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A little girl sat alone in her room. A single cupcake had been left for her sometime before she woke up. She blinked, not sure what to feel. Most kids would be upset that this was all they got, but this was more than what she got last year. With that in mind, she happily picked it up and ate it. Once she was done, however, it was just her and the emptiness of her room.
“Happy birthday… me…”
Chiaki woke up with a light gasp. Unlike most mornings, Nagito wasn’t in bed beside her. Ah. That’s right. Today was her birthday. He must’ve wanted to surprise her when she woke up. And judging by the smell that seeped into their room, she… began thinking of something to say that wouldn’t hurt his feelings.
“Good morning, Chiaki!” Nagito said when she went into the kitchen.
“…Good morning…” Chiaki yawned and rubbed sleep from her eyes. Nagito chuckled and had her sit at the table before putting a plate in front of her.
“Tada!” Nagito lightly clapped his hands together.
“You… made me breakfast.” Was all Chiaki could say as she poked at what she could only assume were some eggs.
“I know, I know. I’m not the best cook, but I still want you to take it easy today. It’s your birthday, after all.” Nagito said. Chiaki hesitated before putting some food in her mouth. After forcing herself to swallow, she gave him a smile.
“Thank you, Nagito.” Chiaki said. Nagito laughed.
“Aw, you’re too kind! Anyways, I have to go now! See you later!” Nagito gave her a kiss on the cheek before quickly heading out. Chiaki, now left alone, got to work on a more proper breakfast.
“What’s wrong, Hajime?” Nagito asked when meeting up with a certain spiky haired boy after school, noting that he looked extra miserable. Hajime looked at the boy who he had come to weirdly consider a friend despite the odd circumstances of their meeting and sighed.
“Oh… hey, Nagito… it’s just… today’s Chiaki’s birthday, that’s all…” Hajime said.
“Really?” Nagito feigned curiosity.
“Yeah, I know. My missing girlfriend’s birthday is on White Day. How ironic for me.” Hajime let out a quiet and hollow laugh.
Nagito blinked. White Day. He had forgotten that it was today. Truth be told, it was never a holiday he really cared for. Mostly on account of the fact that he never cared for any of his previous partners either. But he cared about Chiaki. Plus, it was also her birthday, so that made it extra special. As a result, he felt the need to do something extra special as well.
“Wow. My bad luck must be rubbing off on you.” Nagito said, letting out an awkward laugh as Hajime glared at him before he apologized.
“Yeah, well, maybe you should give me some of your good luck for a change.” Hajime snarked. Nagito made a mental note of how that was never going to happen.
“Let’s change the subject. Tell me about your girlfriend.” Nagito said.
“Huh? Why?” Hajime asked.
“Well, I just realized I’ve been helping you look for someone I don’t know anything about. It just feels right if I know a little bit more about her.” Nagito replied. Hajime paused before once again letting out a sigh.
“Alright, I guess…” Hajime said before he began talking about his girlfriend.
It took all of Nagito’s willpower to not express his annoyance as Hajime went on and on. He didn’t know why he thought this was a good idea, as all it did was further his belief that Hajime was the inferior partner for Chiaki. However, among all the useless dribble, there was one thing that stood out.
“…and she always liked the taste of strawberries.”
“Really now?” Nagito perked up.
“Yeah. If something had a strawberry flavor, she’d immediately want it.” Hajime’s eyes lit up ever so slightly. Nagito hummed.
“How interesting…” Nagito said, mentally making a note to himself as he nodded.
Chiaki was used to being alone. She didn’t like it, but she was used to it. She knew Nagito had to go away for most of the day, but he promised he would always come back. And it was a promise that he had done a good job at keeping. But, it didn’t make the parts of the day without him any less lonely.
Something about today, however, made the loneliness sting a little bit more.
“Dizzy… dizzy, dizzy, dizzy…” Chiaki muttered while curled up in bed. Everything around her had started spinning, and she thought it would make things better if she laid down. They didn’t get better.
The boy before her had no face. He probably did, but like everything else around her, it was very blurry. He just stared at her, not saying anything, so she didn’t in return. He slowly reached out to touch her face…
“Chiaki! I’m home!”
The sound of Nagito’s voice snapped her out of her trance. She quickly got off the bed and left the room.
“Coming, Nagito!” Chiaki called out before going down the stairs. When she got downstairs, she was momentarily confused when she didn’t find him waiting for her by the door like he usually was. However, that question was quickly answered when he snuck up behind her and grabbed her from behind.
“Boo!” Nagito exclaimed.
“Don’t scare me like that.” Chiaki pouted.
“Sorry, sorry.” Nagito rested his head on top of hers.
“…Welcome back, though.” Chiaki said. Nagito chuckled.
“Could you come with me?” Nagito asked.
“Oh? Do you have something for me?” Chiaki asked, her tone making it clear she knew the answer to that question.
“Maybe. Maybe not. Come on.” Nagito put his hands on Chiaki’s shoulders and guided her to the kitchen. When she saw what was in there, she had to admit, she was surprised.
“Ice cream?” Chiaki asked. Nagito nodded.
“I decided to get some while picking up your gift. I know most people would prefer a cake for their birthday, so I’m sorry about that. But look! It’s strawberry and vanilla! It’s like us in a way!” Nagito explained.
“…That’s cute. Thank you, Nagito.” Chiaki said.
With that, the two helped themselves. The way Chiaki’s eyes lit up when she tasted the strawberry ice cream made Nagito’s heart race so much that he could feel it pounding against his ribcage.
“Did you know I’d love this flavor!?” Chiaki excitedly questioned him. Nagito shook his head.
“Nope. Just a lucky guess. But I’m glad you like it.” Nagito said, looking down at his own ice cream which had started to melt. The white and pink mixing together only further fueling his satisfaction. It truly was like the two of them. Perfectly melting together into a state of bliss.
Once they were done, he then gave her her gift.
“A necklace?” Chiaki examined the jewelry in her hands. It was nothing too fancy, simply resembling half of a heart. Nagito nodded before reaching into his shirt, revealing he was wearing the necklace with the other half.
“I thought it would be the best way to show how when we’re together, our hearts are one.” Nagito said. Chiaki giggled before putting her necklace on.
“I love it. Thank you, Nagito.” Chiaki said.
“No. Thank you for being born, my love. Thank you for making me complete.” Nagito said before kissing Chiaki on the forehead, allowing himself to melt into bliss once more.