Stray Kids Imagines

The birthday cake - Seungmin

It was a Friday, like any other Friday at theoffice. Except it wasn't really a Friday like any other. Today was your birthday.

But most of your co-workers didn't know that, and you didn't see the need to tell them. This included Seungmin, your co-worker with whom you shared the office.

You and Seungmin had been working at the same office for a couple of months now, but somehow you didn't speak much to each other. Not because you don't get along, but more because you are both shy. Today was no different: You and Seungmin sat side by side, your computer screens aglow with the same numbers and figures, your fingers dancing across the keyboard. The only sound in the room was the gentle hum of the air conditioner and the occasional beep from an incoming email.

You stretched out your back and got up to take a break. Leaving your desk, you headed right to the coffee machine. Checking your phone, you answered the different birthday messages you had gotten. With a smile on your face, you drank the last bit of coffee in your mug and headed back to your desk.

As you entered your office, you noticed something on your desk. Your eyes widened. On your desk was a delicious-looking chocolate cake, its sides frosted with a colorful "Happy Birthday" message. A candle had been lit. Seungmin was standing next to his desk with a sheepish grin on his face.

"Happy birthday, y/n."

You couldn't help but smile, feeling warm and fuzzy inside.

"Seungmin, this is... really kind of you."

"Oh, it's nothing," he said, waving his hand dismissively. "I just thought you might like something sweet after all that work. And, well, it is your birthday, after all."

You felt a lump forming in your throat. You knew that Seungmin was one of the most private people you had ever met, and this small gesture meant a lot to you.

"Make a wish before you blow out the candle." Seungmin said it with a sparkle in his eyes.

You nodded, closing your eyes for a moment before blowing out the candle. You picked up the knife next to the cake and cut off two pieces. Placing each on a plate, you handed one to Seungmin. You took a deep breath, trying to steady your nerves, and decided to take a chance.

"Actually, how did you know it was my birthday?" you asked.

Seungmin chuckled, a soft, warm sound that made your heart skip a beat.

"Oh, well," Seungmin replied, looking down, "I... I saw it on the calendar in the break room. You know, the one with all our birthdays and holidays marked? I thought it would be nice to surprise you, you know? I've always liked working with you, and... well, I just wanted to make your day a little brighter."

His voice trailed off, and you found yourself unable to speak for a moment. You felt a mix of emotions: gratitude, embarrassment, and an unexpected connection. But just as you were about to say something, the phone rang. You jolted to your desk to pick up.

When you finally hung up, you turned back to Seungmin, who was now busily working on a spreadsheet, seemingly unaware of the emotional exchange that had just taken place. You cleared your throat, gathering your thoughts.

"Well," you began, "I guess I owe you one. I never expected you to know about my birthday, much less make it so special."

Seungmin looked up, his eyes meeting yours. There was a softness to his expression that you hadn't seen before, and it made your heart skip a beat. A slight blush creeping into your cheeks.

"Oh, it was nothing," Seungmin repeated, but there was a warmth in his voice. "I'm just glad you enjoyed it." He paused for a moment, then added, "Maybe we can grab lunch together sometime, if you're not busy."

"I'd really love that."

You smiled at him before turning your attention back to your e-mails. You continued to work in companionable silence for the rest of the day, occasionally stealing glances at each other out of the corner of your eyes.