Chapter 37

Synopsis
On his birthday, Tomoya comes across the Kashima brothers accompanying Kirin to school in lieu of her mother, who had obligations to attend to. The loneliness Kirin feels reminds Tomoya of his own personal history of lonely birthdays, which was broken when Chuukichi brought him over to his home and accidentally helped him discover his love of cute little kids.

Long Summary
Kotone, Tomoya's sister who works as a lawyer, returns home exhausted. Tomoya greets her and asks if she won her case, but Kotone, dismayed, says that she lost the case and a week's worth of work. She starts crying, saying that her client put a lot of trust in her and she had let down her client and the family. Tomoya consoles her and wipes her tears, saying that she gave her best effort. Kotone hugs her brother and decides to go rest. Tomoya tells her that their father is working overtime and their mother is still at school. Kotone goes to sleep while Tomoya wraps a salad and omurice and places them in the fridge. Tomoya leaves the house and heads off to school.

Tomoya crosses paths with Ryuuichi, who is holding Kirin. Ryuu explains that Yayoi has some urgent matters, so he is picking her up. Kirin sniffles and cries as Ryuu says that she was upset that her mother was not going to send her to school. Tomoya's nose starts to bleed, and as he pats Kirin's head, Suekichi and Kichi yell at Tomoya and run towards him. Kichi trips and cries, causing Tomoya's nose to drip with even more blood. The twins take off with Kotaro, hoping to "save" him and tell Ryuu to escape as quickly as they can. Ryuu gives Kirin to Tomoya as he chases after the twins and Kotaro. Tomoya asks Kirin if she feels lonely being with only him, but Kirin says that she is waiting for Ryuu, so she is alright. Tomoya tells her that she is really awesome, causing her to smile. He tells her that when he was little, he was always alone, even though he hated it. Tomoya assures Kirin that he likes being with her, but Chuukichi soon shows up, threatening to call the police. Kirin informs Chuukichi that they do not need the police and are simply waiting for Ryuu. When Ryuu returns, Chuukichi apologizes to him because his younger brothers caused him trouble. Ryuu takes Kirin back from Tomoya, whose nose is still bleeding. Tomoya tells him that he loves little kids so much because of Chuukichi. Chuukichi tells Tomoya not to reveal everything about their experiences. Kirin tells Tomoya that if he ever feels lonely, he is welcome to join her and the other children.

Tomoya later visits the daycare center. Taka points his sword at him, but Kirin stops him. Tomoya shows them several bags full of sweets and explains that it is his birthday today. He recalls that when he was younger, his parents were never home and his sister was away at college, meaning he would spend his birthdays by himself. In a flashback, Tomoya receives a text from his parents, who apologize for not being able to make it home for his birthday. He crouches behind the bushes as he reads the text. Just then, Chuukichi comes over to him to see that he is crying. Tomoya says that it is his birthday but no one is home. He figures that Chuukichi will laugh at him like all of the other kids do, but Chuukichi grabs his wrist and tells him to come to his family. Tomoya remembers that the house was rather shabby and there were several family members who look like Chuukichi. The Nezu family members are stunned to see that Chuukichi has a friend. Their mother wishes Tomoya a happy birthday and offers to give him some hotcakes and other foods. Tomoya continues to cry: he feels very happy but also quite jealous and lonely. Chuukichi's mother pats and comforts him, asking if he has contacted his parents. Just then, Suekichi and Kichi, who are only babies, begin to cry as well. Chuukichi tells Tomoya to stop crying, since his crying will trigger the babies to cry as well. Chuukichi takes his thumbs and forces Tomoya's face into a smile. Suekichi and Kichi then adorably smile, making Tomoya blush.

Back in the present, Tomoya tells Ryuu that that was his first nosebleed from little kids. Ryuu empathizes with Tomoya's situation, as he and Kotaro were always home alone. Kirin and Taka run up to him with presents. Kirin gives him a drawing while Taka gives him a cucumber and used tissue. Kotaro hands him a book, but Ryuu explains that he is holding a school book and cannot gift it to Tomoya. Tomoya's nose starts bleeding even more. As Tomoya leaves, Ryuu asks if he will be alright all alone on his birthday, but he assures Ryuu that he is no longer a kid and can handle it. Female classmates swoon over him, calling out his name. Chuukichi drags Tomoya away, saying that it would be rude to keep others waiting, confusing Tomoya. Chuukichi shows him a text from Kotone, who baked a cake for his brother's birthday. She had asked Chuukichi if he would like to come over to celebrate and to tell Tomoya that their parents would be coming home soon. Before the two leave, Kirin excitedly hands Tomoya a piece of paper, telling him that it is a gift from all of them. The children drew pictures and Usaida wrote the words on the card. Kirin explains that it is an invitation for him to come over to visit them whenever he wants. Tomoya thanks Kirin, saying that this is the first time he has received a present that has made him so happy.

At home, Kotone apologizes for ruining the cake and nervously explains that their parents are working overtime yet again. She hands him phones, where his parents apologize and wish him a happy birthday. She says that she can ask them for anything he wants. Tomoya smiles and picks up the phones, saying that he wants a younger sibling, stunning his parents and Kotone and rendering Chuukichi speechless.

Characters in Order of Appearance

 * Yagi Tomoya
 * Yagi Kotone
 * Ryuuichi Kashima
 * Kirin Kumatsuka
 * Kotaro Kashima
 * Suekichi Nezu
 * Kichi Nezu
 * Chuukichi Nezu
 * Taka Kamitani
 * Kazuma Mamizuka
 * Takuma Mamizuka
 * Midori Sawatari
 * Usaida Yoshihito
 * Nezu Daikichi
 * Nezu Shoukichi
 * Mrs. Nezu
 * Mr. Yagi (heard only)
 * Mrs. Yagi (heard only)