Part 5

They didn't know their birthdays. Nevertheless, Eriko gifted herself what she desired most - a date with Daisuke. She combined it with a commitment she'd been putting off for weeks - buying a folding table to replace her wobbly one. She also needed an extra shelf for her spectacular manga collection. Even though she'd been living in a new apartment for six months, at this rate Eriko would need to move once more, preferably to a bigger one. The savings at her disposal and her not-so-attractive salary, however, would prove to be an issue. She'd have to practice more restraint in the future.

To her delight, Daisuke agreed to the meeting. Eriko spent an absurd amount of time choosing an outfit, until she was fully satisfied.

"Sorry I'm late. We got held up recording extra lines.", Daisuke arrived half an hour late, "You must be freezing. Let's get moving.

It would be an understatement to say Eriko was annoyed, even more so because it was rather cold outside, but the moment she saw Daisuke all of that ceased to matter.

"A bit longer and you'd be shopping with an ice sculpture.", She teased him as they moved towards the furniture store Eriko had mentioned previously.

"I'm certain I would have found a way to melt you.", He winked mischievously.

"Dummy!", She nudged him playfully and purposely ran down the street.

Daisuke looked at her for a few seconds, before running off as well. Eriko stopped right outside the store and tried to catch her breath, which was a challenge with all the cold air she had ingested.

"I…found a way…to get warm!", She said as Daisuke approached her.

"That's a pity. Was hoping to invite you for a cup of coffee after our shopping trip."

"Of course I accept!", Eriko was quick to add.

"I didn't invite you.", Daisuke teased.

"But you'll do it soon.", Eriko's smile was beyond smug.

"But I'll do it soon.", Daisuke agreed as they entered the furniture store together.

Shopping there turned out to be quite an adventure and the final choice wasn't the easiest, but Eriko was satisfied. She'd completed a tedious task in a pleasant way and had fun. What could be better?

She gave her address, paid for the purchases and the delivery fee, and followed Daisuke outside. He, however, greeted her with a look she didn't like. Eriko suspected she wouldn't be all to happy with what he was gonna say next.

"I'm sorry, bumblebee, I need to head home. I'll see you soon, okay?"

"I suppose.", Eriko mumbled to herself.

Daisuke smiled and waved at her, before heading for the metro station.

"Happy birthday to me…", She muttered quietly, barely holding her tears back. The one she wanted to spend her special day with the most had left her alone and went home…to his wife.