Tamako/Anzu birthday 2020

A birthday in synchronicity - 1

[Shopping district]

Anz: Oh yeah, our birthdays are approaching already.

Tam: You're right! Last year's nagashi somen party they threw for us was really fun.

Anz: Yeah! So exciting and fun. It's already been a year, huh.

Tam: Wonder what kind of celebration they're gonna do this year. I'm so excited, I can't just keep quiet and wait around!

Anz: Heehee. Tamacchi-senpai, I expected you to say this, so I was thinking of trying out a little something this year.

Tam: Trying out?

Anz: Loud and lively birthday parties are good and all, but why don't we also do something by ourselves this year, separate from that?

Tam: Just the two of us, huh... Sure thing! Sounds fun, Tama's totally on board!

Anz: Thank goodness. I felt like you'd respond that way.

Tam: So, what are we gonna do?

Anz: I thought it'd be best to decide that together, so I didn't think of anything. Tamacchi-senpai, any ideas?

Tam: Uh. Well, that's kind of a sudden thing to ask. Hmm...

Anz: Huh? Are the people walking over there...

Gin: Tamako-san and Anzu-san!

Sum: What a coincidence that we'd meet here.

Son: Are you out shopping?

Tam: Just bumming around. What about you girls?

Gin: We went to the gelato place that opened over there just recently.

Son: We all got our favourite flavours and shared, it was fun!

Sum: I'm very happy that we got to enjoy three flavours by sharing our orders.

Anz: Hehehe. You three always get along so well.

Tam: Hmmmmmm...

Anz: Tamacchi-senpai? What happened? Why the troubled look?

Tam: Anzu! Tama just got a really good idea!

Anz: A good idea?

Tam: About our birthdays! How about we exchange presents?

Anz: Exchanging presents. That sounds good!

Tam: Right? And we'll have to keep what presents they'll be an absolute secret! Something to look forward to on the day!

Anz: Yeah. That sounds really fun. But Tamacchi-senpai, are you going to be okay?

Tam: What do you mean, okay?

Anz: Try not to blurt out what it'll be, alright?

Tam: I-I know that! Even Tama can manage that much... probably. Gin, don't you think so?

Gin: Hm? Tamako-san and Anzu-san, what are you even talking about so excitedly?

Son: I don't see where this is going at all.

Tam: Well, it's all fine, don't mind us.

Tam: I got a great idea thanks to you! Thanks a bunch.

Tam: Well, Tama's got stuff to prepare, so I'm off.

Anz: Ah, Tamacchi-senpai, wait for me!

Son: And they're gone.

Sum: I still didn't quite get what her flash of inspiration was.

Gin: But they both looked really excited about it, so it's got to be something fun!

A birthday in synchronicity - 2

[The next day, after school]

[Sanshuu Middle - Hallway]

Tam: Hmm, I've been thinking since yesterday, but I still don't have any ideas for a present.

Wak: Tamako? What's with the troubled face?

Hin: Tamako-san? Tamako-san!?

Tam: Huh! Oh, just Hinata and Wakaba. What's that all of a sudden, something happen?

Wak: That's our line. Quite unlike you to be lost in thought, Tamako. Did something happen?

Tam: What, is it wrong for Tama ta make a thinking face every now and then?

Wak: No, my apologies. So, what happened?

Tam: Well you see, there's this and that, so I was thinking of what to get for Anzu, but I'm blanking out on anything good.

Tam: And I used up too much of my allowance recently, so I definitely can't get her any gorgeous presents...

Hin: I see, so that's the situation. Have you considered gifting something handmade, then?

Wak: That's right. Since the two of you are exchanging gifts, I think she'd be happy to receive a heartfelt, handmade present.

Tam: That's it! I can pour all of my heart into the gift that way! Wakaba, Hinata, thanks a bunch!

Wak: Huh? Tamako, where are you going?

Tam: The shopping district! Maybe I'll get some inspiration if I go there!

[Shopping district]

Tam: Okay, something Anzu would like... Hmm, there's a bunch of stuff but I guess my best bet is something cute.

Tam: But there's way too much cute stuff around the town...

Tam: Something cute that I can make by hand. Something Anzu would like, to boot... Ah!

Tam: That bear on that shop's showcase! It looks adorable!

Tam: Yep, still looks cute up close! Anzu's definitely gonna love this!

Tam: Alright, decided! Tama's present is gonna be a teddy bear like that!

Tam: ...That's good and all, but can I even make a plushie like that? Hmm...

Fuu: Oh? Itsuki, take a look! There's a rare spectacle over there.

Its: Rare? ...Wow, Tamako-san is looking at plushies on show!

Fuu: Surprising to see Tama have an interest in something so cute. Let's call her.

Fuu: Hey, Tama! What's going on? You're totally charmed by those plushies.

Tam: Fuu, and Itsuki too! I'm not charmed, okay? But there's this and that...

Its: A handmade teddy bear as a present?! I think that's wonderful!

Fuu: Yeah, Anzu likes cute stuff, and she'd be happy to get something handmade from you.

Tam: Right!? Thank goodness! I decided on the gift early, so I can spend a lot of time preparing it!

Tam: But... I really wonder if I can make it. I'll be honest, I have zero confidence.

Fuu: What, that's what you were worried about? Leave it to me then!

Its: I'll help you together with Onee-chan.

Tam: You sure? What a relief. I'm invincible with you two helping!

Tam: Alright, let's make Anzu the cutest teddy bear ever!


A birthday in synchronicity - 3

[Anzu's room]

Anz: Hmm... What would Tamacchi-senpai be happy to receive?

Anz: I got to the "handmade present" part, but what exactly should I make? Hmm...

Anz: I keep thinking about it by myself, but nothing comes to mind... I guess it's time for "If you're troubled, talk to someone!"

[Library]

Anz: I wonder if Itsuki-chan is here yet. She said she'd be here right away...

Its: Anzu-san, sorry to keep you waiting!

Sek: Sorry for the wait! Well, we just decided to tag along on a whim.

Mit: We stumbled into Itsuki-chan on her way here and decided to join since it sounded like fun. Was that okay for us to do?

Anz: Of course! It's Tamacchi-senpai's birthday after all, so I'd love to hear everyone's ideas!

Uta: Yeah, just leave it to us! When it comes to handmade presents, there's an obvious choice...

Mit: Utanon, I'll just warn you, I don't think vegetables will work.

Uta: Wow! Mii-chan, are you an ESPer?

Sek: I think everyone had a feeling what you'd say, not just Mito.

Uta: Mrgh. That immediately cuts down our list of options. Mii-chan, what do you think?

Mit:  A handmade present you'd be happy to receive... How about a plushie?

Sek: You're right, that's a classic gift to girls and you can make a really cute one if it's handmade. Might be good.

Tam: Anzu-san is good with her fingers, so you can definitely make a cute plushie!

Anz: Thanks a lot, but...

Its: Is anything worrying you?

Anz: I'm a bit worried whether Tamacchi-senpai would be happy to receive a plushie or not.

Mit: I think she'd be happy with anything you'd make, Iyojima-san.

Sek: Yeah, yeah. Tama-chan, surprisingly enough, has a lot of cute sides to her, so I think you're fine.

Anz: What a relief. Then I'm going to make a cute plushie for Tamacchi-senpai!

Its: With that settled, now we need to decide what kind of plushie to make!

Sek: Want to go the mall? There might be plushies there we could use as examples!

[Shopping mall]

Mit: Iyojima-san, did you find any good plushies?

Anz: About that... There are so many cute ones, I can't pick...

Uta: Times like these, let your inspiration guide you! Pick something perfect for Tamako-san on instinct!

Anz: Instinct... Hmm, a plushie that Tamacchi-senpai would like... A plushie...

Anz: Ah! I found it!

Sek: Eh? But there aren't any plushies here.

Anz: The keychain attached to that girl's bag!

Mit: A bear mascot? That's cute.

Anz: Right? I've decided! I'll make a teddy bear, like that girl has!

Sek: Teddy bear, huh? Kind of Tamaish, might be good.

Uta: You're right. Their limbs move, just like our active Tamako-san does.

Mit: I like that too. Itsuki-chan, you?

Its: M-Me!? Yes, I think that's very good!

Uta: Itsuki-san, what's wrong? Your smile was pretty out of it.

Its: I-It's nothing. I'm glad we managed to decide on a topic.

Its: (They acted on their own but ended up choosing to give each other teddy bears. How wonderful, it's like telepathy...)


A birthday in synchronicity - 4

[Hero Club room]

Tak: Hey, hey, Yuuki-chan. Have you seen Tama-chan and Anzu-chan do anything together recently?

Yuu: Now that you mention it, I haven't. I see them with other girls all the time, though.

Tak: So it wasn't just my imagination. I wonder what happened? They used to be always together.

Its: (I see, the people here don't know about their present exchange.)

Its: (I feel like I'm better off keeping quiet about the fact they're giving presents to each other for now...)

Aya: Tamako-senpai and Anzu-chan are such good friends, I don't think they'd have a fight...

Nat: Yeah. They're a two-in-one package. Like the two halves of a clam.

Chi: People can still have fights, regardless of how close they might be.

Aya:  Really!? I'm sad that good friends like them had a fight...

Meb: Aya-chan, we're not sure about that yet.

Kar:  That's right. Baseless speculation is a waste of glucose in your brain!

Kar: Let's go train if you have the leisure to gossip around.

Yuu: Yeah, I think Karin-chan is right.

Tak: Mhm. Sorry, girls. It was all me and my big mouth.

Chi: It's not your fault, Takashima-san. It was me and my pessimistic words...

Aya: No, Chikage-senpai and Takashima-senpai, it's not your fault. I was worrying too much.

Nat: No, all the fault is on me.

Its/Kar: Eh?

Nat:  Please forgive me. I made everyone hungry by bringing up clams when they're not even in season...

Its: I don't think you have to worry about that...

Its: Their birthdays are approaching, so they might be doing something on their own for reasons.

Kar: I see. That's the only theory today that makes sense.

Aya: That's our Itsuki-chan! You're right. It's a lot nicer to think of fun things if you're imagining something.

Meb: Okay, then let's put our trust in Itsuki's theory and lay this topic to rest.

Yuu: Alright! Should we also think of a celebration for their birthday, then?

Tak: Agreed! We should do something huge for them while we're at it!

Its: (Phew. Glad that this discussion calmed down somehow. I hope the two of them have a wonderful birthday.)


A birthday in synchronicity - 5

[Sanshuu Middle - Classroom]

Tam: Ow! Hnnnng! I stabbed my finger with a needle again!

Fuu: Oh come on, how many times does that make? Here's a band-aid. The finishing touches are hard, should I step in?

Tam: No, I've come this far already! I'm gonna do it till the last stitch!

Tam: Anzu'd be happier this way, right? These wounds are nothing compared to Anzu's smile!

Fuu: Hnng, are you trying to make me cry?

Fuu: I honestly didn't expect that you'd try this hard for Anzu, considering you only learned a bit of sewing in class.

Fuu: It turned out really cute, Anzu's sure to like this.

Tam: You think so? Okay, just a bit more. I'll do it!

Tam: I-I-I-It's done!

Fuu: Tama, you worked hard until the very end!

Tam: All thanks to your help, Fuu! Thank you, Fuu, for real!

Fuu: You're welcome.

Tam: Okay, time's a-wasting! I'll go give it to Anzu right away!

Fuu: Wait a minute! Here, put it in a gift bag. Also, Tama, this letter is for you.

Tam: From whom? There's no name... Hmm? "Waiting at the Hero Club room"...

Tam: What's this? Wait, what? When did Fuu disappear?

[Empty classroom]

Anz: Done!

Its: Wow, that turned out so cute! Tamako-san will definitely be happy!

Anz: I managed to finish on time thanks to you, Itsuki-chan. Thanks a lot.

Its: No, it's because you tried really hard for Tamako-san.

Anz: I wrapped it up too, so time to give it to Tamacchi-senpai!

Its: Wait. Anzu-san, this is for you.

Anz: A letter? "Waiting at the Hero Club room", it says...  Itsuki-chan, is this from you?

Its: You'll find out later.

[Hallway]

Anz: In the end, Itsuki-chan disappeared without telling me anything. I wonder what this letter is about.

Tam: Huh? Anzu, what are you doing here?

Anz: I got a letter from someone so I was going to the clubroom...

Tam: Ah!? That letter matches mine! Look!

Anz:  You're right. The envelopes and writing are the same. What is this about?

Tam: I don't know. But I'll protect you if something happens, Anzu.

Anz: Tamacchi-senpai... I'm a little scared, but I'll protect you too.

Tam: Okay, we're in front of the clubroom. Let's open it on one-two.

Anz/Tam: One, two!


A birthday in synchronicity - 6

Tam: Tama and Anzu have arrived! Wait, what? The clubroom's pitch-black!

Anz: Why, I wonder? Is nobody in?

[Hero Club room]

Everyone: Happy birthday!

Anz/Tam: Eh!?

Tak: Woo! Another year, another successful surprise!

Tam: When did you all manage to prepare such a fancy party?

Gin: We've been secretly preparing ever since Itsuki-san told us about your birthdays!

Anz: So that's how it is. Thanks a lot, everyone.

Ren: Too early to be impressed yet. Wakaba, Hinata, bring out *that*!

Wak: Renge, don't rush. We're properly prepared. Tamako, Anzu, take this.

Tam: Hm? What's this? Looks like a photo album.

Fuu: What are you talking about? It's a present from the Hero Club.

Hin: This is for Tamako-san and this is for Anzu-san. One album for each of you.

Anz: Wah! Even the cover is elaborate and cute! Can I look inside?

Yuu: Of course!

Tam: Whoa! So many pictures of us two!

Anz: And all those pictures of times we've all had together!

Aya: We all picked pictures of our fun times together since your last birthday party to put into the album!

Anz: Thank you very much! I'll treasure this!

Tou: Our time spend worrying over what present to give paid off, it seems.

Tam: Eh? You thought that hard about it?

Hin: Yes. We were told you were going to exchange presents, so we were trying not to overlap.

Tam: I see! Oh yeah! The present exchange!

Anz: Yeah. I have my present ready. How about you, Tamacchi-senpai?

Tam: Same here! All's A-OK, it's even wrapped up gorgeously!

Fuu: Since you're doing this, why not exchange your gifts in front of everyone and show what's inside?

Tam: Yeah. I'm a bit embarrassed, but Anzu, here's my present for you. Happy birthday.

Anz: Tamacchi-senpai, here's a present from me. Happy birthday.

Its: They both got their presents. Okay, let's take out the presents on one-two.

Anz/Tam: One, two!

Anz/Tam: Teddy bear!?

Tam: Well that's a tamashock... Anzu, you were making the same thing?

Anz: Yeah. I'm really surprised, too...

Aya: You thought of each other and made the same thing... How romantic, I'm touched!

Its: Right? I'm glad you made another wonderful memory.

Hin: Let me commemorate this lovely occasion with a photo.

Fuu: Sounds good. Come on, you two, hug those plushies and sit closer!

Tam: This is a bit embarrassing. But thanks, Anzu. Let's always stay together!

Anz: I should be thanking you, Tamacchi-senpai. I'll stay in your care.