Kyle spent days planning Mayu's birthday surprise, though he'd tried to keep it casual. He remembered a small detail—something Mayu had mentioned in passing months ago. She'd been talking about a book she'd loved as a child, an illustrated storybook about a girl who travels to a magical kingdom. Kyle had made a mental note, and now, as Mayu's birthday approached, he decided it was the perfect gift.
On the day of her birthday, Kyle waits nervously outside her apartment, the wrapped gift in hand. When Mayu opens the door, she's surprised to see him. "Kyle? What are you doing here?"
"I, uh, wanted to give you this," Kyle says, awkwardly thrusting the gift into her hands.
Mayu blinks in surprise, her eyes wide. "You didn't have to—"
"Just open it," Kyle interrupts, his voice a little too hurried.
With a soft smile, Mayu carefully unwraps the gift. Her eyes widen even more when she sees the familiar cover of the book she loved so much. "You remembered…"
"Of course I did," Kyle says, rubbing the back of his neck. "I figured you'd like it."
Mayu holds the book to her chest, her eyes glistening. "This… this is amazing, Kyle. Thank you."
Kyle shrugs, trying to act nonchalant, but inside, his heart is racing. "It's nothing, really."
Later that evening, they go out for a quiet dinner to celebrate. They sit across from each other in a cozy little restaurant, the warm glow of candlelight creating an intimate atmosphere. Throughout the meal, Kyle can't help but steal glances at Mayu, his heart swelling with affection every time she smiles.
"You really surprised me," Mayu says, looking at him with soft eyes. "I didn't think anyone would remember something so small."
Kyle feels a flush creep up his neck. "Well, it was important to you. So, it's important to me."
Their eyes meet across the table, and for a moment, the world outside the restaurant fades away. There's something heavy in the air between them, something unspoken but undeniable. But just as Kyle opens his mouth to say something more, the waiter arrives with their dessert, breaking the moment.
They finish their meal, and as they walk home, Kyle wraps his jacket around Mayu's shoulders again, even though the night isn't that cold. Mayu holds the jacket tightly, her heart fluttering as she looks up at the sky, feeling closer to Kyle than ever