I spent the whole day outside the shop today. Kiomi decided we should have a girls’ day out, which really surprised me. Although it might not seem like it at first glance, things like this are uncommon between us. Kiomi has always been more reserved, and I, while I enjoy these kinds of outings, rarely suggest them myself. Maybe that's why today felt so special right from the start.

We went shopping, ate at a small restaurant that looked like something out of a fairytale, and strolled through the city streets, simply enjoying the moment. It was one of those days where time seems to stand still, where everything is simple and perfect. You could say it was a beautiful day, full of laughter and conversations I never thought I’d have with her.

However, there was something I couldn’t get out of my head. Today is my birthday. And while I wasn’t expecting a big celebration or a shower of gifts, a small word would have been enough. A “happy birthday” would have sufficed to fill that small void I felt in my chest. But Kiomi didn’t say anything. Not a single word.

I tried to convince myself it didn’t matter, that what truly mattered was this day we shared. Still, I couldn’t help but wonder if the others knew. Do they remember that today is my birthday? After all, I don’t usually talk much about it. In the past, it was my grandmother who always made sure my day didn’t go unnoticed. And Alexander, of course, who always found a way to make me smile. But now, with them far away, it feels different. I suppose, in a way, it’s also my fault for not mentioning it.

Even so, I can’t deny I enjoyed every moment of this day. The sky began to turn shades of orange and pink, and the sun’s rays slowly slid across the horizon. The tiredness in my legs was starting to build up, but I didn’t mind. It was the sweet kind of tiredness, as if every step had been worth it.

—We should head back, — Kiomi said, glancing at her watch.

—Sure, — I replied, though a part of me wished this day wouldn’t end.

On the way back to the shop, Kiomi stopped and asked me to wait while she made a phone call. I sat on a small bench near a fountain, watching people pass by. The place was full of life. The laughter of children playing blended with the lively chatter of adults. It was a beautiful contrast to the sky, which was beginning to darken.

I looked around and couldn’t help but feel grateful. This place is beautiful, and just knowing that I had protected it in the past filled me with pride. Sometimes, when the world feels too chaotic, these moments of peace are the only thing you need to remember why it’s worth moving forward.

Kiomi returned after a few minutes, and together we headed back to the shop. Even from a distance, something felt off. All the lights were off, which rarely happened. Even when the shop is closed, there’s always a light on to signal that someone’s home.

—Do you think something happened? — I asked, feeling a slight knot in my stomach.

—Don’t worry, everything’s fine, — Kiomi replied calmly, though her expression didn’t give much away.

When we reached the door, I noticed it was locked, something we only do when it’s very late at night. Kiomi pulled a key from her pocket, unlocked the door, and let me go in first.

As I stepped inside, I froze. Everything was dark. There wasn’t a single sign of life inside the shop, and the absence of light made every corner feel emptier than usual. Ever since I was little, I’ve never been a fan of the dark. It’s always made me uneasy, as if it hides things I can’t see.

—Wait here, — Kiomi whispered as she closed the door behind us, leaving the place even darker. “I’ll go look for something. Don’t move,” she said before disappearing into the shadows.

—Don’t go! — I shouted, trying to keep my voice firm, but a slight tremor betrayed me. My fear of the dark made me want Kiomi to stay by my side.

The silence in the café was almost oppressive, and occasionally small noises broke the stillness. Each sound seemed amplified in the darkness, making my imagination run wild. I tried convincing myself that those noises were just Kiomi moving around, but the sounds were coming from somewhere else. My heart started to race.

—Why didn’t Zein teach me some magic to see in the dark? — I thought, trying to muster some courage amidst my growing unease. I knew it sounded childish, but I couldn’t help it. The darkness had always terrified me, and it wasn’t just the fear of the unknown; there was something deeper, an echo of memories I’d rather not relive.

Suddenly, two figures appeared in front of me. My first instinct was to step back, but as I recognized Nanao and Aiko, I let out a sigh of relief. They turned on a small, dim light that barely illuminated our surroundings, but it was enough to calm the pounding of my heart.

—What are you doing? — I asked, a mix of curiosity and nervousness in my voice.

Nanao gave me a mischievous smile while Aiko gestured for me to kneel. Though confused, I complied. As soon as I did, Aiko gently placed a flower in my hair. It was small but beautiful, with soft petals that seemed to catch the faint light around us. Meanwhile, Nanao draped a flower necklace around my neck. The whole scene felt surreal, like I was in the middle of a dream.

—What’s going on? — I whispered, still trying to process what was happening.

That’s when a path of flowers began to light up before me. It was a magical trail stretching toward the backyard. The flowers glowed with a faint light, as if each one was alive, guiding me into the unknown. The backyard, however, was completely dark, making the contrast with the illuminated path all the more striking.

Aiko and Nanao each took one of my hands, gently guiding me down the trail. My steps were slow, almost hesitant, but I couldn’t help marveling at how beautiful everything looked. In that moment, my mind was too overwhelmed to question anything. All I could do was follow them and admire the scene.

When we reached the backyard, they let go of my hands and walked ahead. The area was still shrouded in darkness, and for a moment, I thought maybe this was all some kind of prank. But then, just when I least expected it, a light show began.

Small lights floated down from the sky like fireflies, illuminating every corner of the backyard. The effect was magical, as if the place had been transformed into a nocturnal paradise. The light didn’t just fill the yard; it also spilled into the building, making everything glow warmly and invitingly.

—Happy birthday! — many voices shouted in unison.

My heart skipped a beat. There they all were: the café staff, Zein, Kiomi, Alexander, Miguel, Paul, Aiko, Nanao, Sora, Judas, Lyra, and Kio. Everyone was there, their faces lit up with radiant smiles.

I brought my hands to my mouth, trying to hold back the tears threatening to fall.

—Guys…— I managed to say, my voice barely a whisper.

Before I could process it, everyone started moving closer, surrounding me with hugs, congratulations, and smiles. The warmth of their words and the energy of the moment filled the emptiness I’d felt all day.

—Did we surprise you? — Lyra asked, her smile so wide it seemed to shine brighter than the lights themselves.

—Yes, very much, — I replied with a genuine smile that, for once, didn’t take any effort to appear.

—It was her idea, — Zein said, placing a gentle hand on Lyra’s head. —The party. —

I looked at Lyra, who now seemed a bit shy, and felt my heart swell with gratitude.

—Thank you… all of you, — I said, looking at each of them. But my eyes lingered on Lyra for a moment longer. —Truly, thank you. —

I knelt down and hugged her tightly, feeling the warmth of her embrace dispel any trace of insecurity I’d felt earlier.

And so, the party began. They guided me to one of the tables, where an impressive feast awaited. The food looked incredible: a mix of aromas and colors that made my stomach growl in anticipation. Everything was arranged with such care it looked like something out of a culinary magazine.

—Miguel and Sora prepared it, — Lyra explained with a smile, pointing toward them.

—But honestly, Sora is a disaster in the kitchen, — Miguel said, bursting into laughter.

—Stop making fun of me, you bald monkey! — Sora shouted, throwing a napkin at him as everyone laughed at their little, amusing quarrel.

The atmosphere was light and full of laughter. Between jokes and conversations, I tried the dishes. They were exquisitely familiar. Some I hadn’t tasted since I was a child, and each bite was steeped in nostalgia. It was as if those flavors transported me back to happy moments I thought I’d forgotten.

After eating, Sora stood up and put on a little show. Though it was clearly aimed at the younger ones, his charisma and creativity managed to capture everyone’s attention. Using figures he had created himself, he spun fascinating tales: brave soldiers rescuing princesses, dragons and warriors facing off in epic battles, ordinary people performing acts of kindness that changed lives. Each story was a blend of magic and emotion, making it impossible to look away.

Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

As I watched, I couldn’t help but admire the decorations. The flowers adorning the space were beautiful on their own, but with the added details, they shone with an even more dazzling charm. Every corner of the venue was filled with small touches of care that made everything feel special.

That’s when Alexander stood up and called everyone with an excited smile.

—Come on! It’s time to play the games I’ve prepared, — he announced enthusiastically.

We gathered in a circle around him. At first, no one knew what to expect. Knowing Alexander, it was clear it would be something unique.

—Alright, let me explain the rules, — he said as he activated a handheld console that projected a 3D hologram in the center of the group. Vibrant colors, interactive menus, and virtual figures that reacted to our movements filled the air.

—Is this a game or a science experiment? — Miguel joked, drawing laughter from everyone.

The first game he introduced was a modernized version of hide-and-seek. Alexander activated small floating drones that scattered around the patio, projecting moving shadows and lights. Players had to hide and move without being detected by the drones, which scanned the area with beams of light that seemed straight out of a sci-fi movie.

—Don’t underestimate them; these little ones are smarter than they look, — Alexander warned with a mischievous grin.

The patio erupted into laughter and running as we tried to avoid being found. The kids enjoyed it the most, screaming with excitement every time they managed to dodge one of the lights.

The second game was a test of mental agility. With bracelets connected to the console, we had to solve puzzles as a team while responding to rapidly changing visual and auditory stimuli. The game required cooperation, and every time someone failed, the system sent out a small puff of cold air as a penalty.

—This is cheating! — Kiomi yelled amidst laughter after missing an easy question.

The final game turned out to be everyone’s favorite: an interactive dance competition. Alexander projected a virtual dance floor in the middle of the patio, and each participant had an avatar that mirrored their moves in real time. The holograms responded to every step, lighting up with colorful patterns that made the space look even more magical.

Even Zein, who usually avoided these kinds of activities, ended up participating, much to everyone’s surprise.

—I never thought I’d see you dance, Zein, — Lyra teased, laughing as she watched him take clumsy steps that somehow managed to sync with the music.

—Neither did I, — he admitted, shaking his head with an amused smile.

The night continued, filled with laughter, games, and unforgettable moments. Alexander had managed to capture something truly special with his games—a perfect balance of nostalgia and excitement, technology and human connection.

As I watched everyone having fun, a warm feeling bloomed in my chest. For the first time in a long while, I didn’t feel lonely or afraid. I was surrounded by people who cared about me, who had put all of this together just to make me feel special.

—Thank you, — I thought, even though I couldn’t find the words to say it out loud.

The rest of the evening unfolded in laughter, lively conversations, and little celebrations. The music filled the air with a soft rhythm, giving the place a warm and welcoming energy. Time seemed to pass faster than usual, as if the world itself had paused to make the moment last a little longer.

—Here, — Alexander said, handing me a glass with a curious-looking drink.

—What is it? — I asked as I took it, inspecting it with a hint of skepticism.

—A special drink of mine. Your grandmother used to request it; she loved it. Although, fair warning, it has a bit of alcohol, — he said with a smile that left me unsure whether he was being entirely serious or just trying to charm me with nostalgia.

I stared at him, hesitating. I’d heard so many things about alcohol, and I’d always thought it wasn’t for me.

—You’re of age now, aren’t you? Since, what, two or three years ago? — Alexander continued, tilting his head as he tried to recall.

—Yes, but... I’ve never had alcohol, — I admitted, feeling a slight blush on my cheeks as if I were revealing something significant.

—Well, then, no better time for a first. Come on, it doesn’t have much alcohol, and your grandmother loved it. Maybe you’ll like it too. —

I hesitated for a moment longer before bringing the glass to my lips. I took a small sip, barely noticeable. The taste was strange, a mix of sweetness and bitterness that I wasn’t sure I liked at first. A slight warmth crept down my throat as I swallowed, something I hadn’t expected, and I couldn’t help but frown.

—How is it? — Alexander asked, watching me with a curious smile.

—It’s... different, — I replied, unsure of how to describe it.

As time passed and I took a few more sips, I began to feel something peculiar. It was as if everything around me became lighter, words flowed more easily, and the laughter felt more genuine. But there was also a faint dizziness that made me more aware of my movements.

—Looks like the young ones can’t handle much, — Miguel joked with a hearty laugh, holding what must have been his umpteenth beer.

—Cut her some slack. It’s her first time drinking, — Alexander said, rolling his eyes and giving Miguel a light tap on the shoulder.

I leaned against the table, unable to sit up straight. The heaviness in my body was becoming more evident, though not entirely unpleasant. Across from me sat Zein and Kiomi, who seemed to be in a similar state. Zein was staring blankly at the ceiling, while Kiomi clung to the edge of the table with both hands, trying not to slip off her chair.

—I don’t know how you’re still fine after ten beers, Miguel... — I muttered, barely able to keep my eyes open.

—It’s a talent you develop over the years, — he replied, laughing as he raised his glass as if to toast himself.

With every passing minute, I felt my body relax more and more. The sounds around me became a distant echo, and the lights from the decorations seemed to glow with a comforting warmth. Even though I was dizzy, there was something undeniably pleasant about the sensation.

Finally, unable to fight the exhaustion, I closed my eyes. I felt my head rest against my crossed arms, and a final smile formed on my lips. I thought about how happy I had been that day, the laughter, the games, the stories, and the company.

—I can’t imagine a more perfect ending, — I thought as sleep gently embraced me.

…

After everything went well, Naoko fell asleep after drinking too much… or rather, not much overall, but certainly more than she could handle. Although, to be fair, I was in the same state, and I could swear Zein wasn’t doing much better either.

Kio appeared in front of us in his human form, as calm as ever.

—I’ll take Naoko to her room, — he said with the tranquility that always seemed to surround him.

—Alright, we’ll stay here for a bit, — Alexander replied, raising his glass slightly before taking another sip.

By that point, the party had already started to fade. Several people had left, and it was practically just those of us who lived here and Sora, who was still tidying up. Nanao, Aiko, and Lyra had gone to bed long ago.

—Well, I think it’s time for me to head out as well, — Miguel said, standing up with a bit of clumsiness but still maintaining that ever-present smile. —Have a good night. —

—Kiomi. —

Kio’s voice pulled me out of my thoughts.

—Yes, Kio? — I replied, struggling to articulate my words as exhaustion and dizziness intertwined.

—Do you want me to help you get to your bed? — he asked, leaning down slightly to look me in the eye.

—No, thank you... I can get there on my own, — I replied, trying to sound firm, though I could barely stay seated.

—Alright. —

I gathered all the strength I had and, with great effort, managed to stand up. My legs trembled, and my body was on the verge of giving in to exhaustion.

—Well, I think it’s time for me to head off as well. —

—Alright, good night, — Alexander and Miguel said almost in unison, bidding me farewell with a kind gesture.

I looked to my right and saw Zein slumped over the table, practically asleep. He looked so peaceful that I didn’t want to disturb him, so I decided to leave him there.

As I walked toward my room, everything around me spun. I swayed from side to side, trying to keep my balance, but each step felt like a challenge. Kio had already taken Naoko to her room, and the café was practically empty. Only faint murmurs remained outside as the others finished tidying up.

Climbing the stairs was a real ordeal. Each step felt like scaling a mountain, but somehow, I managed to reach the hallway where the rooms were. I was so exhausted that my eyes could barely stay open. I saw a room and, without thinking much, went inside.

The bed felt strange beneath me, as if it wasn’t entirely familiar. But my mind was so overwhelmed with exhaustion that I didn’t care. I closed my eyes and let sleep take over, feeling the weight of the day fade away little by little.

The next morning, I felt something strange as I woke up. My entire body ached, and while I wanted to groan out loud, the fatigue still clung to me. I was hugging something warm, large... almost as if it were a person.

I blinked slowly, rubbing my eyes to clear my vision. I sat up in bed, confused, as I looked around. Nothing seemed familiar. I turned my head to the left, and there it was, Lyra’s bed, with her soundly asleep.

"Where am I? “ I thought, trying to make sense of the situation. Lyra's bed was in Zein’s room…

Suddenly, my mind lit up, and everything clicked. I quickly turned to my right, and there he was. I was in Zein’s room. And worse yet… in his bed!

My face lit up like a flame. "How? When did this happen? How did I not notice?"

Before I could do anything else, I felt Zein starting to stir. Panicking, I did the only thing that came to mind: I curled up and pretended to be asleep, praying he wouldn’t notice anything.

Several long, tense minutes passed until I finally heard his and Lyra’s footsteps leaving the room. I waited a bit longer to make sure it was clear, then quickly got up and fled to my room as if my life depended on it.

Once there, I locked the door. My heart was pounding like a drum, and my face was still burning with embarrassment. "How did I end up in that situation?" I asked myself, covering my face with my hands. I didn’t want to leave, but I knew I’d have to face the day eventually.

After much hesitation, I mustered my courage. I fixed myself up as best I could and carefully made my way downstairs, hoping not to run into Zein. But as if fate wanted to play a cruel joke on me, there he was, waiting at the bottom of the stairs.

The silence between us was heavy. I couldn’t even look him in the eye, and from what I could catch in my peripheral vision, he seemed just as uncomfortable as I was.

—G… Good morning, — I managed to say, barely audible.

—Good morning, — he replied, his voice a little shy.

I glanced at him for a moment and noticed that his face was just as red as mine. It felt like we were both trapped in a bubble of shared awkwardness.

Then, Alexander appeared cheerfully, as if nothing had happened.

—Good morning! — he greeted enthusiastically, but his grin widened as he noticed the tension in the air. —Did something happen between you two? —

He said it with a teasing tone and a mischievous look before leaving, laughing, and leaving us alone with our tomato-red faces.

—Nothing happened! — Zein immediately responded, his voice filled with nervousness.

—Pervert, — Lyra murmured as she passed by, giving him a disapproving look that didn’t help at all.

—Nothing happened! — he retorted, trying to defend himself while raising his hands in a gesture of innocence.

I couldn’t help but let out a shy laugh. The little scene had broken the ice between us, and although the atmosphere was still somewhat awkward, it also felt lighter, even a little bit funny.

As we walked toward the table, our eyes met for a brief moment. For the first time that morning, we exchanged a small smile. Maybe, just maybe, it wasn’t so bad after all.