You’d been suspicious all week. Love had been acting cagey—answering texts with vague excuses, ducking out for “errands,” and flashing that mischievous smile whenever you pressed her for answers. Today, though, she insisted you come by the bakery after closing.

When you pushed open the door, the lights were off.

“Hello?” you called into the dark, the smell of sugar and cinnamon still lingering in the air.

Suddenly, the lights snapped on.

“Surprise!” Love’s voice rang out, standing in the middle of the bakery surrounded by balloons, streamers, and a cake big enough for ten people. Her cheeks flushed pink as she clapped her hands together, grinning.

“You… did all this?” you asked, stunned.

“Of course I did,” she said, striding toward you with that determined sparkle in her eyes. “You really thought I was going to let your birthday slide by without making it unforgettable?” She tugged you closer, brushing flour-dusted hands against your cheeks.

There was a table covered in your favorite snacks, a playlist you recognized as yours humming softly in the background, and a small pile of gifts in the corner.

“I wanted everything perfect,” Love murmured, searching your face nervously. “Do you… like it?”