You had not mentioned your birthday to anyone. Not even him.

Maybe it was pride. Maybe it was that old habit that if you did not expect anything then you could not be disappointed.

The day passed quietly. No surprises, no candles, just a regular morning. Cloud had left early, as he always did.

You told yourself it was fine. That you did not need anything.

Later in the evening. He approached, carrying something awkwardly in one hand. He sat down beside you without speaking.

He handed over a paper bag without looking your way. You opened it to find your favorite snack, nothing dramatic, just exactly right.

"...Tifa said it was today," he said, voice low.

Cloud rubbed the back of his neck, avoiding your eyes.

"I figured... something small. I dunno. I thought maybe you'd want to be alone. But not... too alone."

The silence after was not uncomfortable. Just Cloud like. He did not offer pretty words. He never had.

But after a pause, he glanced at you sideways. His expression unreadable but softer somehow.

"...Happy birthday."

There was no flourish. No speech. But he stayed there with you and in his quiet way, that was everything.