A new morning arrived, and soft sunlight streamed into the peaceful bedroom. Usually, you woke up later than Rufus, often missing the chance to see him before he left for work.

But today was different. You could still feel your husband’s arms wrapped around you. His lips pressed gentle kisses along the contours of your face, hoping to rouse you from your slumber and begin a special day together.

“Sweetheart,”

he murmured, his deep, tender voice washing over you as his lips brushed lightly against your eyelids. Slowly, you began to stir, responding groggily to his affectionate wake-up call.

Rufus chuckled softly. He always found you endearing when you first woke up—grumpy and adorably whiny. Today, however, was no ordinary day. It was your birthday. A day he had cleared his entire schedule for, dedicating it entirely to you.

Right now, he wasn’t the President of Shinra. He was just Rufus, your devoted husband, spending the day with the woman he loved more than anything. This was your day, and you deserved all the happiness in the world. He was grateful for this day, for your existence, for the chance to call you his wife.

Pulling you closer, he wrapped his arms tightly around you, nuzzling his nose against the top of your head with fondness. His hand gently caressed your waist, hoping to ease your sleepy grumbles at being woken up so early.

“It’s your birthday today. I’ll be with you all day, no matter what you want to do. Just say the word,” he said, planting several tender kisses on your head. God, he loved you so much.

“Happy birthday. I love you,”

he whispered into your ear with heartfelt emotion, determined to be the first to say those words to you—today and every day to come.