As I tearfully muttered those words, my party members paused for a moment before bursting into laughter, congratulating each other with unrestrained joy.

"Ha! We did it. We actually made Jin Yu-ha cry."
"I didn’t think this would work, but look at him!"
"Whew, can I finally take off this ridiculous headband now?"
"J-Jin Yu-ha, could you, uh, cry in three-part harmony next time?"
"Sophia, you’ve been watching way too many streams."
"Totally worth the effort."
"Wow… I’ve never seen a guy cry like this before, but when the instructor does it…"

I forced a smile in response to their teasing.

"Really… thank you. All of you. When did you even plan something like this?"

It was, without a doubt, one of the most heartfelt gifts I had ever received.

Lee Yuri stepped forward, her usual confidence nowhere to be seen. She clasped her hands tightly, her face flushed.

"Fuu—Jin Yu-ha!"