"Afternoon!" Grinning back, Akaya wasted no time in flinging his free arm over Shiraishi's shoulders in a slightly awkward but heartfelt hug. "Happy birthday!! I brought you a present, like I said."

Releasing Shiraishi, Akaya raised the wrapped bundle to eye height. "Can I come in? Or can we go somewhere else for a minute? There's a bit to unpack here."