I practiced as a monk alone in Japan.

Chapter 319 Happy Birthday (The End)

Cooking a meal is indeed not difficult for Gen Tsukino; speaking of which, it seems like he's been cooking for people a lot lately.

But what's wrong with cooking? It's better than being cooked by someone else, right?

We should be content with the status quo.

The two shared dinner at a simple dining table in Tsukino Gen's simple rented room.

After Tsukino Gen finished washing the dishes, the two of them watched the same old movie together on the sofa.

Since the weather has turned cold, it's a dividing line where turning on the air conditioner is unnecessary, but if you don't turn it on, you'll feel a bit chilly after sitting for a long time.

So Tsukino Gen simply brought a thin blanket and covered their legs with it.

Clearly, Chinatsu Morita's approach was simpler and more direct.

That was when they were nestled in Gen Tsukino's arms, the movie lights casting dappled shadows on their faces.

"Time flies! I met you in the summer, and now the New Year is almost here."

"Chinatsu Morita said softly."

There is no place in the world where you feel safer nestled in someone's arms.

Gen Tsukino nodded. "Yes, every year at the end of the year I always have a sense of déjà vu."

"But after I met you, time seemed to fly by."

"why?"

Gen Tsukino looked into the other person's clear eyes.

Chinatsu Morita made no attempt to hide the desire and dependence in her eyes.

"Because I was thinking about when I would see you every day, I realized that time could pass so quickly when I finally saw you."

Gen Tsukino was at a loss for words.

Indeed, the biggest drawback is the inability to allocate time effectively. Aside from that, I am quite patient with each moment spent with my loved ones.

After all, I haven't really pursued much in my life. There's no need to chase after those ephemeral things or those unfulfilled desires.

Instead, cherish what's precious in front of you and give up those pointless fantasies in your mind.

Of course, Tsukino Gen felt that his curiosity and imagination were relatively mild.

The boy reached out and touched her delicate face.

"You don't have to be so patient. Just send me a message if you want to see me, and I'll come see you whenever I have time."

That's certainly true, but if there really isn't time, then there really isn't time.

“I know, but how should I put it? Someone once said that the passion and novelty between two people are a fixed quantity, and each time you see each other, it diminishes. If that’s really true, then I’ll try my best to slow down the rate at which you get tired of me.”

Watching the classic, melodramatic plot of the movie, from the sweet romance between the male and female leads to mutual accusations and arguments, and finally their separation.

This is probably why Chinatsu Morita thought of this place.

Gen Tsukino simply shook his head calmly, "I don't think that day will come."

"Really?"

"There will only be a day when you don't want to stay by my side, but I no longer have the ability to let you go."

"Puch."

Chinatsu Morita smiled, then stood up slightly to try to keep her eyes level with the boy.

She looked at the boy and said with a firm gaze.

"Then that day will never come. I told you, I'm a madman, and I'm going to cling to you for the rest of my life."

Gen Tsukino nodded with a smile.

"As I said, I agreed to this."

"Well."

No further words are needed to prove it; it seems we're only now getting to the point tonight.

As her long, white legs begin to wrap around his waist, Tsukino Gen wonders whether this is the beginning of everything, the convergence of all things, or the end of everything.

People are driven by desires, and they can also become dejected because of them.

More angry and dissatisfied, more resentful.

But now, realizing what's most important in front of him, the boy no longer lets go of his hand.

The darkness outside grew even deeper with the winter wind.

Swaying and breathing, as if never stopping.

……

Even though it's already the season for wearing down jackets, Tsukino Gen is not afraid of the cold at all. The internal energy circulating in his body allows him to maintain a normal body temperature at all times, ignoring changes in the external temperature.

But there's no other way; I still have to act like a normal person.

However, the difference is that I'm meeting the young lady today, so I can't dress too casually.

The oversized trench coat perfectly complemented the boy's slender physique.

I waited downstairs for that familiar black sedan.

However, when Tsukino Gen opened the car door and got into the back seat, he didn't see Asagiri Rin alone.

and also
"Good afternoon~"

A vibrant voice, and a still pretty face.

Even in her puffer jacket, Kazama Sakura remains sweet and adorable.

"Sakura's here too?"

Gen Tsukino glanced at the aloof young lady beside him with slight surprise, though he no longer saw that expression as a sign of temper. How to put it... it was like how the main character should have a signature expression when they first appear.

That's what she is now.

"Yeah~ Don't you want me here?"

"No, it's just that you two are appearing together more and more often now, and it feels like you could debut as a girl group right away."

"Hahahahaha."

The girl laughed heartily.

Asagiri Rin rolled her eyes at Tsukino Gen, annoyed. "It's because she always senses when I let you out, like a dog smelling a bone. It's because I'm kind-hearted and too lazy to argue with her."

Gen Tsukino knew that these words were not sincere, and Sakura Kazama would certainly know it as well.

However, both of them had now figured out the girl's temperament; she was the type who responded better to gentle persuasion than force. Immediately, Kazama Sakura hugged the young lady's arm, "Rin-chan is the best~"

"Come on, you two scoundrels."

Asagiri Rin really couldn't do anything about these two. He already couldn't handle Tsukino Gen, and now Kazama Sakura had learned his tricks, making it even more unbearable for him.

It seems that whenever the trio appears together, they are often the ones who suffer.

However, there's nothing that can be done about it; even Asagiri Rin herself feels that she's becoming more and more accustomed to this way of getting along.

"So, where are we going now?"

Gen Tsukino changed the subject and asked.

Asagiri Rin glanced at the boy, "Do you remember I promised you I'd give you a present during the sports festival?"

Tsukino Gen paused for a moment before realizing what she meant, "That? I thought you'd forgotten. It's been so long!"

"Oh, so you think I won't keep my promises?"

"How could that be? I'm just waiting quietly. If you don't speak, I'll just wait. Who says waiting isn't enjoyable?"

"What gift? What gift?"

Kazama Sakura curiously leaned over.

This time has allowed the girl to stabilize her emotions, and she no longer feels wronged by these trivial matters.

Instead, I'm curious: what kind of gift would a young lady like Asagiri Rin give to Tsukino Gen?

It certainly won't be too ordinary, but how extraordinary can it be?

At this crucial moment, Asagiri Rin skillfully kept everyone in suspense.

"You'll know when you get there. I'm just telling you in advance, so don't get too touched."

"what?"

Tsukino Gen felt that he might have long forgotten what being moved was, but the other person said so.
As the car moved forward, Tsukino Gen felt that the surrounding scenery was becoming more and more familiar, even though he hadn't taken the subway to his destination.

But
It wasn't evening yet.

The winter sun always seems warmer than at other times.

"This is...an orphanage?"

When Kazama Sakura looked over, she immediately saw the brand-new and large signboard.

It was written there.

[Paper Airplane Orphanage.]

Gen Tsukino actually knew the orphanage was being renovated when he last visited, but he didn't expect it to actually be named that.

The name "paper airplane" represents more than just a childhood image; it also represents the memories between herself and Rin Asagiri.

He seemed to understand something and looked at Asagiri Rin.

Asagiri Rin gazed at the orphanage, which had been completely renovated, and could even see the young children laughing and playing inside.

She smiled and said, "Won't you go in and take a look?"

".May I?"

Gen Tsukino had some doubts.

Asagiri Rin nodded, then took Tsukino Gen's hand.

Kazama Sakura did not voice her dissatisfaction at this time, but obediently followed the boy's side.

We accompanied this boy, whose expression was beginning to change, into this orphanage that had undergone a complete transformation.

Gen Tsukino saw even more beautiful entertainment facilities and passed by a more spacious library.

Even the children's dormitories appear cleaner than the cafeteria.
These were things he had never even considered before. His indifference towards them stemmed from his clear understanding that these were not things he could simply obtain by wishing for them.

"Miss Asagiri, ah... Gen, you're here too?"

With a smile on her face, Kazuko Chishima appeared before Gen Tsukino as if in a dream, and she looked much younger.

"Dean."

Kazuko Chishima smiled at Gen Tsukino and said, "I really want to thank you for everything you've done for the orphanage. I don't know how to repay this kindness. Thank you so much."

Tsukino Gen also looked at Asagiri Rin, unsure of how to begin.

But Asagiri Rin said nonchalantly, "No need to thank me, because this orphanage is yours."

"mine?"

Tsukino Gen asked curiously.

At that moment, Kazuko Chishima brought over a document and placed it in front of Gen Tsukino.

She wore a gentle smile, just like the first time Tsukino Gen saw her.

"Happy birthday to you."

What was placed in Tsukino Gen's hand was a transfer document for half of the orphanage's shares.

Rin Asagiri, who was standing next to him, took the pen and placed it in Gen Tsukino's hand, then led him to grip the pen tightly.

She whispered in his ear.

"Half of the shares are mine. Simply put, this orphanage is between you and me. As for the director, you don't need to worry about her; she will remain the director. And from now on, the growth of every child here will benefit from our efforts."

It all happened so suddenly, and then there was that "Happy Birthday" greeting.

His birthday wasn't actually the one he'd told Kazama Sakura before; it was at the end of summer.

Rather, it was the day he actually arrived at the orphanage.

Sakura Kazama, who was holding onto the cake which had been lit, quietly walked up to him from behind.

He saw the most beautiful thing he had ever seen in his life.

Most unforgettable.

The two faces that I can't let go of the most.

They said to themselves.

Happy birthday, Xuan.

……

(End of this chapter)