The Story of Water and Stone Book 1 [English Version] [E-book on MEB]

CHAPTER 12 : Birthday's Gift [End]

Ring, ring...

I turned to look at my vibrating phone, startled by the notification that had just come in.

It was my older brother A-Po's birthday today.

I picked up my phone, unlocked the screen, and saw a Facebook notification that today was the birthday of my handsome older brother, who had helped me in a short film for a recent project.

I adjusted my gaze to the morning light, then looked at the screen of my phone, which displayed the Facebook app. With my finger, I tapped into A-Po's profile and scrolled through the flood of birthday wishes that had poured in since midnight.

I couldn't help but smile as I read the comments.

Why is that, I wonder?

It's because it wasn't just birthday wishes for my older brother, A-Po. There were several comments all at once, asking if they would get to see my younger sister Sila wishing her older brother a happy birthday. It's those attention-seeking folks, you know. That's the way of attention seekers, heh.

Well, ever since I uploaded the short film to my YouTube channel, the frenzy of A-Po and Sila went viral online, spreading worldwide to the point where we couldn't keep up ourselves. We never thought the response would be this overwhelming.

I slowly placed my phone on the bed, but before I could get up, the sound of my phone started ringing. It was an incoming call from Teh.

"Hello," I answered and spoke into the receiver.

(Teh: You know it's A-Po's birthday today, right?)

"I know."

(Teh: Where's he celebrating?)

"I have no idea. You should ask A-Po."

(Teh: Okay, I will.)

"Uh-huh."

(Teh: What are you up to?)

"I just woke up. About to take a shower."

(Teh: Let's grab a meal later.)

"Sure, I'll be out soon."

(Teh: Okay, see you later.)

Teh hung up immediately after finishing his sentence. I sighed softly, not because I didn't want to go out, but because I felt more comfortable with this close and true friend. Whenever he felt lonely or had nothing to do, he'd often invite me out to hang out or find reasons for me to spend money. I couldn't complain too much because I might end up with no friends. Having only a few friends was just how it was.

I placed my hand down beside the pillow and quickly got up, heading straight to the bathroom. I needed to freshen up and prepare to meet Teh. I suspected that I might need to dress up a bit today, just in case we took some pictures to post on Instagram. Lately, I'd been quite inactive on social media because I'd been so busy and hadn't gone out much, so I didn't have any new photos to show off.

The familiar scent of cologne filled the air as I carefully applied it to all the key points on my body. I glanced at the mirror to check my appearance before grabbing my bag and leaving the house to meet Teh at our designated meeting spot.

"Io!" Teh shouted my name as I stood on the escalator, moving up to the upper floor.

I raised my hand in greeting before walking towards him.

"So, what are we having?" I asked.

"I don't know, let's check it out first," he replied.

"Come on, Teh! You've been here for so long, and you still can't decide?" I couldn't help but express my hunger, albeit unintentionally. Teh immediately lowered his head in embarrassment. Well, I kind of felt bad for that, but what could I do? Instead of complaining, I should be grateful we're finally here so I can eat.