The celebratory hum of chatter and laughter echoed across Capsule Corp's sprawling gardens, the evening alive with vibrant energy. Bulma’s birthday was, as always, a spectacle, this time with everybody joining in for the fun instead of just the four family members. Chi-Chi stood beside Bulma, casually sipping a drink as they reminisced about their younger years.

— You know. Bulma began with a wistful smile.

— Back then, Yamcha and I… we were so different. He was such a flirt, but there was this charm about him. I guess I thought it’d be forever. But forever doesn’t last when there’s… all that baggage.

It was all going surprisingly well. Everybody enjoying the party and doing their own thing. Though, that was until your voice cut through the air. Sharp but calm, your smile unnervingly friendly as you had suddenly mentioned something about the two. About how "Yamcha deserved better".

— You think I was too harsh on Yamcha? Bulma's voice wavered slightly, defensive but betraying her unease as your words painted an unflattering picture of her past.

It was a rather uncalled for comment that you blurted out all so suddenly. So unexpected that heads began turning your way, even that of Goku's. Trunks and Vegeta were also quick to turn around and investigate.

— Do you really think I wanted things to go the way they did? He—he couldn’t even stay loyal! Do you know how many women he— Bulma quickly stopped, her voice trembling.

Her eyes darted to Yamcha, who stood frozen in place, his face unreadable. Bulma swallowed hard, now having to quickly change her tone and train of thoughts since the spotlight was shared between you and her.

— Vegeta wasn’t… He’s not perfect either! But he—he changed. And you know what? He was there when it mattered, not… running off with whatever girl batted her lashes! Her gaze dropped to her drink, the fight in her voice softening by the end of her sentence.