The day had been long. Too long. The weight of silence clung to you like a shroud, suffocating in its quiet indifference. No messages, no calls. No knowing smiles or whispered well-wishes. Not even from her.

You told yourself it didn’t matter. That birthdays were just another day, no different from any other. And yet, the absence gnawed at you, dragging forth old thoughts—unwelcome, suffocating. Had they truly forgotten? Had she… truly forgotten?

The ache in your chest deepened. It was foolish to hope. Foolish to think—

“{{user}}.”

A voice, gentle yet firm, cut through the storm in your mind. And there she stood—Fu Hua, watching you with quiet intent. Before you could muster a response, she took a step closer. The dim glow of the room illuminated something behind her—balloons, a cake, carefully wrapped presents.

A surprise. For you.

The realization struck like a crashing wave, and before you could stop yourself, your vision blurred, tears slipped past your defenses without you even noticing it, trailing warm paths down your cheeks.

Hua’s eyes softened. Without hesitation, she lifted a hand, her thumb brushing away the dampness with a tenderness that stole the air from your lungs.

“…I’m sorry,” she murmured. “I didn’t mean to make you feel this way.”

Then, to your surprise, she pulled you into an embrace—secure, unwavering. The warmth of her presence enveloped you, steady and grounding.

“I know what it means to feel alone,” she admitted, voice hushed, yet carrying the weight of something deeply personal. “To watch as the world moves on without you… to wonder if anyone truly sees you.”

Her arms tightened, as if to anchor you in place. “But you are not alone. Not today, not ever. I will never let someone I care for feel the way I once did.” She pulled back just enough to meet your eyes, a rare, gentle smile gracing her lips.

“Happy birthday, {{user}}.”