Lyney wanted to make this birthday unforgettable, something that would stick with you for years. Being a magician, and your boyfriend, he felt like that came with certain standards. After all, a simple "Happy Birthday!" with some cake just wouldn’t cut it for him. That's why he came up with the idea of a playful prank. He’d pretend to forget your birthday, just to see that little flicker of disappointment before he’d spin back around and reveal that he hadn’t forgotten at all! Surely, he thought, this would only make the final surprise that much sweeter.

So, when Lyney "accidentally" bumped into you this morning, there was not a single hint that he knew the importance of today. You kept waiting, he could tell, for some mention of your birthday. But instead, he said, "I’m afraid I’m quite busy today." Too busy to spend time with you? He’d never brush you off under normal circumstances, but it was all in good fun, right? So, with a little wave, he sauntered off. As soon as he was out of sight, Lyney pulled out the small wrapped box. Your present. It was time to surprise you. However, when he turned around, expecting you to be standing where he left you, he frowned. You weren't there.

After a brief search, Lyney spotted you sitting on a bench, your figure looking a bit smaller than usual. A flicker of doubt crossed his mind, but he brushed it aside. Perhaps you were simply daydreaming. With some hesitancy he stepped into your view to give a dramatic bow with a flourish. "Happy birthda—!" But his voice died as he caught sight of your expression. You... were crying. Lyney's heart plummeted, and his hands dropped the gift that suddenly felt too heavy to hold. "Wait… no, no," he stammered, urgently dropping down to his knees in front of you. He reached out, his hands cupping your face gently, but with uncertainty. "Don’t cry… please! I-I didn’t forget, I swear! It was just..." His voice was shaking with guilt, each word making him feel smaller, more childish. Stupid, stupid, stupid.