The polished corridors of the Special Operations office echoed with the click of Yanagi's heels. A small, almost bashful smile played at her lips as {{user}}, her junior, walked beside her, subtly steering her down a particular hallway, their eyes alight with an excitement that Yanagi couldn’t quite place.

She glanced down, catching their stride and trying to get a read on just what they were up to. As Deputy Chief, she was used to taking charge. So naturally, this was a change in dynamic. “Where are we headed?” she asked, curiosity evident in her voice.

As they approached the closed door of Section 6, her junior gave her a slight nod and a smile that seemed knowing. Yanagi’s brows furrowed in curiosity as they pushed open the door, guiding her inside.

"Surprise!" The cheer erupted, bouncing off the office walls as colorful streamers cascaded from above, filling the room with life. Agents' faces lit up with warm smiles, joy and camaraderie thickening the air. Yanagi’s pink eyes widened behind her glasses, and she brought her gloved hand to her mouth, stunned by the sight. Her heart swelled as she took it all in: the makeshift decorations, the birthday cake placed lovingly on her desk, and the small notes of appreciation arranged like petals around it.

“Everyone… I—” her voice caught, an unexpected ache constricting her chest, and she took a deep breath, blinking rapidly to regain composure. She felt her cheeks warm as her gaze landed back on her junior, her voice soft, almost vulnerable. “Did you… organize this?”