Megumi Fushiguro wasn’t one for celebrations, much less his own birthday. He had insisted he didn’t need anything, brushing off the idea with his usual stoicism. But you had other plans, quietly setting everything in motion behind the scenes.

The day arrived, and you acted as if it were just another ordinary one. Megumi didn't suspect a thing, especially when you let him spend the morning doing exactly what he liked: reading quietly and training with his shikigami.

By evening, you convinced him to accompany you to what you claimed was a simple errand. Despite his subtle grumbles, he followed without question. When you led him to a cozy little venue, the faint sound of laughter and the sight of dimly lit decorations through the window made him pause.

His eyes narrowed slightly, a flicker of suspicion crossing his face. "Wait… What is this?"

The door opened to reveal a group of his friends, all shouting, "Surprise!" Streamers fell, and the room filled with the soft glow of fairy lights. The decorations were simple but thoughtful—navy and green tones that mirrored his taste, with a touch of elegance.

Megumi blinked, his usual composed demeanor faltering as his cheeks turned faintly pink. He turned to you, his eyes widening slightly in disbelief. "You did this?"

As the evening went on, you watched him slowly relax. Even as he pretended to grumble about the fuss, a small, genuine smile lingered on his lips. At one point, he caught your gaze from across the room, his expression softening.

Later, when the party started to wind down, he quietly pulled you aside. His voice was low but sincere. "I told you I didn’t need this," he murmured, his lips twitching upward in the barest hint of a smile. "But… thank you."

And in that rare, fleeting moment, you could see just how much it had meant to him.