I had a day off, so I decided to go home and rest. After a few hours, my phone rang, it was Sora.
"Aria, where are you?" she asked.
"I'm at my apartment," I replied.
"Good. Come to the shop right now. I have something to show you," she said, sounding urgent.
"Right now?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Yes! Hurry! I'll be waiting!" And just like that, she hung up.
The shop wasn't far from my apartment, so I headed there around noon.
"What's up?" I asked as I entered.
"I have a birthday present for you," Sora said with a grin. "I thought it'd be better if you got it today."
Curious, I tilted my head. She handed me a small card. "What's this?" I asked in surprise.
"I know you didn't like your current apartment," she explained. "So I found one affordable and comfy, and… I got it for you."
I stared at the card, stunned. Sora had made finding a new place so easy, and the apartment was huge, cozy, and perfect. My little corner of peace was finally within reach.
The next day was my birthday. I went to the cemetery to spend time with my parents. Birthdays always hit me harder than other days. I remembered the times when we'd cut the cake together, exchange gifts, and laugh—it had been ten years since I last celebrated like that. Ever since my parents passed, I preferred to spend my birthday alone, and Sora knew this; she had tried celebrating with me before, but I always refused.
I had a little drink and was planning to order food and spend the evening quietly by myself when Ren called me to his apartment. Normally, I might have refused, but for him… I couldn't.
When I entered, the food he had prepared was amazing. I didn't know if he remembered me or even my birthday, but I felt a warmth I hadn't felt in years. For the first time in a long while, I truly enjoyed myself.
After dinner, I noticed a beer he had left out. I loved getting a little tipsy on my birthday, letting the memories wash over me, so I poured a glass and drank without worrying about what he thought.
Then, something unexpected happened. He wished me a happy birthday. I was surprised. All this time, I had thought he didn't recognize me… and yet here he was, not only remembering but acknowledging me. I hugged him, and I felt the weight of all those years lift just a little. Then, he handed me a necklace, a gift more precious to me than anything else in the world.
In that moment, I realized that sometimes, life gives you the sweetest surprises when you least expect them.
"Oh! I almost forgot the cake in the fridge," he said suddenly, standing up. I watched him walk to the kitchen and return a moment later, carrying a small cake with careful hands. He set it down in front of me and lit the candle, the warm glow flickering between us.
"Make a wish," he said softly.
I looked at the candlelight, the quiet of the room wrapping around us like a blanket. I had only one wish in my heart, one I couldn't say out loud. I closed my eyes and blew out the candle.
When I turned toward him, the light from the candle still shimmered faintly on his face. My heart was racing. I took a small step closer, then another, until I could feel his breath. Gently, I wrapped my arms around his neck.
"Please… don't refuse me like last time," I whispered, my voice trembling slightly.
For a moment, he just looked into my eyes, and then everything else seemed to fade away: the silence, the distance, even the air between us. I felt his breath, warm and close, and before I knew it, our lips brushed in the faintest touch. It was my first time, and fear rushed through me.
Maybe he didn't like it. Maybe I'd gone too far. My heart pounding, I quickly stood up, avoiding his gaze. "Umm… w-well, I didn't mean to do that. I'm sorry," I stammered, heading for the door.
Just as I reached for the handle, a firm hand stopped me. He gently pushed the door closed.
My heart fluttered wildly. I turned slowly, unable to meet his eyes.
"Can you look at me?" he whispered.
I hesitated, then nodded. I could almost hear the smile in his voice when he stepped closer. Leaning in just enough for me to feel his warmth, he whispered, "Now… It's my turn. Please, don't refuse me- Aria"
"Aria?" he said softly.
It caught me off guard. After he had returned, he had always called me Miss Aria.
"Don't you like it?" he whispered.
"I… I love it," I replied in a small voice, my cheeks burning.
He smiled gently, his hand brushing the back of my neck, sending a soft shiver through me. With his other hand, he lifted my chin so our eyes met. His gaze held something deep, something that made my heart race.
He leaned forward and placed a tender kiss on my forehead. Then, after a brief pause, his lips brushed against mine, a slow, lingering kiss that felt like a promise more than anything else. I didn't pull away; I didn't want to.
"Can I make you mine?" he whispered, his voice barely audible.
I looked into his eyes and nodded, a quiet yes escaping my lips.
He smiled, gently lifting me in his arms. I could feel the warmth of his heartbeat against me. When we reached my door, he asked softly, "Your pin?"
I told him, and he opened the door carefully. After stepping inside, he laid me gently on the bed and tucked the blanket over me.
"You should sleep now. It's late," he said, his tone warm and protective.
I couldn't bring myself to look at him, so I closed my eyes. I felt him lean in once more, pressing a soft kiss on my forehead.
When I opened my eyes again, he was smiling. "Goodnight, Aria."
He turned off the light and quietly left my room. I lay there in the dark, my cheeks still burning and my heart overflowing with a warmth I couldn't hide.
And in that quiet darkness, I realized, I was no longer alone.