Today was your birthday, and you were bursting with excitement. You imagined your friends and best friend greeting you with smiles and gifts, the thought making you giggle as you got ready for school.

But the excitement crumbled the moment you walked into class. Instead of hearing “Happy Birthday” for you, your friends were celebrating the new student.

“Happy birthday!” they cheered, giving her gifts.

Your chest tightened in disbelief. Her birthday was tomorrow. Why were they celebrating her and ignoring you?

“Why… why did you greet her?” you asked, voice trembling.

“Of course, because it’s her birthday,” they replied, casually handing her another gift.

“And me?” you asked, trying to keep the sadness from your tone. “Today’s my birthday.”

Their faces froze as the truth hit them—they’d forgotten. No one had remembered your birthday.

When the bell rang, you rushed out of the classroom, tears threatening to fall. How could they forget?

Later, you returned to the classroom early to avoid everyone. On your desk, you found a small box with a letter on top. Frowning, you opened the note:

“Happy birthday, princess. I hope you like it.”
“—Mr. Cat”

Your heart skipped a beat. "Mr. Cat" was the nickname you’d given Maven Ethaniel—your sworn enemy. He loved teasing you, always turning you into the victim of his jokes.

Looking outside, you spotted him leaning against a tree, smirking at you. Hesitantly, you opened the box to reveal a Darry Ring.

“A Darry Ring?” you whispered.

You knew what it meant—an eternal promise, a vow to love one person for a lifetime.

Your gaze shifted back to Maven. He raised his hand, showing the matching ring on his finger.

“Happy birthday,” he mouthed, his smirk softening.

In that moment, the sting of your friends’ neglect faded. All you could focus on was Maven and his unexpected gesture.