On their way home from the mall, Leiyah carried the shopping bags, and the three of them chatted happily as they walked. As they neared Freya's house, Leiyah waved.
"Bye guys! Today was so much fun! See you tomorrow!" she said excitedly, practically bouncing as she walked away.
Liam smiled and looked at Freya.
"I'll walk you home."
Freya was startled.
"H-huh? No, I can manage—"
"No arguments. It's late; I should make sure you get home safe," Liam said confidently.
Freya had no choice but to agree. As they walked, she couldn't explain the feeling in her chest. Liam was quiet, yet she could feel how comfortable he was. It felt like old times—walking together, laughing together, as if no time had passed at all.
When they arrived at her house, Liam smiled.
"Goodnight, Freya. See you again soon."
"Goodnight," she whispered, barely audible.
Freya went straight to her room, still clutching the flowers Liam had given her. She couldn't stop smiling, replaying every little moment in her head. What is this… why can't I stop grinning?
---
May 22 – The Night Before
Leiyah was brimming with excitement. She and Liam were at Freya's house, busy setting up a surprise. A small cake, balloons, and gifts were tucked away in the kitchen.
"Wow, your friend is so quiet. She has no idea!" Leiyah whispered while arranging decorations.
"Better that way. It'll be more of a surprise," Liam replied, glancing at the paper bag holding the hairpins with a subtle smile.
As time passed, it was almost eleven o'clock. Everything was ready. Freya? Fast asleep in her room, completely unaware.
---
Exactly Midnight – May 23
Freya's mom lightly knocked on the door.
"Freya, honey, wake up for a moment…"
Groggily, Freya opened her eyes.
"M-ma? Why?"
When she opened the door, Leiyah and Liam appeared, shouting in unison:
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY, FREYA!!!"
Freya screamed in surprise, quickly covering her mouth.
"W-what?! What is this?!"
They laughed, handing her a cake with a lit candle.
"Make a wish first!" Leiyah said.
Freya closed her eyes for a moment, made her wish, then blew out the candle.
When she opened her eyes, Liam was smiling at her, holding out a small paper bag.
"For you. Hope you like it."
Freya took it, smiling, her heart fluttering.
"T-thank you, Liam…"
"Okay, okay! That's enough, my turn now!" Leiyah exclaimed. "Open it tomorrow, Freya. But first, picture time!"
They took a selfie together, laughing, as if the late hour didn't exist.
---
After the brief celebration, Liam said his goodbyes.
"Alright, I should head home. It's just nearby."
"Take care," Freya replied, smiling, still holding the gift.
Left alone with Leiyah in her room, Freya lay down—but soon sat up again, clutching the paper bag.
"Uh, are you opening it now?" Leiyah asked, practically bouncing with anticipation.
Freya shrugged, smiling.
"Yeah, I'm curious…"
She carefully opened the bag. When she looked inside, she gasped, covering her mouth.
"H-hairpins?!"
One by one, she took out the small flower-shaped hairpins, in pink and other soft colors. She smiled widely, hardly believing it.
"Wow… he actually remembered."
"What do you mean?" Leiyah asked, curious.
Freya took a deep breath, then smiled again.
"When we were kids, I've always loved hairpins. Especially the flower ones. Sometimes, no matter where we played, I still wore them. Liam even used to buy them for me when I couldn't get any myself."
Leiyah laughed, feeling giddy for her friend.
"OMG, so he still remembers? Wow, Freya. That's so much effort!"
Freya was quiet for a moment, holding a hairpin and looking at Leiyah.
"You know, when we went to the mall… he saw me staring at the hairpins. I wanted to buy one, but I said I needed to save money, so I left it."
Leiyah's eyes widened.
"And… he bought it for you?!"
Freya nodded, unable to contain her giddiness.
"Yes. I don't know when he got it, but… here it is. I feel like… I don't even know how I deserve all this."
She lay back, hugging the box of hairpins like the most special gift in the world.
"I don't know what to think… but I'm so happy, Leiyah. It's so simple, but I can really feel that he's thinking about me."
Leiyah wrapped her arms around her.
"Happy birthday again, bestie. The vibes are different now. Hairpins from a boy. He totally knows."
Freya blushed, but couldn't hide her smile. As she closed her eyes to sleep, one thought ran through her mind: even a simple gift… when it's from Liam… feels more than enough.