𝑀𝑢𝑎𝑙𝑎𝑛𝑖

> surprise Kinich!

Bending down beside the bed, she poked his cheek with her index finger to rouse him from his deep sleep.

❝Kinich, wakey wakey.❞

Carefully tiptoeing into Kinich's room, she came to a halt at the foot of his bed. The sight of @dendrosasuke.bsky.social sleeping so peacefully is adorable!

It didn't take long for Ajaw to manifest out of thin air, but before he could speak, she placed a finger to her lips. She really wants to >

> you.

I actually thought about getting you a customised board, but I wasn't sure whether you'd like it.❞

❝Huh? No way! You weren't expecting anyone at all? But it's your birthday, Olorun.❞

And there's one last thing, of course: a special birthday hug. She held him in a warm embrace.

❝We're friends, after all! Of course I'd put in the effort. Do you like the tools? It's my birthday gift from me to >

> crown on his head. She even considered his bat ears when creating it, making sure the accessory would fit.

The bushes, of course. It's her favourite hiding place.

❝Woohoo! Mission accomplished! I've been planning this for ages. I even woke up early!❞

Mualani's so glad that he was unable to connect the dots to figure out the truth! ... And that he didn't involve the authorities about someone swapping his tools.

❝That's right! It's me! Were you expecting someone else?❞

After putting the party popper away, she placed a little birthday flower >

> ❝Surprise! Happy birthday, Olorun!❞

Pulling the string, she showered him with confetti.

❝I bet you weren't expecting me, huh? Did I surprise you?❞

Since Mualani normally does the designs at her own shop, it wouldn't be surprising if Olorun recognised the style, but thankfully he didn't! It would have blown her cover and jeopardised the entire birthday mission.

After Olorun came back, the tour guide jumped out with a party popper.

>

> hadn't been caught yet, but today was her biggest challenge. With the encouragement of some nearby saurians, Mualani was painting the fence of Olorun's crop field.

❝Phew! Finished just in time! Now we have to wait for him to arrive!❞

In the lead up to Olorun's birthday, Mualani had been secretly hiding in the bushes, waiting to make her move. Whenever @mictlanbat.bsky.social would disappear for a moment, the tour guide would quickly swap out his farming tools for newly decorated ones before hiding again.

Fortunately, she >

> plushies, I'd totally sell them at my shop. I can tell you put a lot of thought and effort into the gift.❞

> we were friends! Didn't you feel the connection during our music rehearsals?❞

Since now! And she's not going to let go anytime soon. She hoped to convey her deep appreciation for the gift through their embrace.

❝I'd never sell this one! I just meant that if you made more of the keychain >

His vegetables are absolutely delicious; she could eat them all day! She'll have to ask for more at some point, then reimburse him for the cost.

Hehe~ She knew he'd understand, so she didn't hesitate to splash him with water.

❝No way! So you don't consider us close, Olorun? I totally thought >

> some time alone with you, though! I know you don't like being in huge crowds. Besides, I can see the rest of our friends later.❞

> I totally believe in you. I'm not worried in the slightest. I know I'll like your gift!❞

Mualani closed her eyes, enjoying the sensation of his fingers running through her hair. She'll definitely think the small saurus hair ties are super cute!

❝See? You know me so well! I'm happy to spend >

> the signs, Mualani still hadn't even realised that her hair was loose.

Her eyes widened as Kinich gently scooped up her hair, the realisation that she hadn't tied it up suddenly hitting her. How could she forget?! He doesn't think she looks weird, does he?

❝Have some more confidence, Kinich! >

❝Yay! I couldn't ask for anything better! You really know the way to my heart, Kinich.

But I want to eat all the food, though! You put in all that effort to make it.❞

The tour guide didn't do it on purpose; it was completely unintentional! She just didn't want to be late for their date. Despite >

> you repeat that again? I want to commit it to memory!❞

Without thinking, she spontaneously hugged Olorun. Mualani's just so happy with the present.

❝Hey, I already think it's great! Don't talk like that. In fact, I'd sell them at my shop.

Ah! I won't, of course. I'm going to treasure it.❞

Mualani considers him a friend, after all! Olorun's her go-to person for vegetables, too. He's the absolute best in Natlan.

See? He even agrees with that sentiment. Visitors can't leave the People of the Springs without getting a little wet.

❝Aww! Do you consider us close? You're so sweet! Could >

Kinich, please help. They're playing with my hair! Waaah–

⠀
There can only be one.

> I really love it.❞

> expect you to know.

And you made something for me too?! I can't wait to open it. I feel so lucky~❞

Unable to contain her excitement, she eagerly opened the gift. Her eyes sparkled as she held the keychain-plush up.

❝This is amazing! It's so cute and fluffy, Olorun. Can I really keep this? >

That's very kind of him to say. Not only will Mualani be happy in life, but also all her dear friends will be! Including Olorun, of course. She'll ensure that he has a blast!

But it wouldn't be summer without a little splash!

❝Eh, eh, eh? Really? Wow, this is such a happy surprise! I didn't >

> ❝There's nothing to be nervous about! I'll like whatever present you've given me because it's from you.

Besides, you know me pretty well by now! I bet you could even read my mind like Chasca. Quick! What am I thinking? Three, two, one... Go!❞

> Could it be he's pushed himself too hard for her birthday?! Knowing him, it wouldn't be surprising.

Despite her confusion, she followed his signal to sit down. Shouldn't it be the other way round? Sitting cross-legged, Mualani leaned back slightly, tilting her head up to look at him.

>

❝Eh, really? Fried Shrimp Beanballs? Kinich, you're the best!❞

Huh? Mualani tilted her head to one side, puzzled by the unexpected silence. It's not like Kinich to stop mid-sentence. Something's not right.

She leaned forward, her eyes drawn to the faint rosy hue dusting his cheeks. >

> thanks to the sunshine.

❝You don't have to apologise, Olorun! I'm happy to see you! This is already a great start to my day.

Did you come for a surfing lesson?❞

Of course! She's always been a cheerful and energetic person, ever since she was young. Mualani wants a life without regrets. She's not the only one, though! Her tribe is renowned for their party-like atmosphere and having fun.

Even if the tour guide does splash Olorun, he'll dry off quickly >

> food for me again.❞

If Mualani didn't know any better, she'd think that Kinich wasn't happy to see her here so early!

❝What's the matter, Kinich? You seem really nervous. Did Ajaw cause some trouble again? I'll make him apologise for you.❞