"Come to think of it, Teacher. You didn't know about Rishar's birthday, did you? It was just a while ago."
What? I looked at Lui in surprise. They were making such a fuss over Jin's birthday, but Rishar's had already passed?
"Rishar's birthday? When was it?"
"Early August. August 7th."
No way, even their birthdays were right next to each other for these inseparable childhood friends. At this point, it had to be fate that they became friends.
"But why did it pass so quietly? They're throwing a feast for Jin's."
It felt odd that they celebrated the 'Emperor's' birthday with fanfare but let the 'Gray Lion's' slip by unnoticed.
"Ah, Rishar hates making a big deal out of his birthday."
That made perfect sense right away. No way that stoic man would enjoy a lavish birthday fuss. Nod, nod.
"Lui, what did you give Rishar for his birthday?"
Still, I'd owed Rishar so much since coming to the Underground City. He'd even saved me from the gallows. Even if I hadn't known, I felt bad for letting his birthday pass without a gift.
"Hm, I developed a new bomb for him to use in battle. I added light-attribute magic stone fragments, so it flashes with light and noise to temporarily disable people... It's called a flashbang."
Lui explained enthusiastically to my question. Ah, she got so chatty when it came to her favorite topics—just like Rick. Total nerds!
I sipped the coffee from my teacup, listening to Lui rave about the new weapon she'd gifted Rishar.
* * *
After Lui left and I was alone, I embroidered the handkerchief for Jin. Maybe from practicing sutures on pigskin so much, my stitching speed had gotten incredibly fast.
Thanks to keeping the design super simple, I could easily finish it by Jin's birthday.
Taking advantage of this brief downtime, I headed to Jin's Greenhouse after embroidering diligently.
"Teacher!"
As I entered, Rodent—who'd just finished class—came scampering over and hugged me. How long had it been? Our Rodent!
We'd walked together every morning, but after skipping two days, it felt like ages.
His indigestion seemed fully better—he looked energetic as usual. Sniff, our Rodent. My little cutie pie.
I pulled out cookies with a flourish for Rodent. I'd stopped by the kitchen briefly, where Betty had loaded me up with freshly baked ones. I'd figured I'd catch Rodent right after class if I came to the Greenhouse now.
"A gift for the good kid who studied hard."
Rodent happily took Betty's cookies and popped one in his mouth. Watching him munch like a squirrel was too adorable. Ahh, heartwarming. Good call bringing snacks.
"Thank you, Tea-thur."
Rodent mumbled with his mouth full of cookies.
C-cute! Murderously cute! "Tea-thur," he says! I felt dizzy from Rodent's overwhelming cuteness.
But...
What's this? Jin over there staring at me with such longing eyes.
"...Jin, what's wrong?"
When I asked, he pitifully glanced back and forth between the cookies in my hand and my face. N-no way... Was he begging for a cookie too?
"Doctor Teacher, what about me?"
His eyes clearly said, 'I studied hard too.' With his head tilted slightly. Ugh... Hate to admit it, but why's he so cute? A grown man over thirty!
Setting aside the cuteness, it was amazing that tight-lipped Jin wanted food first for once. He never thought about eating unless force-fed. Appetite budding? Positive change!
I walked over to Jin's bed and held out a cookie. Figured he'd take it with his hand, but this guy...
He chomped it right from my fingers with his mouth.
"Wh-what?!"
"What else? Eating a cookie."
Crunch crunch, munching like a hamster. My face burned like it would explode. So annoying, yet so cute.
"Kitchen chief made these, huh. Delicious."
Even his tongue was sharp—he identified the baker instantly. Well, gaining some chub from eating more wouldn't hurt.
"If it's good, eat lots. I have more."
Hehe. Pumped about fattening Jin up, I set the cookie bag by his bed.
"...Me too, more please, Teacher."
Then Rodent, who'd snuck up beside me, grumbled jealously.
Why the sudden pout? I tilted my head and offered him a cookie.
"Here."
Rodent chomped it from my fingers too. Guess he got jealous when I fed Jin.
Jin chuckled at Rodent. Honey practically dripped from his eyes—finding him cute.
Of course, our Rodent was the cutest.
I took in the cozy Greenhouse scene under the artificial sunlight. A smile crept onto my face too.
* * *
"Doctor Teacher, sleep well?"
Entering Jin's bedroom, I couldn't help but marvel at his beaming face. Birthdays were special, but did they make you extra handsome? Jin's face was working overtime today too.
"Jin, happy birthday."
I greeted him first. Before he could reply, I popped the thermometer in his mouth. Birthday or not, check-up before breakfast.
"Might need to show your face briefly at tonight's banquet, Jin. Think your condition will hold?"
Rishar asked quietly beside us. The whole Underground City family was gathering for Jin's birthday dinner. No way the party honoree skips out.
Hmm, current state looks fine for a bit.
"Yes, should be no problem, fortunately."
Jin watched our conversation intently while force-feeding himself Betty's breakfast.
Wished I could give him seaweed soup packed with beef for breakfast. Too bad this world didn't eat seaweed or sea veggies. Seaweed's so tasty! And nutritious!
After eating, Jin set down his fork and gazed at me intently.
"What's up, Jin?"
Definitely demanding eyes. 'You planning to just say happy birthday and call it a day, Doctor Teacher?' Nope, a rich high-status guy pettily staring me down over no gift!
"Your gift, Jin."
Unable to withstand his gaze, I pulled out the prepared present. A silk handkerchief with tiny lavender flowers embroidered in purple thread.
"...Lavender."
As I offered it, Jin stared at the lavender intently. Couldn't read his thoughts at all.
"Why lavender?"
He asked with utmost seriousness.
Huh? Problem with lavender? Baffled by the question, I stared blankly before answering.
"B-because I like it."
Lavender was my favorite flower.
At my words, Jin studied the handkerchief, then finally spoke.
"I like it too, Doctor Teacher."
Suddenly, the world faded, leaving just me and Jin. That radiant smile and 'I like it' echoed...
Why say he likes lavender with such a pretty smile?
"I like lavender too. Great scent, pretty flowers. You embroidered it yourself, Teacher?"
Clearly loving the stitching, he fingered it while asking.
"Yes."
Jin didn't take his eyes off the handkerchief for a long while after my reply.
Is he liking it that much? Seeing him so pleased filled me with pride.
