36

They didn't play for too long since they had to hurry and find Makka in order to leave for the game, but they played for a long time anyway. During that time, they became quite fond of each other and decided that they would stay as friends until the end of their days. When it was time to part ways, Fuyumi waved goodbye to her brother who was already running towards the campfire where everyone else had gathered.

After bidding goodbye to Fuyumi, and watching her disappear among the crowd, Natsuo climbed onto the chair next to Izuku, sitting right next to him. He had noticed that Izuku didn't really look like someone who'd participate in a group activity, so Natsuo had brought along a book he found lying on the ground to read while they searched for Makka. Natsuo had never been one to lie, and he wasn't sure if Izuku would believe the book if he was told the truth, so Natsuo made up a story to explain why he was there.

"Did something happen?" Izuku asked, looking up at Natsuo once he had finished reading the book.

"Hmm?" Natsuo glanced back at his brother. "Oh, yeah! Yeah, something happened. We were supposed to come over at your place for our birthday party, but the adults decided it would be better if we waited at home to celebrate with our parents instead."

"Huh?" Izuku blinked in surprise. "That sounds weird. Why didn't they wait here?"

"I don't know," Natsuo replied shrugging. "Maybe they needed to go somewhere.