SS ー Spring's Birthday (2024)

"Happy, happy, happyyyy birthdayyyy!!!!"
 

Following Junky's loud whoop and a pop, one by one, those around me also start wishing me a happy birthday.

"Wait, what did the God of Destruction just make explode?"

"Eeeh, that's the thingie Yoppie bought me?"

"Why are you asking us? Weren't you the one who told him to get it?"

"Was that really a party popper?"

"Aah... Maybe?"
"Why do you sound so unsure, too?"

 

 This is a common occurrence for BASKU, but watching it makes me smile even more.

 

"Hehe, I'm so happy."

"Look at Spwee laughing~! If you stay with BASKU, you'll be eeeeeven happier from now on ♡"

"Yes. I think so, too."

ー So began the party, but, after several hours, even good things must come to an end.

 

(If I don't start wrapping things up, I may end up detaining them...

Still, I want to be with them a little longer...)

 

In spite of my opposing feelings, I chose the most amicable approach that sprang to mind.

 

"Well then, it's almost time to wrap things up."

"Whaaa~~t!?!?! I can still, like, go, though~?"

"We have an early morning tomorrow, so now is a good time to round off the day."

"Uhm, before that, I have a gift for everyone...!"

I give each
a gift I chose to express my gratitude.

As the 'star of the show', what I do draws in a few jokes,
but that's what I want to do.

 

I want to make everyone smile. I want to see smilesー......

 

***
 

There was an emptiness in the room after everyone went back to their own.

I felt as though the temperature had abruptly dropped.

"ーI washed all the dishes."

"Woah!? I w- wasn't expecting that... I apologize for all of the trouble, AK. I know you're also quite busy."

"Junky had a great time as well. I simply did what I was supposed to."

"Hehe, thanks."

AK stiffened and turned his eyes away, as if hesitant to speak, before returning his gaze to me.

"...... So, how are you faring?"

"Ah, I see. I'm making you worry, huh? Sorry about that."

"It's not like that, but if you're not comfortable talking about it, I won't press you."

"No, it's fine... I mean, I'm still pretty much the same. So I don't think there's anything to worry about.

Besides, I get regular medical checkups, so if anything happens, I'll let you know, AK."

"Is that so?"

"Uhm, I'm really glad everyone was nice to me.

I'm sorry for making you do this when you have to get up early too, AK. I'll take care of the rest... although you've already done nearly all of it.  Ahahah."

"......"

(You truly are kind.)

 

I enjoy seeing people smile.

Many smiled on my birthday. How nice, how delightful, what a relief.
 

I want to make everyone smile. I want to see smilesー... and
I don't want them to give up on me.

As downhearted as I am,
I strive to keep the smile that has been bestowed upon me.
With unwavering resolve, I swore to always look after those who looked after me.
 

Happy Birthday, SPRING.