"Happy Birthday Noriko." Her expression softens considerably and is a kinder look than her usual unreadable expression. She hands her a gift wrapped in a white paper patterned with light green bamboo and delicate red plum blossoms. "You know seeing you grow more mature day by day it makes me feel much older than I already am." She laughs quietly and looks over at the girl. "I'm proud of you, Noriko."
【梅—】
Sitting in the break room, Noriko nursed a slice of her birthday cake that was left over. Playing with the frosting, the birthday girl swirled her fork around mixing the different colors together. A pleased smile on her face, the Ayaka was surprised when she looked up to see Konan standing next to her.
A light smile coming to her face, the wintry haired kunoichi accepted the beautifully wrapped gift. Placing it on her lap, Noriko chuckled a bit. “Aww, come on Konan san, you’re still pretty young.” She replied gently.
Her eyes widening when she was told she was something to be proud of, Noriko’s blinked, once, twice, before easing back into her gentle smile. Her gaze falling down to the present in her lap, the Ayaka closed her eyes as she felt a mixture of both nostalgia and sadness begin to well up in her. It had been so long since someone had told her that. “Aa, you flatter me Konan san.” She replied opening her eyes slightly. Keeping her gaze trained on the present before her, Noriko put back on her usually bright and cheerful smile.
“Well, I guess I better get to opening this thing!” she giggled holding it up.









