[Music Recommendation: "Soffia La Notte" by Fabrizio Paterlini - available in Youtube or Spotify] ~ Please listen to it in a loop while you read this part to experience the utmost beauty of this chapter ~

[Please note: We're still in Verrill's POV - reminiscing his memories with Hora]

"Haaah…" I breathed heavily and averted my eyes after seeing her for a few seconds. If I didn't, I may not be able to control myself and just run to her and embrace her. But I had to keep my cool, even if I wasn't the most patient person.

When they arrived, Crystal ran to me and hugged me, much to my irritation. But I couldn't show her that. Father told us to be polite and gentle at all times—something I found very taxing to do. That, plus, she's my best friend's twin sister.

If she was any other girl, I would have ignored her since it was clear she liked me a lot. She's just too cowardly to confess. But if she managed to gather the courage to do so, I would bluntly turn her down. It was the best way to reject someone—not giving them any false hopes. If I had been kind to all those who confessed to me, I would have had lots of girlfriends by now.

After greeting me a happy birthday, she gave me her gift and urged me to open it. Uggh… I would be forced to smile politely again. I knew she would give me another accessory. She never learned, huh? Even Kai knew I didn't like them.

As I guessed, her gift was a watch—another accessory—one of the accessory types I hated the most since it carried extra weight on my wrists. Aside from that, her card was purple—so girly. If she really liked me, she would have an ounce of courtesy to make her card and gift something I would like, right? Still, it was a gift who was I to say no?

That was another reason I detest those girls who confessed to me. Always saying they liked me when they didn't really know who I was or what I really liked. What a bunch of craps. At least I made an effort on getting to know the person I liked, not just falling for looks.

Contrast to Crystal's gift, Hora who came next, had the brains to make her birthday card and wrap her gift in a color I would like—red. I never told her that but it was heartwarming seeing the girl you like making an effort for you. I couldn't help but grin when she greeted me and handed out her gift.

'Ahhh… isn't she the cutest in the world?'

What surprised me more was how she gifted me a Kalimba! I've been meaning to get that ever since I saw it on the internet but I completely forgot about it after getting Hora's number. I enjoyed talking to her too much.

That was another heartwarming thing she did. Finally, I could say that I would enjoy this birthday of mine. In my joy, I was unable to hold myself back so I embraced her. Her body froze up though, and it was funny. It was the same reaction she had when I patted her head during the barbecue party.

Badump! Badump! Badump!

'Seriously… why is it that I like anything she does? Even simple gestures like this? Being able to hug her for the first time, I didn't want to let go. I want more…'

After that, we ate lunch together since Kai was complaining of his hunger. And soon after, the party started. I had to do the boring task of greeting every guest with my family so I was stuck on doing that for hours.

Hours passed and I was getting bored. I couldn't even talk to Hora since Senara took her outside. I glanced at them and it seemed they went to the pond. Bummer. How I hope I could go there, too, instead of entertaining these guests.

It was then that I saw a ray of hope—Mr. and Mrs. Chen!—Mrs. Ma's parents! A brilliant idea came to mind and I made sure to carry out the plan immediately.

"Auntie, there you are," I greeted Mrs. Ma.

"Oh, Verrill, my dear boy. Happy birthday!" she greeted me back and embraced me.

"Good evening to Mr. and Mrs. Chen as well," I bowed my head. "And thank you for coming."

"Why, of course! Happy birthday to you, Verrill."

I smiled at them then turned to Mrs. Ma.

"Auntie, did they meet her already? Senara?"

As I predicted, Mrs. Ma's eyes lit up.

"Oh my goodness! You're right! Mom, Dad, there's someone I would love you to meet."

After that, Mrs. Ma looked for Senara to which I happily assisted, telling her I saw her by the pond. She went there asap and fetched Senara, leaving Hora behind. Finally, I could have her all for myself.

When I approached her, she was reading something on her phone with full concentration. She looked hurt though, seeing how she was almost crying. It was funny how I still found that cute. We talked a bit as I sat beside her. In the back of my head though, I was looking for an opportunity to bring her somewhere else—somewhere we could be alone.

Badump! Badump! Badump!

Spending time with her had always been heart-pounding. And there was no denying how much I liked her. For a change, I'm the one who wanted to confess. I wanted her to know how I feel and for some reason I was getting impatient.

Yeah… impatient not knowing how she thought of me. I wanted her to like me and feel the same way as I do towards her. In case she didn't like me yet, I decided to do everything in my capabilities to seduce her so she would fall for me.

When I got the chance, I invited her to the library since she asked if we had one. It was the perfect spot to confess, too, since it was dead silent there.

She agreed to my invitation and everything was going all according to plan.

But… that plan vanished as soon as I touched her hand.

Why? She was burning with fever!

________________________________________

Hello Pumpkins!

Happy 4th Anniversary to us!!! It's been 4 years since Webnovel was launched and as part of the 515 event this year, I'm going to mass release 5 chapters daily for May 15, 16, and 17, 2021! YAAAAAAAHHH!!!

Look forward to it and happy weekends, Pumpkins!

Ps. If you're feeling generous since this poor author worked hard for this, do send me a gift XD Thank you so much! Wahahahahaha

Lots of love,

Macy Bae