(Characters are from What if I (NPC) was in Forsaken...)

(NPC's POV)

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The clock struck exactly ten thirty at night, and everyone was fast asleep. Everyone was exhausted after being chased by the murderer John Doe. Outside, the rain poured heavily. I sat on the sofa in the lobby, feeling bored because today was my birthday, and no one knew. But that was understandable; we had just met, so how could they know each other's birthdays? I leaned back against the chair, feeling the quiet atmosphere of the night. A wave of sadness rose silently, making it impossible for my eyes to close.

At this hour, everyone was lying in their beds, drifting off to sleep, and no one was awake. I should have been asleep too, but perhaps the rain made it difficult to do so. I wanted to watch the rain; it wasn't a bad choice.

The rain outside grew heavier, louder. The raindrops felt as if they were pouring out someone's grievances or testing someone who was walking in it. I looked out and imagined what it would be like if I stepped outside. I quickly shook my head, dismissing that silly thought, and continued to watch the rain through the window.

Lost in my thoughts, my eyelids grew heavy, my mind became hazy, and I soon drifted off to sleep.

I don't know how long it had been, but I woke up to a noise coming from upstairs. The sound was quite faint. I didn't intend to go check because I thought someone was still awake, but something compelled me to go up and see what was there. Taking a deep breath and gathering all my courage, I climbed the stairs.

In the dark space, I fumbled around, following the faint sound. My feet seemed to have reached the second floor, and I caught a whiff of a faint fragrance mixed with a slight metallic scent of blood in the air. I moved closer, closer. My hands seemed to have touched something. Suddenly, I felt the air around me grow colder, as if I had just brushed against a murderer. I stepped back. It seemed that person stood up and turned towards me. I saw a dim light from something; it was the light of a candle!

(Cre: chat GPT... It's was too bad?:( )

"Happy birthday to you... NPC..." A gentle, warm yet slightly tired voice rang out, very familiar. "Take this." My hand reached out slightly to take what the person in front of me was holding.

I looked down. It was a white cake with three candles and some strawberries. My eyes widened in astonishment. Looking up, this was what surprised me the most... In the darkness, under the light of the candles, I could clearly see the wet face, as if she had just come in from the rain, along with a soft smile. Her red eyes looked at me, filled with joy.

Suddenly, my nose felt tingly, and I looked at the person in front of me with indescribable emotion. Yoru handed me the cake. Noticing closely, her clothes were completely soaked; she must be very cold! Tears of happiness and curiosity fell involuntarily. Yoru smiled, gently lowering her wet hands to pick up a gift box. She placed it beside my feet, walked over to turn on the light, and then left for her room.

I was still in shock. "How did she know my birthday?" I looked at the cake and the gift, my hands trembling slightly. I sat down on the floor, placed the cake beside me, and opened the gift box. Inside was a colorful flower, very beautiful. Next to it was a small piece of paper. I picked it up, my eyes reading each line while my heart fluttered!

The note read: "Happy birthday, NPC. I'm sorry I couldn't give this to you sooner; have a great birthday! I made this flower from some scrap metal outside and a few cans of old paint that were still usable. I hope you like it! Signed: Yoru Mikadzuki."

My eyes fixated on the note, then shifted to the flower. It was anything but ordinary; it was a piece of art! Beautiful—that was the only word to describe this small gift. She must have been a talented artisan. I held the cake and the gift, heading back to my room with boundless joy. I blew out the candles just as I was about to step into my room.

I placed the flower on the table, took two spoons, and headed to Yoru's room to invite her to share the cake with me.

Perhaps the joy made me forget that I needed to knock before entering Yoru's room; I opened the door. She was sitting on the bed, turning sharply to look at me, and I looked back. Yoru no longer had that boyish appearance; instead, she was a girl with fair skin and sharp red eyes. Both of us exchanged awkward glances. I quickly closed the door again because she hadn't finished getting dressed.

BANG!!!

A loud noise echoed, chillingly terrifying. After waiting for a minute or two, I finally dared to step inside with the cake in my hands.

"What happened?" Yoru asked as she bandaged her arm, noticing the soft sound of the door opening. I fell silent, unsure of what to say, my legs trembling as I saw a small hole in the wooden wall along with several cracks. I knew what she had just done. Thank goodness the powerful blow hadn't been directed at me. Otherwise... I didn't dare to imagine!

I hurried over to her, sitting down on the soft white bed, and handed Yoru a spoon. "Let's eat together! By the way... did you make this cake?"

Yoru didn't say anything, just nodded. I offered her the spoon, scooped a piece, and took a bite. Oh my God! It was really delicious! I couldn't believe that such a simple-looking cake could taste so incredible. Yoru also ate, her face not breaking into a smile, but through her eyes, I could tell she was very satisfied with what she had created. She took a sip of hot coffee and sighed. My eyes followed Yoru's gaze, and I noticed that her foot was injured near her heel. After thinking it over, I finally dared to ask:

"Did you... hurt your hand and foot while making this gift for me?

Yoru nodded.

"How did you know my birthday then?" I asked.

"It's a secret."

Her short answer only piqued my curiosity further.

"Hey, Yoru, why do you pretend to be a boy?" I inquired, still using the spoon to scoop up more cake. Yoru fell silent, seemingly reluctant to answer.

"I... never mind, it's a secret. You don't need to know too much," she said, putting the first aid kit away under the bed, and we continued to enjoy the cake together.

Suddenly, I felt a surge of happiness. It was truly delightful to have a friend like her!

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Happy birthday, NPC! :D

1190 words.