"happy birthday," greeted sae in a monotoned voice. as per usual, his face held one of uninterested and boredom. though deep down, he felt giddy about giving his present.
aiya blew the candles on the cake sae had brought for her. she smiled at him, "thank you for the cake, sae."
"cut the cake already, stupid."
the two sat in aiya's kitchen table in her small home. sae had come by early in the afternoon, unannounced carrying some bags. he had surprised the girl for her seventeenth birthday.
i hope you make it past 18.
aiya cut two slices from the cake, plating them neatly and giving a slice to sae.
she hummed quietly in satisfaction as she tasted the cake, "how did you know i liked strawberry cake?"
"i took a guess since you don't like chocolate."
"oh, you guessed right," said aiya sheepishly. "i love anything that's strawberry flavored."
i know.
sae didn't reply, taking a small bite of the cake. it was sweet and delicious, better than chocolate. he reached into his pocket, clutching onto the small box that felt like it was burning onto him.
he took out the box and placed it on the table in front of her. she paused, looking at the box in surprise then looking at him questioningly.
"it's yours," said sae bluntly. "open it."
aiya quickly open the box and inside, there was a silver ring with a small pink heart shaped diamond. she gaped at the gift, holding up the ring in awe.
"it's so pretty, i love it."
"just wear i-"
sae's words were cut short, taken off guard by her arms suddenly wrapped around his neck tightly. she clung onto him, laying her head on his chest right where his heart was beating erratically and loud.
"i love you, sae," smiled aiya, looking up at him. he noticed she slipped the ring on her middle finger. the back of his head said he wished it was on her ring finger instead but they weren't together like that.
i wish you loved me the way i love you.
sae patted her head, not replying.
itoshi sae loves strawberries.
