Chapter 577: Surprise

Chapter 577: Surprise



"Sure," he agreed. "When are we leaving?"

"I'll pick you up in half an hour. See you soon!" she said, excitement lacing her voice.

Hiro hung up the phone, a slight smile creeping onto his face. Although they had met only recently, he couldn't help but feel excited for some reason. The time he spent with her was always one to remember.

He quickly freshened up and put on something warm for the snowy day ahead. As he headed downstairs, his mother noticed the slight change in his expression.

"Going somewhere?" she asked, eyeing him with a knowing smile.

"Just out to the market with a friend," Hiro replied casually, though a hint of anticipation was hard to hide.

"Alright, but be back by evening. We've got some... plans," she said mysteriously.

"Plans?" Hiro raised an eyebrow, but his mother simply waved him off, her smile widening. Thirty minutes later, Ishikawa arrived. As Hiro stepped out into the snowy street, he noticed she was bundled up in a cozy coat and scarf, her cheeks slightly flushed from the cold. Her eyes lit up when she saw him.

"Ready?" she asked with a playful grin.

"Yeah, let's go," Hiro replied, walking alongside her as they made their way to the market. The streets were alive with the festive season in full swing - shop windows decorated with lights, the aroma of roasted chestnuts filling the air, and the occasional sound of buskers singing in the distance.

They wandered through the market, Ishikawa pausing at stalls filled with gifts and trinkets, while Hiro followed her lead.

Even though Christmas wasn't a major festival here, the influence it had was great. "So, what are you looking for?" Hiro asked, hands in his pockets to fend off the chill.

Ishikawa smiled, picking up a small snow globe from a stall. "Just a few things for the holidays. You know, gifts for family and friends." She glanced at him. "What about you? Done any shopping yet?"

Hiro shrugged. "Not really. I haven't thought about it much."

Hiro nodded.

After spending a few hours at the market, they began walking back. The snow had started falling again, lightly dusting the streets with a fresh layer of white. Ishikawa glanced at Hiro with a mischievous glint in her eye.

"Hey, there's one more stop we need to make."

Hiro raised an eyebrow. "Where?"

"You'll see," she said, quickening her pace. They walked through the familiar streets until they reached a small café tucked away in a quiet corner. It was the same cafe he had visited with her on their previous visit.

Ishikawa held the door open for him, and as Hiro stepped inside, he was greeted by a chorus of voices shouting, "Surprise!"

The café was filled with familiar faces - his parents, teammates, and friends, all gathered around a large cake adorned with the words Happy Birthday, Hiro written in bright frosting. The warm light inside contrasted with the snowy world outside and the room was filled with

laughter and joy.

Hiro blinked in surprise. "You... planned this?"

Ishikawa beamed, stepping up beside him. "Your mom may have had something to do with

it," she admitted, "but I thought you could use a good surprise."

His mother rushed over, hugging him tightly. "Happy birthday, sweetheart! We wanted to do something special for you."

His father, standing nearby with a proud smile, added, "We're so proud of you, Hiro. And don't worry, we're saving the real celebration for when you're back on the pitch."

Hiro, overwhelmed by the love and warmth surrounding him, felt a sense of peace settle over him. He had always thought of birthdays as just another day, but this... this was different.

It wasn't just the cake, the gifts, or the party. It was the people who cared about him, who had gone out of their way to make him feel special, even in a time when he felt vulnerable.