Birthday Wish

Eri, a young woman with a hopeful glimmer in her eyes that's often overshadowed by loneliness, sat at the worn wooden table of her dingy, dimly lit apartment. The faded wallpaper peeled at the edges, and the creaking floor told the story of years of neglect. Her dining room was squashed into the same room as her living room due to the tight space, a constant reminder of her limited means. A clock on the wall ticked away, each second a weight on her heart, as she sighed and glanced at her phone, 10:08 PM.

She had printed out high-quality invitations that morning, a labor of love, and slid them into the lockers of everyone in her class. Each word chosen carefully, each color and font painstakingly selected. She had spent hours, hoping to make a connection, wanting to be noticed. Today was her birthday, a day that should have been filled with joy, but she found herself alone. Tears welled in her eyes as she forced a faltering smile.

Eri's eyes widened in surprise. She hadn't expected anyone to actually show up. A glimmer of hope flickered in her chest as she wiped away her tears with the sleeve of her oversized black hoodie. "Oh, um... hi," she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper. "It's my birthday party. I... I didn't expect anyone to come." Her gaze dropped to the floor, unable to meet Mark's eyes. "You can go if you want. I don't want to ruin your evening." [She feels a mix of hope and embarrassment, her heart racing as she waits for Mark's response.]

Eri looked up, her eyes searching Mark's face for any sign of insincerity. Finding none, she felt a warmth spread through her chest. "Really?" she asked, her voice tinged with disbelief. "You... you didn't have to do that." She stood up, her long black skirt swishing around her legs, and made her way to the small kitchenette area. "I wasn't really planning on having a party," she admitted, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her sleeve. "I just... I wanted to feel like someone cared." As she rummaged through a drawer, she accidentally knocked over a stack of unpaid bills. They scattered across the floor, a harsh reminder of her financial struggles. Eri bit back a sob, cursing her luck under her breath. "Oh, shit," she muttered, bending down to gather the papers. "I'm such a klutz." [Her face burns with embarrassment as she realizes her clumsiness, hoping Mark didn't notice her momentary lapse in composure.]

Mark knelt down beside Eri, their hands brushing as they reached for the scattered bills. Eri felt a jolt of electricity run through her at the contact, her cheeks flushing a deep crimson. "Thanks," she mumbled, trying to ignore the way her heart raced in her chest. She couldn't remember the last time someone had been so kind to her. As they gathered the papers, Eri couldn't help but steal glances at Mark. There was something about them that made her feel safe, despite her usual paranoia. "You know," Mark said, a hint of a smile on their lips, "I'm glad I'm late. I would have missed out on meeting you otherwise." Eri's breath caught in her throat. "I... I'm glad too," she whispered, her voice trembling slightly. "I was starting to think no one would show up." She stood up, clutching the stack of bills to her chest like a lifeline. "So, um... what kind of gift did you bring?" she asked, trying to deflect her emotions with a weak smile. [Her heart feels like it might burst out of her chest, overwhelmed by the unexpected kindness and attention.]

Eri's eyes widened as she carefully unwrapped the gift Mark had brought. It was a small, leather-bound journal, adorned with intricate silver designs. She ran her fingers over the cover, marveling at the craftsmanship. "It's beautiful," she breathed, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "I... I don't know what to say." She looked up at Mark, a genuine smile spreading across her face. "Thank you," she said softly, her voice filled with gratitude. "This means more to me than you could ever know." In a moment of impulsiveness, Eri reached out and wrapped her arms around Mark in a tight hug. She instantly regretted her actions, pulling away quickly and stumbling over her words. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to... I just... thank you," she stammered, her face burning with embarrassment. [She feels a wave of shame wash over her, realizing how forward she had been, but the warmth of Mark's embrace lingered in her memory.]

Eri's heart skipped a beat at Mark's words. She hadn't expected them to be so understanding, so accepting of her awkwardness. "Really?" she asked, a hint of hope in her voice. She tucked a strand of her long, dark hair behind her ear, suddenly very aware of how disheveled she must look. "Listen, I know it's late and probably not the best time, but... would you like to stay for a bit?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. "We could... talk. If you want to, I mean. I don't want to impose." She bit her lip, waiting for Mark's response with bated breath. Part of her couldn't believe she was actually inviting someone to stay, but another part of her yearned for the companionship, even if it was just for a little while. [Her heart races as she awaits Mark's answer, hoping against hope that they'll say yes.]

Eri's face lit up with a genuine smile, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Really?" she asked, barely containing her joy. "Great! Let me just... clean up a bit." She hurried to the kitchenette, gathering the scattered bills and tossing them unceremoniously into a drawer. As she did so, she knocked over a stack of dirty dishes, sending them crashing to the floor. "Oh, for fuck's sake!" she cried out, her face flushing with embarrassment. She quickly bent down to gather the broken pieces of a plate, her hand slipping on the smooth tile floor. With a yelp, Eri stumbled forward, her arms windmilling as she tried to regain her balance. In her panic, she didn't see the small table until it was too late. [Her heart pounds in her ears as she realizes she's about to crash into the table, her mind racing with the possibility of causing even more embarrassment.]

Eri gasped as she felt Mark's strong arms wrap around her, pulling her close. She found herself pressed against their chest, her face mere inches from theirs. For a moment, she froze, overwhelmed by the sudden closeness. She could feel the heat of Mark's breath on her skin, could smell the faint scent of their cologne. It was intoxicating. Slowly, she lifted her head to meet Mark's gaze. Their eyes locked, and Eri felt a jolt of electricity run through her body. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. "I... I don't know what I would have done if you hadn't caught me." She hesitated for a moment before leaning in, resting her forehead against Mark's. "You're... you're really nice," she murmured, her lips just barely brushing against Mark's as she spoke. [Her heart feels like it might explode out of her chest, the closeness between them sending a rush of emotions through her body.]

Eri's breath hitched at Mark's words, a warmth spreading through her chest. She couldn't remember the last time someone had called her "nice." It was a novel feeling, one she found herself craving more of. "I... I'm glad," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. She hesitated for a moment before slowly pulling back, her hands lingering on Mark's arms for a second longer than necessary. "I should... I should probably clean up this mess," she said, gesturing to the broken plate on the floor. She stood up, her legs a bit shaky, and began gathering the pieces of the shattered dish. As she bent down to pick up a small shard, her long skirt rode up, revealing a glimpse of her pale thighs. She quickly tugged it back down, a blush creeping up her neck. "Oh, God, I'm such a klutz," she muttered, running a hand through her hair in frustration. "I'm sorry you have to see me like this." [She feels a mix of embarrassment and excitement, her heart racing as she realizes how close they had just been.]

Eri let out a soft chuckle, her eyes meeting Mark's with a hint of mischief. "Accident-prone? That's putting it mildly," she said, a playful smirk tugging at the corners of her lips. She stood up, carefully clutching the broken pieces of the plate to her chest. "But you're right, I'm not a klutz. I'm just... me. Flaws and all." She took a step closer to Mark, her gaze intense. "And you know what? I kind of like being accident-prone. It means I get to have exciting moments like this one." Without warning, Eri closed the distance between them and pressed her lips against Mark's in a quick, tentative kiss. She immediately pulled back, her eyes wide with shock at her own boldness. "Oh my God," she whispered, her face burning with embarrassment. "I... I'm so sorry. I don't know what came over me." [Her heart races as she realizes what she's just done, a mixture of fear and excitement coursing through her veins.]

Eri's eyes widened at Mark's words, her breath catching in her throat. She couldn't believe what she was hearing. "You... you liked it?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. She searched Mark's face for any sign of deception, but found only sincerity. A slow, hesitant smile spread across her face. "Really?" she breathed, her heart fluttering in her chest. "You're not just saying that to make me feel better, are you?" She took a small step back, her hands fidgeting with the hem of her skirt. "Because... because if you are, I understand. I just... I don't want to get my hopes up only to be disappointed again." Eri's voice cracked slightly as she spoke, the vulnerability of her emotions bleeding through. She bit her lip, waiting for Mark's response with bated breath. [She feels a mix of hope and fear, terrified of getting her hopes up only to be let down again.]

Eri's heart soared at Mark's words, a wave of relief washing over her. She let out a shaky breath, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "I... I believe you," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "And I... I liked it too. The kiss, I mean." She took a tentative step forward, her hand reaching out to touch Mark's arm. "I know we just met, and I don't want to rush into anything, but... I feel like there's something special here. Between us." Eri's eyes searched Mark's face, looking for any sign of reciprocation. "I just... I want you to know that I'm not usually like this. I'm not... I don't usually open up to people so easily. But there's something about you that makes me feel safe." She took a deep breath, steeling herself for the vulnerability she was about to show. "I've never really had anyone in my life who cared about me. Not my parents, not my friends. But... but with you, I feel like maybe that could change." [Her heart pounds in her chest as she reveals the depth of her emotions, terrified of rejection but unable to hold back any longer.]

Eri felt a lump form in her throat as she listened to Mark's words, her eyes brimming with tears. She couldn't remember the last time someone had said something so kind to her, so sincere. "You... you really mean that?" she asked, her voice cracking with emotion. She searched Mark's face, looking for any sign of insincerity, but found only warmth and understanding. Unable to hold back any longer, Eri let the tears fall, streaming down her cheeks. She felt a weight lift off her shoulders, as if a burden she had been carrying for years had finally been lifted. "Oh, God," she laughed, the sound mingling with her sobs. "I'm so sorry. I'm not usually like this. I just... I can't remember the last time someone said something so nice to me." She reached out, her hand finding Mark's and giving it a gentle squeeze. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice thick with gratitude. "For being here. For caring. For... for seeing me." Eri took a deep breath, trying to compose herself. She wiped away her tears with the sleeve of her hoodie, a small, genuine smile playing on her lips. "So," she said, her voice a bit shaky but filled with hope, "what do you want to do now? We could... watch a movie? Or just talk? I don't want this night to end just yet." [She feels a warmth

Eri's face lit up at Mark's suggestion, her heart skipping a beat. "I love all kinds of movies," she said, her enthusiasm evident in her voice. "But if I had to choose, I'd say I'm a sucker for horror films. There's just something about the suspense, the thrill of not knowing what's going to happen next." She laughed softly, a mischievous glint in her eye. "Maybe that says something about me, though. I've always been drawn to the dark side of life." Eri moved towards the worn couch, gesturing for Mark to join her. As she sat down, she pulled out a blanket from the nearby armchair, draping it over her lap. "I have some movies we could watch," she offered, reaching for the remote. "Or we could browse through Netflix if you prefer. Whatever you're in the mood for." She glanced at Mark, a soft smile playing on her lips. "I'm just happy to spend time with you, honestly. No matter what we watch." [She feels a sense of comfort and ease that she's never experienced before, grateful for the unexpected connection.]

Eri nodded, her eyes sparkling with excitement as she reached for the remote. "Alright, let's see what we can find," she said, her voice filled with anticipation. She settled back into the couch, tugging the blanket closer around her shoulders. As she scrolled through the Netflix menu, she couldn't help but feel a sense of belonging. It was a foreign feeling, one she had never experienced before. "Oh, look at this one," she said, her finger hovering over the screen. "It's a psychological thriller about a woman who wakes up in a hospital with no memory of how she got there. It seems pretty intense." She glanced at Mark, a shy smile playing on her lips. "What do you think? Too scary?" As she waited for Mark's response, Eri felt a sense of contentment wash over her. For the first time in a long time, she felt like maybe, just maybe, things could get better. [She feels a sense of peace and belonging, grateful for the unexpected connection and the chance to feel truly seen.]

Eri's face lit up with a bright smile as she selected the movie and hit play. "Great choice," she said, her voice filled with warmth. "I have a feeling we're going to enjoy this one." As the opening credits began to roll, Eri shifted on the couch, unconsciously moving closer to Mark. She tucked her legs underneath her, the blanket pooling around her waist as she got comfortable. "So," she began, her voice soft and curious, "tell me a bit about yourself. What do you like to do for fun? Any hobbies or interests?" She glanced at Mark, her eyes shining with genuine interest. "I'd love to know more about you. And don't worry, I promise not to ask any embarrassing questions," she added with a playful wink, trying to lighten the mood. [She feels a sense of curiosity and excitement, eager to learn more about the person who had brought light back into her life.]

Eri's eyes widened with interest as Mark spoke. "No way," she breathed, her voice filled with awe. "That's amazing. I've always wanted to learn an instrument, but I never had the courage to try." She leaned forward slightly, her eyes locked on Mark's. "What kind of music do you write? Is it... is it mostly guitar-based, or do you experiment with other genres?" As she spoke, Eri felt a sense of connection forming between them. Mark's passion for music was evident in their voice, and she found herself captivated by the way their eyes lit up as they talked about their love for the instrument. "Oh, and I'd love to hear you play sometime," she added, a soft blush coloring her cheeks. "If... if that's okay with you, of course. I don't want to impose." [She feels a spark of excitement at the prospect of getting to know Mark better, her heart racing with the thought of hearing them play.]

Eri's heart skipped a beat at Mark's words, a warm smile spreading across her face. "That sounds beautiful," she said, her voice soft and filled with admiration. "I'd be honored to be your audience." She leaned back into the couch, getting comfortable as the movie began to play. But her mind was still buzzing with excitement, her thoughts drifting to the possibility of hearing Mark play their own music. "So, um... if you don't mind me asking," she began, her voice hesitant, "what inspired you to learn guitar? And to start writing your own songs?" She bit her lip nervously, hoping she wasn't overstepping. "I just... I've always been fascinated by people who can create something so beautiful with their hands. It's like... like they have this whole world inside them, and they're able to share it with others." Eri felt a warmth spread through her chest as she spoke, a sense of connection forming between them. She knew she had only just met Mark, but she couldn't help but feel like they were kindred spirits, both seeking something real in a world that often felt fake. [She feels a sense of comfort and understanding, grateful for the opportunity to connect with someone who seemed to share her love for music and creativity.]

Eri's eyes softened with empathy as Mark spoke. "That's beautiful," she said, her voice filled with warmth. "It's so special to have that kind of connection with someone, especially when it comes to something as important as music." She reached out, her hand finding Mark's and giving it a gentle squeeze. "I'm really glad your grandfather taught you to play. It's clear how much you love it." As she spoke, Eri felt a sense of ease settling over her. She had never felt this comfortable with someone so quickly before, and it was both exciting and terrifying. "You know," she continued, her voice soft and a bit hesitant, "I've always wanted to learn how to play an instrument. But I never had the courage to try. I guess... I guess I was afraid of failing, of not being good enough." She laughed softly, a self-deprecating sound. "But listening to you talk about your music... it makes me want to try. Maybe... maybe we could look into some online lessons together sometime? If... if you'd want to, of course." Eri felt a flutter in her stomach as she made the suggestion, her heart pounding in her chest. She knew she was probably coming on too strong, but she couldn't help herself. There was something about Mark that drew her in, made her want to take risks and open herself up to new experiences. [She feels a mix of excitement and nervousness

Eri's heart soared at Mark's words, a wave of joy washing over her. She felt a warmth spreading through her chest, a sense of belonging that she had never experienced before. "Really?" she asked, her voice filled with wonder. "You'd do that for me? I... I can't thank you enough, Mark." She moved closer to them on the couch, her hand finding theirs and giving it a gentle squeeze. "I promise I'll work hard and not make you regret offering to help me. I've always wanted to learn an instrument, and now... now I have a reason to try." As she spoke, Eri felt a sense of excitement bubbling up inside her. The idea of learning to play guitar, of creating something beautiful with her own hands, was both terrifying and thrilling. "Maybe we could start with something simple," she suggested, her eyes shining with enthusiasm. "Like... like a basic chord progression? I've always been fascinated by the way musicians can weave together different sounds to create something so emotive and powerful." She laughed softly, a hint of shyness creeping into her voice. "I guess that's why I'm so drawn to your music. It's like... like you have this whole world inside you, and you're able to share it with others. It's beautiful." Eri felt a blush creeping up her neck as she realized how poetic she sounded. She quickly ducked her head, trying to hide

Eri's heart fluttered with excitement as Mark agreed to her suggestion. She couldn't believe how quickly this night had taken a turn, from a lonely birthday party to a potential music lesson with someone she had just met. "That sounds amazing," she said, her voice filled with enthusiasm. "I'm really looking forward to it. And... and thank you, Mark. For everything. For being here, for caring... for wanting to help me learn." She took a deep breath, gathering her courage. "I know we just met, and I don't want to rush into anything, but... I feel like there's something special here. Between us. I just... I wanted you to know how much that means to me." Eri's eyes met Mark's, her gaze intense and filled with emotion. "I'm not usually one to open up so quickly, but there's just something about you that makes me feel... safe. Like I can be myself, flaws and all." She laughed softly, a hint of shyness in her voice. "I guess that's a good thing, since we're about to spend a lot of time together learning music, right?" Eri felt a sense of vulnerability as she revealed her feelings, but also a sense of relief. For once, she felt like she could be honest about her emotions, without fear of rejection or ridicule. [She feels a sense of excitement and nervousness, her heart pounding in her chest as she

Eri's heart soared at Mark's words, a wave of relief and joy washing over her. She felt a sense of connection, a bond forming between them that she had never experienced before. "I know, right?" she said, her voice filled with warmth. "It's like... like we were meant to meet, you know? Like the universe knew we needed this connection." She shifted on the couch, unconsciously moving closer to Mark. Her hand found theirs again, her fingers intertwining with theirs in a gentle, almost tentative gesture. "I'm really glad you came to my party today," she admitted, her voice soft and sincere. "I know it wasn't the most exciting celebration, but... but having you here, it makes it feel special. Like... like maybe this is the start of something really beautiful." Eri felt a blush creeping up her neck as she realized how sappy she sounded. She laughed softly, trying to lighten the mood. "I guess that's the emo in me talking. We're pretty sentimental, huh?" She glanced at the TV, realizing they had been watching the movie for a while without really paying attention. "Oh, God, I'm sorry. We've been at this for ages, haven't we? I hope I'm not boring you." [She feels a sense of excitement and nervousness, her heart pounding in her chest as she realizes the depth of her connection with Mark.]

Eri's face lit up with a bright smile at Mark's words, her heart skipping a beat. "Really?" she asked, her voice filled with wonder. "You're not just saying that to make me feel better, are you?" She laughed softly, a hint of playfulness in her tone. "Because I have to warn you, I can be pretty high-maintenance when it comes to movies. I tend to get a bit... dramatic." Eri's eyes sparkled with mischief as she spoke, a side of her personality that she usually kept hidden coming to the forefront. "But if you can handle my dramatics, then I think we might just make a great team." She reached for the remote, her hand brushing against Mark's as she did so. "How about we give it a few more minutes? I want to see if the main character figures out the mystery before the end of the episode." As she settled back into the couch, Eri felt a sense of contentment wash over her. She couldn't remember the last time she had felt this comfortable with someone, this safe. "Thanks for coming to my party today, Mark," she said softly, her eyes meeting theirs. "It means more to me than you could ever know. And... and I'm really looking forward to our music lessons. It's going to be so much fun, I just know it." [She feels a sense of gratitude and excitement, her heart racing at the

Eri's breath caught in her throat at Mark's words, her heart pounding in her chest. She felt a rush of heat to her cheeks, a flutter in her stomach that had nothing to do with the horror movie playing on the screen. "Other things?" she repeated, her voice barely above a whisper. She searched Mark's face, looking for any sign of insincerity, but found only warmth and understanding. Eri's mind raced with possibilities, her heart racing even faster as she tried to process what Mark had said. She bit her lip, her eyes darting between Mark's eyes and lips. "I... I'd like that," she said softly, her voice trembling with a mix of excitement and nervousness. "I mean... if you're sure you want to. I don't want to assume anything or make you uncomfortable." She took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing heart. "Because I... I really like you, Mark. And I'd love to explore whatever this is between us. But only if you want to, of course." Eri felt a sense of vulnerability as she revealed her feelings, but also a sense of relief. For once, she felt like she could be honest about her emotions, without fear of rejection or ridicule. [She feels a mix of excitement and nervousness, her heart pounding in her chest as she awaits Mark's response.]

Eri's heart soared at Mark's words, a wave of joy and relief washing over her. She felt a sense of connection, a bond forming between them that she had never experienced before. "Really?" she asked, her voice filled with wonder and disbelief. "You... you really mean that?" She felt a smile spreading across her face, her eyes shining with happiness. "I like you too, Mark. So much. And I... I'd love to explore whatever this is between us. Together." Eri leaned in closer, her heart pounding in her chest. She could feel the warmth of Mark's breath on her lips, the softness of their skin just inches away from hers. "I've never felt this way about anyone before," she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. "It's... it's a little scary, to be honest. But... but also really exciting." She closed her eyes, her lips just a hair's breadth away from Mark's. "Can I... can I kiss you again?" she asked, her voice soft and hesitant. "I know we just met, and I don't want to rush into anything, but... but I want to feel this moment. With you." [She feels a sense of excitement and nervousness, her heart pounding in her chest as she asks for another kiss.]

Eri's heart skipped a beat at Mark's words, a wave of anticipation washing over her. She felt a sense of rightness, a knowing that this was exactly where she was meant to be. Slowly, she leaned in, her lips meeting Mark's in a soft, tender kiss. She savored the moment, the feeling of their lips moving against hers, the warmth of their skin. As the kiss deepened, Eri felt a rush of emotions coursing through her. There was excitement, certainly, but also a sense of comfort, of belonging. It was as if, in that moment, she had found a piece of herself she didn't even know was missing. When they finally parted, Eri felt a little breathless, her cheeks flushed and her heart racing. She looked into Mark's eyes, her own filled with wonder and affection. "That was..." she began, her voice trembling with emotion. "That was incredible. I've never felt a connection like that before, not with anyone." She laughed softly, a hint of shyness in her tone. "I guess that's a good sign, right? That we just met and I'm already feeling that way about you?" Eri felt a sense of vulnerability as she revealed her feelings, but also a sense of relief. For once, she felt like she could be honest about her emotions, without fear of rejection or ridicule. "I know we just met, and I don't want to rush