Royal Colors (OPEN APPLY FIC)

Chapter 89: End of September Birthdays & Promotions

Languages:
Korean - Normal Text
English - Bolded
Chinese - Bolded & Slanted
Japanese - Slanted
Thai - Bolded, Slanted, Underlined
Other - Underlined
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

-Tuesday, September 17, 2024~11:35AM-

~Irene's POV~

I was talking to some of my members, enjoying my party, when Ryo came up to me. I hadn't seen him yet today so I assumed he had just arrived. In his hand was a small gift bag.

"Hey." He said, seeming a bit awkward.

"Hey." I replied.

The two of us hadn't talked since his birthday a month and a half ago. That day he drunkenly told me he joined RC for me and I've always had questions as to why he found me so important, but I'm too shy to say anything. I think he must have known he said something unusual that day and that's why he hasn't said anything to me either.

"I, uh..." He said, looking down at the bag in his hand. Then he held it out to me. "Happy Birthday."

I hesitantly took the gift bag. "You know we don't do gifts at RC, right?"

"I know." He nodded, his eyes never falling on me. "I wanted to get you something though."

I found myself biting my lip, trying to keep myself from smiling. I took out the wrapping paper and stuck my hand inside the bag, pulling out a small bunny plush.

"I know bunnies are kind of Bunny's thing in the public eye but I know you like bunnies too so I got you one." He said, looking down shyly.

I smiled at the cute present. "It's adorable. Thank you."

Wanting to get rid of this awkwardness, I suddenly hugged Ryo. This was out of my element but it just came over me, I didn't know why. The hug lasted a total of three seconds before I pulled away. His face was as red as a tomato and it made me want to leave as well, feeling shy myself.

"I'm going to go put this somewhere safe." I said, turning on my heels to walk away.

I quickly walked away, trying to hide myself from all the embarrassment. I went to the shared locker room in the gym to not only calm myself down but to also put my gift away. I sat down at one of the benches inside, trying to calm myself down after putting Ryo's present safely in a locker. Before too long, I heard a knock at the door.

"Come in." I said loud enough for them to hear.

In walked Alan and I immediately felt relief. He was my rock during times like this.

"Hey, I heard you came in here feeling upset." He said, sitting down next to me. "Are you okay?"

"Yes, just feeling a little anxious." I said, placing my head on his shoulder.

We sat there like that for a good minute. He knew exactly what to do in these situations and that's why I loved him so much. By the time I was calmed down, I decided to speak up.

"Hey, did Ryo get you a birthday gift?" I asked, knowing how close the two of them are.

"No, why?" He shook his head.

I looked down. "No reason."

"We don't do birthday gifts at RC, remember?" He said, pinching my leg playfully. "So don't feel so offended."

"I know, I'm not." I played it up so Alan wouldn't know the truth.

"Good." He said, standing up, pushing on my leg to help himself stand. "Now can we get back to enjoying our party?"