When Freya woke up, she immediately noticed Leiyah was no longer beside her. She got up and went downstairs to look for her friend.
As she descended, she was greeted by the colorful decorations in the living room—mostly pink. Her parents were busy arranging balloons and streamers.
"Oh, the birthday girl is awake," her father said cheerfully as he adjusted the bunting.
"Wow! Everything's pink, Papa! It looks amazing!" Freya said, practically grinning like a child. "Ah, Pa… where's Leiyah?"
"She went home earlier to help her mom with chores," her father explained.
Freya smiled and nodded. While her parents continued preparing, she got ready for the incoming guests.
---
A few hours later, she heard the gate open. Opening the door, she was greeted by Leiyah and Liam.
"Oh, there you are!" Freya said joyfully.
Liam froze for a moment, seeing Freya all dressed up and smiling. You look beautiful, Freya, he thought.
Leiyah nudged him playfully.
"Oh, are you just going to stare? Come on in!" she said, laughing, while Liam scratched the back of his head, trying to hide his embarrassment.
"By the way, thanks again for the hairpins! I love them! Look, I'm wearing them," Freya said, pointing to the flower-shaped pins in her hair.
"You're welcome. They really suit you," Liam said with a smile as they stepped inside.
Freya giggled and nudged Leiyah. "Did you hear that?" she whispered, trying to contain her smile.
---
As the celebration continued, Liam excused himself.
"Uhm, Tita, I'll just step outside for a bit," he said politely.
Freya didn't notice because she was busy helping her aunts arrange the food.
A moment later, Leiyah approached.
"Freya, someone's looking for you outside."
"Wait a sec," Freya said, excusing herself.
Outside on the terrace, Liam was waiting, holding a bouquet of flowers.
"Hi, Freya. Here, flowers for you," he said, handing her the bouquet.
Freya's eyes widened, stunned. The world seemed to slow down.
"T-three gumamela?" she stammered.
"Uhm, yeah," Liam said softly, smiling as he offered the flowers.
---
She took a deep breath before speaking.
"Do you remember… we moved here when I was in grade one. I was surprised to find out you were my neighbor. You'd always knock on my door to ask me to play. You were so fun to be around—I'd sometimes neglect my homework because I was too busy playing with you," Liam laughed at the memory.
"In grade two, we got even closer. That's when you started giving me a gumamela every day. You'd always say, 'I like you, Liam,' and I'd just respond, 'Thanks.' I thought back then, we were kids, maybe it was just play."
He glanced at Freya with a smile.
"Do you remember? Sometimes you even got scolded by neighbors because you'd take their flowers just to give them to me."
Freya blushed but couldn't hide her laughter.
Liam took a deep breath and looked straight into her eyes.
"Uhm… Freya, I like you. I've liked you since we were kids. I was too shy to say it before, but now… I don't want to hide it anymore. I like you, Freya. This is real—from back then until now."
For a moment, Freya's world froze. She barely heard the chirping of the crickets, the distant sounds around her, except for the pounding of her own heart. Memories flashed through her mind—the gumamela games, the hairpins, their childhood laughter—all rushing back at once.
"Liam…" she whispered, her voice trembling from excitement and nervousness.
Liam's smile deepened.
"I've liked you since we were kids… it never went away. And I don't want to hide it anymore."
Freya couldn't believe it. Heat rushed to her cheeks and she almost cried—from happiness. She gathered all the courage she'd held for years and stepped a little closer.
"I… like you too, Liam," she said softly, trembling but sincere. "So much. From then until now."
Liam's smile grew wider—relief and joy washing over him. He took Freya's hand gently. A spark seemed to pass between them, and the world felt suddenly brighter.
From the window, Leiyah peeked, unable to believe her eyes. Then she shouted, "YAASS!" and rushed in to hug them both. Freya squealed, laughing and almost crying from happiness.
"Looks like there's a new couple here," Freya's father joked from the kitchen while arranging plates. Her mother smiled warmly, and Freya felt both embarrassed and elated at the same time.
They sat down at the table, food laid out—sandwiches, cake, and their favorite dishes. Freya and Liam held hands for a moment, smiling at each other, before everyone else joined in with laughter and conversation. Leiyah teased relentlessly, her mom commented proudly, and her dad cracked silly jokes.
"This is too much—my heart can't take all this excitement," Leiyah whispered, snapping pictures: Freya with pink hairpins and the bouquet, Liam quiet but radiating happiness.
As they ate, they shared dreams—summer plans, how to make the most of the days before Liam had to leave. All the stress and anxiety of the past weeks was replaced by light, hope, and warmth.
At one point, Liam looked at Freya while glancing at the cake with the candle.
"You know… even before I leave, I want every day with you to feel special," he said softly.
Freya smiled and squeezed his hand.
"I want that too, Liam. Thank you… for today… for everything."
They laughed together, exchanged glances filled with unspoken words—promises, dreams, and moments they'd never forget.
And so the night ended—simple, loving, and full of laughter. They ate, joked, and cherished the company of those they loved, while Freya reflected: despite the fear, a new beginning had begun for her.
to leave for Japan, and Freya faces the bittersweet moment of letting him go while planning to make the most of their remaining time together.