[LATER – AFTER THE CELEBRATION]
Damian
(sincerely)
Why did you choose my place over a hotel?
Ella
Because every time you walk into this house… I want you to remember this day.
You don't visit hotels often, but this place—this is your space. It should hold your happiest memories too.
Damian says nothing, just looks at her with a deep warmth in his eyes.
Ella picks up her bag, ready to leave. Damian stands behind her, still in the warm glow of the evening's celebration.
Damian
Ella!
Ella
(turning around)
Yes?
Damian
(sincerely, smiling and gently hugs her)
Thank you.
Ella
(smiling back awkward)
You're welcome.
But... isn't that thank you for helping with the party?
Damian( leave her)
Still, this...
This was the best gift I've ever received.
Ella
Oh, come on. Hasn't anyone ever surprised you before?
Damian
(shaking his head gently)
Nope. Never like this.
(pause, then casually)
By the way, the shoot for your story starts tomorrow. I spoke with the director.
Ella
(grinning, heart full)
Thank you so much.
She exits. Damian watches her go, then looks around at the decorated house.
Damian
(to himself)
Thank you…
Because of you, I got to eat with my parents again… after so long.
Mr. Mah
(walking over)
Want me to help clean this up?
Damian
No. Let it stay like this. I… I like it.
Mr. Mah
Surprising. You usually like everything neat and spotless.
Damian
(smirking)
Sometimes… a little mess gives peace. And happiness.
Mr. Mah
(smiling)
Alright then. I'll see you tomorrow.
Damian
Goodnight.
His parents say goodbye and leave. Damian walks around the living room, smiling. The decorations are still up, slightly messy but full of life. He takes out his phone and starts clicking photos of every corner—balloons, banners, and the family picture they took earlier.
The clock strikes midnight.
Damian
(to himself, softly)
Happy birthday… for real, this time.
(Damian sits in the back seat, still smiling as he scrolls through the pictures from last night. He stops at a photo of him and his parents, his smile widening. As he scrolls further, a photo of Ella with messy hair — taken when she was playing with Happy — pops up. Damian suddenly bursts into laughter.)
Mr. Mah
(turning slightly)
What happened? I've never seen you laugh like that for real.
Damian
(still chuckling)
Nothing... just thinking about last night.
(pause)
Thank you.
Mr. Mah
(smiling gently)
You should say that to her.
Damian
Yeah, I will.