What did she mean by "it doesn't match"? Rhodes didn't buy that for a second. He could absolutely tell how stunning it looked on her the moment she put it on.
Ever since Mira decided to start saving money together with him, her spending habits had noticeably shifted.
Even when she found something she truly liked, she would hesitate for a long time. If it wasn't a necessity, she'd usually talk herself out of it. And if the price was high, she'd let it go completely.
How could anyone not fall for a girl who was wholeheartedly thinking about their future?
Rhodes understood this frugality might slow their savings progress a little, but life wasn't just about the future. There was also the now, this moment, this very second. And right now, Rhodes couldn't wait to make her happy.
Mira started to suspect that Rhodes really had learned some kind of mind-reading magic from Warren, the way he always seemed to know exactly what she was thinking or whether she liked something.
But deep down, she knew the truth. It was just like when he gave her that bag after his trip. It wasn't magic, he had simply been paying attention to her.
How was she supposed to keep up her old cool persona after this?
Mira bit her lip, then shoved the jewelry box back into his hands and huffed, "You want me to put it on myself?"
So cute.
Rhodes chuckled and gently took out the necklace.
Mira turned around, lifted her hair, and presented the nape of her neck to him, waiting.
Hmph. Classic tsundere.
Rhodes got up and stepped close behind her, looping his arms around to clasp the necklace at the front. Mira blinked in surprise, looking up slightly.
Whoever designed the clasp clearly had a twisted sense of humor, it was ridiculously tiny and hard to fasten.
As he worked, his fingers brushed against the back of her neck more than once. His breath danced along her skin, warm against her ears and collarbone.
The tips of Mira's ears began to blush pink.
Once the clasp was finally secured, Rhodes leaned in and pressed a soft kiss against her neck.
Mira's heart skipped, and she immediately glanced toward the kitchen in a panic. Sure, it was a sweet gesture, but not something she wanted her little brother to see.
When she looked back at Rhodes, he was staring at her with quiet admiration.
"You're beautiful," he said, with complete sincerity.
Even more so now, with that faint blush on her cheeks.
The contrast was too perfect, her daring outfit and bashful expression, it was irresistible.
Back in the kitchen, Elfman finally finished cleaning up and came to a new conclusion: maybe his sister wasn't reverting to her old self. Maybe… she just had weird taste.
Before Mira could scold Rhodes again for being too forward, he darted into the kitchen and urged Elfman to help him carry out the rest of the food.
Once the table was set, Elfman pulled out a small box of his own and handed it to his sister.
Inside was a bottle of perfume.
Mira beamed as she accepted it. Honestly, she was just relieved he didn't get her something like a dumbbell. At least he still had some balance between muscles and manners.
Rhodes traced a small enchantment circle with his finger, and the "19" shaped candles on the cake lit up with a flicker of magic.
"Make a wish," he said.
"Yeah, make a wish, Sis," Elfman added.
Mira nodded. She closed her eyes, pressed her hands together in front of her chest, and made her wish in silence.
A soft smile spread across her face.
Then she opened her eyes and gently blew out the candles.
Pop! Pop!
Two soft bursts rang out behind her, followed by a shower of colorful ribbons and confetti.
Mira turned in surprise to find Rhodes and Elfman holding party poppers, both grinning from ear to ear.
"Happy birthday!" they cheered in unison.
"Thank you!" Mira's smile was radiant, warm enough to melt anyone's heart. "I'm so happy… really, truly happy."
She picked up the knife and ceremoniously cut the first slice of cake, then divided it into three small pieces. Each of them, Mira, Rhodes, and Elfman took a bite.
But of course, that was just the beginning. The real joy was in digging in and enjoying the cake together.
They clinked their glasses, the splash of wine carrying with it all their hopes for the days ahead.
…
After a short rest, the three of them headed back to the guild, just as Mira wished.
They left a few slices of the cake at home for dessert later, but packed up the rest to bring along and share with everyone at the guild.
Mira didn't change out of her bold birthday outfit. She just threw on a light jacket to block the sun.
Even with the added layer, her look was unmistakably reminiscent of the Mira from two years ago, the former "She-Devil" of Fairy Tail. Some of the older guildmates, especially those who'd been victims of the old brawls, did a double take when they saw her.
But when Mira began handing out cake with that same gentle, sunny smile she'd become known for, everyone relaxed.
She was still Mira. Just, more complete now. A version of herself that had accepted both the past and the present.
Some people gave Rhodes sympathetic glances, those who knew how tough it could be to keep up with Mira in her devilish phase. But that sympathy quickly shifted to envy.
Because Mira, dressed in her classic confident style but carrying the softness of who she'd become, was nothing short of stunning.
The two of them passed out cake side by side. It felt less like a birthday and more like a couple handing out sweets after a wedding ceremony.
And while they offered cake, not everyone tasted the same flavor. Some people found it sweet. Others… maybe a little bitter.
"Happy Birthday!"
"Happy Birthday, Mira!"
Mira received well-wishes from every corner of the guild. Rhodes stood beside her, nodding gratefully and echoing the thanks.
It wasn't an official party, but that didn't stop the guild from raising their glasses and cheering, "To Mira!"
After the celebration, the guild returned to its usual hustle and bustle.
Judging by the progress, the rooftop would be completed in about two weeks. If the interior decoration went smoothly, the newly rebuilt Fairy Tail guildhall would be finished by mid-September.
A three-story guildhouse, complete with a rooftop clock tower, a basement, and renovated courtyards, completed in under two months. That was no small feat.
It had only been possible thanks to everyone working overtime, and thanks to the "wise leadership" of Master Makarov, who mostly rushed to the construction frontlines and left the paperwork to others.
By day's end, work finally wrapped up.
Mira and Rhodes stayed behind to handle some finishing tasks and do their usual meditation training together.
Elfman had chosen to head home to train on his own. It wasn't that he didn't want to join them, he just knew when to give them space.
When the meditation was done, Mira let out a soft sigh and stretched her arms high overhead.
Rhodes watched quietly from the side, completely captivated.
The sight of Mira smiling under the moonlight, eyes gleaming, silver hair tied back with a ribbon, shook something inside him.
If it had been anyone else watching her like that, they might have earned a glare or worse. But when Rhodes looked at her that way, it only made Mira smile more brightly.
She slipped her arms around his. "Let's go."
"Before we head home," Rhodes said with a grin, "I want to take you somewhere."
Mira didn't question him. "Lead the way."
A few minutes later, she blinked at the familiar building before her. "Your place?"
"Not just that," he replied mischievously.
Before she could press him further, Rhodes swept her into his arms and leapt upward in two bounds, landing softly on the rooftop. He gently set her down. "Wait here a sec."
The light was dim, and Mira could just barely make out his silhouette as he jumped back down and fiddled with something on the ground below. A moment later, a faint flicker of firelight sparked to life.
Rhodes returned to her side, wrapping an arm around her waist. "Get ready. Here it comes."
Fwoosh—snap!
Even though she had guessed what it was, Mira's eyes widened as the first firework painted the sky in radiant color.
Whoosh—pop! Whoosh—pop!
One after another, the fireworks soared, bursting into dazzling blossoms above them. The entire rooftop glowed with shifting shades of gold, crimson, and blue.
"It's beautiful," Mira whispered, leaning into Rhodes, the warmth of his arm around her making the night feel even more magical.
As the final firework shimmered across the heavens, Mira turned to him with a glowing smile. She wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him into a kiss, soft, slow, and full of feeling.
Rhodes shifted his legs against Mira's, his fingers lightly tracing the fabric of her knee-high socks while his other hand brushed past her armpit.
Mira pretended not to notice his little advances—or rather, she'd grown increasingly fond of them lately.
Their kiss lingered, leaving them both in a breathless, flustered pause.
Mira felt something pressing against her leg, but instead of pulling away, she tightened her arms around Rhodes, her thighs subtly shifting closer.
Rhodes's heartbeat stuttered, his breath turning heavy. Though he tried to play it cool, his grip around her waist instinctively tightened.
He wanted to sweep her off her feet—literally—and carry her downstairs.
Mira made a half-hearted attempt to resist, but her lips parted in a soft gasp, her legs rubbing together nervously.
Rhodes held her even closer, his gaze locking onto hers.
In that moment, an unspoken understanding passed between them. Mira's cheeks burned crimson.
...
Bonus @1200
40 chapters 👉patreon.com/Keepsmiling818