Lucien hadn't planned to find out. It was purely accidental.
While searching Arin's drawer for a charger, he came across an old, cracked ID card. He turned it over, eyes catching on the date: June 14.
Today.
Lucien stared at the numbers for a long moment. Arin hadn't said a word about it. No mention, no change in expression. He probably didn't even care. Or maybe, he just didn't want to remember.
Still, Lucien couldn't let it go.
He rushed to a nearby convenience store, bought a small chocolate cupcake with pink frosting, a single matchstick to use as a candle, and a bracelet he saw by the counter—a cheap one, but it had a small tiger charm. Fitting.
When Arin came home that night, the lights in the apartment were dim. His steps were heavy, coat soaked slightly from the rain. He looked worn down, his usual sharpness dulled.
But then he saw it.
The cupcake sat on the coffee table, a tiny flame flickering atop it. Lucien stood nearby, hands behind his back, trying not to grin.
"Happy birthday," Lucien said, voice soft.
Arin blinked. "How did you..."
Lucien shrugged. "Found your ID card. You left it in the drawer like an amateur."
Arin stepped forward, eyeing the cupcake like it was something foreign. "I forgot what sweetness tastes like."
Lucien held out the match like a candle. "Make a wish."
Arin didn't move. Just stared at him.
And then, unexpectedly, Arin leaned in. The kiss was soft—brief, but full. Warm and real.
Lucien's heart thundered.
---
The next morning, they went to Elsa's house.
Lucien hadn't been there in months, but she welcomed him like no time had passed. Her girlfriend Mia baked a lopsided cake, and decorations were strung up in the living room with paper stars.
Lucien's ten-year-old sister Anna came running from the kitchen the moment they entered.
"Lucien!" she shouted, hugging his waist tightly.
Lucien scooped her up with a soft laugh. "Hey, baby girl."
Anna turned to Arin, eyes wide. "Is this your boyfriend?"
Arin choked.
Lucien coughed. "He's... someone special."
They all laughed. Elsa winked.
The birthday gathering was simple. Music played from a phone speaker. Anna smeared frosting on Lucien's nose. Arin smiled more in that one hour than Lucien had seen all month.
At one point, Anna climbed into Lucien's lap and curled against him. He hugged her tightly—and suddenly arin became sad he was almost crying.
Lucien watched in silence.
Lucien Arin, "She reminds me of the life I almost had. The one that never made it."
Anna, sensing his sadness, kissed his cheek. "Don't cry, big brother."
Arin chuckled wetly. "You're too good for this world."
The party wound down slowly. Hugs were exchanged. Anna waved from the window as they left, her tiny face pressed to the glass.
---
Back home, Arin sat on the couch, examining the little bracelet Lucien had left for him.
He said nothing.
But when Lucien sat beside him and rested his head on his shoulder, Arin didn't move away.
That night, neither of them spoke much.
But something had shifted.
Something real.
---