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When you and Kevin agreed to get lunch at Fish Stew Pizza, you didn't expect to be bombarded by birthday decor.

From floor to ceiling, the small business was decked out in "happy birthday" signs, streamers, and confetti everywhere you looked.

"Woah," you said to no one in particular.

"Hey guys," Kiki appeared behind the counter, "what'll it be?"

"Uhh-" you were still distracted by your surroundings.

"Oh, right. It's uh... it's sort of me and Jenny's birthday today," Kiki spoke casually.

"WHAT?" You and Kevin both gawked at Kiki, who shrunk in embarrassment.

"Happy birthday!!" You exclaimed.

"Why aren't you more excited?" Kevin asked.

"Well, Jenny insisted on doing this huge party tonight, but... I think it's more for her than me," Kiki shrugged. "I don't know, I mean it's both out birthdays, and I would just rather stay home with Dad and Gunga. I guess that's a little selfish."

"Not at all!" You reassured her, "it is both your birthdays, so there should be a compromise!"

"We can keep you company at the party if you want," Kevin offered.

"You guys don't have to do that," Kiki smiled.

"It's not like partying is exactly a chore for me," Kevin joked. You elbowed his side.

"We'd love to go," you grinned.

"Ok!" Kiki brightened. "So... are y'all gonna order or what?"

You and Kevin laughed before taking your order to go. The two of you walked the boardwalk, with Kevin carrying the pizza box, and you taking slices from it.

"That's not fair," he whined, "I can't reach it!"

"Here," you laughed before shoving your pizza slice at his face. He took a bite, but got sauce all over his face in the process.

"Hm," he said, annoyed. "I think I'd rather stay hungry."

You snorted and put the messy slice back in the box.

After a while of comfortable silent walking, you spoke quietly; "Do you..."

"Hm?"

"Never mind."

"No, what?"

You took a deep breath; "do you think that Steven and Connie will get back together?"

"Oh," Kevin muttered, "well, I don't know. They were really close, but... he seemed really into you last time I checked."

"Yeah, but that was before," you protested.

"Before what?"

"Before I accidentally rekindled their relationship!"

"All you did was reunite two best friends," Kevin shrugged. "Maybe they're like us. Exes who are friends. You can be friends with your ex and not go out with them. It's possible."

"Right," you looked down, "that makes sense."

After more, less comfortable, silent walking, Kevin spoke; "Talk to him."

"What?" You stopped to face Kevin.

"Just ask him, outright, if he likes Connie," he continued, "communication, bestie."

"Did you just say 'bestie?'" You smirked.

"Not the point," he crossed his arms.

"Yeah, I know," you smiled, "I get it."

So when you got home, you texted Steven.

yeesh. delete.

ew. delete.

good enough.

Of course the boy with "Universe" for a last name would be into astrology.

👍🏻

You smiled at how Steven texted like an old man. Perfect capitalization, punctuation, and unironic use of emojis. What a nerd.

And stars, you missed him.

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