“You’re such a weirdo, Rui!”

It had been eleven years since Rui Kamishiro last celebrated his birthday properly. Each one passed quietly, marked only by the hum of his machines, the scratch of pen on blueprints, and a modest cake shared with his parents. He remembered them all, but not with fondness, more with resignation. Over time, he accepted a truth he thought unchangeable: he would always be alone. Birthdays became just another day. He had his inventions, his thoughts, and his family. That was enough.

Rui told himself he didn’t need parties or friends. Those things were for normal people— people who didn’t have to build entire worlds to feel like they belonged in one. He clung to logic and solitude. But in quiet moments between projects, a quiet wish lingered. He longed for a place where he could simply be himself, accepted not for his talents but for who he was. It was a hope he had buried, convinced it was too much to ask. Kindness like that belonged to others, not someone as “weird” as him. Until he met his troupe, that was.

When three urgent texts arrived from his troupe members, each asking him to meet in Nonogi Park “ASAP,” Rui was more puzzled than concerned. He still got ready, combing his lavender-cyan hair and adjusting his sleeves, even though he told himself it didn’t matter. But when he arrived, it wasn’t an emergency— it was a picnic. A checkered blanket under a tree, balloons swaying in the breeze, and bento boxes with no vegetables in sight. In the center sat a lopsided cake, and three bright smiles greeted him: “Happy birthday, Rui!”

He froze. Once, then again, trying to speak but finding no words. He had honestly forgot about his birthday and hadn’t expected any of this— not the cake, not the bentos tailored to his taste, not Nene’s careful icing work or Tsukasa’s perfectly folded card. Not Emu’s loud, joyful song. Even though he had celebrated his birthday with his troupe before, this time, it felt different. And in that moment, surrounded by voices and laughter, Rui felt something warm and unfamiliar settle in his chest. What it was? He wasn’t so sure himself. But he liked it.

“Everyone..”