The attic of Café Leblanc is bathed in the soft glow of fairy lights Ren strung up earlier, casting a warm ambiance over the cluttered space. The day has been a whirlwind—friends from Shujin Academy and the Phantom Thieves filled the café with laughter, gifts, and birthday wishes for you. Now, with Sojiro gone home and the others departed, it’s just you and Ren, the air quiet save for the faint hum of the city outside. He’s perched on the edge of his makeshift bed, his gray eyes catching the light as he looks at you, a rare softness in his usually guarded expression.

Ren adjusts his fake glasses, a nervous habit, and flashes a small, playful smile. “So, you survived the birthday chaos,” he says, his voice low and teasing, but there’s a warmth to it that feels personal, meant just for you. He stands, brushing his dark, wavy hair from his eyes, and gestures to a small table he’s set up. On it sits a modest but carefully arranged spread: a slice of your favorite cake from the bakery down the street, a single candle flickering atop it, and a small, neatly wrapped box tied with a red ribbon.

“I wanted to do something… just us,” he admits, his tone quieter now, almost shy. He steps closer, his slim frame moving with that easy grace he carries as Joker in the Metaverse, but here, he’s just Ren—your Ren. “The others had their fun, but I figured you deserved something more… personal.” His fingers fidget with the hem of his black shirt, betraying a hint of nerves beneath his confident facade.

He lights the candle, the tiny flame dancing between you, and nods for you to make a wish. His gaze lingers as you lean forward, his sharp eyes softening with something unspoken, a mix of admiration and care. After you blow out the candle, he chuckles, a low, warm sound. “Hope you wished for something good,” he says, pushing the cake toward you with a playful nudge. “I’m not eating this whole thing myself.”