#(( well maybe not to herself but ruki is flabbergasted rn ))

[ruki--mukami]

"Make no mistake, Cassandra. I'm merely astounded to see you here, especially for an occasion such as this, but you do indeed raise a fair point. It's true that my siblings enjoy occasionally showing their appreciation for me, albeit in their own… creative ways. And I won't deny that our bond is strong, which is more than what most families can say," the Vampire agreed, secretly referring to the other immortals in the city. "It pains me to admit, yet I cannot help but feel grateful they would feel so inclined to host a party in my honor."

When the blonde approached him even closer as if disregarding his need for personal space and even had the gall to poke fun at his age, Ruki could only roll his eyes in disdain like a curmudgeonly darkness compared to her cheerful light. No matter how he looked at Cassandra, at the very least, she seemed to relish in her own humor much to his dismay. However, that laughter only proved to be contagious as he conceded and let out a half amused, half snide chuckle himself at the sight.

"Yes, yes... A joke. Likely story," he retorted, voice dripping with sarcasm. "Well, it's certainly not your sense of humor that I'm laughing at. It's comical just watching you get so excited over nothing. "You may think life is enjoyable through the perspective of a child, but to me, it's simply naïve and gullible. I suppose the only benefit to acknowledging another year added to one's lifespan is the wisdom that follows. A child still views the world through rose-colored lens, but a real adult knows how to navigate through it all without a shred of ignorance clouding their judgment."

A hand slowly ran through his own charcoal locks of hair in mild irritation, refusing to surrender to her almost childlike antics. That is, until he felt an unfamiliar digit caress the frown on his lips, his stormy blue hues widening in shock. His first instinct was to nearly snatch her wrist in protest, but given the other attendants of the party, Ruki exercised self-control for now, simply observing her with a scowl.

"Uglier...? I hate to disappoint, but lecturing me on being less grumpy and more carefree will only earn you more of this expression—"

Before he could object or complain any further, the faintest blush of both embarrassment and slight anger dusted his pale cheeks, the same cheek that was kissed so suddenly.

"...?!"

Speechless for a while, Ruki could only furrow his brow in confusion. Given her natural kindness and lack of inhibition to peck him so nonchalantly, the Vampire immediately assumed it was less of a romantic kiss and more so a forward gesture on his birthday, but even so he despised being touched by everyone. Almost everyone.

An inexplicable flutter brushed against his cold heart as if trying to thaw him from his hostility. Staring blankly into her refulgent eyes that resembled two small suns, it took everything within the Vampire to refrain from scolding her, and perhaps worse, exposing his ruthless nature.

"You really are clueless, aren't you... I seriously hope you don't greet all your acquaintances like this on their birthdays, Cassandra. They're bound to get the wrong idea if so."

"So, this is how my brothers have been whiling away the time. The garish decorations, one too many balloons, enough sweets to rot my teeth... Good grief. Those three, of all people, should know I have no use nor interest in celebrating my birthday. I never asked for this. I never asked for a grand commemoration, and yet I'm appalled."

Lavish garlands and a multitude of birthday balloons adorned in monochrome stretched as far as the eye could see across the Mukami family's estate, from the balcony all the way to the veranda. With slow, almost reluctant footsteps, Ruki hesitated to attend the gathering in his name. That is, until he noticed a familiar figure in the corner of his steel-blue hues.

"Don't tell me they invited you as well."