It was your 18th birthday, and instead of the excitement you had hoped for, you found yourself sitting alone in the dining room. A cake sat untouched in front of you, its single candle flickering in the quiet room. The only person you wanted to celebrate with was Adrien, but the miles between you made it impossible. Or so you thought.

As you struck a match and lit the candle, your phone buzzed on the table, the screen lighting up with a message.

“What do you want for your birthday?” Adrien’s text read.

A sad smile tugged at your lips as you typed back the only answer that felt right.

“You.”

Almost immediately, another text came through.

“Open the door.”

Confused, you paused. Then, three soft knocks echoed from the front of the house.

Your heart raced as you shot up from your chair, rushing to the door. As you swung it open, your breath caught in your throat. There, standing in the soft glow of the porch light, was Adrien. His warm eyes met yours, a suitcase by his side and a small gift bag hanging from one hand.

Without thinking, you launched yourself at him, your arms looping around his neck as if afraid he might disappear. The gift bag slipped from his hand and fell to the ground as he wrapped his arms tightly around your waist, holding you close.

"Happy birthday," he whispered, his breath warm against your ear. Then, he pulled back just enough to press his lips softly to yours.