Happy Birthday?

“Are you done with your project?” Luna asked me as soon as our Literature Instructor exited the room.

I shut down my laptop and gather my things into my bag before facing her. She’s sitting on the chair in front of me with the pen dancing on her fingers. I massaged my neck and my eyes landed on Akira who’s furiously typing on his laptop. Lucas is sitting beside him, dictating from the book.

“Yes.” I stare at Luna to stop myself from staring at Akira. He’s like a magnet and my eyes are drawn to him every time.

After he disappeared from the hospital, I didn’t hear anything from him—not that I want to hear something from him.

“Wow. I’m not yet done.” She scratched her nose as her eyes landed on the boys across us in the room. Akira frantically rocks his leg while Lucas focused on the book. Whenever he reads fast, Akira will click his tongue and close his fist like he wants to punch Luc right in the face.

“You need help?” I asked her while I duck on my seat to reach the bag of my laptop.

“Gee, thanks. I just need to reread it and I’m done. I have practice this afternoon but do you want to watch a movie tonight?”

I don’t remember how many times did Luna tried to ask me out and have fun with them and every time she does, I always find a way to turn her down. Not that I don’t want to spend time with her, I’m just uncomfortable going around.

“I think I’ll pass. I need to study for our exam.”

Luna grunted in her seat. “Oh! Come on, Roux. We don’t have a class tomorrow. We basically are three weeks away from exam week. It’s my birthday today. You didn’t even greet me.”

I suddenly felt bad. I really don’t know that it’s her birthday. But that doesn’t mean I’ll go with her tonight. She is standing in front of me, her eyes twinkling like she’s anticipating that I’ll say yes.

“I’ll give you my gift on Wednesday.”

            The smile on her face slowly turned into a frown.

“Wow, you’re so heartless.” Looking so disappointed, she stormed out of the room. Lucas and Akira turned to me when they see her leaving.

“What happened to her?” Lucas asked me but I didn’t say anything.

I took my things and went straight to the botanical garden, waiting for Luna’s text. She can’t last a day without texting me before lunch.

I took out the sandwich I packed this morning. Before I can even take a bite, Luna’s upset face flashed in my brain. Luna’s a great friend. I may not show it but I hate to see her sad. She’s been my first friend in this school. She’s annoying sometimes but she did a lot of things for me. She’s actually sweet and I don’t want her to think I’m just using her for my own good.

I heave a sigh and took my phone out. I contemplated many times before I type a message.

Me: Luna, I’m sorry.

Me: Hey, I didn’t mean to

Me: I’ll let Yuan know if I can crash at your place tonight. I can’t promise but I’ll try.

After few seconds, my phone vibrated, showing Luna’s message.

Luna Chase: OMG, you’re the best! I’ll pick you up after practice. Xx

I heave a sigh and finish my sandwich.

After putting my things in my locker, I went to the Infirmary and found Yuan playing on his iPad. He immediately rushed to me when he saw me by the door, his calm face turning worried in an instant.

“You’re not feeling well?” he asked as he checks on my forehead.

“I’m good.” I sat on one of the beds and Yu followed me. He raised his brow, urging me to speak. “Today is Luna’s day.”

“Happy birthday to her.”

I rolled my eyes.

“She wants me to stay at their house tonight.” I started.

“Like, sleepover?” he asked.

I nodded.

“You’re asking permission?” he smiles.

“Yes.”

He shrugged and went back to his chair and iPad. “Okay. Just call me when you need me.”

I stare at him in disbelief. When he saw my reaction, he creased his brow then asked, “What?”

I kicked on the air. “You’re supposed to say ‘no’.”

I scowled, which made him laugh. Wow, he dares to find this situation comical.

“You’re unbelievable.” I chided. “Why can you let me go like that?”

“Why, no. You’re seventeen already. I’ve been waiting for you to act like a normal teenager, sis. Don’t get me wrong. You don’t have to lock yourself in your room forever. Besides, you are the one who’s eager to go out of your comfort zones. I trust Luna. Just don’t smoke nor drink. You get me?”

I left the room in annoyance. Wow. Yesterday he won’t even let me out of the hospital and now he’s practically shoving me away.

***

When I attended our afternoon class, Luna is back to her usual self. She’s sitting beside Lucas while Akira is seated beside the last empty chair in the room.

Without paying too much attention to the student who’s presenting his report in front of the class, I silently walked towards the chair—just beside Akira.

He put a copy of the presentation on my desk and winked at me. My initial reaction is to cringe. Then the face of the boy flashed into my mind. I look back at Akira who’s now busy reading his handouts and a realization hits me.

No, no, no. There’s no way he’s that boy.