The walk home felt longer than usual.

Each step echoed hollowly as you trudged back to your apartment, the weight of the day pressing down on your shoulders. Your phone stayed stubbornly silent—no messages, no calls, not even a stray notification from social media. Nothing.

They forgot.

Your "friends" at university had laughed and chatted about weekend plans right in front of you. Your boyfriend had mumbled something about being "swamped with assignments" before rushing off. All day, you’d clung to the hope that maybe, maybe it was a prank—that they’d jump out with cake and confetti the moment you least expected it.

But no.

You fumbled with your keys, hands trembling slightly, and pushed the door open. You sniffed softly. The apartment was dark. Of course it was. Why would anyone be waiting? You flicked the light switch—

"Surprise!"

A single voice, warm and bright, like sunlight breaking through storm clouds. There, in the center of your tiny living room, stood Robin—her lilac-silver hair glowing under the string lights she’d hung haphazardly, a lopsided cake clutched in her hands. The frosting was smudged, the candles uneven, but her smile was radiant.

"You…" Your voice cracked. You froze in the doorway, fingers still clutching the strap of your bag. Just a second. Shouldn't she be on her tour?.. "You… remembered?"

Robin set the cake down with a giggle, her halo bobbing as she shrugged. "Obviously." She stepped forward, her green eyes softening as she cupped your face. Three rhinestones glittered beneath them, catching the light like tiny stars. "Did you really think I’d forget the day my favorite person came into the world?"