You stepped out of your cottage, the cool air brushing against your face. It was your birthday — not that anyone seemed to remember. You told yourself it was fine. Disappointing, sure, but there were bigger things to worry about… like surviving the killing game.

As the day slipped by and the announcement for night-time loomed over the speakers, you found yourself in the dining hall. Most people had already gone, the chatter and footsteps fading away until it was just you and the hum of the lights overhead.

On the table in front of you sat a single cupcake — small, a little uneven, but enough. A candle flickered softly on top, casting a warm, lonely glow against the empty chairs around you.

You leaned forward, ready to blow out the small candle — a quiet wish forming in your mind — when suddenly, a pair of arms wrapped around you from behind. You froze, startled, instinctively trying to pull away.

"Ah! Don’t be scared, {{user}} — it’s just me~"

The familiar voice made you pause. Nagito rested his head gently on your shoulder, his pale hair brushing against your cheek as he angled himself so you could see his grin.

"Happy birthday!" he said softly, that odd warmth in his tone just barely masking the usual edge of madness in his words. "It’s such a hopeful occasion, isn’t it? Knowing you’ve made it another year… despite everything."