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You stood up from your bed, barely awake but enough to sit up and turn your alarm off. It’s 11:34PM, almost midnight. Just perfect as it is for you to prepare.
To prepare Kento’s birthday surprise!
It’s finally July 2nd, and that only means Kento’s birthday is just a few minutes away. You went to wash off the little remnants of sleep and soon started on setting up your magic at the living room.
A small, round yellow cake sat on the counter. You decorated it not too simple, but not too overdone, just the way he liked it. And of course, with a few delicate sprinkles and a single, elegant candle waiting to be lit.
You reached into the drawer, pulling out a lighter, and looked at the clock again. 11:36 PM. Excitement coursed through you just from imagining the surprised look on Kento’s face. You placed the lighter next to the cake and quietly opened a cupboard to grab the party hat you had hidden there earlier. The silly, ivory bright hat had a whimsical touch, a playful nod to his love for simple joys.
Moving quickly but still quietly, you arranged a pile of presents on the table beside the cake. Each gift was wrapped with care, in colorful paper that were all from his loved ones. From Yuji, From Satoru, From Suguru, From Haibara, From Megumi, From Nobara… you could continue on, but you’d probably reach the morning. The small gift, the one you did on your own, were wrapped in light blue paper and tied with a silver ribbon held the surprise you knew Kento had been eyeing for months. Maybe it is a little too much, but… It’s for him, anyway.
With everything in place, you took a step back to admire your work. 11:42 PM. Just a little longer. You poured two glasses of sparkling cider, the bubbles rising eagerly, and set them beside the cake.
The final touch was the banner. You unfolded it carefully, holding your breath as you attached it to the wall. "Happy Birthday, Kento!" it proclaimed in cheerful, vibrant letters. It added a festive air to the room, making the surprise feel even more special. Last, you couldn’t forget the tiny bit of Pompompurin plushies that were all sprawled on the table. They almost looked like him, and if you weren’t much sober, you wouldn’t even tell between both of them.
11:49 PM. You turned off the kitchen light, leaving the cake and the banner illuminated softly by the shine of the nearby lamp. Everything was ready. Now, all you had to do was wait.
You moved silently to the living room, where Kento was dozing on the couch, a book resting on his chest. You couldn’t help but smile at the sight. No matter how many times you’ve seen him in this state… you’ve always felt the same flutter in your chest when you look at him. You could almost remember the first day you met him, the cherry blossom leaves falling to the scene of both of you and how despite his past haircut looked funny, it had an effect on you either way. He looked so peaceful, so unaware of the joy waiting for him. Gently, you reached out to wake him, your heart pounding as you anticipate for him to open his eyes.
“Kento,” you whispered softly, giving his shoulder a light shake. His eyes fluttered open, and he blinked up at you in confusion. You smiled, holding a finger to your lips and beckoning him to follow you.
“What’s going on?” he asked, his voice drawled with sleep as he rose to his feet.
“Come with me!” you continued, taking his hand and leading him toward the kitchen.
As you reached the doorway, you paused, turning to face him with a wide grin. “Close your eyes,” you instructed gently. Kento raised an eyebrow but complied, a curious smile playing at his lips.
You led him into the kitchen, positioning him just right. 11:59 PM. Perfect. You grabbed the lighter and quickly lit the candle on the cake, the tiny flame flickering merrily.
“Okay, open your eyes,” you said softly, stepping back to watch.
Kento’s eyes opened, and for a moment, he just stared, taking in the scene. The cake, the presents, the banner. His eyes widened in surprise and delight, and a slow, warm smile spread across his face.
“Happy birthday, Kento!” you greeted, your heart swelling with happiness.
Kento's eyes shimmered, the light of the candle reflecting back at them. For a moment, he was speechless, his gaze turning from the cake to the presents, then back to you. The room was only filled with a quiet, shared love, the kind that doesn't need words to be understood. He finally broke the silence, his voice yet groggy but filled with emotion. "I can't believe you did all this."
You smiled, feeling a warmth spread through you. "Of course I did. You deserve it."
He pulled you into a tight embrace, his arms wrapping around you with a mix of tenderness and gratitude. You could feel his heartbeat, strong and steady, and you knew that this small gesture had touched him deeply. "This means so much to me, love.” he murmured into your hair.
You pulled back slightly, looking into his eyes. "There's more," you said with a playful smile, gesturing toward the presents. "But first, make a wish."
Kento looked at the cake, the solitary candle flickering gently. He closed his eyes for a brief moment, a look of concentration on his face, before blowing out the candle in one smooth breath. The room was plunged into a deeper darkness for a split second before you turned on the kitchen light.
"Open this one first," you urged, nodding toward the gift wrapped in deep blue paper.
Kento chuckled, his eyes lighting up with curiosity as he reached for the present. He carefully untied the silver ribbon and peeled back the wrapping paper, revealing a sleek, black box. He opened it slowly, his breath catching as he saw what was inside.
"You didn't," he said, looking up at you with wide eyes. "I've been wanting this for so long."
You grinned, nodding. "I know! I saw the way you looked at it every time we passed by the store."
Kento lifted the gift out of the box, holding it reverently. It was a watch, a beautiful, intricately designed piece that he had admired for months. "This is amazing," he said, his voice filled with awe. "Thank you so much."
"Of course!" you replied softly. "I'm glad you like it."
He set the watch aside carefully and reached for another present, his excitement growing. As he unwrapped each gift, you watched his expressions of surprise and delight, your heart swelling with each smile. There was a set of his favorite books, a cozy sweater in his favorite color, and a framed photo of the two of you from a special trip.
"These are perfect," Kento said, his voice thick with emotion. "They know me so well. Especially you.”
You shrugged, a playful glint in your eye. "I try."
He pulled you into another hug, this one even tighter than before. "This is the best birthday I've ever had," he whispered. "Thank you."
You held him close, feeling a sense of fulfillment wash over you. "I'm just glad I could make you happy. Something I could repay you, if you will. You made me happy in ways I can’t even express on just speaking." you replied softly.
Kento pulled back slightly, his eyes searching yours. "You don't need to repay me for anything," he said, his voice earnest. "Just being with you is enough. Your happiness means everything to me."
You felt tears prick at the corners of your eyes, overwhelmed by the depth of his words. "I know," you whispered, "but seeing you happy, knowing that I could give you this moment... it means so much to me."
He smiled, a tender, loving smile that made your heart ache in the best way. "You've given me more than just this moment," he said, cupping your face gently. "You've given me so many moments of joy, of love. Every day with you is a gift."
You leaned into his touch, feeling the warmth of his hand against your cheek. "And every day with you is a blessing," you replied, your voice barely above a whisper.
Finally, you broke the silence, your voice filled with playful curiosity. "Did you know that Yuji has been telling me that he’s been missing you so much? Care to explain why?" you asked, your eyes twinkling.
“Oh? I don’t know, my love,” Kento replied, a playful smile dancing on his lips.
You leaned in closer, your curiosity piqued. "Really? No clue at all?"
…
Kento's smile faltered for just a fraction of a second, his eyes darkening briefly. "Maybe… because I’ve been long gone.”
…
You blinked, and the room around you seemed to shift, the edges of reality blurring and becoming hazy. The warmth of Kento's presence disappeared, leaving only the cold, empty kitchen in its wake.
The cake, the presents, the banner—all of it suddenly felt like a cruel joke, a reminder of what was real. Your heart pounded in your chest, as the realization sank in.
You turned around.
There was nothing there.
…
He was… dead. It was all by stupid your imagination.
He was gone.