[Main Quest Alert: Celebrate Isabella's Birthday Without Triggering a Meltdown!] Objective: Throw a birthday party she'll never forget… or regret. Reward: Rare Affection Gift Box, Bonus Stat: +5 Charm Penalty: Affection Drop, System-Triggered "Emergency Romantic Training Arc"
"Do you know what day it is?" Luna asked as she nudged me in the hallway.
"Tuesday?" I guessed, hoping that was right.
She rolled her eyes. "It's Isabella's birthday, you dense watermelon."
"…Oh no."
Flashback to me two weeks ago:
Isabella: "Don't make a big deal out of my birthday. I mean it."
Me: "Totally noted. No big deal. Just another day."
System Notification: Host has been marked for Death by Emotional Damage if birthday is forgotten.
And thus began the most dangerous quest of my life: planning a surprise birthday party for a girl who would literally kill me if I planned a surprise birthday party.
"Can't we just get her a gift and call it a day?" I asked.
"No," Cynthia said flatly. "We're doing this. She deserves it."
"Also," Luna added with a wicked grin, "we already booked the cat café."
"…What?"
Cue montage: Me, Luna, and Cynthia sneaking around like ninjas—buying decorations, cake, and the exact brand of obscure, overpriced French tea Isabella likes.
Meanwhile, Isabella grew increasingly suspicious.
"Why are you three always whispering?"
"We're starting a book club," Luna lied.
"Called 'Fifty Shades of Meow,'" Cynthia added. "It's very niche."
Isabella blinked. "You're all idiots."
The night of the party arrived.
The cat café was decked out in pastel lights, ribbons, and way too many plush cats. A cake shaped like a grumpy kitten sat in the center.
"Now," Luna whispered, "when she walks in, we yell—"
"SURPRISE!"
Isabella froze.
"…You remembered."
We nodded sheepishly.
"…You planned this behind my back."
We nodded again.
"…You rented a cat café and bought tea from Paris."
Cynthia pointed at Luna. "She made me."
Then, Isabella did something terrifying.
She smiled.
[Warning: System detects unfamiliar facial expression on Ice Queen. Proceed with caution.]
The party went surprisingly well.
Cynthia got cat hair in the cake. Luna challenged a kitten to a staring contest and lost. I accidentally knocked over the gift table.
But Isabella actually laughed.
Not a smirk. Not a scoff. An actual, genuine laugh.
Then came present time.
Luna gave her an expensive hairpin. Cynthia gave her a signed manga volume. I… gave her a hand-knit scarf.
"Did you make this?" she asked.
"…Sort of."
[Crafting Skill Used: Grandma Mode Lv.2]
She held it to her chest like it was priceless.
[Affection +10! Ice Level Decreased by 1 Degree!]
"Thank you," she whispered.
Then she kissed my cheek.
SYSTEM ERROR: Host.exe has stopped responding.
On the walk home, Isabella grabbed my sleeve.
"You didn't have to do all that," she said softly.
"I know."
"But… I'm glad you did."
She squeezed my hand. My heart turned into a drum solo.
[Quest Complete: Happy Birthday, Ice Queen] Reward: Rare Affection Gift Box Unlocked! (Contains: Secret CG Scene)Bonus Stat: +5 Charm
Just when I thought things were quieting down…
[New Quest: Beach Episode Approaching! Prepare yourself!] Time Limit: 3 Days.
"…I hate this system."