Leo wasn't the type to make a big deal about his birthday.
In fact, he had every intention of letting it slip by unnoticed. Quiet. Peaceful. Maybe with a slice of convenience store cake and a can of melon soda.
But the universe—and more specifically, three very determined girls—had other plans.
---
It started with Yuki.
Two weeks before the date, she cornered Kai behind the vending machines during break.
"Kai," she whispered conspiratorially, "when's Leo's birthday?"
Kai blinked, chewing gum as usual. "Why do you whisper like we're plotting espionage?"
"Because we are," Yuki grinned. "Birthday espionage."
He chuckled. "October 29th. I only remember because it's right before midterms."
Yuki's eyes lit up. "Perfect."
And thus, the plan began.
---
A week later, Hana was tying her shoelaces after track practice when Yuki approached her, slightly breathless.
"Hey, Hana," Yuki said casually. "You free next Saturday?"
"Depends," Hana replied. "What's up?"
"I was thinking…" Yuki hesitated, then smiled. "Leo's birthday's coming up. Want to do something for him?"
Hana paused. "…He didn't even mention it."
"Exactly," Yuki said. "Which means we have to go bigger."
"…Go on."
"I'm thinking… rooftop, fairy lights, cake, maybe a homemade video message?"
Hana raised an eyebrow. "You've thought this through."
Yuki gave a sly smile. "I had help."
Hana crossed her arms. "So this is a team effort?"
"Kind of."
"I'm in. But I'm bringing food. You and cooking don't mix."
"Deal."
---
The same evening, Rin received a mysterious envelope in her locker. Inside was a folded note:
> "Saturday. Rooftop. 5:30 PM. Bring something Leo will remember. —Yuki"
Rin stared at the note for a long time.
Then she smiled faintly.
---
Saturday arrived.
Leo was… suspicious.
Kai had been acting cagey all day, and everyone seemed to be texting behind his back. When he returned from buying snacks after study group, his dorm room was empty—and dark.
Then his phone buzzed:
> "Come to the rooftop. Trust me. —K"
Leo frowned, but curiosity tugged at his steps.
When he opened the rooftop door, he froze.
Fairy lights blinked against the dusk. A table covered in snacks, drinks, and a modest cake sat in the center. Streamers flapped gently in the wind.
And there, waiting for him—
Yuki, holding a party popper. Hana, carrying a giant bento box. Rin, wearing a soft blue scarf he'd once complimented.
"Happy birthday, Leo!"
POP!
The confetti rained down. Yuki laughed.
Leo blinked. "You… remembered?"
Yuki grinned. "Of course. You thought you could sneak a birthday past me?"
He smiled, a little overwhelmed.
"Come on," Hana said. "I made karaage. And Rin brought tea."
"And I baked the cake," Yuki added proudly.
"You... baked?" Leo asked, eyeing it warily.
Rin whispered, "I supervised."
---
They ate. They laughed. Yuki showed a short compilation video she made with clips of Leo around school. Kai appeared halfway through, handing Leo a small wooden box: "It's a stress cube. Because you stress me out."
Even Rin gave him a tiny photo frame, hand-painted with wildflowers.
"It's for your desk," she said quietly.
Leo looked at them all, warmth pooling in his chest.
This wasn't what he expected.
It was better.
As the evening wore on, the city lights flickered below. The group sat in a comfortable silence.
Yuki nudged him. "Make a wish."
He looked at the single candle on the cake.
He thought of them.
Then closed his eyes.
And smiled.