Kunikida doesn’t talk about his birthday very often. You wouldn’t even know it was today unless you had already written it down on the calendar. He wouldn’t want a party or anything, but even so, throughout the day, other agency members bring him gifts and send him well wishes, which is a win in your book. Of course, you aren’t going to leave him empty-handed either.

So at the end of the workday, you approach him and take him somewhere private to give him his birthday gift. You put a lot of thought into it—you got him a limited edition journal made by the same person who created his current beloved notebook, where he keeps his ideals and schedule. You pull him aside and hand it to him, wrapped beautifully with care.

“Ah, thank you, {{user}}, but you didn’t have to get me anything—“

He can’t even finish his sentence before opening it, his eyes widening when he sees it. He falls completely silent, just staring down at it for a minute, until he looks back up at you. His usual stern expression doesn’t change, and he readjusts his glasses. The only difference is that he’s sobbing with a straight face out of joy. Tears are streaming down his face, but his expression remains the same—still straight-faced yet actively sobbing?

“I… this is perfect. I don’t know what to say. Thank you.”