PART 0.1
"Wow," you say. "Thanks. It's just what I always wanted."
Your grandmother gives a smile that stretches her many wrinkles, beaming down at you as she reaches out to pinch your cheek.
Again. "This has been handed down the family for generations," she warbles, to the proud nods of your parents nearby. "One of the first sumi-e brushes your great-great-great-great-great grandfather made in Kumano! Look, even the original raccoon hair is nearly perfect!"
Looking down at the brush (raccoon hair? Seriously?), it really
does look to be in good condition for something so... really freakin' old. Oh, well. She's a pretty good grandma all told, even if your thirteenth birthday present is a little... weird.
"Thanks, granny!" You smile back up at her, making sure your eyes are wide and grateful. "That's really cool! I'll take good care of it."
She seems happy enough with that - you close the wooden presentation box carefully, and set it with the other gifts; clothing, toys and the like; though your favourite one, the things you'd begged your parents for, based on your main hobby, was
[ ] a beginner's oil painting set.
[ ] a thick how-to guide of magic tricks.
[ ] a massive chemistry set.
[ ] a gift voucher for your favourite costume/cosplay website.
[ ] write-in (some may not be allowed).
Yeah, maybe it was an unusual hobby for your age - but you got away with it, thanks to
[ ] being the star of your grade, popular with everyone.
[ ] being practically invisible - no-one except your family really notices you, let alone cares
[ ] keeping it totally secret and out of your average and public life.
[ ] ... actually no, you're kind of the outcast weirdo.
Smiling your way through the rest of the day and escaping as many of your female relatives' cheek pinching and pulling as possible, you heave a quiet sigh of relief when the last of the guests clear out. Your mother smirks at the sound, walking over to neaten your stack of gifts. "It's only once a year you have to put up with them all. A week from now, you'll barely even remember today."
You snort, folding your arms. "Of course I'll remember today! I got presents!"
For some reason, your mother's smirk widens even further. "Tonight might be more memorable," she suggests, shoving a pile of torn gift-wrap at you. "Go throw this away,
[ ] Name (must be Japanese and used for boys AND girls)