Months passed quietly after Aria moved back. Life had slowly settled into a rhythm again — mornings with Ethan knocking at her door, walking together to school, studying side by side, sometimes laughing, sometimes arguing, but always together.
And then came the day that belonged to her — Aria's birthday.
---
The morning sun poured softly through her curtains as she woke up with a bright smile. Her parents had already wished her at midnight, showering her with love and hugs. Now, as she got ready for school, her heart beat with a quiet excitement.
She couldn't help but expect one more wish — from Ethan.
When she stepped out of her house, Ethan was already waiting outside, as usual. He greeted her with a simple "Good morning" and started walking toward school.
No "Happy Birthday."
No teasing grin.
She blinked, confused. Did he forget?
All through the day, her friends and classmates wished her cheerfully. Even Mrs. Cross had sent her a small lunchbox filled with cupcakes. Everyone seemed to remember — everyone except him.
She told herself not to feel bad. Maybe he was busy. Or maybe, just maybe, he was planning something.
But as the school day ended and they walked home together, still no wish came from him.
Her chest felt a little hollow — like something important was missing.
---
When they reached their houses, Ethan gave her his usual half-smile and said, "See you tomorrow."
And that was it.
Aria nodded quietly and walked to her door, trying to hide her disappointment.
But the moment she opened it—she froze.
The entire living room was glowing with soft lights and colors.
Golden and pink balloons floated everywhere — her favorite color.
A big chocolate cake stood proudly on the table, her name written across it in icing.
And around it stood everyone she loved — her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Cross, and Ethan.
"Surprise!" they all shouted together.
Aria's eyes widened in shock. She covered her mouth with her hands, speechless.
Her mother walked up, smiling warmly. "Happy Birthday, sweetheart!"
Then she whispered, "It was all Ethan's idea. He planned everything."
Aria turned to him — he was standing near the balloons, looking as calm as ever but with a hint of pride in his smile.
He walked toward her and handed her a small gift box. "Happy Birthday, Aria."
She took it carefully, her heart fluttering. Inside was a delicate golden bracelet, with a small rose charm shining softly in the center.
"It's beautiful," she breathed. "It's the most beautiful bracelet I've ever seen."
"I'm glad you like it," Ethan said, his voice lower, gentler.
---
The rest of the evening was filled with laughter, cake, music, and dancing.
Mr. and Mrs. Cross gave her books wrapped in silver paper, her parents gifted her a new pendant, and everyone celebrated like one big family.
When the night ended, and the Cross family went back home, Aria stood by her window with a smile that refused to fade.
She texted Ethan:
> "It was the best birthday ever. Thank you for making it so special."
Within a minute, he replied with a simple:
> "You deserve it."
She smiled, hugged her pillow, and drifted to sleep.
---
A few days later, Ethan didn't come to school.
Mrs. Cross told Aria that he had caught a fever.
That day, Aria went to school alone. Everything went smoothly, but she couldn't help feeling a strange emptiness — like something important was missing beside her.
After school, as she walked home, a familiar voice stopped her.
Mia.
"So," Mia sneered, stepping in front of her, "Ethan isn't here today. Looks like no one can save you now."
Aria straightened, her eyes sharp. "I don't need anyone to save me."
Mia smirked and signaled to her two friends. "Let's see about that."
They moved closer, but Aria didn't step back. When one of the girls reached out, Aria pushed her arm away and defended herself fiercely.
But just as things were getting rough, a woman's voice shouted, "Stop it right now or I'll call the police!"
Mia and her friends panicked, shoved Aria to the ground, and ran away.
Aria's hand scraped against the rough road — blood trickled down her wrist.
The lady rushed over, helped her up, and took her to a nearby clinic. After treating her wound, she made sure Aria was fine before letting her go home.
When Aria entered the house, her parents immediately noticed her bandaged hand.
"What happened, Aria?" her mother asked in worry.
Aria forced a small smile. "It's nothing. I slipped on the way home."
---
Later that evening, Aria went to check on Ethan.
She wore full sleeves to hide her injury and knocked softly on his door.
He was lying on the couch, still pale but awake. They talked for a while — about school, about her day — and she thought she could hide everything.
But when she reached for a glass of water, her sleeve slipped a little.
Ethan's eyes immediately caught the faint red mark on her wrist.
"What's that?" he asked sharply.
"N-nothing. I just—"
"Don't lie, Aria," he said, sitting up. "Tell me the truth."
She looked away, silent.
"If you don't," he added, voice cold, "I'll find out from someone else."
Her shoulders slumped. Finally, she told him everything — about Mia, her friends, and how they'd hurt her.
Ethan's expression darkened. His usual calm eyes now burned with anger.
"Did she hurt you badly?" he asked, moving closer.
Aria shook her head quickly. "No, I'm fine. Don't do anything, Ethan. Please."
But he didn't respond. He just said quietly, "Go home and rest."
---
The next morning, Ethan was back at school — completely recovered.
When he walked into the classroom, everyone noticed something different in his eyes. He didn't smile. He didn't talk.
He only looked — directly — at Mia.
Mia flinched under his gaze and left the class quietly.
During lunch, Ethan sent a message through a classmate, asking Mia to meet in the restroom. When she went in, he followed silently — and locked the door behind her.
No one knew what he said inside, but when he opened the door at the end of the day, Mia came out trembling.
His voice was calm but icy.
"Stay away from Aria. There won't be a next time."
Mia nodded, terrified, and ran away.
---
Later that day, when he met Aria, she was watching something on her phone.
It was a video — Mia locked inside the restroom, crying.
She looked up. "Ethan… did you know about this?"
He looked at her blankly. "No."
Aria searched his face for a moment, then smiled softly. "Alright. I believe you."
He didn't answer — just smiled faintly.
And as they walked home side by side, a quiet understanding settled between them — a promise unspoken, but deeply felt.