Finally done!" I exclaimed excitedly after finishing the handmade bouquet I had been working on. It was my girlfriend's birthday tomorrow, and I just couldn't wait to surprise her.
"Love, what time are you going to school tomorrow?" I messaged her, hoping to plan my timing right. But I probably sounded too obvious.
"Maybe around 6:30, love. There's a flag ceremony tomorrow, so come early."
She's so adorable when she reminds me of things—ugh, I'm down so bad for her.
---
I prepared everything the night before. I woke up early, ready for the day I'd been waiting for. The chocolates she loved were packed, and the handmade bouquet was carefully wrapped. I headed to school—it was just a few blocks from our house. Once I arrived, I rushed to our club room to set everything up.
Luckily, our club president helped with my plan. I asked him to message the group chat, pretending there was a meeting, but really, it was just my girlfriend who was meant to show up. Everyone else already knew what was going on—they even helped me plan the surprise.
"Love, Pres said we need to go to the club room," she told me when we met at the school gate.
"Let's go," I said with a smile, taking her bag from her like a true gentleman.
She probably forgot it was her birthday. My forgetful little love. When we arrived at the club room, the president was already outside, casually waving and chatting with her. She was the vice president, after all—perfect cover for this little surprise.
I slipped inside to wait, holding the bouquet and chocolates close.
As soon as she entered, her face lit up in shock and joy.
She really forgot it was her birthday, huh?
"Happy birthday, Ash, my love!" I greeted her warmly, hugging her tight as I handed over the flowers.
She looked like she was about to cry. "It's really my birthday today?" she said between laughs and tears.
"Thank you, love." She looked at me with such genuine emotion that I couldn't help but smile back.
"Ehem!"
Oh shoot—President was still there! I totally forgot.
"Thanks, Pres—and please tell the others I said thank you too," I said, smiling gratefully. He just nodded with a grin before quietly leaving us alone.
---
Later that day…
"How long do I have to keep waiting?" Wagne, our club president, asked me.
"Why did we even get ourselves into this mess? What do you think Anthony will feel if he finds out?"
Aine and I had been secretly seeing each other for a few months now. And yes… Anthony didn't know.
"Just say the word, and I'll handle everything," Wagne said. But my thoughts were a storm of guilt and confusion.
"Ai—"
I was about to speak when something suddenly fell behind us.
Anthony.
He was standing there—frozen, stunned, heartbroken.
"Anthony…" I whispered in shame.
He had heard everything.
"I can explain!" I blurted out, like a kid afraid of losing his favorite toy.
"No need. I get it now," he said with a pained smile.
"I just wish you had talked somewhere else. So I wouldn't feel like a complete idiot right now," he added bitterly.
"You hate cheaters… but you're one yourself."
He turned and ran out of the room.
---