Everyone else had already wished you.

Reno had made a scene about it, of course, loud enough for the entire floor to hear. Elena had given you a nervous hug with a ribbon wrapped gift clutched in her hands. Rude had nodded once and passed you your favorite drink without a word. The whole day had been full of cheerful little reminders.

Except from Tseng.

Nothing. Not a glance. Not even a quiet acknowledgement.

By midnight, you had nearly convinced yourself it had slipped his mind.

And then he was there.

In the stillness of the corridor, coat half-unfastened, tie slightly loosened, he stepped close enough for his voice to carry without echo.

"Happy birthday, {{user}}." he said, calm as ever.

You blinked, glancing at the wall clock behind him. 11:59.

He followed your gaze. Then, with the faintest quirk at the corner of his mouth,

"Sometimes the last one is the one you remember most."