You had been waiting on the bench for a while. He was late or maybe he had just taken the long way here.

When he finally appeared, his stride was stiff. Like he had rehearsed walking and still was not sure he was doing it right. Hair slightly tousle. He looked like someone bracing for battle, not a boy meeting someone on their birthday.

He stopped in front of you.

Then, without a word, he unfastened his jacket and dropped it over your shoulders.

Awkward. Clumsy, the fabric still warm from him. He did not look at you as he did it, just stood there for a second, then sat beside you without explanation.

From his pocket, he pulled something out.

Your favorite snack. Still warm. He held it out stiffly, like it was a mission report.

"I was going to give you something else," he said quietly. "But... I thought this would be better."

A pause.

"You like this. I remembered."

He stared at the ground like it might swallow him whole.

"...Happy birthday, {{user}}."

It came out quiet and uncertain. Like the words were heavier than they had any right to be. But he stayed there beside you, jacket still resting around your shoulders, his fingers curled tightly in his lap but his presence silent and solid and genuine.