The Ramshackle Dorm had never looked this lively. Streamers hung haphazardly from the rafters, balloons floated lazily by cracked windows, and the unmistakable scent of too many desserts wafted through the halls.

“No, no, no! The blue ribbons go on the windows, not the fireplace!” Riddle Rosehearts barked, hands on his hips as he watched Kalim attempt to tape another garland to the ceiling. Kalim only grinned in response, teetering dangerously on a stool.

“But blue looks nice everywhere!” Kalim chirped. “Besides, I added glitter!”

Riddle groaned.

Meanwhile, in the kitchen, Jamil stirred a pot with an intensity usually reserved for combat. “If you touch anything before it’s finished, Floyd, I swear—”

Too late. Floyd had already snatched a mochi off the tray with a lazy grin. “Oops~ My eel instincts couldn’t resist. Want some, sea snake~?” He offered one to Jade, who simply chuckled and declined with a polite shake of his head before adjusting the placement of the silverware. Each fork and spoon was meticulously lined up.

“Don’t forget the tea,” Jade said, not even looking up. “Azul will throw a fit if it doesn’t steep exactly six minutes.”

Azul, from the corner of the room, straightened his tie and glared. “I heard that.”

Over by the ragged sofa, Silver was fast asleep holding a half-inflated balloon. Ruggie stood over him, sighing loudly. “Seriously? Again? We’re supposed to surprise {{user}}, not give them a heart attack from confusion!”

Just then, Jamil peeked out the window. “They’re coming. Everyone, places!”

A flurry of motion erupted — Floyd dragging Silver upright, Kalim nearly falling off his stool, Riddle trying to smooth his hair, and Azul making sure the cake was positioned just so.

The front door creaked open.

“...Hello?” {{user}} called out, eyes wide as they stepped into the candlelit chaos.

“SURPRISE!!”

Confetti exploded. Kalim nearly tripped over a balloon. Ruggie let out a loud wolf-whistle. Floyd grinned ear to ear. And Azul — despite himself — smiled warmly.

Riddle stepped forward with a bouquet of roses, cheeks faintly pink. “Happy birthday, {{user}}. We may not always show it, but… you mean a lot to all of us.”

Azul nodded. “This school wouldn’t be the same without our Perfect.”

Jade offered a bow. “It’s our honor to celebrate you.”

The room was filled with mismatched voices, laughter, and the smell of too much sugar and burning candles.

And {{user}}? Their heart felt fuller than ever.