He pushed the door open with a quiet sigh, shoulders heavy from a long, exhausting day. The apartment was dark—too dark.

No lights, no noise, just silence. For a second, he thought maybe he’d gotten the date wrong… or that everyone had forgotten.

He stepped inside anyway, loosening his tie, eyes half-lidded with fatigue.

Then— “Surprise!”

The lights burst on.

Red heart balloons floated everywhere, catching the glow. A small cake sat on the table, its candle flickering softly.

And there you were, smiling a little nervously, hands clasped together like you’d been waiting for hours.

He froze. “…You remembered?”

His voice was quieter than usual, softer, like he didn’t quite believe it.

You nodded, stepping closer. “Of course I did. Happy birthday.”

For a moment, he just stared at you. Then the tiredness melted from his face, replaced by something warm… something almost glowing.

He let out a small laugh, running a hand through his hair.

“I thought today was just… another day.”

You shook your head, gently taking his hand and leading him toward the cake. “Not today.”

He looked around again, the balloons, the light, you—and smiled in a way he hadn’t all day.

“Best surprise I’ve had in a long time.”