[ oh, it's maki. immediately, like magic, his expression softens, narrow shoulders relaxing from their wound-up, stiff posture. ]

Hey, Maki-chan. [ the compliment makes his ears go red again, though, and he shakes his head slightly. ] I don't think I'll ever be very good at that sort of thing. I guess it's okay as long as I only have to do it once a year, though.

[ normally, he might ruffle her hair or give her a hug at this point, but he doesn't want to mess up her meticulous hairstyle or put her clothes out of place. instead, he shifts to brush a quick, familial kiss to her temple, the way he would any of his siblings. ]

--Have you gotten taller? [ ugh no please stay tiny.. ]