Exo Imagines

Birthday (Luhan)

~may be triggering, take caution~

You flip through the letters once more, as you do when this day rolls around each year.

Piles upon piles of parchment, each one just as precious as the next. They are your most sacred treasure, one you would never sell or give up for anything.

Sifting through the box, you organize the letters from the oldest to the most recent. Floods of memories are brought on by each and every heartfelt page, and it feels as though you're reading them for the first time all over again.

You pick up the very last letter, holding it in your shaking fingers.

"Mom," you whisper to the thin paper, "It's your birthday again."

Keeping with tradition, you lay each envelope on the table, creating long rows of aged perfection.

Lighting the candles of the small, pink birthday cake, you watch as the glow illuminates the steady, cursive handwriting. A single tear streaks down your cold cheek as you remember your mother's smile, so warm and genuine. Why couldn't it have been you, instead of her?

For years, she had written you a letter for your birthday, as a yearly time-capsule. Since your father had run out on the family when you were young, she wanted to create something special for you to have that would always remind you that she'd be there for you forever. She had kept them hidden, and waited until you turned sixteen to present them to you.

She must've known she would die that day.

All you could remember was a bright light, and then a smash. You were pulled out of the wreckage, but your mother wasn't. You pleaded with the boy who saved you, but he refused your request.

"I can't, she's already dead!"

Those words, piercing through the entirety of your heart, haunted you. You were so young, just starting your real teenage years. And so was the boy, only a year older than you. His name was Luhan, he told you at the hospital. He stayed the entire night, gripping your hand in his throughout every nightmare.

You grew close to him, and he was there for you whenever you needed him.

That is, until he became an idol.

You always knew he was talented. He would sing to you sometimes, late at night, when you couldn't sleep. His voice soothed you for a while, and allowed you the peace of mind to sleep, even if it was only for a few hours.

It hurt to remember his smile, too.

Oh, how beautiful she looked on her last day.

You still remember the deep, forest green dress your mother wore, laying there in all her beauty. She seemed almost alive, her skin powdered and glowing.

Luhan was there, too, dressed in his crisp, black suit. He kept his hand in yours during the entire ceremony, letting you cry into his shoulder, despite the cost of his clothing. No, he had never complained a bit.

It's been seven years, and it still felt just as painful to be alone.

Tears blurred your vision, the candles you're staring at turning into blobs of white and orange. This is the first year that you're alone for her birthday. Letting out a small sob, you sink to the floor, a feeling of complete isolation washing over you.

"_____, what're you doing on the floor?"

Your mind is cruel, playing tricks on you. It's almost as if you had heard Luhan's voice, the voice of the person you were desperately in love with.

"_____."

Two strong arms wrap around your torso, lifting you to your feet. Whiping around, your blurry eyes meet with Luhan's. His eyes are soft, filled with a mix of sadness and worry. Natural curls are tucked behind his ears, and fall over his forehead. He looked the same as always, just...tired.

"You thought I wouldn't remember? Ah, don't be so silly," he murmurs, wiping the droplets from your cheeks.

"B-But...I thought...."

"You thought wrong."

His lips graze your cheekbone, his hand cupping the other side of your face. "I'm so sorry that I haven't been with you recently. My family pressured me into this whole idol lifestyle, without even considering my own wishes."

Your trembling hands grasp the back of his jacket, as if he were your lifeline. How could you have doubted him so easily, when you two had shared so many memories together?

"I love you, and always have. I want to be here for you, _____. Now and forever. But, first, I want to ask your mother for her permission."

He bends down on one knee, and your heart stops in your chest.

"Mrs. _____, would you bless me with your daughter's hand in marriage? I promise to take care of her, for as long as I'm able."

The pictures behind him of your mother's smiling face reassure you, and you feel overwhelmingly happy. You were sure that your mother would be so proud of you.

"She said yes," you say, trying not to cry out of sheer happiness,

"I'm so glad. Now, will you marry me, beautiful?"

You nodded, laughing through your numerous tears. He pulled you down onto his knee, hugging you close.

"Happy birthday, mom," you whispered, a growing smile on your face, knowing you'd never have to be alone again.

~

A happy ending to a sad story.

I'm really sorry if this triggered anyone! It's just a new style of writing I haven't tried before.

I've had a lot going on lately, but I'll try my best to update as regularly as I can.

Thank you for reading~