Chapter 290: Teacher Fujii's Birthday

Time passed quickly, night fell quietly, and several dishes were placed on the dining table in the center of the living room.

Fujii Itsuki pushed open the bedroom door and walked to the dining table.

He paused for a second, as if he had discovered something, and picked up a small note hanging above it, on which was written the words Chitose left for him:
[Brother Shu, Chitose has gone home to help~
[Qiyi has already prepared dinner for Brother Shu in advance. If it gets cold, just heat it up in the microwave.

[Also, Xinchun and Xiaoyue are not here these days, you can ask Sister Muzi out for dinner or drinks, but you can only drink a little, only a little! Otherwise, Qiansui will definitely be angry!
[Make sure to eat well! Don’t be lazy and skip meals like you did when you first came back!
——The one who loves Brother Tree the most is Chitose.]
Fujii Itsuki smiled and put down the handwritten note.

After heating up several dishes in the microwave, he pulled a stool, sat down, and started eating.

He doesn't like to do other things while eating now, such as playing with his mobile phone.

But ever since she had dinner with Jiu Huayue, she always had a sullen face and took his phone away, refusing to let him look at it.

Over time, it becomes a habit.

But this now creates another problem.

He suddenly felt that the room was so lonely without everyone gathered together.

The wind and snow outside were blowing fiercely.

Fujii Itsuki suddenly remembered that he was going to hold a birthday party at the welfare home in two days.

After quickly finishing his meal, he took out his cell phone and prepared to talk to Jiu Huayue about this first.

But after typing the whole line, Fujii Itsuki became confused when he saw the word "birthday".

They should both remember their birthdays, right?

Fujii Itsuki himself didn't even know why he valued this kind of thing.

In the past, I almost forgot my own birthday.

He sorted out his thoughts and sent a message to Jiu Huayue first:
"at work?"

Five minutes later, Jiuhuayue replied.

Jiuhuayue: [Yeah.]
Jiuhuayue: [Picture]
A picture of Kyoto's night view is attached.

Jiuhuayue: [I was planning to take a break! But the magazine insisted on working overtime on a night scene project, so now I have to work overtime again.]
"Busy, right?" Fujii Itsuki typed back.

Jiuhuayue: [I’ve been very busy lately, traveling to Sendai, Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and all over the place, and I also have to visit exhibition booths and so on. Of course, the main reason is that I want to be lazy and finish filming the next two months in one go, so that I won’t be too lazy to fly around anymore.]
"Then you won't be able to come back in the next few days." Fujii Itsuki asked tentatively.

Jiuhuayue: [Well, what, you missed me?]
"Yes, I do." Fujii Itsuki replied directly.

Jiuhuayue: [(sulking expression)]
Jiu Huayue: [Don’t you have so many people around you? How can you still miss me?]
Fujii Itsuki: "Kokoharu went back to Sapporo to prepare for the New Year's Festival at Matsumae Shrine. Isn't the snow season here? It's also the peak tourist season. Chitose is too busy, so she has to go and help, from morning till night."

Jiuhuayue: [Oh, what about Muzi?]
"Muzi, I don't know what she is doing, anyway she just said she is busy"

Jiuhuayue: [It seems that I am the one you think of in the end. How annoying.]
"how come."

After the small talk, Fujii Itsuki hesitated for a moment, but decided to turn the topic to what he wanted to ask.

"By the way, Xiaoyue, can you come back the day after tomorrow?"

Jiuhuayue: [Uncle is so lonely at home that no one is there to accompany him. So pitiful~]
Fujii Itsuki smiled and typed back, "About the same."

Jiuhuayue: [Although I really want to go back, I’m really sorry that I won’t be able to come back the day after tomorrow.]
The wind and snow outside the window were blowing hard.

Even the light from the street lamps was blocked out.

"Is it."

Less than a second after Fujii Itsuki sent this message, Jiuhuayue's message popped up again.

[Ah! Sorry, uncle! I can’t go back the day after tomorrow! I still have work to do here, so let’s not talk about it for now, bye~]
"."

Jiuhuayue's message, as if she was in a hurry to hang up the message, made Fujii Itsuki even more silent.

It seems that Xiaoyue never mentioned birthdays.
Did she not know at all, or did she accidentally forget?
Fujii Itsuki was a little skeptical.

Then he contacted Matsumae Shinchun.

The old way, chat first.

Similarly, Xinchun's situation is similar to Jiuhuayue's, both are very busy.

When Fujii Itsuki asked if she was free the day after tomorrow, Xinchun said helplessly that she still had to continue preparing for the New Year's festival.

".So you can't come back?"

[Um. I'm sorry.]
"It's okay, just go about your business."

"."

Fujii Itsuki put down his phone in annoyance and scratched his hair.

Although it sounds a bit sissy to say this.

But he still cared that neither Xinchun nor Xiaoyue mentioned his birthday.

Among the few people, only Qiansui took the initiative to say that he would celebrate his birthday the day after tomorrow, right?

Could it be that among these people, Qiansui is the only one who cares about me?

Ugh.
Maybe I shouldn't celebrate this birthday.

Fujii Itsuki cleaned up the dishes, took a shower and prepared to go to bed.

When he picked up the phone, he found that Muzi had sent him a message.

Muzi was asking him how he was going to celebrate his birthday the day after tomorrow, and whether he minded if she went over to help with the preparations.
Also, if he has nothing to do tomorrow, how about going out for dinner together in the morning or at noon?
Fujii Itsuki felt a little comforted when he saw the messages sent by Muzi.

Xinchun and Xiaoyue have never celebrated their birthdays with them, so it is understandable that they can't remember it.

Muzi has celebrated many birthdays for me in the past, so I remember it very clearly.

[Then it’s settled. Let’s meet at the same place tomorrow. Is that ok?]
"no problem."

Putting away his phone, Fujii Itsuki returned to bed and fell asleep to the sound of wind and snow.

The next morning, he got up early, put on a thick down jacket, and rushed to the Otaru Canal in the snow.

He had already arrived half an hour early, but he didn't expect Muzi to be earlier than him.

She was wearing a black windbreaker and a scarf, and her black hair and shoulders were covered with white snowflakes.

"You're here so early again?" Fujii Itsuki said with some nostalgia, "I didn't expect that after all these years, I still keep you waiting."

Akai Muzi shook her head slightly and replied with a smile: "It didn't take long."

"It's the same reply as before. Mu Zini, you came here so early, aren't you cold standing in the snow?"

"Didn't you also arrive here half an hour early? How dare you blame me?"

They both smiled at the same time.

After exchanging a few insults, the two men then walked towards a pub on the side of the road.

As usual, order yakitori and a large beer.

Fujii Itsuki felt a little disappointed because Xinchun and Xiaoyue didn't remember his birthday.

Of course, he didn't say it directly, but he pulled Muzi to drink a little harder than usual.

Akai Muzi noticed his condition and chuckled, but said nothing.

"Ashu, do you have any special birthday wish this year?" Akai Muzi suddenly asked.

Fujii Itsuki was already a little tipsy at this time. He took a bite of the skewer and said sadly, "I don't want anything."

"What about that car you've always wanted?"

"You're not going to buy it for me, are you? I don't want it," Fujii Itsuki took another sip of wine, "Besides, I bought a car for my commute to school so I don't have to take the bus every day. But now I've quit my job, what's the point of talking about a car?"

"You still want it then, don't you?"

Fujii Itsuki focused his thoughts a little, then nodded:
"That's actually true. After all, it's a lot more convenient to have a car."

"So what type do you like? A sedan, an SUV, or a luxury car?"

Fujii Itsuki was drunk, but he was not stupid. "Why are you asking so many questions? Do you really want to buy it for me? I already said I don't want it."

"I know, I know. It's your man's self-esteem. I'm just asking out of curiosity."

"I'm just curious, why are you asking these questions? Nowadays, a bigger car is better, as it can accommodate more people."

"learn."

Fujii Itsuki looked at Muzi strangely, but didn't ask any more questions. He just raised his glass, toasted with her, and continued to eat skewers.

On the third day, which was my birthday.

The first "Happy Birthday" that Fujii Itsuki heard!
This was the blessing that the cute little Chitose said to him when he pushed the door open.

Her happy smile comforted Fujii Itsuki, who reached out to rub her head.

"Thank you, Chitose."

She also mentioned Jiuhuayue and Xinchun in passing.

"Humph, those two guys are really something. It's ok that they can't come back, but they didn't even remember Brother Shu's birthday! They deserve to be hung up and spanked!"

".Maybe they were just too busy and forgot by chance?"

Yang Kui Chitose hugged Fujii Itsuki's waist, pouted her lips and looked up, "Brother Shu! They treated you so well! Why are you still thinking about their kindness! They are all heartless women! Brother Shu should just marry Chitose in the future, and don't need them!"

Fujii Itsuki did not respond, but urged Chitose to pack up and meet up with Muzi who was waiting at the door, and then rush to the welfare home.

The sky over Otaru in November seems to be covered by a thin layer of gray satin.

At first, the snowflakes were as small as dust, floating in the wind. Gradually, they became dense and heavy, like ice crystals scattered from the sky, falling down.

Fujii Itsuki pushed open the iron gate and walked into the welfare home through the thick snow.

But the moment he opened the door and saw the girl in front of the building, he was stunned.

Long black hair, purple eyes, white beret and red shawl.
The girl was holding a kettle and watering several potted plants at the gate of the yard under the white snow.

Fujii Itsuki even suspected that he was having an illusion.

Have you traveled through time?
If he was not mistaken, this was Jiu Hua Yue? !

Fujii Itsuki looked back quickly and found that Yang Kui Chitose and Akai Muzi, who were supposed to be following behind him, had disappeared without a trace. He couldn't just leave the green plant to die, so Fujii Itsuki quickly went up to stop Jiuhuayue from watering it.

"Stop! Xiaoyue, why are you watering the plants with hot water again? Qiansui will scold you if he sees it!"

"what are you doing?"

The expression on Jiuhuayue's face when she looked at him was one of disgust, aversion, and a little shock.

"You, you, you, that perverted uncle from last night?!"

Her expression, the disgust deep in her eyes, didn't seem fake at all.

Fujii Itsuki was a little confused, "Xiaoyue?"

"What did you call me?" the girl was confused.

"Xiaoyue."

"I don't know you, who told you to yell like that?"

Fujii Itsuki suddenly looked down and saw the little shark keychain that Jiuhuayue liked to hang around her waist.

He understood everything now.

Fujii Itsuki then turned into the indifferent look he had when he first saw Jiuhuayue, "I can yell however I want to, it's none of your business, little girl, right?"

"Hey, he's calling a girl he just met by her nickname. He's really a perverted uncle!"

After Jiuhuayue finished saying this, she couldn't help but laugh.

Fujii Itsuki then started laughing too.

"Why did you suddenly come back from Kyoto?"

Jiu Huayue pouted, "It's because someone was chatting with me and he kept saying that he was very lonely. If I don't rush back overnight, he might think that I don't remember him and won't even go back to celebrate his birthday."

"Thank you." Fujii Itsuki didn't know what to say. He looked at her and could only thank her out loud.

"Don't say thank you to me. I like you and you've taken so much care of me. I'm not someone who can't remember good things. And, because I came back in such a hurry, I didn't prepare any surprises or gifts. None at all."

"It's okay, as long as you're back."

Jiuhuayue was like a chatterbox, constantly talking about how busy she was in Kyoto.

Fujii Itsuki listened to everything and followed her all the way to the classroom door of the welfare home.

When standing at the door, Fujii Itsuki seemed to sense something and looked inside for a longer time.

Then he looked at Jiuhuayue in front of him.

"What's wrong?" Jiuhuayue asked.

".nothing."

Fujii Itsuki smiled, and suddenly realized why everyone was so "busy" these days.

He came to the door of the classroom of the welfare home, put his hands on the door handle and pressed it down.

squeak
Along with the sound, the door opened.

It was clearly daytime, but the classroom was extremely dark.

It was so quiet inside that one couldn't help but wonder why there was no light on.

Fujii Itsuki took the initiative to take a step forward.

With a click, the light suddenly came on.

Bang bang bang bang!

Then, the sound of several small salutes rang out, and countless gorgeous pink fireworks flew up and down in front of him.

"Happy birthday!"

"Happy birthday, Shu!"

"Happy birthday, teacher!!"

"Happy birthday, brother Shu!!!"

Then, the students that Fujii Itsuki was familiar with all said in unison: "Happy birthday, Mr. Fujii!"

I saw a classroom filled with many people.

Fujii Itsuki took a quick glance.

Chitose Haruki, Shinharu Matsumae, Rinka Akai, the headmaster, the children from the welfare home, and a bunch of students of Fujii Itsuki.

Fujii Itsuki felt a little bit unbelievable, and he couldn't help but look at the dean standing behind him.

What's going on?

Dean Huadai closed his eyes and explained:

"Originally, this birthday party was not organized by me. After hearing that you were going to resign, everyone was reluctant to let you go, so they spontaneously joined forces with Jiuhua and the others to help you hold a birthday party."

Fujii Itsuki was even more surprised, and still looked at the dozens of people, big and small, in the classroom in disbelief.

"Everyone. This."

"Teacher Fujii, Teacher Fujii! Please don't leave!"

A girl from the wind band suddenly shouted, her voice full of pleading and reluctance. Then, the members of the wind band responded one after another, and everyone's voices gathered into a powerful force, conveying their deep attachment to Fujii Itsuki.

"Yes! Mr. Fujii! When everyone heard that you wanted to resign, they were all very surprised. You taught so well and helped us win the gold medal that we never dared to think about. Why did you suddenly resign?"

"And more! Mr. Fujii, the head coach and the others have been saying that they would find an opportunity to thank you! But they haven't even graduated yet! When they heard the news that you were leaving, they were all very reluctant to let you go."

Fujii Itsuki was somewhat touched and explained to everyone:

"I chose to resign for personal reasons, please don't."

"Then please don't leave, Mr. Fujii! We all miss you so much!"

It was a similar sentence again, and soon it was echoed by countless classmates.

Fujii Shu was soon drowned out by the noise, and the children in the welfare home also started to make noises, saying things like "Brother Shu, don't quit," because these older sisters who came over were also very kind to them.
It would be a lie for Fujii Itsuki to say that he was not touched at all.

Everyone surrounded me and crowded around me.

This feeling, this emotion.
Real numbers are difficult to describe.

He looked at Matsumae Shinchun, smiled bitterly, and asked:
"You prepared it?"

Matsumae Xinchun's expression was tactful. "Teacher, Xinchun just told everyone in the group that you were going to resign, and everyone spontaneously came forward to say that they wanted to come and keep you."

"Yes, yes! Why is Mr. Fujii leaving now?"

Fujii Itsuki couldn't explain it.

Just seeing this scene, seeing everyone looking at me with expectant faces.

He couldn't help but think back to the past few days, when he had been decadent at home.
The dream he gave up on his own initiative
Do you really want to completely give up your past self?

Do you really want to give up on us?

Take the initiative to ignore everyone's expectant eyes and respond in a way that disappoints them.
Fujii Itsuki took a deep breath and suddenly felt his heart surging.

He took the initiative to ask everyone:

"What do you think?"

"Teacher, stay! Don't quit!!"

——Everyone responded in unison.

"Really? Do you really want me to stay?"

"Correct!"

As if to allay his doubts, everyone began to talk about his achievements in leading everyone in the past year.

Fujii Itsuki was deeply moved by what he heard, and what some old members said next made Fujii Itsuki even more moved.

For them, it was Fujii Itsuki who led them to reorganize the wind band, from its decadent appearance at the beginning to where it is today.

No one had the chance to thank him properly.

He suddenly wanted to leave.
Naturally, no one would agree.

These words came more and more.

Fujii Itsuki saw the smiles on everyone's faces when they talked about these things, and then looked at the smiles on Jiuhuayue, Xinchun, Chitose, and Muzi's faces.

For a moment, he was a little undecided and asked Akai Muzi.

Akai Muzi just waved her hand, "I also think you should stay, Shu. You've been very confused at home these past few days, right? At least, stay for another year and take a proper photo with everyone."

After Akai Muzi said this, everyone quickly agreed.

Fujii Itsuki was quickly drowned out by the noise.

Fujii Itsuki's heart was deeply touched. He looked at these children, saw the tears and reluctance in their eyes, and a feeling of reluctance also emerged in his heart.
There was a voice inside him telling him.

Stay another year.

Stay another year and watch the kids graduate.

Watching Jiuhuayue, Matsumae Xinchun, Yangkui Chitose, and Rinka graduate happily
Although I no longer consider myself a teacher, I still feel reluctant to leave you and my past dreams.
At least, when we really leave school in the future, we will have some common thoughts and memories, right?

So he took a deep breath and said in a firm but gentle voice:

"Thank you everyone. I have also decided not to leave immediately and will stay for another year."

There was a burst of warm applause and cheers in the classroom, and then they all shouted:
"Happy birthday, Mr. Fujii!"

Fujii Itsuki smiled from the bottom of his heart. He looked around at everyone around him and choked up as he thanked everyone:

"Thank you, thank you very much!"

(End of this chapter)