It was the second time Wade had set foot in that house, yet he still felt uncomfortable. But that didn't depend on the place, it depended on the person who was with him.

Don't forget why you're here, he kept telling himself. This wasn't the time for his fantasies, it was Gavin's day. Wade had to focus and make that little surprise party perfect. Richard and Bryan would bring the decorations and snacks from the grocery store, while Wade and Kyle were in charge of making the cake. Neither of them knew how to cook. Kyle's mother had given them some directions but then left them to their own in the kitchen. The result was, of course, a complete mess. Flour and sugar scattered everywhere. Pieces of dough stuck here and there.

«I'd say maybe it wasn't a good idea.» said Kyle.

«It was a terrible idea.» Wade agreed.

They both laughed at their masterpiece, which was cooking beyond the glass of the oven.

Wade focused on looking at Kyle's reflection, rather than watching the cake. Then he peered right in Kyle's direction, out of the corner of his eye. Looking closer, Wade realized he couldn't see Kyle's wonderful freckles well, on his right cheek, due to a flour stain.

Wade's hand moved instinctively. He reached out until his fingers brushed Kyle's face. His eyes widened in shock before turning to Wade.

«You got flour on your face.» Wade quickly explained himself.

Kyle rubbed his cheek. «Thanks.» he said then looked back at the cake.

They waited in silence for the timer to ring.

Unexpectedly, the doorbell preceded it.

Bryan and Richard showed up with bags full of food and festoons.

Kyle took care of completing the cake while Wade helped the other two friends preparing the living room before Gavin arrived. It wouldn't be a big party, but he would certainly appreciate their gesture, and they would have fun.

Kyle's parents went out to leave the entire house to them, naturally after having recommended, several times, not to tear it into pieces and, above all, to clean up the mess in the kitchen.

They finished setting up everything a few seconds before Gavin arrived. Morgan had warned them and they had made it just in time.

It was Kyle who opened the door to Gavin. He let him in and, as soon as he crossed the threshold, Wade, Bryan and Richard jumped out too. They wore the pointed hats typical of the birthday parties.

Gavin laughed, embarrassed for them. He didn't have a surprised face, he certainly had been suspicious when Morgan had dragged him there with a trivial excuse. However, he was happy that his friends had united and done their best for him. He thanked them and the party began.

Food was the first thing everyone jumped on. They had wasted energy preparing for the big party, but it was worth it seeing how much fun they were having, how much fun the birthday boy was having.

Gavin and Wade paired up at karaoke. Actually, they weren't singing, they were screaming an embarrassing duet. By now they were clowning on purpose. And the more Wade saw Kyle laughing, the more he acted stupid. It didn't matter he was out of tune, he didn't have to be good, it was a party and the real singer there was Kyle.

Once the performance was over, Gavin and Wade bowed and took all the applause from their audience.

Gavin quickly handed the microphone to Kyle. «I don't think you'll be up to our performance, but you can always give a try.»

Kyle scoffed. «We’ll see.»

The music started and when Kyle began to sing, Wade found himself trapped in its enchantment. He listened to him totally fascinated by his voice. Everyone else became invisible, there were only the two of them in that living room.

Kyle looked over at Wade and he looked away. Who forced himself to take a sip of orange juice to hide the blush on his face. But it didn't seem to be enough, so he got up and went to get the cake from the kitchen. He placed the candles on the cake and lit them. He waited a few minutes to return to the others. He first had to pull himself together and calm his racing heart. Only when he heard the music fade did he head back into the living room.