"Don't forget about today, birthday girl!" Aki winked at me while strutting past the counter.

I sighed, leaning on my elbow as I waited for the kitchen to ring the bell for the next order. Honestly, she must've reminded me more than fifty times today.

I glanced at the clock — still afternoon. Was Aki setting a world record for most birthday reminders in a day?

Just as I rolled my eyes, I saw Aki approaching again with that smug grin. Before she could open her mouth, I grabbed a nearby cracker and shoved it into her face. "Mmph!" she yelped, coughing.

I grinned. "Serve you right."

She pulled the cracker out and glared. "Why are you so mean?"

I raised an eyebrow. "Why are you so annoying?"

Before she could retaliate, a death glare from Keiko across the room froze us both. Aki gulped and sighed in defeat. I smirked in victory — until Keiko called out.

"Ryuko!"

"Yes ma'am?"

"Clean the falling crackers now."

I blinked, looking down. Not a single cracker in sight. I glanced back up at her. Her eyes narrowed. "Got a question?"

I straightened immediately. "N-Nope! I’ll sweep it real nice, hehe…"

As I escaped to the back room with an invisible dustpan, I muttered to myself, Where’s my sweet, blushing maid Keiko from last night? Ah, the duality of women.

The rest of the shift was smooth. Not too crowded, just enough to keep busy without losing our minds.

When closing time came, the gang was already hyped for the after-party. I decided to mess with them.

"Good work today, guys! Thanks again! See ya tomorrow!"

"EHHH?!" Aki shrieked. Miko’s eyes widened. "What the hell, Ryuko?!"

Keiko wordlessly grabbed the back of my shirt. Ruka sighed, rubbing her belly like a tired grandma.

"Oops, just kidding." I laughed.

Aki pointed at me. "You better be!"

"Yeah yeah, let’s go." I waved them along. As we left, I noticed Ruka walking slower. Keiko fell in step beside her, quietly offering an arm.

How far along is she now… three or four months? When’s she gonna tell the others? She can’t keep hiding that belly forever.

"Ryuko, eyes front!" Miko scolded.

"Ah, right. Thanks." I didn’t even realize it, but as I walked ahead, my eyes kept drifting to Ruka and Keiko chatting quietly behind us.

Aki grinned and slung an arm around my shoulder. "Jealous your girl’s walking with someone else?"

I swatted her arm off. "Don’t touch me, you clingy monkey."

"Monkey?!" Aki gasped.

"Yeah — you clinging around like that."

I took off running before she could retaliate. Predictably, she chased me — and predictably, Aki being Aki, she slipped on a loose stone and tumbled feet-first into a shallow street-side gutter.

"AKI!" we all yelled, rushing over.

She splashed around dramatically. "I’M DYYYYING—! Oh wait, it’s shallow."

We helped her up, soaking wet and sniffling.

"You okay?" I asked, guilt gnawing.

Keiko, wordlessly furious, squeezed my side like a vice. Message received.

Aki winced at her soaked shoe. Her left foot was starting to swell, looking a little red and puffy. "It hurts…"

"Alright, alright, I’ll carry her," I sighed like a tragic hero. Then Miko, bless her cluelessness, chimed in, "Why not Ruka? She’s the strongest!" I nearly choked. "Nope! No way! It’s my fault, and besides — I value my life. Can’t risk it," I shot back, dodging that landmine like a pro.

So there I was, piggybacking a dripping, grumpy Aki all the way to the pizza place. If not for my guilt, I’d be teasing her non-stop.

By the time we arrived, I was half-dead.

I dropped Aki onto a chair. "Order what you want. I’m done."

Aki grinned. "Careful what you offer!"

As expected, they went nuts ordering. I waved a hand. "Okay okay — but if you go over budget, you’re paying the extra."

"Stingy," Miko muttered.

"I’m feeding you, aren’t I?" I shot back.

We settled on three pizzas and drinks. Conversation flowed, jokes flying. Then Ruka cleared her throat.

"I, uh… have something for you guys."

She reached into her bag and handed out neat envelopes.

Aki ripped hers open first. Miko followed. Their reactions were priceless.

"WHA—?!"

Aki shrieked. Miko’s jaw dropped.

"A wedding?! Ruka!" Miko yelled.

Aki tried to jump up, but her sore foot betrayed her. She yelped and sat back down, defeated.

Me and Keiko played surprised. "Whoa, no way!"

Ruka smiled nervously. "12th of June. Hope you guys can come."

Keiko squeezed Ruka’s hand. I gave her a thumbs-up. Meanwhile, Aki and Miko just sat there with their mouths hanging open, completely speechless.