Chapter 27: Happy Birthday!!

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The energy was electric as people filled Yunjin's house, laughter and music spilling out into the night air. Yunjin was turning nineteen, and the party she'd planned felt bigger than anything she'd ever organized before. The lights were dim, the decorations sparkled in a dark, edgy style, and the living room was packed with classmates and friends, all there to celebrate with her.

Yunjin moved through the crowd, grinning as people handed her birthday wishes and drinks. It felt good to be surrounded by her friends, but there was a specific person she couldn't help but look out for. She hadn't seen Kazuha yet, and a part of her was anxious, hoping that Kazuha hadn't changed her mind about coming.

And then, through the crowd, she spotted her. Kazuha stood in the doorway, looking around as if searching for her, and Yunjin's heart skipped a beat. Kazuha looked stunning in a simple black dress, her hair cascading in soft waves, and her smile—once her eyes landed on Yunjin—made the whole room fade into the background.

Yunjin made her way over, trying to hide the giddiness bubbling up in her chest. "You made it!" she called over the music, grinning as she approached her.

Kazuha laughed, giving her a warm hug. "Of course I did! I wouldn't miss this for anything." She pulled back, a teasing glint in her eyes. "You only turn nineteen once."

"True," Yunjin chuckled. She gestured toward the kitchen. "Come on, let's grab a drink. It's my party, but I need you by my side to make it fun."

As they weaved through the crowd, Kazuha leaned in close to speak, her voice just loud enough for Yunjin to hear. "Did you really throw this whole thing for yourself, or just for the attention?" she teased, nudging her playfully.

Yunjin smirked, raising an eyebrow. "Maybe a little bit of both. But I won't lie—I was hoping to get your attention too." She shot Kazuha a playful wink, and Kazuha rolled her eyes, laughing.

They spent the next hour mingling and talking, Yunjin introducing Kazuha to some of her friends and occasionally stealing glances that held a quiet warmth, a reminder of the bond they shared. As the night went on, Minji and Hanni joined them, pulling them into the games and antics, and the four of them ended up laughing until their sides hurt.

Finally, as the party started to wind down, the guests began gathering around Yunjin to sing "Happy Birthday." Someone handed her a cupcake with a single candle, and everyone cheered as she made a wish, her eyes flickering over to Kazuha before she blew out the flame.

When the singing died down, Kazuha leaned over, her voice soft but genuine. "Happy birthday, Yunjin. I hope this year brings you everything you want."

Yunjin met her gaze, her smile growing a little softer. "Thank you, Kazuha. Honestly, this night already gave me more than I could ask for."

As the cheering faded and people started returning to their conversations, Yunjin felt a pang of excitement—and maybe a touch of nerves—about the wish she'd just made. She glanced down at the cupcake in her hand, the extinguished candle now just a bit of melted wax. Her wish had been simple: to feel a little more grounded, more certain, and closer to the people who really mattered to her this year. And right now, with Kazuha by her side and her friends surrounding her, she felt like maybe, just maybe, she was already on her way there.

The party continued in full swing, with people dancing, talking, and sharing drinks. Music filled the rooms, and Yunjin let herself relax, feeling lighter with each passing minute. She glanced over at Kazuha, who was watching the people around her, laughing at some joke Minji and Hanni were telling. Seeing her happy, so naturally part of Yunjin's world, made her chest feel full in a way that was both exhilarating and terrifying.

After a while, Kazuha tugged Yunjin over to a quieter corner, away from the bustling crowd. "So," Kazuha started, a playful glint in her eyes, "you never told me what you wished for when you blew out the candle."

Yunjin leaned against the wall, smirking. "If I tell you, doesn't that mean it won't come true?"

Kazuha raised an eyebrow. "I don't believe in that. C'mon, just a hint?"

Yunjin looked down, a bit shy but unable to stop the grin spreading across her face. "I might have wished for a little more... stability," she said softly, catching Kazuha's gaze. "You know, more people who stick around. And maybe a little clarity in my life."

Kazuha nodded, understanding the layers of what she was saying. "That's a good wish, Yunjin." Her hand found Yunjin's and gave it a reassuring squeeze. "I think you deserve that."

They stood in silence for a moment, the noise of the party fading into the background, and for Yunjin, this quiet moment felt like everything. The way Kazuha looked at her, eyes warm and sincere, made her feel like she could breathe easier.

But before the moment could stretch too long, Minji and Hanni stumbled over, half-laughing, half-dragging each other. Minji, slightly tipsy, grinned widely. "Hey, lovebirds, don't disappear on us!" she teased, elbowing Yunjin with a smirk.

Hanni chimed in, a little slurred but grinning. "Yeah, you can't just sneak away when we're about to play truth or dare!"

Yunjin laughed, giving Kazuha a look. "Well, it looks like we've been summoned."

Kazuha chuckled, rolling her eyes. "Guess we can't say no, can we?"

The four of them joined the rest of the group in the living room, where someone had pulled out a circle of chairs. The game started with silly dares and funny truths, escalating into bolder challenges as everyone became braver with each round. Laughter echoed through the room as people dared each other to dance, reveal embarrassing secrets, or act out ridiculous scenarios.

Finally, it was Yunjin's turn, and Minji, with a mischievous smile, dared her to kiss the person she wanted to see the most next year. The group fell silent, all eyes on her, as everyone waited to see who she would choose.

With a small, nervous smile, Yunjin looked directly at Kazuha. The room filled with laughter, and a few playful shouts erupted from their friends. But Yunjin didn't hesitate; she leaned forward, her hand gently brushing Kazuha's cheek as she placed a soft, warm kiss on her lips. It wasn't for the crowd or the game—it was just for them.

When she pulled back, Kazuha's cheeks were flushed, and she gave Yunjin a shy smile, her eyes soft. The room cheered, but in that moment, Yunjin only saw her.

This was what she'd wished for.

(a/n: yes.. that's the end, thank y'all for your support, I really do appreciate it!!🤗 but dw, i'm still thinking of uploading a few extra chapters of how their life went. and also, if you have any ideas of book plots, you can dm me either here, or on my ig, kafd3000. thank y'all so much again, see you in a bit😜)

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