The Wielder's Winter (The Manifests Series #1)

[30] Home Is Where The Sunbaes Are

April 17, 2023, 6:11am, Minhyuk's Settlement, Daegu, South Korea.

Event: Ryujin's Birthday

Ryujin stirs to a loud knocking on her door. She slowly opens her eyes.

It took a while before she actually sat up. She still can't believe she's in a place where there are people around her once more.

She takes a deep breath as she stretches as the knocking continues.

"Coming, y'all..." Ryujin said as she stands up and opens the door.

"Happy birthday, Ryujin!"

Ryujin's eyes widen as she sees Jihyo holding a simple cake with a candle on it. Around her was Zeke, Hyungwon, Hangyeol, Minji, and Minhyuk, all smiling at her.

She actually forgot that it was her birthday today, and she was shocked that they were all gathered up to celebrate it with her.

"Sorry, if we only prepared a simple cake... Everyone is busy lately... Plus, we didn't really wanna bother you last night because you were sleeping soundly. I'm guessing you haven't had that kind of sleep in months so we just decided to do it in the morning..." Jihyo said as she pouted.

Ryujin was speechless as she just stood there, feeling a mix of both shock, happiness, and sleepiness at the same time.

She grins sleepily as she yawns.

"Well... it's alright, I understand, Jihyo-unnie... I actually forgot that it was my birthday today. I'm honestly glad you remembered, I never thought I would have such a simple yet amazing surprise... Thank you." Ryujin said as she stretches her arms.

"Aww, you're welcome! Make a wish, Ryujin!" Miyeon said as she smiled. Ryujin smiles back, closes her eyes, and makes a wish. She then blows the candle.

"Yey!" Hangyeol said as they clapped.

"So, what do you want to do today?" Minhyuk asked. "We can give you anything you want, we'll provide it for you."

"I... honestly don't wanna interrupt the people around here much, Minhyuk-nim..." Ryujin said. "I think I just want to spend my birthday getting to know your settlement and probably help if needed. That way, I can be productive and enjoy my birthday at the same time."

"Hm, that's a wise idea, Miss Ryujin. Alright. We'll be going back to our places soon, just ask anyone here where we are, and you can drop by anytime."

"Oh, and I'll leave this to you, Ryujin-ssi!" Minji said as she gave her the birthday cake.

"We'll be taking our leave," Zeke said. "It seems like you're still sleepy, so you should go get some rest, okay? And again, happy happy birthday."

"Thanks, Zeke, everyone. I'll see you guys later!" Ryujin smiled as everyone left and went back to their places in the settlement.

Ryujin just stands at the door, quietly observing her simple, yet elegant chocolate birthday cake. She smiled as she went back inside and took a few extra hours of sleep.

April 17, 2023, 3:12 pm, Minhyuk's Settlement, Daegu, South Korea.

Ryujin pretty much overslept, but was now fully awake, and outside of her place. She was wearing a grey, striped coat, black t-shirt, and black slacks.

She leisurely walks around the settlement for a good while, trying to familiarize herself with her newfound home. She looks at the busy food stalls, the places were the other apartments are, and small, open spaces where people are just chatting to each other.