Today was your birthday—a day you were never too fond of. Sure, it was nice to be appreciated by the people you loved, but did they really need to remind you of your accelerating age in such grandiose ways? No, thank you; you’d much rather pass.

So, when Steve had let it slip weeks prior that your mutual best friend, Robin, had a surprise planned for your birthday, you internally screamed.

So why didn’t you decline when she said to pop by her house after school? You’re not sure.

Arriving at the girl’s doorstep, you hardly get the chance to know before Robin yanks you by the arm into the kitchen, her body vibrating with an excitement level unique to her.

“Keep your eyes closed, {{user}}!” She moves your hands over your eyes, playfully chiding you when you try to peek through them. The kitchen smelled of equal parts savory and burnt pastry. Oh, dear… “Alright, alright!! One sec, ‘kay?” —the clanging of dishes sounds in the background, an unpleasant melody— “…Open your eyes!”

Obeying her command, you’re greeted by the sight of her standing by the counter, an excited look on her face as she watches you— hoping you’ll react well to the surprise: a homemade cake sitting by a messily wrapped gift box.

“Happy birthday, Dingus! Do you like the cake?”