Their conversation on the way was leisurely. Thoma tried to pry on his milady, but Ayaka was skilled to dodge all suspicious questions and carry on the conversation as if she was not hiding anything.
Arrived at the teahouse, Kozue was nowhere to be seen outside either. Just like his shopping bags. And right now, Ayaka seemed as nervous as Kozue was before. And it dawned him a second too late to combine all the points. Because as soon as Ayaka opened the door a loud “Happy Birthday!” got yelled at the blonde suddenly. Some were also releasing balloons or party poppers.
Thoma couldn’t say a word. Nor really react. Looking at everyone, in their bright, smiling faces, all eager and excited, Thoma was overwhelmed. By his side, Ayaka poked his side. “Hey, all good? This is all for you!” she hyped him up.
He nodded slowly, covering his mouth with his hand as it began to waver.
“Oh no, I think he is starting to cry!” Yoimiya hopped down the counter to rush to him to check on him.
But the blonde just his head. “It’s all good, really. Don’t worry, I am just… Just so surprised.”
“Well, it’s a surprise party, after all,” Yoimiya purred happily.
In the end, he couldn’t stop his tears of joy. He came to hug the two girls at his side first. “Thank you all.” He looked up. “Really, all of you!” His gaze went over the people. Colleagues from the estate or the commission, friends from Inazuma near and far. Gorou and Kazuha were smiling back at him, just like Itto emerged from the crowd, having a little box in his hands. “Yo dude, you have to open my present first!”
In the back the general sighed. “Itto you… Let him get settled first.”
But Kuki shook her head beside him. “I tried to reason with him already, but he won’t listen, sorry.”
Thoma shook his head. “All good and please, there was no need for presents..!”
“Nah guy, you’re always so over the top, of course you get sum presents from us haha!” Itto laughed, giving him his box.
