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I clenched the doorknob, mustered my resolve, and opened the door. No matter what is inside, it shouldn’t kill me. If they’re going to prank me, I already built up tolerance from Ani and Ane’s ‘gifts’ this morning. They probably won’t be able to outdo those so easily.

“““Happy Birthday!!”””
“Ha?”

With the loud pop of the party poppers, confetti rained down. I already experienced this earlier in the morning, so it doesn’t faze me. What surprised me is that they’re treating today as my birthday for some reason. Moreover, the number of people is crazy.

“Why are there so many people?”
“Fufufu, that’s because we called out to them.”
“We told everyone that it was your birthday, and they all gathered here with us.”

Hearing the ringleaders Hadzuki and Aya’s words surprised me even more. Inside the cafe, we’re currently packed like a can of sardines. There should at least have some of them outside to loosen up. I can’t even go inside through the entrance.

“Ah, can I say something first?”
“Oh, giving your thanks, I suppose?”
“Give the perfect words for our thorough and well thought-out preparation.”

In that case, let me scream the oh so perfect words without any reserve.

“My birthday is still a month away!”

With my exclamation, everyone’s attention shifted from me to the two upperclassmen. Everyone had a look of disbelief, which is really funny, but there are also some who had wry smiles. They probably know when my actual birthday is.

““Prank: Success!””
“These two are idiots.”

Where did you even pull those placards from? I have no idea why they found it necessary to trick the attendees into believing it was my birthday. Everyone is perplexed on what to do with the birthday presents they bought. Well of course, they can’t just simply keep it until next month.

“Owner, why didn’t you tell anyone the truth?”
“Well, I was paid hush money. The reservation fee was just too good.”

I guess that was the bargaining chip. It’s not a bad event, and there’s many of the cafe regulars present, so it shouldn’t be a problem. One issue, however, is that we don’t have enough seats for everyone. The upperclassmen probably took that part in consideration.

“Seats have been set up outside, so whether it’s at the front or at the back, find yourselves some seats.

It seems like Hadzuki and Shimotsuki’s servant force has been fully mobilized. Otherwise, there would have been no way to have the seats ready in such a short amount of time. They really don’t cut corners when it comes to stuff like this. Maybe I should ask why later.

“We’ve opened up our living space too, so for people in the know, feel free to sit there.”

The owner’s being really generous today. They normally only open up the house area for gatherings with close friends or relatives. It’s probably because the people present are all my acquaintances and friends. There shouldn’t be anyone up to no good. There are some who might fool around, though.

“This is going to be crazy chaotic.”

Just how many people did Ani get acquainted with? I see some of the past friends here and there, with some already drinking damn alcohol. The adults of my present acquaintances have even joined them. The present group will absolutely regret that later.

“C’mon now, come here. You’re today’s main star.”
“Don’t arbitrarily include me in the prank team.”
“It’s not like we can make up any other excuse, right? New Kotone.”

With Ane’s clumsy mistake, it’s troublesome that the upperclassmen know of my existence. Ani and Ane requested for today’s festivity, but it happens after they’re gone, so they probably didn’t think much about it. Could they come back even for just a moment and see this mess?

“It is true that it’s a birthday for you.”
“Older sister Kotone gave us a head’s up, so we made it in time.”

Damn it, there were still some blocked memories? What’s more unbelievable is that they actually left false memories for me. Didn’t they have zero contact with the upperclassmen? Doing an information war against themselves, what the hell are they?

“I really can’t win.”

I should be the powered up, combined version of the two, and yet why do I feel like I can’t win against them at all. If my abilities are twice theirs, then the two together feel like their abilities are squared.

“So, do you have anything to say to us after we’ve prepared this much?”
“We want your greatest praise.”
“You mean appallment. Anyway, thanks guys.”

The two exchanged a high five. Kishita isn’t around, but let’s ignore that. She probably had the two do the dirty work, while she distances herself from the hijinks. Since they did perpetrate this, these two make the perfect scapegoats as well.

“I’m still exhausted from everything that happened this morning.”
“It seems like Kotone Duo played you greatly.”
“Against those two, I feel like even we would have a really hard time. There’s no telling what they’d have cooked up if given ample preparation time.”
“I feel you. I really do.”

After all, I got beat by them just this morning. Having even the upperclassmen cautious against them, Ani and Ane really are great. I won’t respect them, but I still think that they’re amazing. While they can no longer join forces thanks to a cruel twist of fate, in a sense, it was probably for the best. No, them having the fortune to meet each other was for the best.

“Now then, shall we hear a word of greetings from the star of the day?”
“If you’re inclined, you can even sing for us instead.”
“Stop with the unreasonable demands. I’ll at least give my greetings.”

So many people came for my birthday, so I could at least give them my personal greetings. Even if it’s not my actual birthday today. While it is true that I was born today, but Kisaragi Kotone’s birthdate is different. I need to keep that in mind. I am Kisaragi Kotone, but so are Ani and Ane.

I must never forget that Kisaragi Kotone was 3 plus 1 individuals. My duty is to inherit Kisaragi Kotone’s everything, without forgetting the memories.

“Everyone gathered here today, I am truly sorry for your unwitting participation in this fake birthday prank event.”

Giving an apology is important. Even if I wasn’t the perpetrator of this, even if I was a victim as well. There’s no telling what could cause resentment. Particularly from the people who even went out of their way to prepare birthday presents.

“The expenses will be wholly shouldered by these two, so please make sure to present your receipts afterwards. Ah, you can also submit it at a later day.”
“Is she trying to redirect all the hate towards us?
“I think she’s actually helping us decrease possible resentment.”

If money can cure resentment, it’s a small price to pay. The rest will depend on their character. If there are idiots who think that you’re just sitting ducks that can be easily exploited for their money, you just need to teach them that you’re armed and ready to retaliate. Especially since it’s these upperclassmen we’re talking about.

“This past year, I have been aided and helped by many people, and I cannot thank you all enough.
“Kotone, that’s too formal.”
“It’s a party after all, so just go with a bang!”
“Let’s hype up the place and relieve our daily stress!”

The energy is pretty incontinent, if I say so myself. Honestly, I also felt the greeting to be stiff. So I tried being more energetic, which only some cheered for, while the others simply responded with wry smiles.

Big brother. Your unwillingness to give up on the past connections gave me the opportunity to meet these colorful people.

Big sister. Thanks to your observation of the happenings and events, I have many enriching memories to look back on.

And now it’s my turn, I will never forget all the troublesome business you left for me to handle. If I ever get the chance to meet you two, then you’ll absolutely hear a mouthful from me.

That’s why, please watch over me from here on out. Please bear witness to what my choices lead to.

Our life as Kisaragi Kotone continues on.

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