I should've known something was up when Mina texted,
"Wear something cute but like, effortlessly cute. You know what I mean."
I didn't.
But I put on a sundress anyway and hoped my soul wouldn't combust.
When I walked into her backyard, fairy lights twinkled overhead, music played softly, and everyone was yelling:
"SURPRISE!!"
I blinked, stunned. "Wait—what?!"
Jayce popped out from behind a bush. "Happy birthday, Lira! Welcome to your emotionally chaotic evening!"
He wasn't wrong.
20 Minutes In:
There were cupcakes. A Polaroid wall. A playlist Mina called 'Songs To Overthink To.'
And then… the double danger arrived.
First: Aeron.
Black button-up. Rolled sleeves. Hair slightly messy like he'd run his hand through it too many times. He nodded at me across the yard.
No words. Just that Aeron stare.
My heart wobbled.
Then: Damian.
White tee. Leather bracelet. That smile like he had a secret and it was me.
He strode right up. "Did I miss cake?"
"Just your chance to blend in," I said, smirking.
"Ouch," he grinned. "Already spicy. I like it."
And just like that… the flirting duel began.
Game Time: "Truth or Truth" (Because Mina said "Dares are for cowards.")
We all sat in a circle on the grass.
"Lira," Jayce said, grinning evilly. "Truth. Who do you think is more mysterious—Aeron or Damian?"
The circle exploded in gasps.
I died. Twice. Came back. And died again.
"I—I don't know," I stammered. "They're both... weird?"
"Cop out," Jayce said. "You have to pick."
Damian leaned toward me. "Go ahead, Moonlace," he whispered. "I can take it."
Aeron's eyes flicked to him. "Don't call her that."
"Oh?" Damian said lightly. "You didn't trademark it."
"I don't have to," Aeron said. "She knows who said it first."
I blacked out. Emotionally. Psychologically. Spiritually.
Mina clapped. "NEXT QUESTION."
Later. Under the Lights.
People were dancing. Laughing. Eating way too many cupcakes.
I found myself alone. By the fence. Clutching a paper cup of Sprite like it was holy water.
Then Aeron appeared.
Quietly. Like a shadow with feelings.
"I didn't get you a present," he said.
I blinked. "What? Why not?"
He looked at me. Like really looked. "Because I was going to say something instead."
My heart full-stopped.
He stepped closer. "Can I?"
My brain: Say what? SAY WHAT?
I nodded.
He opened his mouth.
And then—
"HEY LIRA!"
Damian appeared, grinning, completely unaware he had just emotionally punched a moment in the face.
"I've got your birthday drawing in my car," he said. "Want to see it?"
Aeron stepped back. His jaw clenched.
"I—I'll be right there," I told Damian.
He winked and walked off.
I turned back to Aeron.
But the look in his eyes had changed. Guarded. Cold.
"Forget it," he said. "It wasn't important."
"Yes, it was," I whispered.
But he was already walking away.
And just like that—
The night was over.
The almost-confession was gone.
And I was standing in fairy lights, surrounded by people...
feeling totally, completely alone.
End of Chapter 7