お誕生日おめでとう河川ちゃん

Birthdays, especially her own, were more troublesome than Kasen thought they really should be. Her plan for the day was to play truant halfway through class and spend a few weeks worth of allowance in the arcade. But instead, Hiroya had kept his little lackies on her tail and, the moment classes were up, escorted her off of the school premises. Instead of heading home, which he probably should have done, the two of them headed into town. 

It was rather unexpected.

What was more unexpected was their destination -- the local animal shelter. It took Hiroya some minutes to convince her that, no, it wasn't a joke, and that she could really get a pet, but when it sank in.... Kasen was filled with such unbriddled joy the likes she had never felt before, and quickly went from kennel to kennel, petting dogs and letting kittens play with her fingers. Getting a pet was a huge responsibility, one that Kasen would have never thought to ask for (she could barely keep the class rabbit alive as it was), but the fact that Hiroya must have pleaded with their parents, no, with haha-ue to allow her the chance... It made her feel really happy. And worried, because wow, what did Kasen know about taking care of a person, she could only barely take care of herself, but mostly happy.

The moment she spotted the white puppy, Kasen knew he would have to be the one. Hiroya must had been at the shelter before because there was only the final paperwork to be done, which he began to finish with the same flourish as he completed all his assignments. He looked at his sister, who was hugging the dog to her chest. He gave a small smile and asked「まあ。かちゃんの子犬のなまえはなんですか？」

Kasen bit the inside of her cheek as she thought, only to get a slight pap on it to get her to stop. Ther girl glared at her older brother, before looking down at the puppy in her arms once again. A small smile tugged at her lips as she gave Hiroya a grateful smile. 「ジュバルわよ。」

This was the best birthday in a long time.