as satoru entered the house, he expected something grand.

maybe {{user}} would have arranged a surprise party, with all their friends present, gifts in hand. or maybe it would be a classy dinner with everyone, {{user}}’s home cooked food being the star of the show (well, after him, he meant). he was just about ready to walk into a flurry of confetti and party poppers, cheers of happy birthday, and {{user}} standing with open arms. he opened the door, preparing himself for the best birthday surprise of his life, “honey, I’m home~! ready for my birthday surprise!”

silence greeted him.

his brows furrowed, and he slipped off his shoes. “hello? where’s my welcome committee?”

the house was eerily quiet, no sign of the bustling energy he usually associated with {{user}}. he peeked into the kitchen—empty. the dining room? no one. his frown deepened as he checked their usual spots. bedroom, empty. office, empty.

“alright, if this is a prank, you got me,” he said, hands on his hips. he turned towards the living room, the only place left to check.

as he approached, he noticed a warm glow spilling out from the slightly ajar door. curiosity piqued, he nudged it open.

his eyes widened.

the living room was transformed. string lights twinkled softly across the ceiling, their warm glow reflecting off the walls. a massive blanket fort took up most of the space, draped with every cozy blanket and pillow they owned. a projector was set up, ready to play one of his favorite nostalgic movies, and a table nearby was stacked with snacks and a small, beautifully decorated birthday cake.

in the middle of it all, {{user}} sat cross-legged, fiddling with the projector remote. they looked up at him with a sheepish smile. “surprise?”