Chapter 177: Fairy Tail, Cheers!
The hair tie wasn't expensive, and Goodman even winked as he gave him a discount.
Rhodes was overjoyed, feeling grateful even though he had spent money.
Mira put away the little New Year's gift, quietly observing Rhodes, thinking about what she should give him in return.
"Ah, youth is such a wonderful thing," Goodman sighed, watching the two of them leave, remembering the days when he and Molly were in a similar phase.
Mutual affection, mutual closeness. Neither of them said it aloud, but both understood.
During that time, every day was filled with vague anticipation and simple happiness, occasionally tinged with a little worry.
To him, this period was probably the most nostalgic.
"But to be favored by that Mira Jane, this boy is way too lucky!"
Although Mira Jane had a bit of a temper in the past, now she was a renowned beauty, admired by many. Truly enviable.
Goodman glanced at the knitting done by his wife in the shop—well, maybe not so envious after all.
…
On the way back, they passed an ice cream shop, which remained popular even in winter.
In fact, it seemed even more popular than during the summer.
Many children excitedly used their pocket money to buy cones, running around gleefully once they got their hands on them, making one worry that they might drop it before they even had a bite.
Rhodes bought a matcha-flavored ice cream and handed it to Mira, "I promised to treat you to ice cream last time."
"Why only one?" Mira asked as she accepted it. "Aren't you getting one?"
"Um... not really in the mood to eat," Rhodes thought for a moment and made up an excuse, "I didn't bring much money today."
"Then how about I treat you to one?" Mira suggested, reaching for her wallet.
"No, no…" Rhodes quickly stopped her. "The line is too long, and we'd have to wait a while. We should head back."
Mira felt that Rhodes was acting a bit strange today. Normally, he liked eating with her, didn't he? She took a bite out of curiosity. It was cold, refreshing, and tasted great…
Then she noticed Rhodes' gaze, "Are you sure you don't want any?"
Rhodes' eyes wandered, "Well… actually… I'm fine either way."
Hmph, not being honest.
Mira ignored him and continued enjoying her ice cream.
As they got closer to the guild, and the ice cream was almost gone, Rhodes couldn't help but hint, "So, how's the taste?"
"Hmm…" Mira looked at him, holding back laughter, and replied earnestly, "The cream is of excellent quality, the matcha flavor is wonderful, and the sweet, cool taste has a hint of matcha's fragrance. It's really delicious."
Is that what I was asking? Rhodes thought, realizing she was doing it on purpose.
Mira suppressed a giggle, "Thank you for treating me to such delicious ice cream."
"You're welcome." Rhodes sighed, watching as she finished the last bite, with no intention of sharing.
Sigh, plan failed.
Just before they entered the guild, Mira playfully kicked Rhodes' leg.
…
"You guys came back so quickly," Laki said with a grin, "The shop just delivered the goods half an hour ago."
Mira glanced at Rhodes, smiling, "Sorry, we got delayed on the way."
"Yes, yes, delayed~"
"Laki~"
"Hehe~ Anyway, I've already checked the goods. The receipt is on the counter," Laki said with a smile, "At this rate, I might have to request a raise."
Mira laughed, "Thanks for your hard work. I'll treat you to some cake next time."
"Sounds good!" Laki nodded, then extended her hand to Rhodes.
Rhodes was puzzled, "What's up?"
Laki blinked and whispered, "One chance to have cake with Sister Mira, selling it to you for 10,000J, pay up."
Rhodes smirked, "With a 10,000J budget, I'd just ask her out directly. Why buy an opportunity from you?"
Laki felt like hitting him. What a smug 'lovey-dovey couple.'
…
On December 31st, X783, the Fairy Tail New Year's celebration officially began.
From the morning, everyone was busy decorating the guild.
Some of the decorations were bought by Rhodes and Mira a few days ago, while others were made on the spot by the guild members.
Gray's ice sculptures and Reedus' paintings were the main highlights.
Happy flew around, hanging various decorations on the rooftop and other high places according to Mira's instructions.
Natsu, not wanting to be outdone by Gray, suggested lighting fires inside and outside the guild, but Master knocked him out and threw him into the yard.
In the yard, Natsu quieted down, as Erza and Elfman were competing in a mochi-pounding contest.
Elfman, as expected, was shouting his usual "Manly!" slogans, each hammer strike solid and forceful.
Erza, on the other hand, was unusually energetic, even changing into a bunny-girl outfit just for pounding mochi. With each smash, she jumped up and down.
The contest between the two drew a large audience, with cheers and applause echoing continuously.
It was hard to say what exactly people were watching or cheering for.
Rhodes swore he didn't glance at anything inappropriate, just feeling he should cheer more for Elfman.
"Forget it, better go help Mira," Rhodes, being someone with a strong sense of self-preservation, thought.
Mira stood on tiptoe, trying to hang a ribbon, but she was just a bit too short.
Rhodes reached out and helped her hang it.
These accidental finger touches were always the most heart-fluttering moments. Although they happened often, each one felt different.
Neither of them deliberately created opportunities, but neither did they avoid them.
"A little higher," Mira instructed Rhodes to adjust the ribbon. "It seems lively in the yard."
"Erza and Elfman are competing in mochi-pounding," Rhodes said seriously, "I don't understand why all those people who aren't helping or judging are getting so excited."
"It's a mochi-pounding contest. The more excitement, the more fun... Was it nice to watch?" Mira asked, smiling.
"I didn't notice." Rhodes, quick-witted as ever, wouldn't blurt out the truth.
Mira tilted her head, 'puzzled,' "I was asking how the ribbon looks after being hung. What were you talking about?"
"..." Rhodes' mind raced. He stepped back, carefully inspecting, "Ahem, I didn't notice earlier because I was too close. From here, it looks great. You have a good eye for picking things."
"Is that so?" Mira, hands behind her back, stepped back to stand beside Rhodes, deciding to let him off the hook.
Reedus, watching the two of them, quickly grabbed his brush and captured the moment of them standing together, looking up at the wall decorations.
…
That night, the guild held a party. Although not all the members were there, the atmosphere was lively.
The host was naturally Marcus, who loved these kinds of events. His jokes during transitions had a bit of stand-up comedy flavor.
The performances included a song by Mira and several other acts by the guild members.
Though not professional, the fun shared between friends added a unique charm.
The celebration continued past midnight, and Marcus, using his sand magic, created some numbers and started an enthusiastic countdown: "10, 9, 8… 2, 1!"
Followed by Master's shout: "Fairy Tail, cheers!"
Everyone raised their glasses and shouted together, "Fairy Tail, cheers!"
Rhodes was standing with Mira on his left and Natsu on his right. Further down were Erza, Gray, Loke, Cana, Levy… all the way to Elfman on Mira's other side.
Happy was perched on Warren's back, surrounded by everyone. Even Loke, who usually ran away when he saw Rhodes, stayed today.
The voices of this little group mixed with the crowd: "Fairy Tail, cheers!"