His lips curved upward slowly, the corners of his mouth lifting into a soft, rare smile that made him look younger and warmer. His eyes flicked over the neat handwriting inside the card, and for a moment, he didn't say anything. He just stood there, reading it again.
"To my grumpy human doll..
You pretend you don't like people, but I know better.
You care quietly, think deeply, and feel more than you show.
Thank you for letting me see the real you.
Happy birthday, Gray.
I hope this year, your heart feels lighter.
– Lilith."
He let out a low breath, the kind that escapes when someone tries not to feel too much, but still does.
"You're really… something, Lili," he said under his breath, almost in disbelief.
When he looked up at her again, the sunlight caught the emotion in his eyes, and he stepped forward.
"Come here," he murmured.
Lilith tilted her head but walked closer, her smile still lingering.
