The Bonds That Matter

“Well, we should really start this party now,” my dad said with a smile.

“Yes, I agree. It’s time to give someone their birthday gifts,” he added.

Everyone suddenly turned to look at me.

“Wait... you mean me?” I asked, pointing at myself in confusion.

“Yes, you silly,” Yuna giggled, stepping forward.

“I’ll be first,” she said, handing me her gift.

Even though she was only three years older than me, I always felt safe and secure around my big sister. If anyone knew me best, it was definitely her.

I excitedly began unwrapping the gift, wondering what she’d picked out. A small, slightly eerie part of me feared it might be a piece of paper that read “I’m all you’ll ever need.”

Luckily, it wasn’t anything like that.

Instead, it was… amazing. A cloak. Not just any cloak—a cosmic cloak.

“Do you like it?” she asked.

“Yes! Thank you, big sis!” For once, I jumped at her, wrapping her in a tight hug.

“I’m glad you like it so much. It was custom-made—one of a kind. This will come in handy later, I assure you. Come, I’ll put it on you.”

I let her drape it over my shoulders, and the fabric shimmered as it settled into place.

“It really suits you. Right, guys?” she asked.

Everyone nodded in approval.

“I’m really happy with this, big sis. Thanks.”

“Well, I guess I’m next,” Alistair said, stepping up. “But I don’t think it’s as nice as your sister’s gift.”

“Don’t be so modest, Alistair,” I replied. “You know I appreciate any gift. It’s the thought that counts, not the value.”

“I’m glad you think like that… my little brother.”

“Oi, I’m more of a friend than a brother, you know.”

“Hahaha, I’m joking. I consider you one of my closest and best friends—don’t worry.”

“As a friend then, again: happy birthday.”

“Thanks.”

I opened Alistair’s gift. It looked like a beautiful gem—at least, that’s what I thought at first.

“That’s a special gem,” he explained. “You can infuse a spell into it and use it even if you’re out of mana. You can charge it yourself or let someone else do it. It’s good for two or three uses before needing to be recharged again.”

“Wow! That’s amazing. Thanks, Alistair.”

“Of course.”

“Your next gift is from us,” Auntie Elara said, stepping forward with Uncle Orion and Lyra by her side.

They handed me a box. Inside were two beautiful necklaces.

“Auntie and Lyra chose this one,” Uncle Orion said. “It’s kind of symbolic—it means you two are engaged. It’s a phoenix necklace. It’ll save you from near death… once. But it’ll always retain its beauty and meaning. Kind of like a symbol of eternal love between you two—or so we hope.”

“Thank you! Auntie, Uncle.”

“Agh, don’t call me ‘Uncle’—feels weird,” he laughed.

“You’ll get used to it,” Auntie said, chuckling.

“And of course, thank you, Lyra,” I added. “I hope we’ll get along just as well as our parents.”

“Yes… me too, Velanova,” she said with a shy smile.

Somehow, I didn’t really mind being engaged to Lyra. In fact, as I looked closer… she looked really cute. Beautiful, even.

“Ooooooh, would you look at that,” Alistair teased.

“It seems someone is ogling my little sister,” Yuna added.

“Yes, it seems our beloved little brother is looking lustfully at the princess,” she said, smirking.

“H-Hey! Stop enjoying this so much!” I shouted, flustered. “S-So what if I look at her? Can’t I look at my future wife?”

Lyra turned red. Blushing hard.

“Oh wow, mister charming,” Alistair said with mock awe. “We’re sorry.”

Just like Lyra, I realized what I’d said—and turned pink from both embarrassment and… happiness?

“Agh! Stop bothering me!” I yelled, jumping away from them. I grabbed Lyra’s hand and held it tight.

“Hmph. She’s mine anyway… so just shut up.”

The adults started whispering to their partners.

“Youth love is the best,” I heard one of them sigh happily.

Suddenly, I realized just how many people were in the room… and how tightly Lyra was still holding my hand. Her face was still bright red.

I started blushing again too, but I didn’t let go.
I didn’t want to let go.

I don’t mind being engaged at all.

Actually… I’m happy. That such a beautiful girl is going to be my wife.

After the little commotion, Elio walked up with a gift in hand.

I was surprised.

“You know,” he said, “I’m glad our families already know each other. But… I want to say I don’t want us to be friends just because of that.”

He looked serious.

“I feel like you’d be my best friend. I know I could trust you with my back.”

“Oh? What’s this—a friendship confession?” I teased, trying to lighten the mood.

“Hey, I’m serious, you know.”

“I’m kidding. You should know I feel the same,” I replied. “I don’t know why, but… I feel like you’re my best friend in this world.”

“Me too.”

“So I guess you could say we’re best friends.”

“Or maybe… like brothers.”

He held out his hand, and I shook it firmly.

From that moment, I knew we’d be inseparable.

“Oh, I almost forgot—here. Happy Birthday.”

“Thanks, Elio. Let’s see…”

He pulled up his sleeve.

“Look.”

“Oh—you got one too?”

“Yes. It’s our token of friendship,” he said.

It was an armpiece—sleek, silver, and elegant.

“It’s protective gear. Defensive magic is cast on it—two shields per day. And it recharges on its own.”

“That’s dope, Elio. Thanks, man.”

“Of course.”

We fist-bumped.

Then I heard a snicker.

“So, I know you said you wouldn’t let your wife go, but… aren’t you going a little far?”

“Huh?” I looked down at my hand.

Still holding Lyra’s.

She was practically dying of embarrassment, her face glowing pink.

“I-I’m sorry, Lyra!” I stammered, trying to let go.

But… she grabbed my hand tighter.

And in the softest voice, her eyes half looking up at me, she whispered,

“I-I-It’s not like I said I mind it… right?”

In that moment, something clicked.

My heart felt warm. Full.

And I knew—without a doubt—

I’d love my wife till the day I die.

Because I went from calm to completely pink in less than a second.