I woke up with my phone buzzing nonstop. At first i thought that it was just messages from my highschool group chat, but then, I remembered… It's my birthday.
"Happy Birthday to me…" I whispered while brushing my teeth, trying to hype myself up. But honestly? I didn't feel excited. First week of college is already draining and now I have to pretend Im fine on my birthday. Hayss.
When I arrived at the campus, I saw Noah sitting by the stairs and eating a sandwich.
"Happy birthday, Ayla." He said without looking up, mouth full. He handed me another sandwhich. I guess this is his gift?
"Thanks! Wow, you're so sweet today." I said teasingly.
He rolled his eyes. "It's just your birthday, don't expect too much."
I laughed and sat beside him. As we talked about random things, I overheard our classmates.
"It's Finn's birthday today, right?"
"Yeah, I saw it on his socials. Should we greet him?"
I froze. Wait. It's also his birthday? Same day as mine?
Out of all the people in this school, why does it have to be him? I don't know if it's a sign or just some weird coincidence but my heart suddenly starts beating faster.
Great. As if having a tiny crush on him wasn't complicated enough.
———
Our first class was a mess. Our professor asked us to pass our plates one by one for checking. I watched anxiously as he flipped through mine, my lines were shaky and Im not satisfied with the colors and overall design of my plan. Honestly, I didn't expect anything, I just wish that my grades were enough so that i could pass.
"Alright." Our professor announced, " I will be choosing students who produced a clean and promising work."
My stomach dropped. Please no. Or yes? I don't know.
He called a few names, then —-
"Ayla."
My heart snapped up.
"What?"
Noah nudged my arm. "Congrats birthday girl."
I didn't even have time to process when the professor continued,
"Noah"
I looked at him but he was already grinning. So we both passed? Okay, then maybe my plate wasn't bad after all.
But then, our professor dropped the real bomb.
"You will be divided into different groups. Each group will have two members."
my excitement died. I looked at Noah. "We're not group mates???" I whispered.
"Obviously not, Ayla. He said two per team and the students that he mentioned will be the one to choose his/her partner." He sighed.
Great. Now Im alone. And everyone around me was already pairing up with their friends. I scanned the room nervously… and then my eyes found him.
Finn.
He was leaning back on his chair, mask off, while tapping his pen on the desk like he didn't care about anything. He still had the quiet, mysterious aura. I swallowed hard.
Should I?
No, I shouldn't.
But should I?
I gathered every bit of courage left in my soul,and walked towards him.
"Uh…Finn?" I said, my voice way softer than I intended.
He looked up.
Oh. Why is he kind of intimidating without even trying?
"Do you want to be my partner?" I asked, pretending I wasn't dying inside.
He blinked once, twice, then said, "Sure."
Sure?? Just like that???
I stood there frozen for a second. I expected him to ignore me or say he already had someone. But he agreed… immediately. It means he will be my partner until prelims. I bit my lower lip to stop myself from smiling too wide.
"Okay… great. Thanks." I said, trying to sound normal.
———
After class, I was walking to the canteen when my phone buzzed. A friend request. Finn Aldridge.
My soul left my body.
I accepted it, of course. Who wouldn't? Seconds later, he messaged me.
Finn: About the project.. what time are you free later?
I stared at the message for a full minute before replying.
Me: May after dinner. Hbu?
He saw it instantly.
Finn: Same. I'll chat you later about the plan.
Why is my heart doing cartwheels??? I shouldn't be excited but I am. Its weird. We barely talked yet I feel this strange pull towards him.
Maybe it is because we share the same birthday?
Or maybe…
Maybe it's something else???
Whatever it is, todays suddenly doesn't feel like an ordinary birthday anymore.
Because for the first time since college started, I feel like something interesting is finally beginning.