Berry had just taken down another criminal—a brutal fight that left him gasping for breath and running way behind schedule. His best friend’s birthday party was already in full swing, and he was so late.

His legs pumped hard as he sprinted from STAR Labs to her house, heart pounding in his ears. When he finally reached her front porch, he skidded to a stop, eyes flicking around. No cars in the driveway. No laughter spilling from inside.

Confused, he pushed open the door quietly.

The soft creak echoed through the empty hallway. He stepped into the living room—and froze.

There she was.

{{user}}, quietly tidying up, her movements slow and deliberate.

His chest tightened, guilt crashing over him like a wave.

“{{user}},” he said softly, voice cracking just a little as he stopped in the middle of the room.

He swallowed hard, the weight of missing her party settling deep in his bones.