Thursday, 11 December 1992
It was a typical day at ZAGE headquarters, but for Zaboru, it was just another blur of productivity. In his personal workshop, the energy buzzed with the usual creative chaos: the clatter of keyboards, the scribble of pencils sketching fresh ideas, the quiet hum of machines, and the comforting scent of warm coffee wafting through the air. Papers, diagrams, and game prototypes cluttered his desk like trophies of ongoing invention.
Although his 19th birthday was just a few days away, Zaboru hardly noticed. He was laser-focused on completing the games slated for December release and wrapping up preparations for the second event of ZAGE The ZAGE Game of the Year (GOTY) awards, set to launch at the end of the month. In his mind, birthdays were an indulgence—a pleasant but unnecessary detour from the mission of creating a legacy.
What he didn't realize was that the people closest to him had something very different in mind.
Behind the scenes, a surprise party was taking shape—one that would be personal, thoughtful, and unforgettable. Ayumi Hamazou, his girlfriend, had taken charge. Knowing that Zaboru valued sincerity far more than spectacle.
She began by reaching out to those dearest to him—his family and Zaboru trusted coworkers,
At the Renkonan household, Keiko (Zaboru's mother) and Sanika (his little sister) had joined the mission. The living room was a whirlwind of decorations, supply boxes, and sticky-note checklists.
Keiko: "Ayumi, do you think we're doing enough to surprise him? He's sharp. He might figure it out."
Ayumi, smiling with quiet confidence: "That's the challenge, Keiko-san. If he even senses something's off, it's game over. But right now, he's so buried in work, he hasn't even thought about his birthday. We're safe."
Keiko, sighing: "That boy... he never stops. Sometimes he doesn't even sleep properly. He gets home past midnight and keeps going."
Ayumi, laughing: "That's just how he is. But yeah, I have to drag him away from the desk sometimes."
Sanika, eyes shining: "Ayumi-nee! I'm making a drawing for Nii-san. Do you think he'll like it?"
Ayumi crouched beside her. "He'll love it. Your drawing might be his favorite gift."
Sanika, excited: "Then I'll make it the cutest and coolest picture ever!"
Meanwhile, at ZAGE HQ, a clandestine meeting was underway. The department heads from Marketing, Finance, Legal, Development, and other teams had assembled in the executive conference room. Even Yumi Ichijou, Zaboru's dependable secretary, was present.
At the head of the table sat Zanichi Renkonan, CTO of ZAGE and father to its visionary founder. His expression, usually so stern, had softened with amusement.
Zanichi: "Okay, everyone knows the plan. Don't act strange around him. No hints, no slip-ups. I didn't invite Yugo to this meeting because, let's be honest—he's terrible at keeping secrets."
Yuna, chuckling: "Yeah, Yugo's the kind of guy who'd accidentally spill everything just making small talk. Plus, he'd probably tell Zaboru everything the moment he saw him. Not inviting him was a smart move—he's a total Zaboru fanboy, after all." Yuna is harsh as ever even though Yugo is her Twin Brother!.
Zanichi: "Based on his routine, Zaboru usually works until midnight even on weekends, but he always takes a short break around 8 PM to grab food and clear his head. That's our window of opportunity."
Shinsuke, smirking: "So, we play it cool all day. Casual birthday wishes only. Let him think that's all he's getting. Then when he steps out, we regroup outside ZAGE offices. Sayuri's already booked the place it's not far from here , then before he returns, we'll head back to the ZAGE offices and surprise him when he walks in"
Sayuri, nodding: "We've got the hidden space. It's private, and big enough for everyone."
Zanichi: "What about gifts?"
Rika, from Admin, pulled out a list. "All accounted for. We pooled contributions for something meaningful. Nothing too fancy it seem Boss don't really fond expensive things"
The room erupted with laughter.
Yumi: "Schedules are already adjusted. No one will miss critical tasks. We've slotted it perfectly."
Zanichi: "Then we're good. Let's make this a day he'll never forget."
Back in his workshop, Zaboru was immersed in reviewing a new build of an upcoming platformer. He scribbled level notes into the margins of the design doc, eyes focused and his mind is on top gear.
For a brief second, a stray thought surfaced. Isn't my birthday coming up? Hmm... doesn't matter. Too much to do.
He returned to his PC screen, completely unaware of the love, effort, and celebration quietly building behind the scenes.
To be continued
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