9 Minutes

7 Minutes

Ellis' POV

It's my birthday, an unforgettable day for Zach. He always remember this and tries to surprise me. I get up in my bed earlier; Zach is still sleeping.

I decide to cook breakfast because it's my birthday – something new, right? I choose pasta carbonara, reminiscent of my grandma's creamy and delicious version from my childhood.

The aroma is quite good; I did my best to make it. Zach wakes up.

"Love, get up. I tried to cook pasta carbonara. Taste it, please?" I ask.

"Fine. Yummy. I love it," he says, and it looks like he genuinely likes it.

"Happy birthday, Love!" he suddenly states.

"Oh! Thank you, love. I love you," I softly said and hug him. My birthday is filled with happy memories with him, especially my 21st birthday when he knelt on the ground and offered a toy ring, saying, "Someday I'll marry you."

After some months, it's Christmas day. It's 7:00 AM, snowing outside, and I feel cold. I wear a sweater given by Zach. I sit on the couch, sipping hot chocolate milk while Zach is still sleeping.

After a few minutes, Zach wakes up, and we decide to play in the snow outside.

"Merry Christmas, Love! I love you," Zach states.

"I love you too, honey," I utter to him.

"Honey? Hmm. That's quite sweet like you," he says, blushing. We play in the snow, enjoying the festive day.

Afterwards, we go to church. He holds my hand and never let go. After the mass, we eat ice cream together and walk down the streets, just like before.

After some days, New Year is coming, and it's loud outside with colorful fireworks catching my attention. We watch it together, and he kisses me out of nowhere.

"Another year with you, honey!" Zach is smiling and kisses me on the cheeks.

"More years to come, honey! I love you always," I softly utter.

Another year and still in college. I remember when Zach got jealous of Kenzo, my childhood friend that is also studying in San Francisco University. It's a typical Tuesday night in a bar, and Zach is aware that I'm with Kenzo.

The cacophony is still in my head. It sounds fun, and I'm a bit drunk. Kenzo suggests driving me home, but I decline, saying my boyfriend will come. He carry me, and Zach suddenly appears, seeing us.

"Hey! Put him down. I'll carry him," Zach states.

"But who are you!?" Kenzo asks.

"I'm his boyfriend. Just put him down and go away," Zach says with a moderate tone.

"No! I'm gonna carry him to the car and drive him home," Kenzo insists.

"Zach, please! He's Kenzo, my childhood friend. He's just concerned about me," I state, feeling dizzy.

"Ellis, I'm your boyfriend! I'm also concerned about you. You're going home with me," Zach softly utters.

"Please, can we just go home together?" I ask.

"Yes, but I'll carry you, and you, Zach, right? Just sit in the back seat of my car. I'll drive you home."

The following day, I wake up and see Zach staring at a photo album with pictures of me and Kenzo. We eat in the kitchen, but he's not speaking.

"Love, he's just my childhood friend. Don't get jealous. It's not a big deal," I say.

"It is a big deal for me. I should have carried you last night, not him," Zach says with displeasure. "Also, don't ever meet each other again."