Ménage à Trois (A Feverish Series)

Happiness

"Are you going to eat that or just play with it?" Seung-Youn asked Yibo who had been poking his fork on his pasta for minutes now.

"Do you want it, you can have it" Yibo answered as he pushed the plate towards Youn.

"Man, whatever this carbonara ever did to you to deserve this kind of treatment?"

Yibo sighed for maybe the 10th time for the day.

"Oh come on! It is your birthday party, not the end of the world" Youn said

"I hated it. Why do I need to attend that damn party every time, can't I just have a peaceful night in? I'd rather lie on my bed and do nothing. You are not even gonna be there." Yibo looked at his friend accusingly.

"Well, first of all, I am not invited because it is just for your Dad's colleagues. Second, even if I am, dude, I'd come up with the worst sickness possible as my reason to not go" Youn replied confidently which earned him a smack on the head.

"Do you think Dad would mind if I ask Bibi and Jiji to come?"

"If I am them, I'd say no" another smack.

===============

Jeff was cleaning their living room when he heard Yibo talking on the phone. He didn't want to eavesdrop but Yibo's voice is kind of loud and agitated. When the latter was done and came out of his room, he saw Jeff just outside his door with a broomstick.

"Jiji"

"Yiyi...uh, I was cleaning," Jeff said looking everywhere except at Yibo

"I know. Did you hear me talking? I'm okay, it's my dad"

"Were you two fighting?" Jeff asked worriedly

"No. I just told him I didn't want to attend my party" Yibo said nonchalantly.

"Eh? Why wouldn't you want to be at your party? Wait, what party?"

"It's my birthday"

"What?!? Yiyi! Why didn't you tell us, when is it?"

"I don't celebrate it...for some reason. It's just my dad who does and it's only so he can invite those prominent friends of his." Yibo said.

"Oh, Yiyi" Jeff went closer to hug him "When is your birthday? I'll have Bibi cook something, even just for us three to celebrate"

"It'll be on Saturday, August 5. Don't bother Jiji, you have rehearsal that day and I don't want you preparing instead of resting. Bibi has started on his thesis too, so I don't want to be a burden"

A pillow flew out of nowhere and landed softly on Yibo's shoulder. They both looked where it came from and saw Bible standing next to the couch.

"If you feel that you are a bother to us, then don't ever go out of your way every time we needed someone to be with," Bible said a bit annoyed "No one in this house is a burden, we all have a role to play and one of them is to make sure that we make you happy on your birthday"

Yibo smiled, mouthed a thank you and pulled Bible into their hug.

==========

"The party at his parents' house will be on Friday. If he invites you, don't go" Youn told Bible and Jeff when the two asked to meet him at the café to plan Yibo's birthday party.

"Why is that," Jeff asked curiously.

"It will bore you to death" Youn answered

"Well, he hasn't asked us. He just said that he will come home soon as he can sneak out of his party. That silly guy." Bible said remembering the conversation he had with Yibo about the party.

"What is Yiyi's favourite food?"

"He likes pasta, hotpot, Xiaolongbao, shredded pork rice, and ramen. He doesn't like carrots and is not very good with spicy food" Youn listed everything and handed it to Jeff.

"What was Yiyi's favourite toy or character?" Jeff asked

"Hmm, he likes yoyo and magic cards, skateboards, and you know, motorcycle"

"And?" Bible continued

"Huh, what?" Youn answered off-guarded

"Well, you sounded like you are to add more but stopped" Bible replied

"Ahh, well, he used to have lots of Lego cars before. Unfortunately, his dad threw them all away saying they are just a waste of time and money. It was on his birthday, he was so excited to go home from school and show his mom his new collections which were mostly gifts from us"

"Is that why he doesn't celebrate his birthdays anymore?" Jeff asked Youn, a sad tone in his voice.

"I guess. He does celebrate but only when we initiate it."

"Thank you, Youn. I hope you don't get tired of celebrating with him. Why don't you and your friends come on Saturday? It will be a simple gathering, mostly food and not much drinking, sorry about that. We will set it up around 5 in the afternoon so it will be like an early dinner too" Bible invited.

"Sure! I will tell our friends and warn them not to bring booze, don't worry. Thank you too, both of you, for this. I'm happy that Yeebs found more people who love him."

Bible and Jeff shared a look that only they understood, probably. One thought in mind...Love, huh?

Youn bid goodbye to the two who also went on their way to plan what kind of birthday party they would give Yibo. Something memorable for all of them.