A surprise visit

Every year, Míngzé spent this day in the same way.

It starts with staying in bed as long as possible. This year it was almost 1 AM when he had no other choice but to get up. Next he would take a shower. Usually, he might spend an hour or more under the hot water, but recent developments had made it so that he did not find water as relaxing as it once was. Then he would spend the rest of the day in a simple sweatpants outfit and cozy sweater, grabbing some cornflakes to eat before settling on the couch for the remainder of the day.

Míngzé sat on his couch, a bag of crisps on his stomach. Some random reality show was playing on his tv, which was perfect. It was braindead, which was exactly what he needed. As always he had his phone turned off. Those who knew him knew better than to try and reach him on his birthday.

Right when he closed his eyes, the doorbell rang. Immediately his eyes flew open again. He was not expecting anyone and he had no idea who would need him. For a moment, Mingze contemplated not opening the door at all. Whoever was there could come back later. If he stayed quiet, they would not know he was there. Unless they could hear the tv.

Fuck.

Looks like he had no other choice. Míngzé rubbed his eyes before standing up and going towards the door. As he had no plans for the day, his long hair lay loosely over his shoulders. Normally he would ask who it was first, but he immediately opened the door. “Yes?” Maybe it was his landlord, finally here to throw him out.

Whoever it was, Míngzé was going to solve this quickly and then sent them on their way again. If it was important, he’d tell them to come back another time.

That was his plan. One that crumbled to pieces when he heard the familiar voice. His eyes widened in shock. Fuck. Her birthday wishes flew right over his head as he stood there, completely lost for words. A mixture of feelings erupted from deep within. Míngzé did not know what to feel first or how to react. All he could do was stand there and stare at her.

A muscle in his jaw twitched when she explained why she was here, or more because of who. There was a flare of anger, one he quickly pushed to the back. Fuckfuckfuckfuck. This was the moment he should start speaking, but he could still only stare at her.

It was not Lucina’s fault. This was all Xīyuàn’s doing, which only fueled that anger. She knew very well he wanted to be alone on this day, and yet she ignored his only wish. Everything he felt now, was directed at his cousin and not the person who stood here at his doorstep, just listening to what they told her.

The anger made way for something else; guilt. Míngzé took a deep breath, trying to relax. She was here out of the kindness of her heart, to wish him a happy birthday with no ill intentions at all. Spirits are also not welcome on his birthday.

”Fuck, Lucina, sorry you eh— you really caught me by surprise,” Míngzé eventually heard himself saying. there was a small yet troubled smile on his face. It was difficult, all of this but he bit through it. “Thank you, so much, I mean it.” To prove he truly did mean it, he opened his arms for a hug. Towards her he was grateful, no matter how hard it was to push everything else aside.

His whole ritual was made to skip through the whole day and pretend it never happened. It was really easy and worked each year. Only now Xīyuàn had some wicked plan by sending Lucina to his doorstep. Míngzé had spread his arms for a hug, but gritted his teeth when he noticed that she had to place something down first. Really, Xīyuàn, what did you do? There was no way of knowing what it was she’d brought without asking her, but for now he stayed quiet.

Before letting go of the hug again, he patted her back softly. All of this was very difficult and he had to force every movement. Míngzé was actually glad when the hug ended and he could only hope that she did not notice the stiffness behind his movements. She really only wanted to wish him a happy birthday. That’s all.

Míngzé was not someone who drank very often. Until last year he had barely ever touched a drop of alcohol, but now he knew the positive it could bring. Perhaps this wine was exactly what he needed to relax a bit. And if needed he could also bring the tequila that was laying around somewhere. “Sounds like a great plan,” Míngzé said as he stepped aside for her to enter. “Let me get some glasses.” He did not have any wine glasses, so returned with two normal ones. “This is the best I have.” They were both placed on the table, together with a corkscrew. “Do you wanna do the honor?”