Love Rivals: The Day I Saw Your Tears

38. Picking A Gift Is So Hard

After mopping the last corner of the café, I leaned the mop against the wall and stretched my aching back. The soft hum of conversations filled the room as the evening crowd settled in. Feeling the exhaustion creeping in, I walked over to the counter, flipping through the pages of the café's calendar.

My fingers paused when I saw the familiar date. A wave of realization washed over me- Ryan's birthday was right around the corner.

The last two days had been a whirlwind of thoughts as I tried to figure out what to gift Ryan. Now, it was his birthday, and I was still utterly clueless.

After dinner, I collapsed onto my bed, grabbed my phone, and started mindlessly scrolling through WhatsApp. For a brief second, I thought about messaging Krystal for ideas, but then I stopped myself. Knowing her, she'd tease me relentlessly until I regretted even asking. No thanks.

Instead, I opened the online shopping app, hoping inspiration would strike.

A tie? No way. He rarely wore formal clothes.

A shirt? But then again, he practically lived in hoodies and tees.

A pen? Wait, what am I, his student?

Perfume? Out of my budget-big time.

I sighed, scrolling faster, getting more frustrated by the second.

How about a watch? A diary? Shoes? A photo frame? A wallet? Hmm... a wallet wasn't bad, but then again, what were the chances someone else would get him the same thing?

Why was picking a gift so hard?

Frustrated, I gave up on the shopping app and switched to Instagram, aimlessly scrolling through reels. The mindless videos were a temporary distraction, but eventually, I glanced at the time -- 11:58 p.m.

My heart skipped a beat.

I opened WhatsApp and clicked on Ryan's number. My fingers hovered over the keyboard as I quickly typed, "Happy Birthday." When the clock hit twelve, I froze, my thumb hesitating over the send button.

What if he gets the wrong idea? I didn't want to stir something, not again.

After a few tense seconds, I sighed, shutting my phone off completely.

Better to leave it unsaid, I thought, pulling the covers over my head and trying to sleep.

The next day, I stuck to my plan -- no birthday wishes, no unnecessary conversations. I had made up my mind to stay away from Ryan and the rest of our classmates. It just seemed easier that way, to avoid any awkwardness or confusion.

But all that resolve went out the window when the door to the café swung open, and in walked the familiar group -- my classmates -- laughing and chatting like nothing had changed.

"Hey," I greeted, forcing a smile that barely felt natural.

Vicky, with his usual easy grin, said, "Ryan told us to wait at your place, but we figured we'd hang out here until he shows up. Sorry for crashing in so early."

I managed to keep my forced smile intact. "No worries, make yourselves comfortable."

But as they settled in, I could sense that the day was going to be long and complicated.

Ryan arrived shortly after, strolling in with his usual carefree attitude. "Sorry to keep you all waiting," he said, glancing around at the group. "Have you guys ordered anything yet? No? Well, breakfast is on me today."

Everyone broke into cheerful smiles, immediately wishing him a happy birthday. The mood in the café shifted, filling with excitement.

"Thanks, guys," Ryan said, beaming at all the attention. "By the way, I'm throwing a party tonight at my place. You're all invited."

My stomach twisted at the mention of the party. I kept my smile, but inside I was already planning my exit strategy.

I slipped away from the group and made my way to the kitchen, hoping for a moment of peace. But before I could even take a deep breath, Ryan walked in as if he owned the place, his usual grin plastered on his face.

"Hey," he said casually, leaning against the doorframe.

I glanced at him, trying to hide my surprise. "What are you doing in here?"

"Is there any ice cream?" he asked, his tone completely nonchalant. "I've been craving it since last night."

I sighed, slightly irritated by his carefree attitude. But I still opened the freezer, pulled out a tub, and handed it to him. "Here. Anything else, Mr. Birthday Boy?"

He chuckled, popping the lid open. But then, out of nowhere, his voice took on a teasing edge. "So... if you'd already typed it, why didn't you send it?"

I froze, my heart skipping a beat. How did he know? My mind raced, but I tried to play it cool. "What are you talking about?" I asked, my voice a little shaky despite my best efforts.