The streets were quiet as Eli and Kai walked side by side, the night air cool against their faces. The glow of the Ferris wheel lights was fading in the distance, replaced by the softer gleam of street lamps. Eli tugged his scarf higher, trying to hide the flush that hadn't left his cheeks since they'd stepped off the ride. No matter how hard he tried, the memory kept replaying—the way Kai leaned closer, the way his heart had nearly burst, and that kiss… their first kiss, so unexpectedly passionate it left Eli both dazed and giddy.
Kai, of course, wasn't about to let the silence slide. With his hands tucked lazily in his pockets, he glanced at Eli, a smirk tugging at his lips. "You've been awfully quiet," he teased. "Still thinking about what happened up there?"
Eli stumbled slightly, his face burning even more. "S-shut up," he muttered, eyes glued to the pavement. His voice was muffled by his scarf, but it didn't matter.
Kai chuckled, clearly enjoying himself. "You're cute when you're flustered."
Eli's steps faltered again, and he gave Kai a sharp look that only made the older boy laugh harder. For a moment, Eli thought that would be the end of the teasing, but Kai's tone shifted—lighter, almost casual—as he asked, "By the way, when's your birthday?"
The sudden change of subject threw Eli off completely. "Huh? My birthday? Why are you asking that now?"
"Because I should know," Kai replied simply, his voice steady but his eyes warm. "We're dating now, right? I need to know when I'm supposed to spoil you."
Eli's throat went dry, and he ducked his head, trying to will the heat in his face to disappear. "…It's in March," he admitted softly. "My birthday's in March."
Kai's smile widened instantly. "March, huh? That's perfect. Mine's in February."
Eli blinked, surprised. "Seriously? Just one month before mine?"
"Mm-hm," Kai said with a grin. "Which means you'll have to celebrate me first."
Eli narrowed his eyes. "You just want presents."
"Obviously," Kai answered shamelessly. Then, leaning a little closer, his voice softened with playful curiosity. "But what I really want is to see how you'd celebrate me. That's what I'm most excited about."
Eli groaned, tugging his scarf higher until it nearly covered half his face. "You're impossible…"
Kai's laugh was low and warm, and it carried easily in the quiet street. "Don't worry. I'll make sure your birthday's unforgettable. So, you better start planning for mine, too."
Eli peeked at him from behind the scarf, trying to look annoyed, but it didn't quite work. The corners of his mouth betrayed him, tugging upward despite himself.
Kai noticed, of course, and his grin softened into something gentler. The teasing faded into a silence that wasn't awkward at all. They walked on, steps slow and steady, the night wrapping around them like a secret.
And even with Kai's constant teasing, Eli couldn't deny the warmth in his chest. The thought of celebrating each other's birthdays didn't feel like pressure—it felt like a promise. Something steady, something real. And for once, Eli didn't mind his racing heartbeat.