A honk from behind jolted Aria back to reality, and before she knew it, she was already standing outside Victoria’s building. She blinked, confused. Wait… how did I even end up here?

she thought, startled at how her thoughts had carried her feet without her realizing.

Just then, Victoria returned from her university and spotted her. “Aria!! You’re here, perfect. Come upstairs with me.” Aria hesitated, but before she could make an excuse, Victoria had already hooked her arm, pulling her along.

Shawn opened the door, He didn’t say much, just stepped aside and walked back in. He was like that, quiet, hard to approach, never cold, never rude, but so distant that having a full conversation with him felt almost impossible. Not like Caren, the youngest of the siblings, who was eight years younger and comparatively more mischievous and lively. Shawn, just three years younger than Victoria, seemed to exist in his own quiet space.

Aria settled in with Victoria, the two slipping easily into their rhythm... They shared stories of their day, teasing, laughing, and showing each other little things without holding back. Victoria pulled out her phone, showing off photos with her boyfriend, James. Aria’s face lit up instantly, cheering her on with genuine warmth.

Then Caren barged in, carrying a small cake.

“Oh, Aria, I completely forgot to tell you,” Victoria laughed. “You know how birthdays aren’t a big deal in my family, we honestly forget them almost all the time. But Caren remembered... it’s Shawn’s birthday today, so we’re celebrating. You’re staying, right?”

Aria blinked, stunned. “But… it’s a family thing. Should I.....”

“Don’t be silly. His friends aren’t coming. It’s just us...Mom, Dad, Caren, me, him… and you.”

Soon after, Victoria’s mom called everyone into the living room. Shawn had changed into a crisp white shirt, and for the first time, Aria really looked at him. He stood straighter than usual, the soft fabric sharp against his frame, and something about the simplicity made him… striking.

They sang as he blew out the candles. ( Happy Birthday to you.. happy birthday to dear Shawn. Happy 19!! )

One by one, he fed cake to his mom, his dad, then Victoria and Caren. Just as Aria thought she might escape the awkwardness by standing in the corner, his mom prompted warmly,“Give some to Aria too.”

Aria froze ... She half-expected him to just hand her the plate, keep it casual. But instead, he stepped closer...close enough that her pulse quickened..and  fed her a bite.

It was such a simple gesture, ordinary even. Yet in that quiet moment, it didn’t feel ordinary at all. It felt… different.

Later, as she was leaving, Aria turned to him and said softly, “Happy birthday, Shawn,” offering her hand. Shawn took it, his grip steady, his lips curving into the faintest smile.

Something in that smile made her chest tighten....uneasy, yes, but not in a bad way.

A different kind of unease.