I have been quietly anticipating this day since Monday. Today is Lu's birthday.
I arrived at the university at 7:10AM, the roads mercifully clear of heavy traffic. After my mother dropped me off, I ate a small breakfast, though my mind was elsewhere—restless with excitement. Without hesitation, I made my way to the cake shop, a modest place only five minutes away by foot, feeling as though each step carried a fragment of the devotion I could not put into words.
I had been visiting that small cake shop since Monday, asking for updates on the $5 cakes—tiny, square-shaped traditional cakes from my country. They are not cupcakes, but miniature versions of the familiar, comforting desserts, and their simplicity made them all the more perfect. Fortunately, the shop was open today; it had been unexpectedly closed yesterday for reasons unknown. I went straight inside and purchased the cake without hesitation. The same young man who had been there earlier in the week was working, and he seemed pleasantly surprised that I had kept my word. His appearance was somewhat wild, yet there was something genuine about him, something likable.
After securing the cake, I decided to walk to the pharmacy, about seven minutes away. The journey was a little strenuous, as the road inclined steadily upward, but I didn't mind. That pharmacy has quietly become my favorite; it sells a bit of everything and carries an air of peace, making it a comforting place to wander through. While browsing, I spotted a lone Pokémon toy—the last one left—and instinctively grabbed it. At around $15, it seemed a good price considering its quality. Before leaving, I picked up a few candies from the boxes near the cashier, wanting to add them to Lu's gift. When I asked about gift decoration, the cashier offered me a selection, and I chose red without hesitation, knowing it was Lu's favorite color.
By the time I stepped back out into the morning air, I was carrying a small cake, a Pokémon toy, and a handful of candies—all meant for him. Altogether, it cost about $26, perhaps a little more, but it felt immeasurably precious for what it symbolized.
[Image]
(The photograph was taken after all preparations had been completed. I had not brought my camera with me, so the photographs turned out somewhat different from usual. (ᵕ—ᴗ—))
It took me about ten minutes to walk back to the university. Fortunately, the small cake fit neatly into the lunch bag I had brought, though the gift did not fit inside; however, it was at least secured within a paper bag, fastened with tape so that its contents would not be easily noticed. Still, Lu could see the paper bag resting there beside me.
We spent what felt like an eternity in the classroom, the lectures dragging on while all I could think about was leaving and finally celebrating his birthday. At last, the class ended, and we took Carlos back to his house and then continued on our way to a supermarket to buy some cleaning paper for his car, since he had run out. We tend to make a mess when unexpected things happen, and he keeps those papers to quickly clean up. While inside the supermarket, I decided, almost playfully, to take a few photos of us. Lu ended up looking so unexpectedly adorable in one of them that it made me wish I could show the entire world how sweet he appeared in that fleeting moment. However, he expressed that he does not wish to have photographs of himself posted on the internet, particularly on accounts that are public and not restricted to close friends. ( ;´ - `;) Nonetheless, I must respect his wishes.
After leaving the supermarket, we immediately drove to the abandoned spot we often visit, as I had planned to celebrate his birthday there. Once we parked, we sat together for a while in quiet comfort until I asked him if I could connect my phone to his car's Bluetooth, wanting to play something special. I played the song I had made for him—my own glitched, fragile version of the classic "Happy Birthday to You"—while I quietly prepared everything behind the open car doors. I awkwardly lit the candle too early, struggling against the wind that repeatedly blew it out. Despite the clumsiness of it all, I hurried to the front seat, holding the small cake toward him, the candles flickering weakly as I tried to relight them. He looked genuinely surprised by everything I had prepared.
After the song ended, he began opening his gifts. Unfortunately, I realized that the paper bag containing the candies had torn, weakened by moisture from a water bottle. He seemed genuinely surprised by the Pokémon toy and could not stop expressing how much he loved me and thanking me. I had been uncertain whether it was the right choice—while I knew he liked Pokémon, I was unsure if he had a particular preference for that specific character—but seeing his reaction reassured me that the gesture had been meaningful. He mentioned that he did not care which character it was; the fact that it was Pokémon was enough for him. His sincerity made the entire effort feel profoundly worthwhile.
He opened Facebook just to come across a birthday post made by a family member, whom I believe to be his grandmother. As he scrolled through the photos, he covered the screen in a few instances, expressing embarrassment over how he appeared in them, which naturally piqued my curiosity. He eventually showed me some photographs of himself with his grandmother, one of which depicted them standing by the beach, both turned away from the camera, with him gently holding her—seemingly to prevent her from stumbling as they walked. At least, that is how it appeared to me.
I suppose he was so overjoyed that he could not refrain from kissing me. One kiss led to another, and eventually, we found ourselves in the familiar situation once again. However, I never mind it; I find comfort in the way he is drawn to me in every sense. At times, my insecurities begin to surface. Nevertheless, I do not wish to tarnish this moment by dwelling on them.