Unevitable | Ryeji |

Chapter 52: Steps Towards Forever

Yeji's POV:

Today's the day. Our birthday. Mine and Hyunjin's.

I woke up feeling a mix of excitement and nostalgia. It's been so long since we've celebrated together like this, and now that we're older, the day feels more special somehow. As I glance at the small stack of gifts piled on my dresser, a smile creeps onto my face. Hyunjin has always been the sentimental one, giving me presents that hold meaning.

The house is bustling with activity. Niki is already up to something mischievous, as usual, and I hear Mom humming in the kitchen, probably preparing one of her grand birthday meals. She's always made our birthdays feel like a big event, and I can't help but feel a surge of warmth knowing she's still so involved despite her busy schedule as the President.

I step out into the living room, and I'm greeted by the smell of pancakes, freshly brewed coffee, and the sight of balloons and streamers scattered around. Niki's at the center of it all, holding two ridiculous party hats. "You've gotta wear one, sis. No exceptions!" he grins, holding one out to me, while already plopping the other on Hyunjin's head.

Hyunjin rolls his eyes, but there's a soft smile on his lips. "I'm only doing this because it's our birthday," he says, looking at me with that usual teasing glint in his eye.

"Yeah, yeah," I laugh, taking the hat and putting it on with a dramatic flourish. "Can't believe I'm spending my birthday looking like this."

Hyunjin chuckles, "Well, you look good. Even with a ridiculous hat on."

I shove him playfully, and Niki immediately chimes in, "Oh, here we go again. The sibling love."

We all burst into laughter. The dynamic between us hasn't changed much. Even though we've all grown up, these moments still feel just as goofy and fun as when we were younger.

As we sit down for breakfast, Hyunjin leans over, bumping my shoulder. "So, what's the plan for today? Any special birthday wishes?"

I glance around at the decorations, at Mom, Niki, and Hyunjin-all the people who mean the most to me. "Honestly," I say with a grin, "this is perfect already."

Hyunjin raises an eyebrow, clearly not convinced. "Come on, there's gotta be something more. Spill it."

I lean back in my chair, thinking for a moment. "I guess..." I start, glancing at Hyunjin, "I just want to spend today with all of you. No work, no distractions. Just us."

Niki, with his mouth full of pancakes, blurts out, "Well, you're in luck because I'm not going anywhere. Especially not with that cake Mom's making later."

We all laugh, and I realize that today's going to be a day to remember. It's not just about the gifts or the celebrations, but about the love and connection we share. Hyunjin and I have been through so much, and yet, here we are, stronger than ever.

"Happy birthday to us," I say, raising my coffee cup.

Hyunjin clinks his against mine with a soft smile. "Happy birthday, Yeji."

As we finish up breakfast, I can't help but drift into the past. "Do you remember our eighth birthday?" I ask, glancing at Hyunjin with a smirk.

Hyunjin instantly groans, rubbing his temples. "Oh no, don't bring that up again."

Niki, still half-immersed in his pancakes, perks up at this. "Wait, what happened on your eighth birthday? I was only six. My memory's hazy."

I lean back in my chair, the memory flooding in like it was yesterday. "Well, Niki, you were the instigator."