Wednesday, 15 April 1995
Zaboru was working as usual, having just returned from ZAGE Osaka, where he had spent several days closely supervising the progress of Ninja Gaiden 3, a title slated for release at the end of the month. He had been meticulous in his inspections, offering feedback on both the gameplay mechanics and visual polish to ensure it would meet the company's high standards. Before leaving Osaka, he also handed the team another assignment—a new game concept into which he was pouring considerable creative energy. He made it clear that he expected them to develop it with care and precision so it could be ready for a July release. Once Ninja Gaiden 3 hit the shelves, Zaboru already had plans to put them onto yet another ambitious project, keeping their momentum strong.
Back in the familiar hum of the Tokyo offices, Zaboru sat at his desk with a pen in hand, shuffling papers in the usual act of looking busy, though his mind was elsewhere. Across from him, his girlfriend Ayumi lingered quietly, her head lowered as if she were lost in thought. Breaking the silence, she finally lifted her gaze just enough to speak in a soft, almost hesitant voice. "Hey… Zabo… you didn't forget what day today is, right?"
Zaboru put on an exaggerated look of puzzlement, tilting his head slightly as if searching his memory. "Hmmm? What day would that be?"
Ayumi was surprised at his response, her eyes widening for a brief moment before the weight of disappointment settled over her features. Her shoulders slumped ever so slightly as she looked down, the faint trace of a smile vanishing. "Umm… nothing…" she murmured, forcing her voice to stay calm. She released a quiet sigh, thinking to herself, It can't be helped if he forgot… he's always busy after all. She straightened her posture a little, willing herself to keep her composure, to hold back the sting in her chest. She tried her best to be strong, even if part of her wanted to turn away.
Zaboru grinned suddenly, his expression shifting into something both casual and conspiratorial. "Ayumi, there's something I want to talk about. It's about some business with Akaishidan. Can we step into the meeting room for a moment?" Akaishidan, run by Ayumi's brother Akechi, was the company where she worked, developing and designing video games. The mention of it immediately caught her attention, though she couldn't help but wonder why this matter needed privacy.
Ayumi nodded and fell into step behind Zaboru, her footsteps slow, a faint sigh escaping her lips. It was her birthday, and instead of something warm or personal, her boyfriend was apparently calling her into a work-related meeting. She told herself it was fine—he was always busy, after all—but she couldn't quite shake the twinge of disappointment. When Zaboru slipped into the meeting room ahead of her, she stepped in after him, only to find the space completely dark. She hesitated, blinking into the shadows, when suddenly the lights flared on with a burst of brightness.
"Happy Birthday!"
Zaboru had orchestrated the surprise perfectly, revealing it right there in his office. Ayumi's eyes went wide, sparkling with both shock and pure joy, her lips parting in a gasp before curling into a radiant smile. He had been quietly planning this moment for an entire week, keeping every detail under wraps so he could see that exact look on her face. It wasn't just a casual gesture—he had poured thought and effort into it, determined to create something heartfelt and truly special for her.
Zaboru grinned warmly, his hand reaching for a polished guitar resting nearby. As the first notes hummed from its strings, his own employees began filing in alongside several from Akaishidan and Akechi also come, their faces alight with anticipation. The meeting room-turned-stage was set: a gleaming drum kit stood ready, amplifiers softly buzzing, and other instruments lined up for the Zankoku band, each waiting for its cue in the surprise performance.
"This is a song for you, Ayumi, my love—Just the Way You Are."
Zaboru then sang:
Oh, her eyes, her eyes make the stars look like they're not shinin'
Her hair, her hair falls perfectly without her tryin'
She's so beautiful, uh
And I tell her every day
Yeah, I know, I know, when I compliment her, she won't believe me
And it's so, it's so sad to think that she don't see what I see
But every time she asks me, "Do I look okay?"
I say
[Chorus]
When I see your face
There's not a thing that I would change
'Cause you're amazing
Just the way you are
And when you smile
The whole world stops and stares for a while
'Cause, girl, you're amazing
Just the way you are
Yeah
The crowd was excited—it was a truly wonderful performance, every note drawing smiles and cheers. Although the lyrics were in English, Ayumi clearly understood enough to feel the warmth and devotion behind them, and her eyes grew moist with emotion. She realized she should have known that Zaboru would never forget her birthday, and his heartfelt singing was not only touching but impressively good, filled with sincerity that made the moment unforgettable.
When the song ended, Zaboru stepped forward with a warm smile and presented her with a gift—an adorably plump, soft bunny doll. Its plush fur looked impossibly huggable, and a neat little ribbon was tied around its neck. Handing it to her, Zaboru said with quiet pride, "I made this myself. I hope you love it."
Zaboru's smile deepened as Ayumi clutched the bunny to her chest, her eyes crinkling with genuine happiness. "Thank you, Zabo! You're the best!" she said, her voice bright and brimming with affection. He gently patted her head, a small, tender gesture that made her beam even wider, then turned toward the gathered friends and colleagues. With a lighthearted chuckle, he announced, "Alright, everyone—dig in and enjoy!"
There was food everywhere—tables crowded with neatly arranged platters of sushi, steaming trays of yakitori, bowls of fresh fruit, and even a cake topped with delicate frosting roses and other delicious stuff. The meeting room buzzed with chatter and laughter as colleagues and friends helped themselves, glasses clinking in light toasts. It wasn't just a small party; it was a warm, lively gathering to celebrate Ayumi's birthday, every detail showing thought and care. Ayumi felt her heart swell—she was really, really happy.
Zaboru devoured the food like there was no tomorrow, and his employees joined in with the same enthusiasm. He had arranged for the dishes to come from a top‑notch catering service, ensuring everything looked and tasted exceptional. Ayumi chuckled at the sight, occasionally feeding him small bites with playful affection. The room was filled with warmth, laughter, and the pleasant clinking of plates, a reminder that moments like this weren't just about work—they were about enjoying life and cherishing each other's company. Zaboru knew that well, and in that moment, so did everyone else.
Suddenly, Yugo, grinning mischievously while chewing on a skewer of yakitori, called out, "Boss-sama! When are you going to marry Lady Boss?" His playful question made Ayumi's cheeks flush instantly, and the surrounding crowd erupted in good‑natured whistles and laughter. Zaboru only chuckled, raising a finger to his lips in a lighthearted shushing gesture. "It's a secret~," he teased, his tone warm and teasing, which only deepened Ayumi's blush. Deep down, though, she couldn't help feeling a rush of excitement—because truthfully, she could hardly wait.
To be continued
AN : I know this seems like meaningless chapters for some but I love creating this chapter. It requires less thinking and more emotion. As for why I create this because when I'm creating this chapter I'm busy as hell and even though I took a writing break, I still persist and still write hahaha. And its been 2 weeks I've come to offices for Saturday and Sunday
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