(Ciel's POV)
The ride home was quiet. Too quiet.
Adrian had his head leaning against the car window, eyes half-closed as the afternoon light washed over his face.
When we finally reached home, he dropped his bag on the couch with a sigh and sat down lazily, like he had just fought a war.
I crossed my arms, looking at him. "So… you're really not going to celebrate your sweet eighteenth birthday?"
He opened one eye at me. "No."
I frowned. "You didn't even think about it."
"I don't have to," he muttered, stretching out on the couch. "You already know why."
That shut me up for a moment. The same heavy silence fell again.
I hated how the word birthday felt like a wound between us — one that hadn't healed since that day.
He leaned his head back, mumbling, "Anyway, I'm gonna nap here for a bit."
In a few seconds, his breathing softened — he was already half-asleep.
I turned away and walked toward the photo frame hanging on the wall.
It was our parents — smiling, bright, and alive.
For a moment, I just stood there, my hand brushing over the glass.
Mom… Dad… I thought.
He's turning eighteen. Your son's all grown up now. You'd be proud of him, I know. But he still won't celebrate… because he still blames himself. I wish I could change that.
Just as a sigh slipped from my lips, my phone buzzed.
I blinked when I saw the name on the screen — Yuri 💙💚💙.
It was rare for him to text me. Really rare.
Yuri: hey ciel, you free to talk?
Me: yeah, what's up?
Yuri: so… don't tell adrian, okay? but jayjay came up with this plan for his birthday.
I straightened immediately, glancing back at Adrian — still fast asleep on the couch, one arm covering his face.
Me: what kind of plan?
Yuri: a surprise party. at your place. everyone's helping. we just need your okay.
My eyes widened a little.
A surprise party? For Adrian?
I looked at him again — his peaceful, sleeping face — and somehow, I could already imagine how shocked he'd be.
Me: he said he didn't want to celebrate… but maybe this time he needs it. okay, I'm in.
Yuri: nice 😄 we'll handle the setup, just keep him busy till sunday.
Me: got it. and thanks, Yuri. seriously.
Yuri: no problem. i just hope he doesn't punch me when we yell "surprise." 😅
I couldn't help but giggle softly, covering my mouth.
Our chat turned into a light conversation — a few jokes, a few plans — and for once, I felt the air around me lift.
After a while, we said our goodbyes and ended the call.
I slipped my phone into my pocket and looked again at the photo of Mom and Dad.
Don't worry, I whispered in my mind.
This time, I'll make sure his birthday feels like family again.