56 Birthday

In the evening, Yuga closed the shop and prepared to take his Pokémon to the small forest for their daily training. Just as he was about to leave, he saw Luna rushing over and hugging his leg.

"Big Brother Yuga!"

Luna strong embrace almost made Yuga stumble.

"What's going on? Why didn't you go home after school and came here instead?"

Seeing her with a backpack, Yuga knew she must have come straight to his place after school.

"My mom told me to let you know that tomorrow is my birthday and she wants you to come to our house for lunch."

Luna looked up at Yuga and said.

"Alright, I got it. I'll be there tomorrow."

Yuga nodded, indicating that he would be there, but as he was about to step out, he realized Luna was still holding onto his leg tightly.

"What's wrong? Didn't I agree to come tomorrow? Why are you still holding onto me?"

Seeing Luna, who was usually carefree, acting so hesitantly, Yuga found it a bit strange.

Luna stammered, "Well... um... will you give me a present tomorrow?"

After all that, she was worried about the gift. Yuga found it a bit amusing and said, "Of course, it's your birthday tomorrow, so there will be a gift."

"Can I have a Pokémon egg like the one you gave Rand?"

Upon hearing about the gift, Luna instantly perked up, her hesitant demeanor disappearing. Her voice unintentionally became louder, as if speaking with more confidence would help her case.

Yuga hadn't expected her to be so concerned about this, especially to the extent of using his birthday as an opportunity to negotiate. He found the young girl quite amusing.

"I've never heard of someone asking for a specific birthday gift. It's quite impolite, you know."

Yuga looked at Luna with a half-smile.

Luna demeanor instantly deflated after hearing Yuga words. With a somewhat pleading expression, she said with hesitation, "Well... um... everyone else has one, and I don't. You gave one to Rand but not to me."

Seeing her fixate on the Pokémon egg he gave Rand, Yuga thought for a moment and said, "Alright then, how about this? You promise me that you'll behave well at school from now on, and not be mischievous. Tomorrow, I'll give you a surprise. How does that sound?"

Luna eyes brightened at Yuga words, and she let go of his leg. Excitedly, she asked, "Really? You're not tricking me, right?"

Yuga raised his hand to assure her, "Really, I promise. If I'm lying, call me a Houndour."

"That's great! I'll go back now. I'll be waiting for your surprise tomorrow. Don't lie to me, okay? And don't forget!"

Saying that, Luna ran off with her small backpack, as if carried away by the wind.

"Don't forget the promise you made to me either!"

Yuga shouted after Luna, who was already quite far away.

Watching Luna spirited departure, Yuga shook his head helplessly, then closed the shop door and left.

The next day at noon, Yuga bid farewell to the last customer in the shop and closed the door, getting ready to go to Aunt Hisako house.

As he locked the door, Yuga thought, "I really should find someone to watch the shop. I can't just close it every time I leave. What if a customer comes in?"

However, Yuga felt that this matter should wait until the Eco Park was completed. The construction of the Eco Park was entering its final stages recently, and it should be finished within a couple of days. He wondered if Ms. Suzuki was still available.

When Yuga arrived at Aunt Hisako house, he found her wearing an apron and setting dishes on the table.

Seemingly having been scalded, Aunt Hisako alternated between shaking her hands and pinching her ears, making a comical expression that was quite amusing.

Seeing this scene, Yuga couldn't help but chuckle.

Aunt Hisako turned her head upon hearing the laughter and saw Yuga standing at the doorway. She immediately smiled and said, "Little Yuga is here! Come in quickly, we're almost ready to eat."

Yuga stepped forward to the dining table and smiled at Aunt Hisako, saying, "Aunt, if the plates are hot, you can use a cloth to hold them."

Aunt Hisako slapped her forehead and exclaimed, "Right, my mind becomes a mess when I'm busy."

Then, as if remembering something else, she suddenly put on a serious face and said, "Well, you were making fun of Aunt, weren't you!" She playfully patted Yuga.

Yuga quickly laughed and begged for mercy, "How could I dare? I was just laughing because Aunt looks even more beautiful now."

At that moment, Aunt Hisako husband, Mr. Kurosaki, came out from inside the house, holding a bottle of wine.

"Little Yuga is here. What are you two laughing about so happily?" he asked with a smile.

Yuga called out to his uncle and said, "I was just praising Aunt beauty."

"You, kid, always know how to make people happy."

Aunt Hisako husband said with a chuckle and went towards the kitchen.

"Aunt, is there anything left to do? Let me help!"

Saying that, Yuga stood up to go to the kitchen, but Aunt Hisako immediately pushed him back and said, "Just sit there, it'll be ready soon."

Seeing that he couldn't be of much help, Yuga returned to his seat at the dining table and asked, "Uncle, where's Luna? Today is her big day, so why can't I see her?"

Uncle Kurosaki chuckled and said, "Don't worry about her. She came back from school and locked herself in her room. No idea what she's busy with. I've called her several times, and she kept saying she'll be out soon, but she hasn't shown up till now."

It wasn't until lunchtime that Luna finally emerged from her room. As soon as she appeared, she circled around Yuga, looking at him with a puzzled expression.

"What's wrong, Luna? Did I do something wrong today? Why are you looking at me like that?"

Curious, Yuga even looked at himself to see if there was something off, but he couldn't find anything unusual. So, he asked Luna with a puzzled look.

Seeing Yuga inquiry, Luna avoided eye contact and mumbled, "No... nothing..."

After finishing lunch and enjoying cake, Luna couldn't contain her excitement any longer. She went up to Yuga and stretched out her hands, saying, "Quick, Big Brother Yuga, my Pokémon egg, give it to me now! I can hardly wait!"

Yuga looked puzzled and said, "What Pokémon egg?"

Hearing Yuga response, Luna seemed taken aback for a moment. Then, she loudly exclaimed, "Didn't you say you would give me a surprise today? Why aren't you keeping your word!"

Seeing Luna frustration building up, Yuga realized he shouldn't tease her further. He quickly reassured her, "Alright, alright, there's no Pokémon egg, but look at this. What's this?"

Saying that, Yuga took out a black-and-white Poké Ball.

Upon seeing the Poké Ball in Yuga hand, Luna eyes lit up, and she reached out to take it.

However, Yuga immediately pulled back the Poké Ball and said to Luna, "You can have the Poké Ball, but remember the promise you made to me."

"I got it, I got it."

Luna waved her hand dismissively, swiftly took the Poké Ball from Yuga hand, and left Yuga wondering if she truly understood or was just pretending.