—
I was too stunned to speak as a flood of emotions rushed through me. Was it happiness from the effort they’d put into planning this surprise and keeping it from me? Maybe it was appreciation so strong it nearly brought me to tears knowing there were people who truly cared about me? Or was it just the frustration of seeing so many people crammed into my room, knowing I’d be the one to clean up afterward?
Whatever it was, today was special and I was the centre of attention.
“Happy birthday, Kailey!” they cheered, a little off in timing but heartfelt all the same.
“Thank you so much, guys.”
Today had already been shaping up to be great, and now it had just gotten even better. Dad called early this morning to wish me a happy birthday. I’d had to make up a quick excuse when he asked why I gave Marcus my ticket; obviously, I couldn’t tell him about going to the party. Then came special treatment from classmates, an extra helping of dessert at lunch, and now this.
And to think there was still more to come.
I hadn’t heard from Marcus, though. At home, it was tradition for anyone celebrating their birthday to get completely drenched in an outrageous amount of water, but being at school, I didn’t expect that. Still, a text or quick call wasn’t too much to ask.
What if he forgot?
It was just a fleeting thought. I knew he was busy with student council stuff, and Dad mentioned something about him being involved in a trial today. But still, could that really mean he forgot?
If he did, I’d be sure to smack him.
“Kailey?”
The sound of my name snapped me back. I was holding a drink, surrounded by friends. We were discussing some things that happened in class, and it seems I got so absorbed in my thoughts.
“Sorry,” I said, flashing a quick smile. “Just thinking about something.”
Before anyone could respond, another voice cut in.
“Hey, Kailey, can we talk for a second?”
I turned and there was Kitahara, looking more serious than I’d ever seen him.
Curious.
“I’ll be right back,” I told the others, setting my drink down before following him out.
As we walked through the hallway, I noticed how quiet he was, and it seemed he wanted as much privacy as possible.
Could this really be what I thought it was?
I knew Kitahara had a crush on me, so I wouldn’t be surprised. But making a move today on my birthday was bold… and a little cowardly. A calculated play to maximise his chances. I smiled at the interesting possibilities, already imagining how I could make the most of this upcoming dramatic event that is about to unfold.
Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.
We stopped at the end of the hallway. Kitahara took a breath and met my eyes.
“I know this might be out of the blue,” he began, “but do you remember when you helped me study for our first test after we got here?”
He exhaled slowly as if gathering the courage to continue. “Uh…so, that meant a lot to me.”
“It wasn’t a big deal. You looked like you needed help, so I just... helped.”
“Yeah, I did. I mean…” he said, fumbling his words and trying to compose himself. “But it’s not just that.”
He hesitated, then continued. “I’ve wanted to say this for a while and I just felt like... maybe today was the right time.”
Oh. So this was really happening.
The stereotypical confession scene I had seen play out in countless dramas and stories, except this time, I was the main character.
“Kitahara, what are you trying to say?” I asked, playing dumb.
“I like you,” he said. “I think you’re really cool and smart and fun to be around. And I was wondering if you’d maybe, uh… want to be my girlfriend?” As soon as the last word left his lips, his face turned a deep shade of red.
Perfect.
Everything about this was perfect.
The nervousness, the awkward pacing, the words used—it was so cliché, and I loved it. Every part of Kitahara’s confession felt like a scene pulled straight from a cheesy romance drama, and I had front-row seats.
“It’s completely fine if you don’t feel the same. I just felt like I should tell you. There’s no need for you to answer right away or anything, but yeah,” he added and I was surprised he kept going after the confession.
A warm smile tugged at my lips. “Well, your timing could use some work. Confessing on my birthday? You realise this moment now has to compete with cake and presents, right?”
Kitahara’s eyes widened. “I didn’t mean—wait, that’s not what I—uh…”
I chuckled quietly as he fumbled with his words. “Relax, I’m just kidding,” I said, trying to ease the tension.
He really was an open book. There were so many ways I could make this moment entertaining for myself—say I liked him back just to rile up Emma, or give a cold rejection just to send him on a downward spiral.
But before I could decide, my mind wandered to Marcus, of all people. Why was I thinking about that conversation now? What did he have to do with this?
I lowered my eyes a little and let out a soft sigh. My grin had vanished by the time I looked back at him.
“I’m sorry, Kitahara,” I said. “You’re great, but I don’t feel the same way. I’m really sorry.”
Damn it. It seemed I actually listened to Marcus’s advice after all. My fingers clenched briefly at the thought.
“Oh, that’s all right,” Kitahara said, though the way he looked away told me everything.
I sighed again, deciding to throw him a bone. “You know, there’s probably someone who does like you. Emma, maybe? I do get that vibe from her.” I winked. His eyes lit up slightly; he got the hint.
“I should get back,” I said, glancing toward the door. “So…”
“You can head back,” he muttered. “I just need a minute.”
I nodded and turned away, but I caught the faint sound of a quiet sob. I pretended not to hear it and kept walking. Telling him about Emma might lead to something interesting later.
The party went on, and Kitahara returned, acting like nothing had happened. Before I knew it, it was time for everyone to leave, as the hours had flown by.
“Thank you, everyone, for coming today,” I said.
A loud cheer erupted, and I grinned. But just as I was about to enjoy the moment, a knock at the door caught my attention. Who could it be?
I skipped over and opened it to see Marcus standing there, hands behind his back, wearing a smug smirk.
“Hey, sis.”
For a moment, I could only stare in shock. He actually came? A smile tugged at my lips. So he didn’t forget.
“Marcus—”
Before I could finish, he pulled out an open water bottle from behind his back.
“Uh—!”
I didn’t even have time to react before a cold splash of water hit my face. The liquid drenched my hair, seeping into my clothes as my classmates behind me let out a collective gasp. Meanwhile, Marcus stood grinning from ear to ear, barely holding in his laughter.
For a few seconds, I was too stunned to do anything. Then, slowly, my shock melted into something else.
“You bastard!” I shouted, breaking into a sprint after him.
Marcus had clearly planned this; he’d already called the elevator in advance, as I caught the doors sliding open. He turned and poked out his tongue as I lunged forward, but the elevator doors closed in my face before I could reach him.
Of course. That guy.
I hit the button to call the second elevator, shaking my head.
“Marcus, you really are annoying,” I muttered, a smile tugging at my lips.