#Thank you Lea I am always happy to write the grumpy detective ))

[galaxythixf]

@fatexbound said: Someone had tipped Rise off about their birthday and the first thing she did upon waking up was figuring out a normal kind of present without being too flashy. Naoto was a simple, no-nonsense person and with how tired they were lately, she thought they looked a little slimmer the last time they crossed paths. Now, she knew that her cooking was... too spicy for anyone, so she looked up some tutorials online. The result was a fairly simple bento with all the essential nutrients: rice, some salad, and a nice piece of chicken with some tiny tomatoes provided by Yu's little garden. She owned him a lot for helping her. Once it was prepared and ready, she waited until they walked by the tofu shop, and waved at them. "Oh, Naoto-kun! Wait!" The idol stepped out with the box in her hands and beamed at her friend. "This is for you. I promise it's not spicy or terrible! I had my grandma and Yu-senpai test taste it. So, um, happy birthday!" Naoto's Birthday! || Accepting

Today's events were nothing but a reminder of what lonesome air embraced them for years and continued to remind them of their lack of intimate bonds that they were seemingly satisfied without. Despite their grandfather's efforts to encourage them they weren't sold on the idea that friends were necessary or perhaps they were just afraid to admit that making them proved difficult for a myriad of reasons. Their shortcomings were often difficult for them to wrestle with, perhaps too aware of them to face them without a little emotion ruining their efforts. Birthdays were grim reminders rather than joyful experiences and they aren't sure when the transition took place that altered their line of thinking but now it's stuck.

Working on their birthday had become somewhat of a habit. Despite their grandfather's pleas to enjoy the day they were usually insistent that they put more focus on their career than personal matters. Whether that's to escape the gnawing feeling or actually sharpen their skills is up for debate. Although, a day's work already comes to a close when they pass by the Tofu shop and suddenly a wave pulled them from their thoughts. Blinking, they turn to look at the Idol with mild surprise and then the bento held out to them. Horror stories about their friends' cooking suddenly reminded them that there was a chance this wouldn't be edible but her reassurance does help tempt them.

A smile is their answer, at first. It's really just a plain, small smile but this gesture alone is enough to make them feel … appreciated? They hadn't asked for anything or even acknowledged the day but it seems Rise had it committed to memory. "Thank you," gently they take the bento into their hands before they realize they aren't exactly in a place to have a meal. Awkwardly they try to find the words, fumbling in the process. "Would … you want to join me then? You should at least see how I like it, right?"