Outside, the sky is fading into shades of orange and pink.
Inside, it’s just us.

Two cups of half-finished coffee, one slice of strawberry cake he swore he didn’t want but somehow, he’s eaten most of it anyway. Cute. And if only he knew.. I keep looking at him because of that. Yeah, those eyes. Those damn eyes that undo me every single time. They’re soft, brown, a little unsure, like they’re saying everything he can’t put into words. I stare too long, I know I do. Until he notices, looks away. His cheeks flushing pink, lips curving into that shy half-smile. I’d do absolutely anything to protect. And in that tiny café, bathed in fading sunlight and soft music, I realize, there’s nowhere else I’d rather be.

“Happy early birthday,” I whisper.
He laughs quietly, almost to himself.

“Why are you saying it like that?” he asks, still a little flustered.

I shrug, smiling. “Because it’s not just your day, you know. It’s the day the world decided to make my life a little brighter.”

#IBUKIAlluringGala.