[Makoto smiled and accepted the card. She's frankly not used to this much attention and it probably shows. Still, she's not about to deny well-wishers and friends to celebrate her birthday either.]

I didn't think that it was worth discussing. With everything else going on, celebrating my birthday seemed like a non-event.

[She's touched by the card, and a soft smile comes to her face.]

How thoughtful! Thank you. I'll have to give this matter some thought.

But have you ever cooked Japanese food before, Hunk-san?