At God’s Mercy (2)

It’s good that you’re back, Kuguri. Now I can give you the stuff I prepared. Here.

…A classic hard bop¹ record, and a rare first edition at that. This was discontinued, wasn’t it? How’d you get your hands on it?

I heard you wanted it, so I got it. Simple as that.

Ufufu, so that’s how it is. Well, I certainly won’t complain.

I have some protein and workout gear that I’ve found useful for you.

Let’s keep growing stronger together as part of the HAMA Tours workout team.

I don’t remember forming a weird team like that.

But, if I ever feel like it, I’ll probably hang out with you again.

Chii’s got you a nail kit! There’s a buncha products and nail polish in it ♪

It’s got the basics, Chii’s personal fave things, and a bunch of colors that are trendy! So you’re bound to find something that’ll make you go “Yeah+!”, Kugurin! ★

Oh? You know me so well, nyuszi.

Come to think of it. A lamb of mine² said she wanted to try painting my nails, so I suppose I’ll let her use it.

Kugunii. I cut the cake already. You should have some.

“Destruction In a Single Bite★Rum-Filled Cheesecake”… It was made by Kurama-sama to pair perfectly with the wine selected by Natsume-sama.

I haven’t tried it because it’s supposed to have a lot of alcohol in it, but I’m sure it’s tasty.

I’ll have some later.

Still, this is quite the lavish spread of food isn’t it? There’s appetizers with caviar and a lot of Hungarian dishes.

It’s almost appalling how thoroughly everything is set up. You’re not planning to sacrifice me, are you?

Haha, no way…

But, we went all out because we wanted to celebrate your birthday, Kuguri-san. Nanaki-kun put in a lot of effort to prepare everything.

Don’t tell him that, Chief…

Oh really… You did well, Nanaki. Thanks.

I’m glad we were able to learn more about Kuguri’s tastes by preparing for this party. It would have been difficult to plan otherwise.

It was unfortunate that my idea of adding caviar to ramen was rejected because the noodles would get soggy.

It wouldn’t go well with the alcohol. Who would eat something as tasteless as that?

Hey, Domeki. Hurry up and take this.

Oh? Am I getting a gift from you too, Ryui? What brought this on?

Are you starting to want to get closer to me?

Not a chance, idiot. I’m the one that has to give you your random gift. It’s something I have to do, not something I want to do.

I see. So that’s why you’re here without Thing #2.

Toi’s at work, and even if he wasn’t there’s no way in hell I’m letting him in your sight.

A wine glass with a stained glass design. It seems perfect for savoring some fine wine.

Duh. Toi’s style is always good.

Anyway, the barkeeper told me you were at Ten Nights not too long ago.

You almost hurt Toi’s feelings, y’know.

I just took a little detour… Surely you would understand my reasons?

You seem pretty out of place here too, here in this flowerfield brimming with joy.

What the hell are you talking about?

But you still “came”, didn’t you?

Besides, sometimes I just want to get completely drunk. On beautiful things too–as much as I hate it. You’ll get it if you try it yourself.

…See? You’re wide open.

Wh?!

How’s the taste of wine on your lips? It’s incredibly sweet… and completely overwhelming.

Fuck…

Oh? Your face is so red. How cute.

Motherfucker…! I’ll kill you!

The boss is charging up! Is he gonna blow!?

Kuguri, don’t tease my boy so much. Come here, Ryui.

Drinking this much isn’t good for you. Here’s some water.

If I get drunk, you’ll take good care of me… won’t you, maci?

I-I won’t. You gotta take responsibility for how much you’re drinking.

That’s a shame.

I… guess I’ll do it if I have to, though.

Ufufu. I’ll wait for the next time I get the chance for you to do me, I suppose.

……

(“Happy Birthday” has become such an empty phrase. It’s lost all its meaning.)

(The bells of celebration are too far for me to hear, but…)

Well, it’s not so bad getting drunk and seeing you all be happy like this from time to time.