After the Shopping Trip.
As planned, the group headed to watch a movie after their shopping spree. Kiara had hoped to sit beside Eron, but her plan was quickly ruined when Eron casually let Antony take the seat next to him. The disappointment in her eyes was obvious, but she didn't say a word.
"Antony really has no sense at all. Look at him, sitting cluelessly between the two lovebirds," one of Kiara's friends muttered under her breath.
"Kiara, why don't you ask Eron to switch seats?" another friend suggested.
But Kiara simply smiled and shook her head. "It's fine," she said softly. She knew better than anyone that one small, thoughtless move could topple the fragile castle built on lies.
So she sat beside Antony, barely paying attention to the movie playing in front of her.
Later, their final destination was the beach. Everyone laughed and played in the waves, enjoying the salt-sweet breeze and golden afternoon light. About half an hour in, Eron stepped away from the group to rest, sitting alone on the warm sand.
Kiara noticed his absence and followed. Without a word, she sat beside him, close but not quite touching. Together, they watched the sun begin to dip into the sea, casting ribbons of orange and crimson across the horizon.
"It looks amazing…" Kiara said softly.
"Yeah… it's beautiful," Eron replied, his eyes reflecting the golden orange sky. The scene stirred a memory in him—the first time Aryan had brought him to the beach. It had looked exactly like this.
Slowly, Kiara placed her hand over Eron's and leaned in closer. "Eron…" she whispered, her voice low with meaning. Her intentions were clear.
Eron looked at her, his mind trying to rationalize it. His heart raced—but something felt wrong. Deep down, the discomfort grew stronger as she come closer. Then Aryan's face flashed in his mind.
Suddenly, Eron stood up. "I can't… I'm sorry."
Kiara stared, stunned, as he walked away.
Unable to go against his heart, Eron caught a bus and returned home. All he could think about was seeing Aryan. Just as he stepped off the bus, his phone rang. It was Marco.
"Hello?" Eron answered.
"Where are you, man? How can you be so clueless?" Marco's voice was sharp.
"What? What happened?"
"Every year, you're the first person to wish your brother a happy birthday. But today? No call. No message. Nothing. He's been waiting all day, Eron."
Eron froze. "Brother's birthday…?"
He quickly checked his phone. December 3rd. His stomach dropped. 'So that's why Brother looked disappointed yesterday when I mentioned the outing…'
"I'll call him," Eron said quietly.
Marco sighed. "Don't tell him you forgot. He'll feel awful. Just make up an excuse, okay?"
As the call ended, Eron stared at his phone, guilt washing over him. He couldn't believe he had forgotten such an important day. It made him feel empty—worthless even—that someone had to remind him.
He started to dial Aryan's number, but his fingers hesitated. Unable to face him, Eron slowly made his way home.
When he reached the house, it was quiet. No lights on downstairs—everyone must have gone to bed. Eron quietly slipped inside, went up to his room, and collapsed on his bed, burying his face in the pillow. The guilt made his chest ache.
After a few moments, he reached under his bed and pulled out a small gift box. He had bought it weeks ago with his savings—something he knew Aryan would love. If he hadn't messed up the dates, he would've been the first to hand it over, like always.
Now, he didn't know what to do.
Finally, he stood up and decided he'd at least leave the gift at Aryan's door. Maybe it would still make him smile. Quietly, he crept toward Aryan's room.
Eron hesitated, staring at the closed door. What if Aryan was already asleep? What if he didn't want to see him? He raised a hand to knock—just as the door opened.
Aryan stood there, holding a small, homemade cake in his hands.
"Brother…" Eron breathed, startled.
Aryan's eyes shifted to the gift in Eron's hands. "What's that? My gift?" he asked, curiosity and warmth mixing in his voice.
Eron nodded, swallowing hard. "Yeah… I—I'm sorry…"
Aryan glanced at the time on his watch, then gently pull Eron inside the room.
He placed the cake on the table and lit a single candle from his pocket. "Sing," he said simply.
"Huh?"
"My birthday ends in five minutes. So sing—quickly."
Eron gave a soft laugh and began to sing. "Happy birthday to you… Happy birthday to you… Happy birthday dear Aryan… Happy birthday to you…"
Aryan blew out the candle, cut a small slice, and turned to Eron. "Say ahhh," he grinned.
Eron took the bite, smiling. "It's good."
"I made it," Aryan said proudly. "Now—my gift?"
Before handing it over, Eron hugged him tightly. "I'm sorry. I messed up. I thought it was next Sunday… I didn't mean to forget."
Aryan leaned back just enough to look him in the eye. "It doesn't matter if you wished me first or last," he said with a soft smile. "What matters is—you remembered. You're here. That's enough for me."