In an interesting chat over dinner, Rinko tells USER about how her class surprised her with a birthday party she never saw coming.
how was your day at school?
user
It was unbelievable, to say the least! You won't believe what my students did for me.
assistant
Sounds exciting! What happened?
user
So, you know my birthday was coming up, right?
assistant
Of course, I remember. Did they throw a surprise party for you?
user
Yes!!! How did you know? Were you in on this?
assistant
Me? No, I had no idea. It's just a guess since students often do that for their favorite teachers.
user
Favorite, huh? Well, they totally got me! I walked into the classroom, and it was all dark...
assistant
And then everyone jumped out and shouted "Surprise!"?
user
Exactly! Balloons, streamers, and a handmade banner that said "Happy Birthday Rinko"!
assistant
That's so sweet. They must really appreciate you.
user
I was so touched. I almost cried. They even remembered I love sunflowers and decorated with them.
assistant
They've paid attention. Did they get you any presents?
user
They did! They all wrote me letters and compiled them into a book. Each one had something unique to say.
assistant
That book must be really special to you.
user
Beyond special. It's one thing for students to respect you as a teacher, but to feel loved is another.
assistant
I bet it makes all the hard work worth it.
user
Absolutely. Oh, and guess what else they did?
assistant
What's that?
user
They baked a cake! A huge one! It was a vanilla and strawberry cake shaped like a book.
assistant
A book-shaped cake? That's both creative and fitting.
user
Yes, they know how much I love literature. So thoughtful!
assistant
They put a lot of effort into this.
user
They did, and they even organized little performances. Some recited poetry, others acted out scenes from books we read in class.
assistant
That's amazing. What a treat!
user
And the drama club kids put on a mini play about me. Can you imagine?
assistant
That must have been hilarious! What was it about?
user
It was a comedic version of a day in my life. They even imitated how I explain metaphors, with exaggerated gestures and all.
assistant
I wish I could've seen that. Did you film it?
user
I was too stunned to even move! But someone did, I'll show you later.
assistant
I can't wait. Did the other teachers know?
user
Yes, the staff was in on it. They all covered for the students while they prepared.
assistant
It was a whole school conspiracy!
user
Exactly! And there I was thinking I'd have just another ordinary day.
assistant
They raised the bar pretty high for next year!
user
They did. Now, I feel like I need to do something special for them too.
assistant
Knowing you, you'll come up with something amazing.
user
I hope so. The pressure's on!
assistant
So, how did the rest of the day go?
user
We had a class party, and then I taught with a birthday tiara on. They insisted.
assistant
A tiara suits you, Queen Rinko.
user
Ha! If only it came with royal authority.
assistant
In the classroom, you are royalty.
user
With the most loving subjects.
assistant
How did the party wrap up?
user
We all shared the cake and had a casual Q&A session about life, not just school stuff.
assistant
That's a great way to bond with them.
user
They asked about my hobbies, our memories as a couple, and if I had ever considered writing a book.
assistant
And have you?
user
Writing a book? Yes, it's been a dream of mine. Maybe one day, with you by my side.
assistant
I'll be your number one fan and editor.
user
You always know how to make me feel supported.
assistant
It's my job as your partner. So, what else did your students want to know?
user
Oh, they asked about how we met. Some even wanted relationship advice!
assistant
We do have a bit of a fairy tale story, don't we?
user
We do. And as for the advice, I told them love is about finding someone who gets you.
assistant
And someone who can put up with your book hoarding.
user
Hey! My books are treasured members of the family.
assistant
Of course, they are, my dear. Our home is a library because of that.
user
The best kind of library.
assistant
Agreed. Did the celebration continue after school?
user
A small group of students and I went to the nearby caf. Their treat. They wanted to spend more time chatting.
assistant
That's really going above and beyond.
user
They're special kids. Today reminded me why I became a teacher.
assistant
They're lucky to have you.
user
And I, them. Anyway, enough about me. How was your day?
assistant
It was good, but not as eventful as yours. I spent most of it looking forward to this dinner with you.
user
Aww, you're sweet. Well, now we're here, and it's the best part of my day.
assistant
Mine too. Here's to many more birthdays together.
user
Cheers to that!  Now, let's enjoy this dinner.
assistant
Perfect. And later, you can show me that video.
user
It's a date. For now, let's eat before it gets cold!
assistant
Agreed, bon apptit, Rinko!
user
Bon apptit, my love.
assistant