"Thank you," he looked into Haruki's eyes and appreciated.
The warmth in those eyes was overflowing, making Haruki look away as he took a step backwards. Haruki responded to his appreciation with a slight nod. He walked to the cake and, pulling out his lighter, he leaned down to the cake and lit the candle.
To make the atmosphere fit properly, Hiroshi turned off the lights and walked to Haruki, who had begun singing the usual birthday song to him.
He wouldn't call Haruki a very good singer, but his voice was more than pleasant to listen to. Hiroshi joined Haruki by clapping to the song.
"Happy birthday," Haruki said when he was done singing. He brought the cake higher as he added, "Make a wish."
Not just a wish, but so many wishes. There were so many things he wanted, so he closed his eyes and made those wishes. He was not certain it would have any effect or if they would come through, but he made those wishes, all the wishes, with his eyes closed.
