her mouth.
“Well then, how about we hold a meeting after school today? There are a lot of things to discuss…”
“Yeah, that’s a good idea, but… don’t you have any work to do? You technically are a maid, right?”
“Do not worry. With my special older sister privilege, I loaded it onto the young master. No problems.”
…As always, she treated Hijiri’s younger brother so cruelly. Actually, could she really push the work on him? A bit worried, I faced Hijiri.
“Hey Hijiri, Kaorun said that, but is it really okay?”
“Yeah. I’m sure he’ll understand if we explain the circumstances. Besides, he obediently listened to anything that Kaoru-san tells him. Though he rarely listens to my requests.”
“…Is that so?”
When I asked a bit curious, Hijiri gave a small nod and dropped her voice.
“When he got into 6th grade, he stopped taking baths with me… And lately when I embrace him or pat his head, he runs away annoyed. He might be in his rebellious age.”
“No, no, please understand the boy’s delicate heart in puberty.”
Most likely, her brother was just bashful…We got a bit off-topic.
I opened my mouth to get back on the topic and while heading for school, we all discussed various things regarding Luna’s birthday…
* * *
With classes over, it was after school. After explaining things to Elni in a mail, we decided to have a meeting. The topic was of course Luna’s birthday party. The meeting was held… in my room for some reason.
I didn’t really know how it come to this. Before I noticed it, Hijiri, Machina, Kaorun, Nazuna and Elni had gathered in my room, which made it rather cramped.
Keeping in mind that we should hold future meeting at Hijiri’s house, I faced the girls.
Hijiri was sitting on my bed with her cheeks faintly flushed and restlessly looked around my room. Sitting besides Hijiri, Machina was hugging my pillow to her chest in a kind of good mood. Nazuna sat formally on a seat cushion with a serious expression and Elni also had a serious expression while she… sat in my lap like it was natural.
And Kaorun, entrusted with the role as chairwoman, had leaned a small white board, wherever she got it from, against the wall and while holding a pen in one hand, she opened her mouth.
“The first agenda is about the day itself for the birthday. A holiday would certainly be the best. It should either be this week’s Saturday or next week’s. As for the decorations for the party, please leave that to Hijiri-chan and myself. I will entrust the cake matter to the rest of you. What could prove to be a problem is…”
As the meeting was progressing as such, suddenly there was a knock on the door and Luna showed up.
Instantly, Kaorun hastily turned around the white board and everyone started to look at Luna in a restless state.
Amidst that, Luna tilted her head bewildered and came into the room. She was holding a try with drinks.
“Ehm, I brought you some tea, so if you like, please drink some.”
Luna placed the tea on the table and then asked with a smile.
“What are you all talking about? Can I join in as well?”
On that request, everyone avoided her gaze at once and I as well was troubled for an answer.
There Kaorun, as a representative for everyone, opened her mouth.
“Luna-sama, my apologies, but we are discussing something important. Please take your leave.”
“…Am I, a bother?”
“No, that is not really the case and it is rather troubling if you make such a teary expression…”
“…It is fine. I am sorry for asking the impossible.”
“Ahh! Please wait! Ehm, please look at this, Luna-sama! It is a live picture of Shinobu-sama changing!”
“Hyah!”
Saying something outrageous, Kaorun pulled out a kind of picture from her pocket, whereupon Luna turned bright red and took it with both hands.
From my point, I couldn’t see the picture, but when did she take a peeping shot of me changing?
I was taken aback a bit, when Kaorun confidently puffed up her well-formed chest.
“It took quite the effort, since Shinobu-sama is sensitive to presences— wait, Luna-sama, please do not casually put the picture into your pocket. That pictures costs a lot, you know? Also, I have pictures of Shinobu-sama sleeping or cross-dressing… What will it be?”
“All of them, please!”
“…Uhm, handing me your wallet actually troubles me. The price was meant as a joke. I will give that picture to you, Luna-sama, so please return to your room now and do perverted things to yourself while thinking of Shinobu-sama like always.”
“Like always…. I am not that perverted! I only do it at times!”
“Sh- Shinobu-sama, Luna-sama just made an unbelievable coming out!”
“…No comment.”
While covering both of Nazuna’s ears with my hands, I pretended not to listen.
There Kaorun shifted her gaze back to Luna and said teasingly.
“Luna-sama is indeed the natural erotic big sister. I am certain that you lick these big breasts of yours and comfort your burning hot body. Such a perverted person!”
“I, I am not doing such things, probably.”
“…Sounds suspicious. Please let me touch your breasts for a bit.”
“How does it come to that!? Ah, Kaoru-san, please stop… Yahn… Uhn… No… Yahn!”
Her breasts fondled by Kaorun, Luna hastily covered her breasts with both her arms, turned around and left.
There Kaorun chased after her with a somewhat happy expression… Soon enough Luna’s erotic voice sounded even back to my room.
After a while, Luna’s sweet voice stopped short and Kaorun came back to the room in a lively fashion. She had strangely nice smile, so I asked her for now.
“…Actually, you quite like Luna, right?”
“Y- Yo- You are mistaken! It is only ordinary! Any at rate, when we all assemble at one place, Luna-sama might grow suspicious. Hijiri-chan, Machina and Nazuna-sama, please head down into the living room play some game inconspicuous. We others will continue with the meeting in the meantime.”
On Kaorun’s words, Nazuna saluted with a “Meow!”. Then she tightly grabbed Hijiri’s hand.
“Let’s go, Gogyou-san. I have a game about cats.”
“Yeah, okay.”
When Hijiri nodded with a smile, Nazuna reached out her hand for Machina.
“You come as well, Machina-chan.”
“Yes.”
Replying shortly, Machina took Nazuna’s hand. However, Machina might actually have wanted to attend the meeting. She faced us with a little regretful expression, then left the room together with Nazuna and Hijiri.
As a result, the remaining members were Elni, Kaorun and me.
Okay, we should settle things as far as we could with these members.
Was what I thought, but
“….Huh? Isn’t this member constellation the worst?”
Suddenly realizing it, I said so.
For a moment, Elni and Kaorun both puffed up their cheeks a little and each of them said dissatisfied.
“That’s rude, Shinobu! Just what about me are you discontent with?”
“It is as Elni-sama says! Just what is so wrong about us?”
“Well, Elni is a bit of an idiot, Kaorun is a bit of a pervert and I’m just too cool. I get the feeling we won’t achieve any decent results with that line-up.”
When I replied so, for some reason Elni acknowledged it with a “Certainly” and even Kaorun affirmed it with an “Indeed”.
However, Kaorun suddenly changed her tone into a serious one and opened her mouth with “Nevertheless”.
“I already anticipated to a certain extent that the meeting would fail, just by the fact that we were gathering in your room, Shinobu-sama. As long as Luna-sama remains in the house, she will be wary of our secret conversation…”
“Well, if you already knew it, then don’t come to my room to begin with.”
“Now, now, Shinobu-sama. We have plenty of time, so let us not rush. Hijiri-chan also seemed keen on seeing your room, so please let her sleep in your bed later on. I am certain that she will be pleased.”
“….What did you guys even came here for?”
I retorted while shrugging my shoulders, then we resumed the meeting to decided at least on things we could.
Upon that, we discussed stuff like the day for the birthday or the schedule of the day surprisingly smooth.
But, one problem arose in our discussion and we all crossed our arms and started to pondered with our mouth closed.
Speaking of birthday meant a birthday cake and presents.
The former wasn’t all that hard to prepare, but the latter was a problem.
First we had planned that each of us buys an own present, but it was a first birthday for Luna, so we thought that we should use the opportunity and buy another present from all of us together, apart from our personal presents. We hadn’t any ideas for it though.
We considered that a birthday song or the birthday cake itself could be a present from us, but in the end we dismissed it as unsuited.
After that a lot of ideas were proposed, but repeatedly dismissed, which kind of derailed our discussion and Elni and Kaorun started to say nonsense, as they had grown tired.
“Shinobu, we should just gift Luna romantic.”
“Yeah, you know, we’re just thinking about how that the exact shape of that romantic.”
“Well then, Shinobu-sama, will it not be alright to just give Luna-sama yourself as a present? Like the cliché ’The present is m.y.s.e.l.f’. It might feel a bit cheap, but should prove best in this case.”
“Like hell it is! Rejected, totally! Besides, calling it cheap is rude!”
Giving the xth dismissal, I made a big sigh in my heart, whereupon Kaorun clapped her hands for no apparent reason.
“Shinobu-sama, I have a great idea. How about giving her a few touching words?”
“That’s it, Kaorun!”
On Kaorun’s words, Elni sparkled her eyes on the brilliant idea for some reason.
“I’m sure Luna will be happy if Shinobu presents her with some wonderful words!”
“…Wonderful words? Like what?”
When I put my retort on hold and asked, Elni put her hand onto her chin and after pondering for a bit, she answered.
“Well, how about ‘You’re precious’? Shinobu, try it on Kaorun.”
“Okay.”
For now I nodded and faced Kaorun.
“You’re obscene.”
“Well, I will not deny that.”
“…Yeah, I think you better deny it?”
Resuming my retorting, I said with a sigh.
“Hey, is it just me or do you guys have forgotten our aim? Why is the present suddenly only from me? Think about something we can do together. Also, why are you even fooling around more than necessary?”
Momentarily stopping my words, I raised my words and shouted.
“Even I want to fool around!”
“Ah, Shinobu finally spoke out his mind.”
“I believe he was envious of us.”
As Elni and Kaorun were right on the mark, I shut my mouth for a moment, then I stood up and declared with my back to them.
“…No use talking with you two. I’ll go ask Luna directly if there’s anything she wants.”
“Eh? What are you saying, Shinobu-sama? Is that the fooling around you spoke of?”
“If so, it’s hard to understand. We’re going to keep the party a secret from Luna until the day, right?”
“Don’t worry, I won’t let her find out. See you.”
Replying so to Kaorun and Elni, I left my room. Then I showed up in the kitchen, as I concluded to find Luna there preparing dinner at this time, which turned out to be right.
Luna wore the white and black dotted cow apron, which I gave her as a present a while ago, and that appearance soothed my heart.
…Luna was always cooking delicious food and took care of all the house chores. I properly wanted to celebrate her birthday with feelings of gratitude.
Okay, I should casually ask her about a present. First some chatting and then gradually getting to the main topic.
I approached Luna and called out to her softly.
“Hey Luna, what’s for dinner today?”
“Ah, Shinobu-san. I’m making croquettes today…Are you already done with your talking?”
Noticing me, Luna showed a smile, to which I also replied with a smile and nodded.
“Yeah, we’re done for today. Anyway, it’s been on my mind a bit, but what are you usually doing while I’m at school?”
“Eh? Most of the time I clean the house, help Tomoe-san with her job, play with Elni-chan or take a nap in your roo—*cough*!”
Midway in her sentence Luna coughed to brush it over.
Apparently she sometimes took a nap in my room, but I didn’t really mind. Elni slept in my bed before as well, so it wasn’t such a big deal. When I stayed quiet and waited for her to continue, Luna flushed a cheeks a bit and opened her mouth again.
“I am reading books as well.”
“Reminds me, you’re often reading gardening books, right? You have an interest in that?”
“Yes. A while ago Tomoe-san told me ‘You can use the garden as you want’, so I was planning to plant some flower seeds in the garden next time.”
Mhm, gardening, huh. Making a note in my heart, I questioned further.
“By the way, do you have any other interests besides gardening?”
“Well, I like the piano.”
“Piano? You can play a piano?”
“My motivation is greater than my skill, but I often played it when I stayed at the church.”
…I didn’t know that. Once more I made a note in my heart.
“While I’m at it, let me ask what your favourite food is. I guess gratin or omelette rice?”
“Yes, but I also quite liked the baumkuchen you bought for me before.”
“Hoohoo, likewise, any food you hate?”
“Mhm~ Nothing in particular.”
“I see, I see. What about your favourite type of man?”
“I like a kind person.”
Okay, I shall be kind from now on. A note with a double circle for importance.
“Well then, Luna, tell me your three sizes from the top on this occasion.”
“Ehm, 97 – 58 – 89… Mhh? I think I just thoughtlessly answered an incredible question….”
“Don’t fret it. Anyway, I’m going to take a picture now, so take off a layer of clothing.”
“Ah, yes, okay. I will take off my apron then…wait, no! Uhm, I am cooking right now, so, well, can it wait until later?”
“I don’t mind at all. Lastly, tell me if there’s anything you want.”
To be honest, ever since the surprising and honest answer about the three sized, I had been quite agitated. Luna probably had lost her head due to the incredible question.
Using this chance, I tried a direct approach, whereupon Luna put her index finger against her red cheek and pondered, then she suddenly faced me and turned even redder for some reason. Now she fidgeted both her index fingers against each other in front of her chest and answered with a small voice while staring at me.
“…Presently, I want a baby.”
“PFT!”
Th- This couldn’t have been any further away from my predictions.
Inadvertently I snorted, but I should calm down for now. To hide my initiation, I played cool. I looked back into Luna’s eyes and opened my mouth.
“L- LuLuLuLu.”
“…Are you singing?”
“N- No! L- Luna! Th- The stork brings babies! S- So you just have to wait patiently.”
…Frankly, I couldn’t hide my agitation at all. For some reason I felt embarrassed.
I turned my back to Luna and opened the accordion curtain, moving to the living room in an escape.
There, in the living room were Hijiri and Nazuna.
The two of them didn’t seem to notice me, as Nazuna played a game like Kaorun had told them and Hijiri had embraced Nazuna from behind in a kind of spellbound state.
“Ahh, you really are so cute, Nazuna-chan…”
While saying so, Hijiri petted her head, whereupon Nazuna narrowed her eyes pleased and raised a “Meow, meow” voice while playing her game.
Amidst that, Hijiri hesitated a bit, then opened her mouth timidly.
“Uhm, Nazuna-chan, I have a favour to ask. If possible, could you call me with Oneechan, like you do with Luna-san?”
“…Eh? Really? If I change the way I call you, Gogyou-san, I’ll probably fawn over you a lot. Are you sure?”
Stopping her hand from gaming, Nazuna turned around, whereupon Hijiri gave back a big nod.
“I don’t mind if it’s from you. You can even think of me as an older sister. My real brother won’t fawn over me at all recently… B- Besides, in the future, well, I want to become your sister-in-law…”
For some reason, Hijiri lowered her voice midway in her sentence.
Nazuna, as she probably couldn’t hear it well just like me, tilted her head. But not all too bothered by it, she flushed her cheeks a bit and said while staring at Hijiri.
“Ehm— Hijiri-okaasan.”
“….Could it be you’re just as shy as Shinobu-kun? I wish you wouldn’t fool around at a time like this…”
“Ah, no! I made a mistake!”
Hijiri dropped her shoulders. Nazuna panicked. I, an observer, desperately tried to suppress a laughter.
…Reminded me, Nazuna had the embarrassing experience of calling her teacher “Mom” by mistake.
When I wallowed in reminiscences, Nazuna lightly grabbed Hijiri’s sleeve and opened her mouth with upturned eyes.
“I’m sorry, Hijiri-oneechan.”
Instantly, Hijiri embraced Nazuna. Well, I could relate. Even if you ignored my favouritism for a relative, her behaviour was just cute.
Such thoughts crossed my mind, when I noticed that Machina wasn’t in the living room, so I approached the two and faced Nazuna.
“Hey, sorry to interrupt your flirting with Hijiri, but where did Machina go?”
“Ah, Brother. Machina-chan said ‘I’ll go get some fresh air’ and went out into the garden.”
While answering, Nazuna’s cheeks were rubbed by Hijiri’s in a happy mood. Hijiri on the other hand didn’t seem to listen to our conversation, as she was once again spellbound by embracing Nazuna.
…I felt bad for bothering them and was a bit concerned about Machina.
“I’ll go check on her.”
Telling the two of them shortly, I turned my back to them. Following, I opened the window of the living room and went outside, where Machina stood in the garden all by herself. In an absent-minded state, she watched the sunset.
“What are you doing here? Thinking about something?”
When I approached and call out to her, Machina looked at me, showed a wry smile and opened her mouth.
“…While everyone was discussing stuff for Sister, I kinda felt pathetic for myself. I thought about a lot of stuff…”
“Mh? Pathetic? What are you saying? You were seriously thinking up stuff as well, right? There’s no need to feel depressed.”
“That’s not it. I meant the birthday. I was with her all the time in the demon realm, yet I never did such a thing for her…”
Dropping her voice, Machina tightly clenched her small hand.
“I told you before, that I acted quite spoiled with her over a long time. Even though I knew that she was originally human and a kind of strange devil. I should have known how painful it was for her not to have a birthday, if I had given it a bit of thought… Yet I didn’t do anything for her.”
Machina bit on her lips, looked down and continued with a slightly trembling voice.
“Just like Mother gave Father a birthday, I should have given Sister one way earlier. She gives me so much, but I can’t offer anything in return.”
“…I don’t think that’s right.”
Softly, I denied it.
“You did give her something in return. Just by smiling at her side, Luna is quite happy. I believe she’s satisfied with just that. You should also know that Luna is that kind of girl.”
Reaching out my hand for Machina, I opened my mouth once more with “Besides” while petting her head.
“If you feel like repaying her, you just have to do so from now on. Right? For now, let’s make Luna happy with the upcoming birthday party. Okay?”
“…..Yeah, you might be right.”
Raising her head, Machina showed a smile.
But tears dwelled up in her eyes and to change her mood, I cracked a joke like always in the end.
“Hey Machina, earlier I thought about a present for Luna with Elni and Kaorun and there was this idea about presenting her touching words. What’s your take on that?”
“…Even if you ask me, I’m not sure. How would you present her that?”
“If you want to know, I’ll show you.”
Along with my words, I rested my hands on her shoulders and declared sentimental.
“Machina, you’re easy to trick and then retort.”
“Oh my, thanks. That’s the ultimate compliment for— As if! It’s the worst kind of insult! It’s not touching my heart, but stabbing it! Are you making fun of me!?”
“Oh, excuse me. Then how about this?”
Now I put my hand on Machina’s chin and said whispering.
“Machina, you’re a precious female to me. So let me touch your voluminous breasts.”
“Eh? What’s this so sudden? Geez, you’re so helpless. Just for a bit— wait, I won’t be fooled! I won’t fall for that trick again! Actually, do you want to touch my breasts that bad!?”
With her cheeks bright red, Machina cross-examined me with a fierce tone.
“Even at our first meeting you said something weird and touched my breasts! And a while ago, you touched them through a clever scheme of ‘Do they give milk?’! Are you a boobie alien!? How is it!?”
“Mhm~ I wonder?”
“What the! Forget it! Stupid Shinobu! Pervert! Lecher!”
As she was pouting, Machina turned her back to me and went back into the house in a huff. But, the earlier tears in her eyes had completely vanished and I made a small sigh of relief.
As words of comfort they were the lowest, but it was the best I could do. I watched the sunset while lightly scratching my head, then slowly went back into the living room…
* * *
From them on I was busy until the day of Luna’s birthday.
During that one week, I asked my mother for help, pondered about my own present and we tried to bake a birthday cake by ourselves. There was a lot to do.
Amidst that, everyone settles on presents for Luna through repeated meetings and we came to feel some kind of backlash.
I was happy doing something for Luna. Most likely the others girls felt the same. While we were busy, we also had fun.
But on the other hand, Luna lost her vigor by the day and on the appointed day with all preparations done, I took Luna outside, so that the living room could be decorated for the party. When we went to the park together, she said somewhat depressed.
“…Recently, everyone is acting strange.”
I had sat down on a bench and Luna took seat besides me while looking down.
Luna had noticed that we were behaving unusual after all. We were careful as not to behave suspicious, but Elni and Nazuna were bad with lies.
Every time they were about to spill the beans, my mother, Machina or I kept making follow ups and due to that Luna surely felt that we were hiding something.
Luna must have been worried.
Shaking my shoulders with teary eyes, she had said that she would like to apologize if she unknowingly made everyone angry. She wanted me to tell her if I knew anything.
I on the other hand, aware of the facts, really wanted to tell her, but I managed to keep my mouth closed. I had to endure this for the later surprise.
“Shinobu-san, is it something you cannot tell to me? It IS something you cannot tell me, right? Then at least please give me a hint! I beg you!”
“Uhm, well, you see…Oh, right. Luna, let’s sing! Let’s earn a bit of small cash with that great singing voice of yours at the street!”
“…Right now I can only sing sad songs…”
Dropping her shoulders dejected, Luna was close to tears.
…This wasn’t good. I was about to give in. When I pondered how to fool her, the ring tone of my cell phone finally sounded.
When I took the call, I could hear Elni’s reliable voice right away.
“Mad Dog here. Preparations are done. Jackal, initiate the plan. And make it cool. That’s important after all.”
“Roger. I’ll do my best.”
Replying shortly and hanging up, I took Luna’s hand.
“I have something to show you, Luna. Come with me.”
“…Please show me hope to face a tomorrow. I feel disheartened.”
An extremely weak Luna. I couldn’t really take it. I increased my squeeze of her hand a bit and returned to the house with swift steps.
And when we reached our house, Luna tilted her head a bit.
“Uhm, Shinobu-san, you wanted me to show your house?”
“Yeah, it has something even better than the hope to face tomorrow. Just think that I tricked you and get inside.”
While saying so, I pushed on Luna’s back.
There Luna stood in front of the front door together with me while making a puzzled expression and then slowly opened the door.
At that moment,
“—Welcome home, my Lady!”
Machina, Elni, Nazuna, my mother, Hijiri and Kaorun, all clad in maid clothes, welcomed her back with her heads lowered.
…Okay, what? Why maid clothes? We never discussed this before. Just like Luna, who had widened her eyes, I was surprised, whereas the others all launched the crackers that they had hidden behind their backs and said together.
“Happy Birthday!”
Along with a nice PLOP sound, the confetti from the cracker flutter about in the air.
Amidst that, Luna made a blank expression, but soon enough she said in hastily state.
“T- Today is Shinobu-san’s birthday!? I did not know at all! Wh- What should I do! I am supposed to give a birthday present, right? I do not have prepared anything! Aww, just what should I do?”
…Luna perfectly got the wrong idea. Everyone else made a wry smile as well. For now I should clarify the situation.
I again pulled on Luna’s hand and took her to the living room.
In front of the living door room, a banner with “Birthday Party” hand-written by Kaorun was set up and when we went inside, the living room was perfectly party decorated.
Balloons and paper chains were displayed in the room and there was even a banner with “Happy Birthday!” written on it.
Seeing that, Luna still didn’t realize that she was the star of the party and she looked around the room curiously.
There I gently rested my hand on her shoulder and explained.
“Hey Luna, you said everyone was behaving weird lately, but this is the reason for it. We all prepared for it in secret, because we wanted to hold a birthday party for you.”
Momentarily stopping my words, I then continued along with a smile.
“So, are you surprised?”
“…Ehm, well, a birthday party for me? But, I, do not know my own birthday…”
“If you don’t know it, why not make it today? We all want to celebrate with you. Right, guys?”
Turning around, I asked so, whereupon the girls, who had watched over Luna with a smile, nodded without hesitation. Then Elni and Nazuna took Luna’s hands and made her sit on the sofa. Hijiri and Kaorun brought some snacks and tea, whereas Machina and my mother brought a big self-baked cake.
The cake had a chocolate plate with “Happy Birthday!” written on it, just like the banner. We didn’t know Luna’s age, but for now we put 18 candles on it.
By the way, the candles were not lit yet. We had decided to do that last and apparently we were right with that decision.
Luna made a face like she couldn’t believe it even now, as it didn’t feel real to her.
Today was Luna’s first birthday party. She could take her time. Waiting for Luna to calm down, we then decided to give her the presents first.
At the end of days of worry, I noticed how much Luna treasured the choker I had bought her before, so I presented her a pendant necklace.
Nazuna gave her a wolf plush-toy as big as her love for Luna.
Elni had a breads bracelet that was so pretty that you doubted it was handmade. Machina, as she couldn’t settle on one, had the highest count of presents. A watering can, shovel, scissors, bucket and etc. for gardening.
Hijiri, who said that she actually would like to present her a piano, gave her a keyboard.
Kaorun had maid clothes for some reason and a self-made “Nanjou Shinobu’s First Picture Collection” book on which I wanted to retort a lot. As for my mother, she presented her a cell phone that she had signed up for the other day.
While everyone was giving her the presents, Luna finally perceived it as reality, as tears gradually dwelled up in her eyes.
But, as her confusion was greater than her joy, Luna didn’t say a single word ever since she sat down on the sofa.
There I softly clapped Luna’s shoulder and pointed at my mother’s present, the cell phone.
“Luna, why don’t you try open that cell phone?”
When Luna took the cell phone and opened it as I told her, I continued further.
“Now open the profile menu… Ah, no, sorry. Guess that was too much.”
Luna was bad with machines. She surely didn’t know how to operate it. I gently overlapped my hand with Luna’s and operated the cell phone, opening the profile menu.
Instantly, Luna widened her eyes a bit upon seeing it.
“…Ah.”
She leaked a small voice.
The profile showed the phone’s number, mail address and the name [Luna].
“That’s another present from all of us.”
Luna was called “Luna”, because she was abandoned by her mother on a night with a full moon. But Machina previously told me that she didn’t really like her own name and actually wanted to get one from her parents.
Therefore, we decided to give Luna a name.
I had the idea. It might be a selfish thing, as a name is something precious, but I wanted Luna to like her own name. I didn’t want her to hate it.
I looked into Luna’s eyes and said sentimental.
“If you like, would you accept that name?”
“…Can I?”
Facing everyone, Luna’s voice trembled a bit.
“I, getting all these presents from you…can I really accept it?”
“Of course. We all want to celebrate with you, since you’re precious to all of us.”
When I declared gently, tears finally spilled out from Luna’s eyes, she cast her head down and trembled her shoulders.
“…As a kid, I… thought that it is for the best that… I do not know my birthday. Because even if I had one… no one would celebrate it with me… I had given up on it… but, actually I was always envious of it…”
Drops of tears spilled down and trembling her voices with hics, Luna hugged her cell phone onto her chest.
“But… everyone hated me…so I could not invite them to a birthday party…I, just do not know… what am I supposed to do at a time like this… I know I should not be crying, but… I am sorry…”
“It’s okay.”
Unable to watch any longer, I draw Luna closer and tightly embraced her onto my chest.
“You can cry. You don’t have to say or do anything. If you’re happy, that’s all that counts. Nothing more is needed. Therefore… it’s okay.”
Along with my words, I gently petted her head, whereupon a crying voice raised from Luna’s mouth. That voice echoed loudly through the living room and Luna continued to cry just like a baby.
If Luna was born crying like this, then this was a baby’s first cry, marking today the birth of Luna.
Such thoughts crossed my mind as I held back my tears that were about to naturally flow out. When Luna had calmed down, I shifted my gaze back to everyone.
“Okay then, time to lit the candles…wait, why are you guys even crying?”
Everyone except for Kaorun was devastated.
Of course I could relate. But, I wished they would keep their act together. I was desperately holding mine back. To change the mood, I dared to say with a bright voice.
“C’mon Nazuna, we’re going to sing ‘Happy Birthday’ now, so stop crying, okay?”
“…Sorry…that’s impossible… The tears make everything blurry… I can’t see in front…”
“I, I see. Then Machina with her beautiful voice will have to sing it by herself.”
I brought up the matter, hoping for her usual combination of getting tricked and retorting, but
“Hic… My voice is unstable… I… can’t sing…”
Machina was also no good after all.
“Ehm, then let’s sing with the rest. Hijiri, can you do it?”
“…Yeah… I’ll try my best…”
No, I appreciated the thought, but it looks impossible as well.
“W- Well, in the worst case I’ll just sing alone. Mom, lit the candles.”
“..Uhh… Luna-chan… you can always stay with us, okay…”
My mother wasn’t listening to me. Surprisingly enough, Nazuna had her tendency to easily cry from my mother.
In other words, my mother was useless as well.
“Th- Then I’ll lit the candles. Elni, pass me the lighter.”
“…Shinobu, allow me to take on that role. I want to do it.”
Apparently Elni recovered as the first. Wiping away her tears with her fingertip and taking the lighter, she slowly lit up the candles on the cake.
Meanwhile, Kaorun closed the curtains of the living room and turned off the lights, so when all candles were lit, I called out to everyone.
“For now, those who can sing, sing. Here we go.”
On my calling, even the crying members technically started to sing Happy Birthday, but the mixture of crying and singing was rather troubling.
Kaorun and I looked at each other and raised our singing voices louder as to cover up the voices of the others, then we both made a small sigh.
…When I looked into Kaorun’s eyes earlier, they seemed rather wet, but I decided to pay it no mind. I lightly clapped Luna’s shoulder.
“Okay! Now blow out the candles while wishing for something, Luna.”
“…Yes…I hope… hic… that I can always stay… together with everyone…”
No, no, the candles wouldn’t be blown off by such weak blowing and crying. Mhm~ What to do?
I pondered about that in my heart, whereupon Kaorun, as to change the mood, cracked one of her usual jokes with still wet eyes.
“Luna-sama, please blow out the candles already. At this rate Shinobu-sama might get aroused by the sight of candles and start some S&M play with a candle in his hand.”
“Don’t say such outrageous stuff! If that’s what you want, I’ll drip wax onto you!”
“Oh no! Shinobu-sama, you pervert! But, I might not be all so opposed to it!”
Like that, Kaorun and I dared to fool around.
“Hey! What are you two doing!”
Elni got angry on a rare occasion and continued while puffing up her cheeks a bit.
“Let me in for such stuff too!”
“Well then, I will drip the wax onto you, Elni-sama.”
“Uwaaah! Scary! Stop it, Kaorun! Someone help me!”
When Elni raised a pathetic scream, everyone snorted with laughter a bit and even Luna showed a smile. She took a deep breath to blow out the candles.
There Kaorun said isolated.
“Shinobu-sama, please do not do anything perverted once the room turns completely dark.”
“..Right back at you. Don’t do anything weird.”
“Fufu.”
Just as Kaorun laughed suspicious, Luna blew out the candles and the room was enveloped by darkness.
In that moment, my mother started to raise an erotic voice… and when I doubtful turned on the lights, Kaorun was fondled my mother’s breasts from behind.
While everyone looked at Kaorun with a weary expression, she cast her eyes aside.
“No, you have the wrong idea. I just mistook her for Hijiri-chan.”
“Oh my, is that so. Fufu, then the prankish maid needs a bit of punishment.”
“…Ah, it is time for me to sing an anthem, so I will take my leave now.”
Right away Kaorun turned her back to us and tried to escape, but that wasn’t allowed. Firmly grabbing Kaorun’s shoulder, my mother leaked a low voice.
“Just sing the anthem here. In a nice voice, okay.”
While saying so, she took Kaorun’s beautiful breasts in an eagle grab and this time my mother started to fondle Kaorun’s breasts.
Instantly, Kaorun raised a bewitching voice.
“Ahn… My apologies… Hyah… Please forgive me….!”
“Ufufu, you’re quite sensitive, my little maid. How about here?”
“Kyahn! Uhhn! Not my bottom… Please do not touch it… Noo!”
When Kaorun raised a loud voice, my mother smiled roguish.
“Oh my, oh my, the little maid likes it on the butt. I’ll gladly comply.”
“Yahn… Is, Is that what they call a wife’s technique… Mm… Amazing… But, please help me already! Hijiri-chan!”
While reddening her cheeks, Kaorun sought help from Hijiri.
But, Hijiri faced sideways and replied.
“…Kaoru-san, you do better to reflect a bit on your actions.”
“Hijiri-chan is being cold!?”
Well, of course she would be cold to the perverted maid that tried to fondle her breasts in the confusion of the darkness. However, if I were to hear any more of Kaorun’s erotic voice, I wouldn’t calm down.
Therefore, I called out to my mother.
“Mom, why don’t you leave it at that? I’ll give you Hijiri instead, so put up with that.”
“Ehh!? Me!? Wh- What should I do? She’s Shinobu-kun’s mother and might come to hate me if I turn it down, but it’s embarrassing…”
On my words, Hijiri fidgeted with red cheeks, whereupon my mother pulled on my sleeve with a smile.
“Hey Shinobu, can I hug that girl– Hijiri-chan?”
“…But don’t do anything funny.”
“I’ll do my best.”
Speaking like a politician, my mother embraced Hijiri. Upon that, even Nazuna and Elni clung to Hijiri and in the end Luna joined them as well.
On the other hand, Kaorun hid behind my back and looked at my mother with wet eyes for some reason.
“Shinobu-sama, I, came to like Tomoe-sama quite a lot. I might not be all that opposed to being treated that forcefully.”
“…How much more of a perverted maid can you get?”
I retorted wearily…
Even after blowing out the candles, the birthday party continued happily.
The girls were talking to each other in front of the birthday presents, whereas my mother stood besides me and opened a wine. With a wine glass in her hand, she watched over the others.
Amidst that, Nazuna came over quite curiously.
“Mom, are you drinking alcohol?”
“…You can’t, Nazuna. You’re still a minor.”
When my mother gave a warning beforehand, Nazuna made a slightly regretful expression and opened her mouth.
“Hey Mom, how does alcohol taste?”
“It’s an adult taste. So it’s too early for you.”
My mother replied so, whereupon Nazuna widened her eyes for some reason.
“An adult taste… So you have eaten an adult before, Mom.”
Yeah, I didn’t think she meant it like that. I inadvertently became weary, whereupon my mother gave a wry smile.
“Nazuna, just for you information, I haven’t eaten anyone except your dad.”
“Ehh!? You ate dad!?”
She most likely didn’t understand the meaning. Nazuna once again widened her eyes in surprise.
There Kaorun came over to me curiously now and immediately rested her chin on my shoulder, listening to the conversation. Furthermore, on a closer look, I noticed Hijiri slowly approaching in our direction as well.
…I could understand Kaorun, the perverted maid, but I guess for Hijiri it was because she was sullen? Such kind of rude thoughts crossed my mind, when Luna raised her hand reserved and called for attention with “Excuse me, everyone”.
“Ehm, well, I truly thank you for today. It is my first birthday, so I am really happy. I would like to repay you somehow—”
“You don’t need to, Luna.”
Softly cutting into her words, I continued gently.
“A birthday is a day where you’re thankful for being able to meet.”
Of course they were a lot of opinions.
But, in my opinion a birthday was a day were you were thankful for getting to know a precious person and spending time together from then on.
“We’re happy to have met you, so we express our feelings of gratitude. You, the star today, don’t have to do anything. Still, if you want to repay us, then keep that feeling until the birthday of the next person.”
I properly told Luna so, but
“—But if you insist, Luna, I’ll gladly accept it.”
“Please pay me back with a kiss.”
Kaorun and Elni both mimicked me and turned the serious atmosphere into a comedic one at once. I was about to retort to them half-wearily, but
“I understand. A kiss it is.”
Luna seemed to take their joke serious and approached Elni.
“Eh? Luna? It was just a joke…”
“Elni-chan, I love you.”
“Uwaaah! I’m not listen— wait, she really kissed me!”
Getting a kiss from Luna on the cheek, Elni was surprised, whereupon Nazuna raised her hand with attitude.
“Luna-oneechan, me too!”
“Yes, I love you as well, Nazuna-chan.”
Firmly nodding, Luna kissed Nazuna’s cheek. Furthermore, she also kissed the cheek of my mother, standing next to Nazuna, and then approached Kaorun this time.
“Ehm, Luna-sama? I will pass on it. I am content with the sentiment alone…”
“No way. I, love you too, Kaoru-san.”
“L- Love me, e- even if you say something like that, I, uhm…”
When Kaorun turned bright red on a rare occasion, Luna softly pressed her lips on her cheek. Following, she now faced Hijiri and said reserved.
“Uhm, Gogyou-san, I have a little favour to ask. …Can I call you Hijiri-san from now on?”
“Yeah, that would make me happy as well.”
“Thank you.”
With a blossoming smile, Luna kissed Hijiri’s cheek. Hijiri, even though she looked embarrassed, accept it properly and softly petted Luna’s head.
Then Luna got closer to Machina and tightly hugged her onto her chest.
“Thank you too, Machina. I was really happy about the presents.”
“No, I’m sorry for not noticing about your birthday up till now…”
“It is fine. Let us have a birthday party for you next as well, Machina.”
…To Luna and Machina, who came from abroad, a kiss surely was just a greeting. They kissed each other on the cheek and embraced each other once more.
That beautiful scenery inadvertently captured me.
I was looking over the two of them, when Luna softly got away from Machina and slowly came over to me.
“Shinobu-san…”
“Yep, your always cool Shinobu-san. Bring it on.”
The kiss is a greeting, chanting that three times in my heart, I showed a carefree smile and spread both my arms.
Upon that, Luna blushed and looked at me with wet eyes, bringing her face closer.
“*kiss*”
She overlapped her lips with mine.
The sensation of her lips that was hard to describe with words. A softness and warmth. For a moment, all my thoughts came to a stop… hold it. Why on the lips just for me?
Before I had noticed it, the atmosphere in the room had become cold and Luna hastily got away from me, as she probably didn’t intend for it herself, while touching her lips.
Everyone, except my mother and Nazuna, were glaring at Luna, whereupon Luna with her cheeks still coloured red, opened her mouth to cover it up.
“E- Ehm, well, I made a mistake.”
“Don’t give me that!”
Hijiri raised her voice first.
“How much of a natural erotic big sister are you!”
Kaorun followed after Hijiri.
“Sister! That’s just not fair!”
Machina also protested with teary eyes.
“Girls, calm down! This is the start of a festival!”
It ended with Elni saying some nonsense.
Afterwards everyone drew closer to Luna, saying something about a contest. The living room was filled with turmoil.
I had trouble coping with the situation, but… it wasn’t something serious.
Even while everyone was angry, they also showed a smile. Same applied for me. It might have become a bit wild, but it was okay for today. Also,
—I want to celebrate Luna’s birthday like this again next year.
While watching everyone’s smiles, I thought so at the bottom of my heart.
16th September— Luna’s birthday. This day surely would become a special day for us now. Having that premonition, I approached the smiling girls…
* * *
A night with a full moon. A small baby. A coughing woman. Swaying blonde hair.
“…I’m sorry.”
With a trembling voice, the woman reached out for the baby and started to cough again.
At the same time, red blood dripped out of the woman’s mouth. The woman wiped it and with sadly rocking, yet loving eyes, she touched the baby’s small hand.
That warmth filled up the woman’s chest, but likewise tightened it.
What an unlucky life, was what the woman thought.
At some point she had forgotten what she was born for and later she even didn’t know why she was still alive. She lived on with the thought that she would die a miserable death without knowing why she was born into this world.
So when the baby moved, she could only think how unlucky she was. She didn’t know what it meant to be a mother. She didn’t know how adorable a child was.
But, the born child looked at her and smiled.
At that time, the woman had shed tears before she knew it.
It was a wish she had since her childhood. The moment her dream, which she had forgotten about at some point due to her wearing life, came true.
—She wanted someone to smile at her.
Just by having such a trivial wish granted, her chest overflowed with love and her tears wouldn’t stop.
Even in this cruel world, there was a single existence that smiled at her innocently. Her precious child that relied on and loved her.
She wanted to watch that smile forever. She wanted to feel that soft warmth forever. She wanted to be together forever.
But, the woman understood better than anyone that it wasn’t meant to be.
The woman was painfully aware that she couldn’t raise this child. That she had to say good-bye. That she didn’t have much longer herself.
Therefore, she decided to entrust the child to the church. She would surely be turned down if she asked normally. They wouldn’t listen to a tainted whore.
With that in mind, she had no other choice but to leave her child, which was more precious to her than anything, in front of the church door. For her that was the most painful action.
“I’m sorry.”
Spilling words of apology along with tears, the woman mumbled “I love you” in her heart.
These were words that she always wanted to say to someone.
“…I hope you’ll find someone that says it to you.”
Not wiping away her endless flood of tears, the woman placed a soft kiss on the baby’s cheek.
“I love you— -chan.”
It was the baby’s name. The name of the child of a whore. The name of the woman’s only treasure in the world, which she had to let go on a night with a full moon.
The baby, who lost it’s mother, continued to cry in front of the church. Like calling for the mother, it continued to cry forever…
—It was a dream. It was vague and unclear, but a really gentle dream.
Upon waking up, the woman’s child quietly spilled tears.
* * *
…Suddenly feeling a soft warmth on my body, I slowly opened my eyes.
Who was it? Nazuna? Or did Elni snuck into my bed again?
While thinking so half-asleep, I turned my vision, whereupon there was Luna to my surprise.
Luna tightly clung to me while pressing her big breasts onto my body, which gravely unsettled me. What was up with this situation? Did she come into my bed half-asleep by mistake?
It was the first time Luna did something like this, ever since she started to live here.
A bit surprised, I wanted to get away from Luna, as it was certainly embarrassing, but
“…Mom.”
Luna suddenly leaked a small voice from her mouth.
It stopped my movements.
On a closer look, tears were dwelling up in Luna’s eyelashes.
…I didn’t know what happened. I didn’t know either what kind of dream Luna was having. But, I no longer could get away from her.
I softly embraced Luna and said quietly.
“As long as you wish for it, I’ll stay by your side.”
While holding the warmth in my chest, I continued to pet Luna’s head until she would wake up…
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