Chapter 37: Birthday

Chapter 37: Birthday

(Ryoto's pov)

Today is Rito's birthday, but as usual, he forgot about it, but it only helped the group and me to prepare the surprise party. Haruna avoided him the whole day so she wouldn't spoil the surprise. Rito was devastated by it. Just you wait, my little brother, just you wait...

Rito was coming a little later today, probably a bit depressed after Haruna tried to stay away from him. It made it easier for us to see if everything was in order. The penguins also helped a lot. Even our dad was present.

Rito finally returned home looking gloomy, but as soon as all of us shouted 'SUPRISE', his mood changed instantly, likely because he spotted Haruna.

After some time, Rito received gifts from everyone but Haruna and me. Haruna shyly gave Rito a wrapped present. Rito asked if he could open it, and Haruna nodded. It was watering pot since Rito worked a lot in the garden. He was the happiest with her present, and it showed, but he hadn't seen my present yet.

I walked up to Haruna and placed a big red ribbon on her head.

Ryoto: "Well, here you go."

I was satisfied with my work. On the other hand, Rito was confused, and so was Haruna, but she was also blushing. Mikan looked disappointed in me, Risa was laughing, Lala was smiling, and the rest didn't know how to react.

Ryoto: "Do you like my present?"

Rito: "Nii-San!!! You can't give people as gifts!"

Ryoto: "I'm legally able to do it."

I took out Haruna's birth certificate. Rito and Haruna were shocked.

Rito: "How did you get this!?"

My face lost all emotions, and I said in a flat tone.

Ryoto: "I sold my body to the devil."

Rito: "Don't you mean soul?"

Ryoto: "I know what I said."

I returned to normal shortly after.

Ryoto: "So, do you want this or not?"

I waved the paper before Rito. His eyes followed it for a while.

Rito: "I... don't... need it." Follow current novels at novelhall.com)

He refused it with great effort.

Ryoto: "Ok, enough with this joke."

Rito smiles at my statement and agrees. We went to the garden after first going to my room to take the ball. We played for a while, and for the first time in a long time... my smile was genuine. It was noticed by Mikan, dad, and surprisingly Lala. Lala was confused because it was the first time she saw me smiling like that. It's not like I didn't want to smile genuinely, but I still couldn't open my heart fully even if I wanted, but right now, I ft as if u returned to simpler times, forgetting about everything unnecessary. Shortly after, everyone joined the fun, and it had fun until the guests needed to return to their homes.

__________

*PING*

*QUEST COMPLETED*

Reward: 30 SP, Lucky charm (one time use)

__________

That night I didn't have any nightmares.

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The following day I woke up refreshed for once. I remembered then my reward, 'lucky charm'.

'Karen, what does it do?'

Karen: "*Breaths in* *Breaths out*"

'Karen?'

Karen: "Do you want to read the description?"

'I can read descriptions?'

Karen: "Only of your titles and items got from the system."

'Do it then.'

__________

Lucky charm: One-time use item that allows you to max out your lick for a short while. After using this item, even a goddess of luck herself would lose against you in a luck-based game. It only works for two minutes, though.

__________

An excellent item, but I shouldn't use it carelessly, so for now, it stays in an inventory-like space that I don't have access to.

A day went on as usual, but I was walking home alone as I went for a walk in the evening. Satisfied with my stroll, I returned to my room. Lala was lying on my bed reading something. Curious about what she was reading, I walked up to her and laid beside her to see...

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END

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