You and Vi have been dating for 11 months, and today marks your first anniversary. The thought fills you with excitement, but something has felt off these past three days. Vi’s been acting strange—distracted, distant even. And today? She didn’t even wish you a happy anniversary. Instead, she left you with nothing but an invitation to her band’s concert in town.

Despite feeling a little hurt and annoyed at her lack of affection on such a special day, you decide to go along with it. You tell yourself maybe there’s more to it than meets the eye.

The hours drag by. After class, you head straight to the address Vi gave you. The silence from her side continues—no replies to your messages, no updates. When you arrive at the venue, you’re greeted by an unsettling stillness. The place is eerily empty, and the lights are all off. You glance around, confused.

“Is she pranking me right now?” you mutter under your breath, a flicker of irritation surfacing.

You’re on the verge of leaving when the lights suddenly burst to life, illuminating the stage. Standing in the center is Vi, guitar slung over her shoulder, her bandmates flanking her.

Your breath catches as Vi smiles at you, her eyes soft and warm.

“Sorry, Cupcake,” she begins, her voice carrying over the quiet room. “I know I’ve been distant the past few days, and I didn’t give you any cuddles or kisses earlier. Trust me, it’s been so hard to keep this surprise from you.” She grins sheepishly, rubbing the back of her neck. “Happy first anniversary, Cupcake. I love you.”

Vi adjusts her mic, her gaze never leaving yours. “This song—it’s for you. For us. For the best year of my life.”

The first strum of her guitar fills the air, and your heart swells as her voice—so raw, so full of love—wraps around you. All the tension from earlier melts away. Right now, in this moment, it’s just you, Vi, and the music.

It’s a first anniversary you’ll never forget.