Love & Deepspace (One Shots)

one last present, pt. 2. ⛄️ (s)

very late! here's part two! E N J O Y ! ♡

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The party continued on for another hour or so, and it was only when midnight began to approach that things wound down and people decided to start heading to their rooms to prepare for bed. I bid goodnight to Greyson, Yvonne, Riley and the rest of the partygoers, then made my way to Zayne's room on the third floor; he'd gone to bed slightly earlier than the others, though I had one last surprise for him before it actually became his birthday. In my hand, I carried a cake just big enough for two people — or one sweet-toothed doctor — decorated with white and blue icing, blueberries, and a handful of colourful macarons. I'd kept it hidden away from the crowd because although it was great spending Zayne's birthday with everyone who cared about him, I couldn't deny that I wanted to share that special moment when the clock ticked over just with him.

When I reached his room, I twisted the handle and sure enough, the door had been left unlocked just as Zayne had told me before he'd left. Inside, the presents and cards he'd received were all neatly laid out on the table as if he'd spent several minutes arranging them, with mine being placed front and centre; I couldn't help but smile.

As I walked a little further into the room, my attention was drawn to the balcony where Zayne stood by himself, bathed in moonlight. He looked magical, absolutely captivated by the moon's shimmering reflection on the distant lake's surface.

"Are you tired?" I asked as I stepped out onto the balcony.

He didn't say a word and instead gestured for me to come closer, and when I did, we moved to sit on the nearby sofa with the cake resting on the small, round table in front of us.

"I should be the one asking that. You've been busy all day. Aren't you tired?" The concerned tone made yet another appearance in Zayne's voice as he shifted in his seat to face me. "To be exact, you've been busy a lot longer than that, haven't you?"

I smiled and shook my head, brushing a few strands of hair out of my face. "I don't feel tired at all. I'm just really happy." Honestly, I felt a combination of joy and relief that the party went off without a hitch, and that everyone — especially Zayne — seemed to enjoy it so much. "Everyone is also glad they could express their admiration for Dr. Zayne."

With his left arm over the back of the sofa, Zayne rested his chin on his hand and gazed at me with a soft smile. "So, you went through all this trouble to ensure I receive more blessings."

"I'll admit, I was worried you'd be overwhelmed with so many people celebrating with you... but the idea of you surrounded by genuine love and care on your birthday was too good to pass up."

Despite the chill of the night, my cheeks felt warm as his hazel hues stared into mine. The moonlight cast a tender glow on his face, illuminating his features perfectly; his sharp jawline, porcelain skin, and soft, pink lips were beautiful. He was beautiful. I'd always felt something for Zayne, even when we were kids, but then he moved away and we didn't see each other for years... when I walked into that room for my first checkup with my new primary care physician, it was like a shockwave through my body. All of those feelings came flooding back, and they only got stronger over time. I relished every second I spent in his presence, and I constantly wondered whether he was safe and well; there was only one word to describe it... love. I loved Zayne.

I was drawn out of my thoughts by Zayne scratching the back of his neck and saying, "It took me some time to adjust, but it wasn't long until I found myself slightly reluctant to let the night end."

"Really?" I frowned, a little confused by his statement. "But if the night doesn't end, we won't be able to celebrate your actual birthday."

His smile grew as he pinched my cheek. "You've raised my expectations once again."