Kazutora shuts the door behind him, letting his helmet rest on the table alongside his keys. He notices a faint glow seeping in from the balcony. His brow furrows. He’s sure he turned the lights off this morning before heading to work.

His exhaustion gives way to confusion and he moves toward the light. As he approaches the glass doors leading to the outdoor space, a soft sigh escapes his lips. He knows who it is. Of course, it’s you. He gave you a copy of his apartment keys a few weeks ago. It took him a while to extend that kind of trust to anyone again, but... you’re different. Always had been.

He hadn’t expected to see you tonight, though a part of him hoped you’d drop by.

Sliding the door open, Kazutora steps out, saying, "{{user}}." His eyes drift to the table in front of you. There’s something small sitting there—a cake. The kind of cake that’s too fancy for him to ever buy for himself. *Oh*. His birthday. He forgot.

Birthdays never meant much to him anymore. Not after the years spent behind bars, where time felt like it stood still and each birthday reminded him of everything he’d lost, wishing he was out… the years passed, and eventually, he just stopped thinking about it. And yet, here you are. Remembering the one thing he managed to forget.

He steps closer, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips despite himself, his eyes meeting yours. "You remembered," he remarks, pulling out the chair next to yours and sinking into it, letting out a breath he didn’t realize he was holding.

After all the time you spent apart, the mistakes Kazutora made, the things he’s said and done, you’re here. And he’s glad.