The cabin erupted the moment the door closed.
Confetti, made from torn scraps of newspaper, flew through the air. Leo and June Toler sprinted around the room like excited puppies while Aster clapped dramatically, shouting something about "birthday trio."
Daniel nearly tripped over his own baggy trousers trying to hang a ribbon. Marcus winced as Sophia scolded him for moving too much as Victor stood with his arms crossed, pretending he wasn't smiling but secretly enjoying the moment. Kim John held his microwave like it was a sacred offering. Orion and Kaelen stood near Graham, both wearing the same "we planned this" expression.
Graham clapped his hands once. "So we're celebrating all three today. Makes it even."
Leo shouted, "TRIPLE BIRTHDAY!"
June shouted, "TRIPLE CAKE!"
Aster shouted, "TRIPLE CHAOS!"
Maddy muttered, "Triple stupidity…"
But she didn't leave. She stayed leaning against the wall, arms crossed, cigarette tucked behind her ear, pretending she wasn't watching Roy but also secretly waiting for the cake she saw one of them buy that caught her eye.
Kieran walked up to Roy, smirking. "You look like you're about to pass out."
Roy muttered, "I wasn't prepared for… whatever this is."
Annie Toler stepped beside Kieran, smiling softly. "It's cute."
Roy blinked. "Cute?"
Tanaka pointed at Roy. "He said cute!"
Roy shoved him lightly. "Shut up."
Lise Valkera walked past Tanaka, flicking his forehead. "Behave."
Tanaka melted instantly. "Yes, goddess." This man is exactly where he wanted to be.
Lys Malen stood quietly near the table, watching everything with a soft smile.
Aarti Nazaroff approached Roy, Mira Nazaroff bouncing behind her. "We made decorations!"
Roy looked at the banner of a chaotic mess of scribbles, stars, and misspelt names.
"…I can tell."
Mira grinned proudly. "We tried!"
Roy couldn't help but show a smile.
Rin and Mella ran up, holding a plate of something that looked suspiciously like burnt cake.
"We made this!" Rin said.
Mella added, "It's edible!"
Roy stared at it. "…Is it? Oh, I mean thank you."
Victor cleared his throat. "I tested it. It is edible."
Sophia muttered, "Barely."
Marcus whispered, "It tastes like sadness."
Kim John lifted the microwave. "I can reheat it!"
Everyone ignored him; he felt sad, and Roy looked at him and gave a nod, bringing his mood back up.
Graham stepped forward again. "Alright. Gifts first."
Tanaka perked up. "Gifts?!"
Liam blinked. "I get a gift?"
Roy muttered, "I already got mine…"
Graham smirked. "You got one. You're getting another."
Roy stared. "Another?"
Graham nodded. "Another."
Tanaka whispered, "Bro… he's spoiling you."
Roy whispered back, "I don't know how to feel about that."
Kaelen stepped forward with a small box. "This one's for Tanaka."
Tanaka opened it and screamed. "A NECKLACE!"
Lise Valkera sighed. "I only picked that one because it was the cheapest."
Tanaka hugged it. "And so I will treasure it for the rest of my life."
Lise slightly blushed at what he said but turned away so that he didn't catch a glimpse of her.
Orion handed Liam a wrapped package. "For you."
Liam opened it slowly.
Inside was a pair of gloves — reinforced, durable, clearly meant for combat training.
Liam stared. "These are… expensive."
Orion shrugged. "You need them."
Liam swallowed. "Thank you…"
Then Graham turned to Roy.
Everyone quieted.
Roy blinked. "What?"
Graham reached into his coat again.
Roy's eyes widened. "Another gift?"
Graham nodded. "Another."
He handed Roy a small, flat box.
Roy opened it.
Inside was—
A picture frame
Roy stared at the gift, confused.
Roy looked up slowly. "Graham… what is this?"
Graham smirked. "Your gift."
Roy stared. "That doesn't answer anything."
Graham shrugged. "It wasn't meant to."
Roy exhaled sharply. "Thank you... I guess."
Graham smiled. "Not a problem, oh yeah…"
Graham then shouted. "Everyone get ready for the photo!"
The room erupted again with laughter, chatter, chaos, and noise as people moved as quickly as they could. Roy stood there, holding the picture frame, surrounded by people he didn't expect to care about him.
Even though Liam and Tanaka didn't know what was happening, they understood what to do even before Roy understood what was even going on.
Graham wrapped his arm around Roy and said, "look that way." As he pointed towards a camera, with a random person standing there taking a picture of all of them.
Click.
Tanaka was showing off his necklace. Liam was flexing his new gloves. Maddy next to Sophia, smiling awkwardly at the camera. Kieran was teasing Annie. Aster was posing dramatically on top of Liam. Kim John was still holding the microwave. Marcus was trying not to fall over all while Victor was pretending he wasn't enjoying himself. Sophia was arguing with Daniel about positioning. Orion and Kaelen were whispering about something serious. Aarti and Mira were hanging more ribbons. Lise was scolding Tanaka. Lys was quietly smiling with Rin and Mella.
Roy looked around.
And for the first time in a long time… He felt like he belonged somewhere.
Everyone dispersed into their own little groups, having fun in their own way. The whole cabin was full of joy, laughter and smiles. Roy looked around, taking everything in, capturing it, holding it. It felt nice… but… why did it still feel so…
Bland.