The hair tie wasn't expensive, and Goodman even gave him a discount with a wink.
Rhode was delighted, feeling like he should thank him for spending the money.
Mira put away the New Year's gift, subtly sizing up Rhode, pondering what kind of return gift she should give.
"Ah, youth is wonderful," Goodman mused as he watched the two leave, recalling similar times with Molly.
Mutual affection, getting closer to each other. Neither of them voiced it, yet it was understood.
This kind of period, every day is filled with vague anticipation and simple happiness, with occasional moments of insecurity.
From his perspective, this period might be the most worth remembering.
"But to be favored by Miss Mirajane, this kid's luck is unreal, right?"
Though Mirajane used to have quite the temper, she's now a renowned beauty far and wide, truly enviable.
Goodman looked at his wife's handmade crafts in the store—never mind, not that envious.
...
On the way back, there was an ice cream shop, still popular even in winter.
In fact, it seemed more popular than in summer.
Many children were noisily buying cones with their pocket money, cheering and running wildly once they got them, making people worry they might drop them before getting a bite.
Rhode went to buy a matcha-flavored one and handed it to Mira, "I said I'd treat you to ice cream last time."
"Why only one?" Mira asked as she took it, "Aren't you having any?"
"Hmm... I don't really feel like it," Rhode thought for a moment, then made up an excuse, "I didn't bring much money today."
"Then let me treat you to one?" Mira suggested, reaching for her wallet.
"No need, no need..." Rhode quickly stopped her, "There are so many people in line, it'll take a long time. We should head back."
Mira thought he was acting a bit odd today; didn't he usually enjoy eating with her?
She took a bite, tasting the cold, refreshing flavor...
Then she noticed Rhode's gaze, "You really don't want any?"
Rhode's gaze was evasive, "Well, actually... I'm okay either way."
He was up to something.
Mira ignored him and continued enjoying her ice cream.
As the guild got closer and the ice cream dwindled, Rhode couldn't help but hint, "So, is it good?"
"Hmm..." Mira looked at him, trying not to laugh, and replied earnestly,
"The cream quality is excellent, and the matcha flavor is superb. The sweet coldness has a hint of matcha's freshness, very delicious."
Is that what I asked? Rhode looked at Mira's expression, feeling she was doing it on purpose.
Mira stifled a laugh, "Thank you for the delicious ice cream treat."
"You're welcome," Rhode sighed, watching her finish the very last bit, with no intention of sharing.
Ah, the plan was foiled.
Before entering the guild, Mira playfully kicked Rhode's calf.
...
"You're back so soon," Laki teased, "The goods arrived just over half an hour ago."
Mira glanced at Rhode, smiling, "Sorry, we got delayed on the way."
"Yes, yes, de~layed~"
"La~ki~"
"Hehe~ Anyway, the items have been inventoried, the delivery sheet's on the counter," Laki said with a grin, "If this keeps up, I'll have to apply for a raise."
Mira laughed, "Thanks for your hard work, I'll treat you to cake next time."
"Sure," Laki nodded, extending her hand to Rhode.
Rhode was puzzled, "What for?"
Laki blinked, whispering, "One chance for Sister Mira's cake treat, 10,000J, hand over the money."
Rhode grinned smugly, "With a 10,000J budget, I'd just ask her out directly, why buy any chance from you?"
Laki felt like smacking him, these annoying 'lovebirds'.
...
On December 31, X783, Fairy Tail's New Year celebration kicked off on this day.
From the morning, everyone started decorating the guild.
Some decorations were bought by Rhode and Mira days ago, while others were made on-site by everyone.
Gray's ice and Lidas' art were among the main attractions.
Hapi flew around, hanging various decorations on the roof and other high places according to Mira's instructions.
Natsu, not wanting to lose to Gray, declared he would light up the guild inside and out, but was punched by the president and thrown into the yard.
In the yard, Natsu behaved because Erza and Elfman were competing to pound rice cakes.
Elfman didn't hold back, shouting manly slogans, striking powerfully each time.
Erza seemed particularly energetic, changing into a bunny girl outfit just for rice pounding, jumping with each strike.
Their competition in the yard attracted a lot of spectators, with cheers and applause resounding.
It was hard to say what exactly they were watching or cheering for.
Rhode ensured he didn't look at anything he shouldn't, feeling he should cheer more for Elfman.
"Never mind, better go help Mira." He was a man with a strong survival instinct.
Mira stood on tiptoe, trying to hang a streamer, but was just a bit too short.
Rhode reached up to help her.
Such unintentional fingertip touches were the most heart-stirring, although common, each time felt different.
Neither of them intentionally created opportunities, nor did they purposely avoid them.
"A bit higher," Mira called for Rhode to adjust the position, "It seems lively in the yard."
"Erza and Elfman are competing to pound rice cakes," Rhode replied earnestly, "I don't understand why those who neither help nor judge join the fuss."
"Pounding rice cakes is fun when lively... Does it look good?" Mira asked with a gleaming smile.
"I didn't notice," the quick-thinking Rhode wouldn't casually blurt out his inner thoughts from a sudden question.
Mira tilted her head, 'puzzled', "I was asking about the streamer's effect, what were you talking about?"
Rhode's mind raced, he took two steps back, seriously observing for a moment,
"Ahem, I was too close just now to notice, from a distance, it indeed looks great. Uh... your taste in picking items is excellent."
"Is that so?" Mira stepped back to stand beside Rhode, deciding to let him off the hook.
Lidas, observing their silhouettes, quickly picked up a brush, capturing the moment of them slightly tilting their heads to admire the decoration together.
...
That night, the guild threw a party, even though not all members were present, the atmosphere was bustling nonetheless.
The host was, of course, Marcus, who loved such occasions, peppering his hosting with light-hearted jokes, showing potential for stand-up comedy.
Aside from Mira singing a song on stage, many others performed as well.
It might not have been very professional, but among familiar friends, there was always unique joy in the lighthearted fun.
The revelry continued until midnight, with Marcus using Sand Magic to create numbers, excitedly initiating a countdown:
"10, 9, 8... 2, 1!"
Followed by the president shouting, "Fairy Tail, cheers!"
Everyone raised their glasses, shouting in unison, "Fairy Tail, cheers!"
To Rhode's left was Mira, to his right was Natsu, then Erza, Gray, Loki, Kana, Reby... all the way to Elfman on Mira's left.
Hapi rode on Warm's shoulder, surrounded by everyone. Even today, Loki didn't flee at the sight of Rhode.
This little circle's voices mingled with the crowd, "Fairy Tail, cheers!"