Ash stirred as the soft glow of morning light slipped through the curtain, gently warming the side of his face. He shifted slightly, head leaning back against the couch, eyes still closed—until a dull ache in his back reminded him that he had fallen asleep in the worst position possible.
With a low groan, he slowly blinked awake.
There was a blanket on him.
A pillow tucked beneath his neck.
Still in his office clothes.
Still on the couch.
Still—
He reached up and patted his face.
His glasses were gone.
He sat up slowly, squinting.
There they were—neatly placed on the table beside him, lenses facing upward, like someone had gently removed them and set them down with care.
Someone.
He rubbed his eyes, blinking away the sleep, then glanced around the room.
His shoes were missing.
His tie was loosened.
The faint scent of vanilla still lingered in the air.
Familiar.
Celeste.
A smile tugged faintly at the corner of his lips.
But she wasn't there.
He sat up straighter, ran a hand through his hair, then reached for his office bag. Unzipping it slowly, he grabbed his phone and powered it on.
8:08 AM.
And several notifications.
One unread message stood out immediately:
Celeste [11:14 PM]:
Sorry I didn't wake you up. I already packed my things—Rowan will probably be here early tomorrow.
And also… I put the 4 boxes of condoms in your cabinet.
Didn't expect you wanted to pounce on me that badly. Ekekeke 🐯💥
You really bought four ><
Ash's face turned crimson.
He groaned, covering his entire face with one hand.
"Damn… Did I look like a beast?"
Still flustered, he typed a quick reply:
Ash:
I just woke up.
Thank you for the blanket and pillow.
And please forget what you saw in the paper bag.
Then, he scrolled to check the rest of his notifications. Messages from his sisters—and one from his mom.
Lana [7:03 AM]:
Happy 25th birthday, lil' brother! Enjoy your day~ Sorry we can't visit just yet, but soon, I swear!
Oh—and your secret is still safe. 😉
Also… are you spending today with him or her? I still don't know if it's a girl or boy, LOL.
Rina [6:40 AM]:
Yo lil bro, happy oldie day!
25?? Damn, you're growing up way too well. Enjoy your day, dude.
May [6:15 AM]:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY lil bunny 💥
Go eat like a king today and enjoy this beautiful day!
Mom [6:03 AM]:
Hello Ash, happy birthday. I already miss you.
Please don't overwork yourself and remember to eat on time, okay?
I love you. Happy birthday again.
Ash read every word quietly, his chest tightening with warmth. replying to a few with half smiles and quick thumbs-up emoji. Even if they weren't here physically, their messages wrapped around him like a second blanket. It felt good to be remembered.
Then he saw her name.
Isadora.
He hadn't heard from her in weeks. Not since that night. Still, he tapped it open.
Isadora:
happy birthday, ash.
you don't have to reply or anything.
just wanted to say i hope today treats u well.
you deserve that much.
take care.
Short. Careful. Familiar.
A soft smile tugged at his lips unexpected, but real.
It wasn't much, but it meant something.
But—no new messages from Celeste.
He glanced at the message thread again.
Still nothing.
Maybe she's still asleep, he reasoned. Or maybe she's busy.
Still, a small part of him pouted inwardly. He expected her to reply—even just one of her playful emojis.
He stood from the couch, stretched with a groan, and shuffled toward his room to freshen up. As he passed by the small cabinet,
He opened it—
There they were. Four boxes. Lined up like guilty soldiers. His ears burned.
"God… I really bought four?" he muttered.
_________
The sun had barely brightened her room when Celeste stretched, a lazy yawn escaping her lips.
"Today is Ash's birthday," she said to herself with a smile, eyes still half-closed.
She reached for her phone on the table beside her bed and checked.
There it was—a message from Ash.
She opened it, read his reply, and quietly laughed.
'Please forget what you saw in the paper bag.'
Too late for that, birthday boy.
But instead of replying, she just grinned and locked her phone.
Nope. She wants him to surprise with the gift.
Still barefoot, she padded out of her room, humming softly.
"Oh, you're up," Rowan said, flipping something over a pan at the stove.
"Oh, you're here. And wow… you're cooking?" she said with a teasing smile.
"Yup." Rowan focused on the pan. "You're welcome."
She walked to the fridge and grabbed a bottle of water. "How's work?"
"Busy as hell, but good." He stirred the pan. "Oh, and I'm planning a small party later at Ash's apartment. Since it's his birthday."
Celeste blinked.
"A party? Does Ash know?"
Rowan smirked.
"Nope. Surprise party."
"Hmm… I like that." She sipped her water.
"Besides, it's the weekend. No work to interrupt us."
"Exactly."
Celeste wandered back to her room, her heart light with anticipation.
As she closed the door behind her, she glanced at the small, wrapped gift on her desk.
She grinned, her fingers brushing over it fondly.
"Welp, looks like it's finally time to spill the tea."
___________