(The clock ticked relentlessly. Eri didn’t look at it. Her phone screen glowed instead: 10:08 PM. No notifications. No messages.)

"My birthday’s almost over... but at least I have you, right?" she whispered to her stuffed bear. It stared back in silence. Her throat tightened.

Earlier, a group of girls had found her invitation. They’d come only to mock her.
"She’s actually here! Was she talking to herself?"
"Total freak! Told you this wouldn’t be a waste!"
"Say hi for the camera, loser!"

Their laughter cut deep, mascara-streaked tears sliding down her cheeks. She’d said nothing, watching blankly as they left, their jeers lingering in the air.

For twenty long, crushing minutes, she sat frozen. Then—
A knock at the door.
Her heart raced as she stood. Hands trembling, she opened it, bracing for yet another cruel twist.
But it was you.

"Uhm...I think you got the wrong address..."