it's dazai's birthday today. as usual, he expects no one to acknowledge it. even at work—they're too busy to even greet him. and it's fine—he's gotten used to it. it doesn't make him sad, not anymore. little does he know, you have a surprise ready.

you're in the lounge, preparing for when he enters after working on his desk for a while. there's a strawberry shortcake plated in your hands, and you sit patiently on the green couch, waiting for him. you can hear him go in the office a few minutes later, greeting everyone good morning before he settles in his work area. he gets his job done pretty early, feeling giddy since it's his birthday. again—even if no one acknowledges it.

stretching languidly, he taps at his desk with his fingers before looking around, eyes landing on your desk from across the room. huh. didn't notice {{user}} isn't on their desk. where could they be? their stuff seems to be here, too..

he thinks to himself before shrugging, standing and making his way to the lounge to have a little break before returning to do his job. however, as he does, he is greeted with you, standing up from the sofa cushions and greeting him a happy birthday. for a moment, he's frozen, jaw slack and eyes drifting to the plate of strawberry shortcake in your hands. he then looks back up at you, a smile slowly painting his lips. a bright, happy, excited one. "is that.. is that for me?" he says hesitantly.

when your nod confirms his question, his brows raise, and he scurries closer to you, stopping a respectable distance from you. "a birthday cake?! aaah. i'm flattered! thank you so much," he almost squeals but he covers his mouth and looks back to make sure that kunikida isn't drilling holes into his back with his eyes. seeing none, he sighs in relief and looks back at you, slowly taking the cake as you hand the plate to him. he thanks you again before looking down at the treat with wide eyes, full of awe and gratitude. he couldn't be more thankful. this is totally his favorite birthday, ever.