(Adrian's POV)
The night before my birthday felt… normal.
Too normal.
I was sprawled across the couch, a bowl of chips in my lap, eyes half-focused on the movie playing on the TV. I wasn't even sure what I was watching anymore — something about explosions and car chases, but my mind was far away.
Then my phone buzzed.
"Jayjay?" I muttered, seeing her name flash on the screen before answering. "Yo, what's up?"
Her voice came through light and cheerful. "Hey! Are you free tomorrow?"
"Tomorrow?" I echoed, pretending not to remember. "Yeah, why?"
"You're not doing anything, right? Like… no plans?"
I gave a short laugh. "You already know I don't celebrate my birthday, Jay. So yeah, I'm free."
"Good!" she said quickly. "Then can you come over tomorrow morning? I need you to send me somewhere."
I frowned a little. "Why not ask Keifer? He's your boyfriend, not your driver."
She laughed awkwardly. "He can't. Something about a company meeting — you know how busy he gets."
I sighed, rubbing the back of my neck. "Fine. What time?"
"Hmm… maybe nine-thirty? And don't be late!"
"Yeah, yeah." I smiled faintly. "See you tomorrow."
After she hung up, I tossed my phone beside me and stared at the ceiling.
"Sending her somewhere, huh?" I murmured.
It was weird, but whatever. Jayjay always had her random moments.
Still, as the movie played on, I couldn't help but feel like tomorrow would be… different.
The Next Morning
(Jayjay's POV)
I was already up by eight, sitting at the dining table with a plate of toast and eggs, scrolling through my phone while sipping cocoa.
Angelo had already gone to work, and the house was quiet except for the clinking of my spoon.
Every few minutes, I checked my messages, waiting. Finally, I typed quickly:
Jayjay: keif, adrian will leave his house soon. we can start heading there around 11, ok?
Keifer: got it. everyone's ready.
I grinned, trying not to squeal. Everything had to go smoothly.
By nine-forty, I heard a car pull up outside. I peeked through the window and smiled. Adrian had arrived — right on time.
I stood up, adjusting my outfit before calling out, "Mom, Aunt Gamma! I'm heading out now!"
They waved from the living room. "Be careful, dear! And tell Adrian we said hi!"
"Will do!" I said, grabbing my bag.
Outside, Adrian leaned against his car, wearing his usual calm look.
"Morning," he greeted.
"Morning," I said with a big grin. "Let's go!"
As we drove through town, we talked about random things — school, Section E's usual chaos, even David's latest "nap through class" record.
Hours passed as we wandered from one place to another — a short drive here, a quick stop there — until we finally parked near a quiet park.
"Can we rest here for a bit?" I asked, pretending to be tired.
"Sure," he said, stretching his arms as he sat down on a bench.
"Wait for me here, okay? I'll be right back."
He raised a brow. "Where are you going now?"
"Just— bathroom! Or… something." I ran off before he could ask again.
(Adrian's POV)
Ten minutes passed.
Then fifteen.
I looked around, slightly annoyed. "What's taking her so long?"
Then I heard it — a soft voice singing behind me.
🎵 Happy birthday to you…
🎵 Happy birthday to you…
I turned, blinking — and there she was.
Jayjay stood there with a cupcake in her hand, a single candle flickering on top, grinning like an idiot.
"Happy birthday, dummy," she said.
I couldn't help but give a small smile, even if it was half tired, half amused.
"Jay, I told you. I don't celebrate my birthday."
She sat beside me on the bench, pouting. "Yeah, yeah, I know. But it's still your day, Adrian. You deserve at least one song."
I looked down at the cupcake, then at her — her eyes were full of mischief and care all at once.
"…Thanks," I said quietly. "But really, you didn't have to."
She smiled wider, nudging my arm. "You'll thank me properly later."
I raised an eyebrow. "why later?"
"Nothing!" she said too fast, standing up before I could ask again. "Now blow out the candle already before it melts."
I chuckled softly. "Fine."
As the small flame went out, I had no idea — tomorrow was the day everything would change .