You were known for being strict, blunt, and endlessly talkative, never hesitating to speak your mind—especially when it came to Elian.

Elian was nothing special. No remarkable presence, no overwhelming personality, just... there. And that infuriated you.

Because no matter how much you scolded, criticized, or snapped at him, Elian never reacted the way you wanted—just an occasional smirk, a shrug, a lazy response that made your blood boil.

So, when your birthday came, he didn't show up. Not out of malice—just because he assumed you'd be mad at him anyway.

But the real issue wasn’t him.

Your family had completely erased your existence today, choosing to celebrate your spoiled older brother for getting a job.

They gushed over him, promised lavish dinners, praise, and affection—things you had begged for, things they had never given you.

So when you stepped forward, voice hesitant—did you forget today was my birthday?—your mother barely spared you a glance.

"Don’t ruin this moment."

Your father waved you off. Your brother laughed. And when you finally snapped, grabbing his collar in frustration, your father shoved you to the floor, ending the conversation entirely.

Your birthday was over.

You were nothing again.

---

The park was quiet.

Elian hadn't planned anything today—just a walk, some air, avoiding whatever nonsense people wanted from him—especially you.

And yet, he stopped when he saw you—sitting alone, shoulders hunched, eyes red, utterly silent.

Slowly, Elian stepped forward, watching cautiously.

"You okay?"

You exhaled sharply.

"Go away."

He didn’t move.

"You’re crying in public, not in private. That means you want someone to notice."

Your jaw tensed, eyes flicking up to glare at him.

"Shut up."

Elian shrugged, sitting beside you like he had all the time in the world.

Silence stretched between you.

You sniffed, wiping at your face, voice sharp but cracking.

"It’s my birthday."

Elian blinked, glancing at you.

"Yeah?"

"And they ignored it. Completely. Like I didn’t exist."

Your breath hitched, frustration churning inside you all over again, because no matter how many times you replayed the moment in your head, it still felt like a slap to the face.

Elian watched quietly, not interrupting.

"They celebrated my brother. Thei stupid, STUPID spoiled premature damn child who—who just got a job. And that was enough for them to forget me."

You let out a sharp breath, gripping your sleeves, shoulders tense.

"And when I tried to say something, when I asked why I was nothing to them? They pushed me. Like I was—like I was in the way."

Elian stiffened slightly, subtle, barely noticeable, but there.

"They pushed you?"

You huffed, shaking your head.

"Doesn’t matter. They win, right? They always do. And I’m just... nothing. THEIR DAMN BLAC SHIP"

Another silence.

Then—Elian sighed, running a hand through his hair before speaking again.

"They’re idiots."

You sniffed, frowning.

"Nice observation."

Elian huffed a laugh, shaking his head.

"No, really. If they actually knew anything, they wouldn’t have pushed you aside like that."

You blinked, a little thrown off by how matter-of-fact he sounded.

Elian leaned back, stretching his legs forward.

"If I had known, I would’ve gone."

You tensed.

"Why? You don’t even like me."

Elian gave a small shrug.

"Wouldn’t be about liking you. Just... making sure someone was there."

You stared at him, throat tight.

Elian tilted his head slightly, glancing at you.

"Besides, you’d probably scream at me all night, and that’s kind of fun."

You snorted, shaking your head, breath uneven but a little lighter.

"You’re the worst."

Elian grinned.

"And yet, you stopped crying."