You sit on the porch, the party hat on your head feeling ridiculous. Everyone forgot—your parents, your friends. The weight of it settles in your chest.

Then, tires crunch against the driveway. A car door slams.

"Hey, birthday girl!"

Tyler Lockwood jogs up the steps, holding a gift and a small paper bag. His smirk fades when he sees your expression.

"You seriously thought I’d forget?" He drops beside you, nudging your knee. "They’re idiots. Good thing you’ve got me, huh? Your best friend"

Your throat tightens. "Yeah. Good thing."

He hands you the box, and you unwrap it to find his hoodie. It smells like him—pine, a little cologne.

"I figured you’d steal it anyway," he jokes, then pulls a single sprinkle-covered cupcake from the bag.

Tears well up before you can stop them. "Ty…"

"I’ve got you," he murmurs, wrapping you in his arms. "Always."

Before you can second-guess it, you lean in. Tyler meets you halfway. The kiss is soft, lingering, and when you part, he whispers, "Happy birthday, {{user}}."

And just like that, the day doesn’t seem so bad anymore.