When Love Lasts Forever

03 Birthday

Beautiful People

(Ed Sheeren ft. Khalid)

01:06 ━━━━⬤─────── 04:05
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Time skips to a few months later

These days, Y/n found herself in fewer fights. She couldn't completely avoid them, but she made an effort to control her temper. Today was her birthday, and she had finally turned sixteen.

"Y/n, come down quickly!" her father called from downstairs.

"Coming, Appa!" she yelled back from her room. After fifteen minutes, she descended the stairs wearing a floral dress.

"Let's go!" She took her father's hand and they ran outside together, laughter filling the air.

"Let's get Eomma's favorite flowers," she suggested, stopping in front of a flower shop. Her father nodded and got out of the car with her.

"Yellow-pink Gladiolus," she instructed the flower lady.

---

"Why did Eomma like these flowers so much?" Y/n asked her father later, as they sat beneath a tree near her mother's grave.

"Because you know, our company makes perfumes. Your Eomma and I started it together. For that, we had to study flowers and chemicals extensively. Gladiolus symbolizes strength and love. Your Eomma was fascinated by the meaning behind these flowers. When she was pregnant with you, she wanted you to have the strength to face any challenge and to be loved by everyone. So, during her pregnancy, she became obsessed with these flowers, and I had to bring different colors daily," he reminisced, recalling the time he spent with his wife. Y/n smiled warmly at her father.

"Did you ever hate me when I was born? Because of me, Eomma..." Y/n began, but her father gently placed a finger on her lips.

"Never, my kiddo. You are a part of her and me. How could I ever hate you?" he reassured her, pulling her into a comforting hug. "Besides, didn't I just tell you? Your Eomma wanted you to be loved by everyone," he added, tenderly stroking her hair.

"Y/n, remember one thing. Whatever situation you find yourself in, use your brain instead of letting your emotions take over, okay? When I'm not there to protect you, promise me you'll protect yourself. Promise me you'll never feel weak," he said, pulling her out of the hug and cupping her cheeks.

She held his hands tightly, her expression turning serious. "Don't say things like that, Appa. Don't you dare leave me," she pleaded tearfully.

"I'll always be with you," he assured her, hugging her tightly and allowing his own tears to fall while he comforted her. "But still, can you promise me?" he asked gently, and she nodded in response.

"Okay, now don't cry," he said softly, kissing her forehead. She wiped away her tears.

"Let's cut your birthday cake," he said, placing the cake in front of her and lighting the candle. "Blow out the candle and make a wish," he encouraged her.

Y/n closed her eyes and joined her hands, silently making her wish. "Eomma, please be Appa's guardian angel. Keep him happy and healthy, and then I'll be happy too," she whispered to herself before blowing out the candle.

"What did you wish for?" he asked curiously.

"I won't tell, or it won't come true," she replied, shaking her head as her father chuckled.

She cut the cake and fed the first bite to her dad. He reciprocated, playfully smearing cake on her face, causing her to protest.

"Okay, my gift," she said, holding out both hands expectantly. "Oops, I almost forgot," he pretended, making her laugh. "Nice try, but I know you'd never forget," she teased proudly, making her father laugh.