Rena was busy behind the counter at the café, expertly crafting a cappuccino when Azul walked in, looking as indifferent as ever. He approached the counter and leaned against it, watching her work with a bored expression.
“Yo, Ren,” Azul said, his tone flat. “Kei’s birthday is coming up.”
Rena looked up, surprised. “Really? He never mentioned it.”
“Yeah, it’s December 28th. He usually doesn’t do anything for it, like the loser he is,” Azul replied, rolling his eyes. “But I thought maybe you could surprise him. Show up and spend some time with him.”
Rena smiled, her eyes lighting up. “That’s a great idea, Azul. Kei deserves a special day.”
Azul nodded, “Figured you’d like the idea. He’ll probably appreciate it more coming from you.”
“Thanks for the suggestion,” Rena said, finishing the cappuccino and handing it to a customer. “I’ll plan something nice for him.”
On the evening of Kei’s birthday, Rena arrived at his apartment with a small gift and a homemade cake. She had spent the afternoon baking the cake, carefully decorating it with Kei’s favorite flavors and colors. She knocked on the door, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness.
Kei opened the door, his eyes widening in surprise. “Rena! What are you doing here?”
“Happy birthday, Kei!” Rena exclaimed, holding up the cake. “I thought I’d surprise you.”
Kei’s face was still in shock. “How did you know?”
“Azul told me. I’m sorry if it’s overstepping,” Rena said, looking a little disappointed.
“Oh no, not at all, dove. It just surprised me is all. Please come in,” he said, stepping to the side.
As they settled in the living room, Rena handed Kei the gift. “I hope you like it.”
Kei unwrapped the gift, revealing a beautiful set of red earrings. They were delicate, with tiny gemstones that sparkled in the light. “These are amazing, Rena. Thank you so much.”
Rena blushed slightly. “I remembered you mentioned you lost your old ones on a trip. I thought these would be perfect for you.”
“They are,” Kei said, admiring the earrings. “I can’t wait to wear them.”
They spent the evening chatting, playing board games, and reminiscing about old times. Rena’s presence brought a warmth to Kei’s usually quiet birthday. They laughed over shared memories, like the time they got lost in the city and ended up discovering a hidden café that became their favorite spot.
“Remember that café?” Kei asked, chuckling. “We thought we’d never find our way back.”
“How could I forget?” Rena replied, smiling. “We ended up having the best day.”
Kei nodded, his eyes twinkling with the memory. “We were wandering around for hours, trying to find that art gallery you wanted to visit. We must have taken every wrong turn possible.”
“And then it started raining,” Rena added, laughing. “We were soaked and miserable, but then we stumbled upon that little café. It was like finding a hidden gem.”
“The owner was so kind,” Kei recalled. “He gave us towels to dry off and made us the best hot chocolate I’ve ever had.”
“We spent the whole afternoon there, just talking and watching the rain,” Rena said, her voice soft with nostalgia. “It turned out to be one of the best days ever.”
As the night went on, they moved to the kitchen to enjoy the cake Rena had made. Kei took a bite and his eyes lit up. “This is delicious, Rena. You really outdid yourself.”
“I’m glad you like it,” Rena said, feeling a sense of accomplishment. “I wanted to make sure today was special for you.”
After a moment of comfortable silence, Rena looked at Kei thoughtfully. “Kei, can I ask you something?”
“Of course,” Kei replied, curious.
“Why don’t you usually celebrate your birthday?” Rena asked gently.
Kei hesitated, his expression turning somber. “It’s… it’s the day my parents died,” he said quietly. “They weren’t good parents, but losing them on my birthday made it a difficult day to celebrate.”
Rena reached out and took his hand, squeezing it reassuringly. “I’m so sorry, Kei. I had no idea.”
“It’s okay,” Kei said, managing a small smile. “Your surprise today made me feel like maybe my birthday is worth celebrating again. Thanks, Dove.”
“Anytime, Kei,” Rena replied, giving him a warm hug. “I’m glad I could make it special.”
As the clock struck midnight, they sat together, enjoying the peaceful end to a wonderful evening. Kei looked around at the cozy apartment, feeling grateful for the unexpected joy Rena had brought into his day.
A week later it was Rena's birthday, and Kei wanted to make sure her day was special, the way she made his special. The morning of her birthday, Kei arrived at the café where Rena worked, carrying a small bouquet of her favorite flowers—lilies and roses.
Rena was busy behind the counter, serving customers their morning coffee, when she saw Kei walk in. Her face lit up with a smile. “Kei! What are you doing here so early?”
“Happy birthday, Dove!” Kei said, handing her the bouquet. “I thought I’d start your day with a little surprise.”
Rena blushed, taking the flowers. “They’re beautiful, Kei. Thank you so much.”
“That’s just the beginning,” Kei said with a wink. “I have more planned for you today. Are you free this evening?”
Rena nodded, her curiosity piqued. “I am. What do you have in mind?”
“You’ll see,” Kei replied mysteriously. “Just be ready at 6 PM. I’ll pick you up.”
At exactly 6 PM, Kei arrived at Rena’s apartment. She opened the door, looking radiant in a cozy sweater and jeans. “Ready for your surprise?” Kei asked, his eyes twinkling with excitement.
“Absolutely,” Rena replied, her heart racing with anticipation.
Kei led her to his car, and they drove through the city, the streets illuminated with twinkling lights. After a short drive, they arrived at a quaint little pizzeria that Rena loved. The place was warm and inviting, with the comforting aroma of freshly baked pizza filling the air.
“I thought we’d keep it simple and enjoy some of your favorite pizza,” Kei said, guiding Rena inside. “I hope you like it.”
Rena’s eyes widened in delight. “Kei, this is perfect. Thank you.”
They enjoyed a delicious meal, filled with laughter and conversation. Kei had arranged for a special dessert—a slice of tiramisu, Rena’s favorite. As they finished their meal, Kei reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, beautifully wrapped box.
“There’s one more surprise,” Kei said, handing her the box.
Rena opened it to find a delicate silver bracelet with a small charm in the shape of a piano. “Kei, this is beautiful,” she said, her eyes welling up with tears. “You remembered.”
“Of course I did,” Kei replied softly. “I know how much music means to you. I wanted to give you something special.”
Rena hugged him tightly. “Thank you, Kei. This is the best birthday I’ve had in a long time.”
After dinner, Kei took Rena to a nearby park where they had spent many evenings together. The park was quiet and serene, with a gentle breeze rustling the leaves. They walked side by side, enjoying the peaceful surroundings.
As they strolled, Rena glanced at Kei. “Kei, can I ask you something?”
“Sure, what’s up?” Kei replied, curious.
“Why do you call me ‘dove’?” Rena asked, her tone light but genuinely curious.
Kei smiled, looking thoughtful. “Well, doves are symbols of peace and love. You bring a sense of calm and warmth wherever you go. Plus, you’re always there for your friends, just like a dove is a symbol of loyalty and care.”
Rena blushed slightly, touched by his words. “That’s really sweet, Kei. I never knew you thought of me that way.”
“Of course I do,” Kei said, giving her a friendly nudge. “You’re one of the best friends I’ve ever had.”
Rena smiled, feeling a warmth in her heart. “Thanks, Kei. That means a lot.”
As they continued walking, Kei couldn’t help but wish they could be more than friends. He had admired Rena for so long, but he knew she still had feelings for her childhood friend. It was something she had confided in him many times, and he respected her feelings. So, he kept his own emotions to himself, cherishing the friendship they had.
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfUYtzoUeod
