(That day—Aika's birthday. When I woke up beside Isabella in bed, it was raining. Not just some kind of 'thin clouds and twenty minutes of rain' kind of rain either. It was a real storm. Looking at the calendar, I realized it was already September. The fall equinox was just right around the corner. So, in essence...it was like the storm that declared that summer was over.)

Osamu and Isabella watched the rain from their bedroom window, both of them sharing the blanket for warmth.

“Summer is pretty much over now.” Isabella sighed.

“Yep.” Osamu added.

“I guess that means we can fool around, now that it's cuddle season.”

“Wait, what?” Osamu recoiled.

Isabella turned her head and flashed a sinister grin at Osamu. “Oh come on. It's gonna cold both outside and inside. The only real warm place is going to be the bed, with just you and I.”

(Not good! I think that rumor about girls becoming more amorous during the colder seasons is true!)

“Ah, I know what you're thinking. Don't think I don’t, mister!”

“W-what? You do?”

“Yep. You're wondering if women really do get more amorous during fall and winter, right?”

“Yeah! How did you know that?” Osamu asked in astonishment.

“How do you think? I've known you for too long.”

“So then? Is it true? You girls turn into complete vixens during this season, right?”

“Calm down, horn dog. It's not true for every girl. Now, personally, I do get more of an urge to kiss and cuddle during this season.”

“Great, but we're talking about being amorous.” Osamu said, disappointed with her explanation.

“As for that...well...I certainly feel more tense during the cold, you know? Like I really, really need some release.”

Osamu gulped louder than the rain hit the window.

(I don't know if I can handle where this is going...)

“I'd do it myself, but it's just not good enough, you know? It's like I need something...I don't know...bigger, warmer, and more powerful.”

(It's starting to get a little hot in here...)

“I just want to find the biggest one possible and just let it release my tension, like a volcano finally erupting.”

(Stop it, Izzy!)

“And in the end, it's all just a beautiful, warm, moist finish. You know? Thick and creamy, just how I like it!” Isabella gushed.

“What the hell are we talking about?” Osamu asked.

“Hmm? Taking a dick, of course.” Isabella admitted, nonchalantly.

“Thank god.” Osamu sighed. “Hey, wait a minute!”

Isabella patted Osamu’s back “You make it all too fun to do this, you know that?”

“Yeah, yeah. It’s my biggest weakness.”

Osamu stared out of the window as the rain continued to pour. “We're gonna have a lot of days like this, where we're stuck inside of the house.”

“Don't be such a downer. At least today is Aika's birthday.” Isabella said.

“Yeah…"

After a few seconds of silence, they realized they were missing the most integral part of anyone’s birthday. They looked to each other, shouting the exact same words in unison.

“Oh crap! The cake!”

They both rushed downstairs into the kitchen, where Izanami and Yoko were already preparing the cake. Thankfully, they got up earlier than Osamu or Isabella did and wasted no time preparing Aika’s delicious birthday treat. Of course, Izanami had cake batter on her face, which Yoko smeared with her finger to draw cat whiskers.

“Good morning! Sleep well?” Izanami sang.

“Yeah we did, thanks! I'm glad you guys got up early. We kind of slept in…” Isabella sighed in embarrassment.

“Thankfully, Aika is still asleep too.” Yoko said. “We just have to put this in the oven now. I brought the gifts in too, so that they wouldn't get soaked out there.”

“Awesome! Aika's going to be so happy!” Osamu cheered, his cheeks raised in a smile.

(Last time I had this thought, I completely jinxed everything.)

“Now we wait for the princess to come down.” Yoko said.

About two hours later, Aika finally awoke in bed, her room darkened by the drawn curtains, and noticed Yoko was gone. There was a lot of commotion in the kitchen, and the rain still wasn't letting up. She yawned, stretched her arms, and tied up her hair. She took a deep breath and closed her eyes.

“Okay. Another day.”

Aika walked downstairs, noticing that it was late in the day, but all of the lights were off and the blinds were closed.

“Is everyone still asleep? Hello?”

Osamu, Isabella, Yoko, and Izanami jumped up from behind the kitchen counter, spooking Aika.

“Surprise!”

Aika screamed and fell flat on her butt as everyone laughed. When she realized what had happened, she only managed to stare at them blankly with a rosy, blushing face.

“Oh man! You got really spooked there, didn't you?” Isabella cackled.

“S-shut up, Izzy!” Aika hissed. “It's rude to just scare people like that! What on earth are you guys doing, anyway? Why are all the blinds closed?”

Isabella shook her head. “Geez, you're pretty clueless, Aika.”

“Huh? I don't understand…"

“Oh dear, you've forgotten a day like this?” Yoko asked.

Aika tilted her head in confusion. “What are you guys talking about?”

“It's your birthday, Aika. You're twenty years old now. Congrats!” Osamu sang.

Aika had seriously forgotten that it was her birthday. She stood there with her mouth agape, awestruck that she had forgotten such an important date. For just a moment, a tearful glint in her eyes reflected a spell of sadness, one that only Osamu really noticed.

Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

“I...you guys know my birthday? But I never even told you…"

“True, but we did kiss, remember?” Yoko said.

Aika's pink face turned as red as a pepper at the mention of that memory. “Why did you have to say that in front of everyone, Yoko? You did that on purpose just to embarrass me, didn't you?! How can I look anyone in the eye after you just blurt that out?”

“The point she's trying to make is that because her kiss lets her know everything about someone, she knew when your birthday was without you ever having to say a word.” Osamu explained.

Aika recoiled, feeling a tad bit invaded. “Really?”

“Really. Come on. Sit down, Birthday Girl.” Yoko commanded.

Izanami brought out the chocolate cake from the oven, carrying it with the cautiousness one would have if they were carrying fine china. It was topped with halved strawberries, icing, and twenty small candles.

Aika sat down at the counter with the cake in front of her and the light from the candles flickering in her glistening eyes. Everyone took a deep breath and sang an off-key, yet merry rendition of happy birthday to Aika as Yoko gave her the first present. It was a rhinestone birthday tiara, one that Yoko made herself in her spare time. Aika covered her trembling lips as it was gently placed upon her head.

When the song was finished, she was laughing and crying all at the same time.

“Make a wish and blow out the candles!” Izanami chimed.

“O-okay!”

Aika took a few moments of silence to make her wish first. Then, with a big huff, Aika puckered her lips and blew like a hurricane wind. Everyone clapped as all twenty of the candles were extinguished with just one blow.

“Standing ovation!” Izanami cheered.

“Maybe don’t push your luck there, Izanami.” Isabella suggested.

“No! It's okay. I'd love to say something.” Aika interjected. “I…sorry, I'm just overwhelmed. Now that I think about it, I never really celebrated my birthday since my mom died. I just didn't see the point. To think that you guys went through the trouble of doing this all for me...I'm really blessed to be here.

"Izanami, you've got to be the most cheerful and innocent person I've ever met. Just being around you makes me joyful. Your good energy is really contagious! Isabella, you're way too beautiful. You like to play things like you're a tough girl, but I know you're a real sweetheart on the inside. I thank you for doing this. Yoko, you're the one I hated the most. I thought you were cruel, crude, and controlling. Maybe I was right when it comes to Osamu, but you're not a bad person like I once thought.

"Getting to live here and spend time with you made me realize that you've got the biggest heart out of anyone I know. Maybe you don't always express your love the way you should, but it's there nonetheless. I'm sorry for thinking so ill of you until recently. Thank you for caring, and thank you for doing this. And Osamu..."

(Huh? She's addressing me?)

“I love you, and I forgive you. I'm sorry for holding my grudge for so long. I meant to confront you in a peaceful and honest way about…well, everything. However, I lacked the maturity required to do that. That's the only regret I have now, the only one I'll leave behind.”

Osamu was shocked to hear those words, as were the other girls. None of them were certain if it was just intimate gratitude or a confession of undying love. Their curiosity picked at them. Either way, everyone was happy for Aika, and most importantly, Aika was happy for herself. She stood up, bowed, and was handed the knife to slice her cake. Aika cut herself a nice, big slice, to the applause of the others.

“Please! Eat up!” Aika cheered.

Yoko snapped her fingers in remembrance. “Oh wait, I almost forgot your other gifts!”

Aika had just finished sucking chocolate icing off of her finger as she spoke. “There's more? You guys, you shouldn't have!”

Yoko pulled out the two bags, showing Aika the new clothes and the music books. Her eyes dazzled like stars in the sky.

“Oh my gosh!” Aika shouted, slapping her hands over her mouth.

“Osamu and Izanami picked those out for you.” Yoko said.

“I don't even know what to say! Osamu, Izanami, thank you so much! You didn't have to do this.”

Izanami wrapped her arms around Aika and caressed her cheek with her own. “Anything for you, buggy boo!”

(Buggy boo?)

Izanami then proceeded to give Osamu the stink face. Though, it was a really cute stink face.

“What?” Osamu recoiled.

“Don't be shy! You helped with the gifts, after all.” Izanami said.

“Really, I mean it. Thank you, Osamu.” Aika said.

If smiles had weight, Aika's was the heaviest upon Osamu's feeble heart. There was just something about it that day that seemed so deceptive.

“You're very welcome, Aika.” Osamu sighed. “We absolutely had to give you the best birthday we possibly could. Especially me, since...well, I haven't been the best person to you.”

“No need for the apologies, Osa.” Aika said. “Hey, let me see your cheek. I think you got some flour on it.”

Taken aback, Osamu turned his cheek for Aika to examine, only to realize he was tricked when she kissed his cheek instead.

(No way...it's taken all this time to remember what her kisses feel like. It's as warm as the summer that has passed us by. Warmer than the sands on of the beach we used to go to...)

Yoko and Isabella didn't mind the kiss so much, but it was the way their eyes locked after the kiss that troubled them both. It was the kind of stare that signified when two people rediscover each other. It was a lot more than just an innocent flirtation, which was common in the household.

However, it wasn't quite the sight of a deceased love coming back to life. Something was awry, but none of them could quite put their finger on it. All they knew was that something dark lingered around Aika, softening her eyes in such a beautifully tragic way, giving her smile an extra radiance.

After having their fill of cake and wasting the day away, everyone was just about ready to retire for bed. Isabella and Osamu brushed their teeth together in the bathroom as the moon rose over the city.

“Hey, why don't you use circular motions when you brush?” Isabella interrogated with a disapproving glare.

“What? Straight motions work fine.” Osamu retorted.

“But they're not as thorough as circular motions!”

“You can go up and down too, short bus.”

“W-whatever! You know I'm right.” Isabella pouted.

Osamu had himself a minty chuckle. “Nope, I win this one.”

Osamu and Isabella rinsed their mouths and made their final checks in the mirror. When they both confirmed their teeth were clean, the bathroom light was shut off and Isabella jumped into the bed.

“Hey, you don't mind if I sleep naked tonight, right?” Isabella asked.

“I'd prefer if you kept your clothes on.” Osamu replied in a tired groan.

“Oh come on. We could stay warm if we press our bodies together, Osa. Don't you think, Osa? Hmm?”

“If you think that I’m such a pea-brained buffoon that simply calling me Osa will sway me in any way, you’d only be partially right!”

“Is that so? Well, I guess I can undress anyway and you won't do anything about it.”

“Hang on, Izzy!”

Isabella lifted her shirt, exposing only the underside of her breasts before stopping. “Stop it? Why? I thought you said your bottom brain was more responsible than I'm making it out to be.”

“It is, but there are limits, man!”

Having had her fun, Izzy decided to give poor Osamu a break. “Oh, I see. Well, all right then. I won't put you through that.”

Isabella let her shirt back down and wrapped herself in the covers. Osamu suddenly heard the front door of the house open and close downstairs. Either someone had just exited the house, or had just entered.

“What was that? Did someone just leave?” Isabella asked, sitting up in bed.

“I'll go check it out.” Osamu said.

“Be careful. If it's a thief, choke him out!”

“Violence is for savages!”

Osamu tip-toed downstairs, cautiously peeking around corners just in case it was an intruder coming inside. The coast was all clear. He opened the front door and immediately saw Aika playing in the rain without an umbrella. She looked like she was in total bliss as she was being soaked under the street light.

“Osamu!” She sang.

“What do you think you're doing?” Osamu asked.

“A rain dance!”

(At least her spirits are up again. Dancing in the rain though?)

“What an idiot. You're gonna catch a cold.” Osamu scolded.

“That's fine. Today made me really happy. And also a little sad.” Aika admitted.

“Sad? Why sad?”

Aika smiled at Osamu as the rain ran off of her hair and soaked face.

“Because there's something I badly want to ask you, but I feel like I already know the answer. Now that my birthday has come and gone, this is all that’s left.”

(What is she...)

“Osamu…” Aika began.

“What is it?”

Aika reached out her hand, her smile fading into a slight frown, as if she had been holding something all this time.

“Osamu...if I asked you to commit suicide with me...would you do it?”

The question hit Osamu like a bullet from a sniper rifle.

“Aika...what kind of...why would you ask that?”

Aika stifled a chuckle behind her sealed lips. “You know, Osamu Dazai once tried to kill himself with a young girl he had met. The two of them spent a few nights together before going to the beach and casting themselves into the unforgiving, covetous ocean. In the end...the girl died, but Osamu lived. As a result, he was arrested and charged with what was practically murder for not stopping her, for letting her drown herself.”

“I think I've heard that story...but...where is this coming from? Are you actually asking me to...commit double suicide with you?”

Aika's smile returned, rehearsed as strongly as Noh drama.

“No, it was just a hypothetical question, a test of your love and loyalty, I suppose. It was a silly and scary question, wasn't it? I apologize. Osamu...you love your life right now, right? You're happy?”

“Yeah. Yeah, I’m happy. Being here with you and the other girls has made me surprisingly happy. You all have things about you I strongly dislike, but at the same time, so many things about you all draw me to you. Once I realized that, I began to remember why I fell in love with each of you.”

“I figured you'd say something like that. Yeah...it was the most obvious answer. Of course you'd stay here.” Aika said, closing her eyes with a smile.

“Stay here?” Osamu repeated.

“Let's get back inside, Osamu. I'm drenched and cold now”

“See? What did I tell you? Come back in already, silly.”

(It was during the start of this cold season that it happened. I don't mean me and Aika reconnecting like we did that day. It was something else. Aika's question alluded to something I should've paid more attention to. It wasn't just a hypothetical, nor a shocking jest. She was making sure everything was tidy before she left, so to speak. That's just how big her heart was. That cold season...it took Aika away from us.)

End of Day 18