r.e.m

obvious.

"Don't put the bands, put the bands on me
All my love, all my love is free
Ain't no price on my loyalty
No shit, got me right where you want me, baby
Could I be more obvious?"

"We should put the backdrop right here," Samiyah says, hoisting it against the wall. What do you think?" She asks, looking back at me while I blow up the balloons. I give her a nod while I continue to blow the balloon and tie it shut. "He's gonna love this, girl."

"I hope so," I say, throwing the balloon on the floor with the others. It was the next day, and I had a huge surprise for Blaze to show him my appreciation.

"He's going to love it! Trust me, Jaz." Zyra smiles at me as she tapes some decorations on the wall.

After about an hour of decorating, we were finally putting on the finishing touches. All that was left for me to do was get ready, set up the presents I bought him, and wait for him to arrive. I was planning a surprise date night for Blaze because he had been nothing short of amazing and deserved to be appreciated.

He thought Zyra and I were having a sleepover at my place, giving him a night alone in his apartment. Little did he know, Zyra was going to spend the night with Samiyah for a girls' night at her place. Gage was with Rabbit for the night so it all worked out.

Since moving to Miami, Zyra had effortlessly connected with everyone around her. I knew she would hit it off with Samiyah, and their bond was as seamless as I had anticipated. Despite being opposites, Samiyah with her girly-girl vibe, and Zyra embracing a more tomboyish side, they connected over makeup, fashion, and even anime. It was also adorable to witness Zyra's innocent crush on Jasai; it made me chuckle. Samiyah found it just as cute, clearly charmed by the sweetness of it all.

"We're about to head out. Do you need us to do anything else?" Samiyah asks as I pull out the outfit I planned to wear for the night. She and Zyra stand side by side, ready to leave.

"No, I think I'm all set, but thank you both for helping me with everything," I reply sincerely as they come over for hugs goodbye.

"Of course! I can't wait until he sees it," Samiyah gushes, her excitement infectious.

"He's going to love this so much. Make sure you take pictures!" Zyra demands, her eyes sparkling.

"I will, bossy!" I chuckle. After saying our goodbyes, I'm left alone in the apartment, my heart racing as I prepare for the evening.

I jump in the shower, and once I'm out, I finish up my hygiene routine. I slip into my outfit and apply my makeup. The last touch is putting in my earrings. Before doing that, I checked Blaze's location on my phone. He's driving home, and I know I need to hustle because he's probably speeding.

He has been more than amazing to me. He's been everything I never knew I needed. He's defied all my expectations about relationships and love, shattering the walls I had built around my heart. With every stipulation I once had, he's gone against all odds, accepting me completely, flaws and all.