Alex packed his bag for his tuition classes, slinging it over his shoulder as he grabbed the jacket from the chair. The soft hum of the air conditioner filled the quiet room, and the distant murmur of television seeped from the living room. It was already late.

  “Hurry up! We’re getting late!” Leon’s voice carried from the stairs, impatient as ever.

  “I’m coming!” Alex called back, quickly checking his phone. The cab he booked was already near the apartment.

  “The cab’s here,” he said as he rushed down the stairs, stepping onto the dimly lit street. The evening air was cool, crisp against his skin.

  Alex was known as the charming one in class, effortlessly making friends. People gravitated toward him because he played the part they wanted—a perfect gentleman.

  “Don’t you want to date anyone?” Andy, one of his classmates, asked as they walked toward their usual study spot.

  Alex had heard this question far too many times. “Not interested.”

  Andy frowned. “Why? There are plenty of girls who like you.”

  “They’re all the same.” The words left his lips before he could filter them.

  Andy scoffed. “Like you’re any different?” he muttered before walking away, flipping through his notes.

  Alex didn’t bother responding. Girls didn’t like being compared to others. He knew that much.

  After class, Alex and Leon decided to walk home. The streets were quieter now, the city lights casting a golden glow on the pavement.

  “Andy seemed mad at you,” Leon noted.

  “I see.”

  Leon sighed. “If you keep acting like this, you’re gonna lose your gentleman reputation.”

  Alex shot him a look—calm but sharp enough to silence him. Leon rolled his eyes and looked away.

  But Alex’s mind had already drifted elsewhere. A feeling stirred inside him—something uneasy, restless. Without a word, he turned on his heel and started walking away, leaving Leon behind.

  Leon blinked. “What’s up with him?”

  The streets stretched endlessly as Alex wandered, weaving through narrow alleys and bustling sidewalks. The faint scent of fresh bread and sugar lingered in the cool night air. When he finally stopped, he found himself in front of a small bakery.

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  The glow from the inside was dim, casting warm hues against the cold world outside. Pushing open the glass door, a soft chime rang. A woman behind the counter glanced up.

  “The shop is closing soon, sir.”

  Alex hesitated. “Do you have any cake left?”

  She frowned. “I’m afraid not. We’re out for today.”

  “Please check. Even half a pound will do.”

  She looked ready to refuse when a quiet voice interrupted.

  “I’ll make it.”

  A girl stepped out from behind the counter.

  The bakery lady whispered something to her, but she merely nodded and disappeared into the kitchen.

  Alex watched, mesmerized by the way she moved—graceful, efficient. The kitchen was silent except for the rhythmic clatter of utensils. The warm glow of the oven bathed her face in soft light. Her hands, delicate and precise, worked the dough effortlessly.

  Something about her held him still. He couldn’t look away. The world outside seemed to fade, leaving only the scent of vanilla and the steady movements of her hands.

  By the time she finished, the shop was empty—just the two of them remained.

  She packed the cake carefully, sliding the box toward him.

  “Here it is, sir.” Her voice was soft, almost hesitant.

  Alex didn’t respond right away. He was still staring at her, trying to memorize the way the light reflected in her jewel-like blue eyes.

  She tapped the counter lightly. “Sir?”

  Snapping out of his daze, he quickly grabbed the cake. “Oh! Thank you. I appreciate it. I’ll definitely come back.”

  She nodded, but her gaze lowered. She looked uncomfortable.

  Feeling awkward, Alex turned to leave but hesitated at the door. “What’s your name?”

  She parted her lips slightly, as if about to speak—but no sound came out.

  Still, Alex pretended he heard her. He smiled and walked away.

  Midnight – In Front of Their Apartment

  The street was empty except for the soft flicker of streetlights. Alex stood by the apartment door, lighting the small candles on the cake. The warm glow flickered in the quiet night.

  He knocked.

  Leon answered, eyes groggy with sleep.

  “Happy birthday!” Alex grinned.

  Leon blinked, staring at the candles. He checked his phone, realization dawning on him. “It’s… my birthday?”

  Alex smirked. “Can I come in, bud?”

  Leon stepped aside, still stunned.

  “How did you even know today was my birthday?” he asked as Alex placed the cake on the table.

  “I’m your best friend.”

  Leon chuckled dryly. “No one’s ever cared about my birthday before.”

  “Shut up. You’re ruining the mood. Blow the candles.”

  Leon hesitated but finally did. Alex sang the birthday song—though he stopped midway when he noticed Leon looking… embarrassed.

  After they had eaten, Alex handed him a small box.

  “What’s this?” Leon asked.

  “A gift. Open it.”

  Leon unwrapped it—inside was an old photo album from their 8th grade. The cover photo showed Leon, grinning wide, his younger self radiating pure joy.

  “Look how happy you were,” Alex murmured. “I wonder why you stopped smiling like that.”

  Leon’s expression darkened. “Are you trying to ruin my birthday?”

  Alex leaned back. “Of course not. I just want you to be happy again—like you were back then.”

  Leon was quiet for a long moment. Then, flipping through the pages, he muttered, “I already am—ever since you showed up.”

  Alex grimaced. “Ugh. That sounds weird.”

  Leon chuckled. “I mean, I have an annoying best friend who won’t let me be sad.”

  He tossed himself onto the bed, pulling the blanket over his head.

  Alex cleaned up and then suddenly remembered something. “Oh, right! Do you wanna know how I got the cake this late?”

  Leon groaned. “Nope. Don’t care.” He buried himself deeper under the blanket.

  Annoyed, Alex threw a plastic knife at him.

  Without even looking, Leon raised an arm, let the knife hit, and went back to sleep.

  Alex shook his head, smirking. “Idiot.”