Kaito gave a small chuckle at the attempt one classmate made at sneaking a cupcake away from where Keiko and Aoko were setting up a table. Normally, he’d be right there getting a couple himself during the distraction of Aoko threatening to pull a broom out of the closet.

But he had other things on his mind today.

He probably should have expected Aoko to throw a birthday party. She must have noticed how he hadn’t really mentioned anything about his birthday himself, despite usually being excited for it. And, well, he couldn’t say a part of him still wasn’t looking forward to it. Just…

The magician glanced towards the door, then back at the others, still occupied by the minor disturbance and getting things ready. Nice part about waiting until after school to plan this all of the sudden… took time to set up. Not that they really needed to, he didn’t mind less decorated parties, but it did offer him some time where they might not realise he’s not there, uncharacteristically quiet as he’s been, even if smiling.

A few steps, then more, a quick glance to make sure he wasn’t noticed, and Kaito silently slid out the door.

Okay, so maybe a little to sneaky about this, but Aoko might not want to let him off today otherwise. She did seem to catch on quickly when something bothered him, even if he tried to hide it. Not like this would take that long, either.

---

“Happy father’s day, oyaji. Can’t stay long. Aoko’s busy trying to plan a party right now, and it’d be odd for the one it’s for to be gone.”

Kaito leaned down to gently place a rose on the stone in front of him. It’s happened a few times, that his birthday fell on the third Sunday. And he could admit, it did make him treat the day more for the holiday than his personal day of celebration. …Any ego did tend to stumble when it came to his dad, really…

“I was a little surprised she managed to convince Hakuba to come. Though, that might be because the party’s at my house… Never can tell with him.” A soft laugh. “Don’t worry, I picked up before anyone came over. Not like I’m all that messy about leaving things around anyway. I think Aoko managed to get him hanging decorations last I saw. Though, I’m almost afraid to try the punch Akako made… Preeetty sure it’s hard to get anywhere near that colour without some sort of dye…”

There was a pause, and Kaito put his hands in his pockets. “Nothing much else going on aside from that. School’s been the same, nothing too difficult with the shows either, after that guy tried to upstage me… Not that I’ve made much progress, either… Shouldn’t complain, peace is peace…”

Another, longer pause, then Kaito stepped forward to place a hand on the gravestone and gave a soft smile.

“…Guess I’ll see you later, then.”

Hopefully still like this, and not face to face, though…

…For now, he had a party to attend and guests to entertain.