Racing to You ✓

28 | summer

It was finally the last day of Grade 11. 

But that also meant that it was the day of our annual tradition -- celebrating my birthday (that was in July). This was as I would often be in Hawaii during my actual birthday, and everyone else would be in some other corner of the globe. 

This year's celebration though was special -- it was also for the graduating seniors. So of course, even Justin turned up for the celebration. 

"Hey!" I laughed as he gave me a hug. "I thought you were Mr. Busy Superstar?" 

He smirked. "Made time just for you, Sunshine." 

Aaron groaned. "Stop the PDA in front of us."

"Luckily we haven't eaten yet, or else it would've come back right up," Hafiz added. He inclined his head at me. "Actually, why haven't you guys dated yet?" 

Justin and I exchanged an awkward look. 

"Make way!" Joy saved us as she half-sung, half-shrieked, coming through with the cake. "Ta-da!" 

"We tried baking a basque cheesecake this year," Yulissa announced. "If anyone gets a too-burnt piece, I apologise in advance." 

I guffawed. "You guys are the best already." 

"Quick, get the candles out. We've got to show her the big present," Joy urged Hafiz. 

Aaron turned to Justin as Hafiz fished for the candles '1' and '7', as well as a lighter. "Hey man, nearly-highschool-grad. Are you performing in any festivals this summer?" 

Justin grinned. "Duh. You guys better be there." 

I made a show of blowing my nails. "Oh well, considering you came to watch our musical, we should return the favour." 

Chuckles broke out among my friends, and my heart warmed. 

"Okay, let's start the legendary birthday song," Hafiz announced. "In three, two... HAPPY BIRTHDAY-"

I laughed as I covered my ears, my friends purposely singing off tune and off beat. Aaron was clapping at every odd interval, Joy was doing dramatic vocal runs, Yulissa was singing in an octave too low for her and Hafiz was definitely singing an octave too high for him. Justin added to the chaos by yelling echoes of the lyrics. 

After a painful minute, I finally got to make a wish, blow the candles and cut the cake. But there was something missing. 

"Lei?" I turned to the sound of the voice. Deandre, as if on cue, held a strawberry milkshake in one hand, and in the other... a stuffed seal? 

He followed my gaze and blushed. "I didn't know if I should get you sunflowers again, especially since you might already receive many today. But I knew you love a good milkshake, and I searched up that seals are the symbolic animals of Hawaii..."

"Deandre Williams!" I gushed, accepting the gifts. 

He rubbed the back of his neck. "I'm sorry if it's too cheesy -- I've really got to get better at gift-giving." 

I chortled, my head on Cloud 9. I threw my arms around his neck and kissed his cheek instinctively. 

Completely forgetting we were in public. 

He seemed to realise at the same time as I did, as he froze a bit, his eyes darting to my friends behind me, then back to me. 

I tried to mask my own surprise when I turned around, finding all eyes on us. I burst into a fit of laughter. "Did I grow a second head?" 

Yulissa smacked her lips. "You and Williams?"

I nodded shyly. 

Joy recovered next with a squeal. "Girl, HOW COULD YOU NOT TELL US!"