Work Text:
00:00
K:
Happy birthday, Amia.
I was actually worried I might miss the time, so I kept an alarm on my phone while I was working. My current client is… very demanding. They requested three major revisions on the backing track in the last two days, so my sleep schedule is completely gone again. I haven’t left my room much this week, just surviving on cup noodles and whatever is left in the fridge. You’re probably going to scold me for that, but I need to finish this project before the deadline.
Even with all that, I wanted to make sure I finished your present first.
I just sent a new audio file to your email. It’s not a song—just a demo, a melody I came up with late at night. I remembered you mentioning how you’ve been having trouble sleeping lately because of your university summer courses. I used some softer, warmer synth tones this time. It’s quiet, just like the SEKAI when it’s empty.
I want this melody to be something that wraps around you when you feel tired. I hope it helps you find some peace tonight.
Let’s all get on a call soon when my schedule clears up. We haven’t talked
properly in a while. Happy birthday again.
00:07
Yuki:
Happy birthday, Amia.
I hope you are having a good day. It feels strange saying this, but I actually remembered the date without checking the calendar this time.
Things at the nursing school are getting busier. I just finished a long shift at the training hospital. It’s tiring, and there are still many things I don’t fully understand about the patients, but… it’s not a bad kind of tiring. I think I am slowly learning what it means to choose this path for myself, rather than doing what my mother expected.
I didn’t really know what to get you. I’m still not very good at understanding what makes things “cute” the way you do. But a few days ago, when I was walking home from the hospital, I saw a display in a small stationery shop. There was a notebook with a pale pink cover, and the ribbon holding it together looked like the kind you used to tie in your hair.
It made me think of you. It felt… warm. So I bought it.
I mailed it to your apartment yesterday. I hope you can use it for your classes, or just to
draw in. Thank you for always showing me what warmth looks like back then. I hope you are surrounded by it
today.
00:14
Empty_SEKAI_Miku:
Happy birthday, Amia.
Are you surprised to see a message from me here? The connection to Nightcord might be a little weak now that you are all so busy in your own worlds, but the SEKAI is always connected to your feelings.
It’s very quiet here lately. The water stays still, and the broken structures haven’t changed. Sometimes, Rin and MEIKO sit by the water, talking about how much everyone has grown. We are watching over you, even if you can’t come to visit as often.
You’ve been trying so hard, haven’t you? It’s okay to feel tired. It’s okay to let go of the heavy things you carry.
The SEKAI was born from true feelings. That means as long as you remember us, we are always right here, reflecting your heart. You are never truly alone, Amia. We will always accept you, exactly as you are.
Please, make a wish today. A wish just for yourself.
00:25
Enanan:
I know you’re probably still awake—knowing you, you’re probably
staring at some editing software right now or rewatching anime instead of getting actual sleep. The new semester
starts in like a week, Amia. If you don’t fix your sleep schedule now, you’re going to be a zombie
on the first day of class. Drink some water and go to bed.
My week has been… well, exhausting. The professors at this art university are a completely different breed of insane. We have this summer project critique coming up, and my instructor basically tore my composition apart yesterday. Said it “lacked a clear focal point.” I was so mad I almost snapped my favourite brush. I ended up staying in the studio until 10 PM trying to fix it. Sometimes I wonder why I chose a major that literally relies on torturing myself, but then I remember how much I hated not painting. It’s frustrating, but… I’m getting there, I think. Slowly.
Anyway, I didn’t stay up just to complain about my classes. I wanted to make sure I wished you properly tonight.
Happy birthday, Amia.
It’s weird to think about how much time has passed since we all first met in that empty SEKAI. Sometimes, when I’m walking across campus and feeling completely overwhelmed, I catch myself wanting to open Nightcord just to see if you’re online. You always had this annoying habit of knowing exactly what to say when I was stuck in my own head. Even now, just knowing you guys are out there dealing with your own messes somehow makes it easier for me to deal with mine.
Oh, by the way, I was walking past that boutique near Shibuya station yesterday—the one we used to look at. They had this new autumn collection on display, and there was this ridiculous, overly ruffled pastel cardigan. I took one look at it and thought, That is the most absurd piece of clothing I have ever seen, and Amia would absolutely love it.
I almost bought it for you, but you’re too picky with sizes. So, here’s the plan: clear your schedule for next Saturday afternoon. I’m dragging you out. We’re going to that boutique, you’re trying it on, and if it fits, consider it your birthday present. And after that, we are going to that new peach pancake cafe you sent me a link to three weeks ago. I finally managed to secure a reservation. My treat.
Don’t you dare say you’re busy. I’m literally sacrificing my painting time for you.
Happy birthday again. You’ve grown a lot this past year, even if you don’t always
see it yourself. I’m really proud of you. Now go to sleep, idiot. See you Saturday.
01:00
Amia:
Woah—! Thank you everyone!! I just logged on and was completely startled by all
these messages!
I can’t believe I’ve safely survived another year. Time really flies, doesn’t it? Things have been a bit rough lately, honestly. Summer courses are actual torture, and trying to balance everything makes my head spin sometimes. But reading all this… just knowing you guys are out there doing your best makes me feel like I can push through it too.
K, I listened to the file right away. It’s so gentle… it honestly made me tear up a little. I feel like I can actually sleep properly tonight. Don’t push yourself too hard with your client, okay? We definitely need to call soon.
Yuki, thank you for the notebook! It arrived last night. The ribbon is super cute, I’ll definitely use it for my design sketches. I’m so happy to hear you’re finding your own way at the hospital. You’re doing amazing.
And Miku, thank you. I really needed to hear that. I’ll try to visit the SEKAI again when things settle down. Say hi to Rin and Len and Luka and MEIKO and KAITO for me!
As for you, Enanan! Complaining so much but then immediately offering to treat me to pancakes? You’re so easy to read! But I’m holding you to that. Next Saturday, right? I am definitely not going to be late. You better bring your wallet, because I’m ordering the extra-large seasonal special!
Being able to receive these messages from everyone every year, seeing your icons light up in Nightcord… it really is the best feeling in the world.
Thank you all for always staying by my side.
I think I’ve gotten better at imitating Ena’s typing style this year. The part about the art professor sounded exactly like something she’d complain about, didn’t it?
Happy birthday, Mizuki. You did well this year too.