A Birthday That Never Truly Ended

Ailine was dreaming.

Yet the dream felt far too vivid to be dismissed as mere sleep-born illusion. The air brushing against her skin was warm—too warm for a quiet, cold night inside a silent apartment. Soft morning light seeped through the narrow gaps of the window, gentle, as though the world itself was preparing to welcome something special.

She could feel her own heartbeat—fast, eager, filled with anticipation. There was a lightness in her chest, a feeling she had not experienced in a long time. It was the kind of feeling that came with waiting for something you were certain would arrive.

She stood before the mirror.

Her fingers smoothed the hem of the pale-colored dress she wore. It was simple—neither striking nor extravagant—yet it was enough to make her feel beautiful today. Her hair fell loosely over her shoulders, adorned only by a small ribbon tucked on the left side. She studied her reflection for a long moment, as if trying to make sure the girl staring back at her was truly happy.

Today was her birthday.

Her eighteenth birthday.

And today, she would spend it with Owen.

A strange feeling slipped quietly between her happiness—thin, almost imperceptible. Like a faint shadow at the edge of light. But Ailine ignored it. The day was far too beautiful to be disturbed by feelings she could not yet name.

“Ailine,” a gentle voice called.

She turned around. “You’re here!”

Owen stood there, tall and composed, wearing a neat dark jacket. A faint smile rested on his lips—the kind that always managed to calm her heart. His gaze was steady and deep, as it had always been, yet today it felt slightly different. There was something there. Something Ailine could not put into words.

“Are you ready?” he asked.

“I am,” she replied quickly. “I’m ready.”

Owen stepped closer. Without a word, he carefully adjusted the small ribbon in her hair, his movements slow—almost overly cautious. His fingers brushed against her hair for a fleeting second before he bent down and pressed a brief kiss to her forehead.

A gentle kiss.

A kiss that made Ailine feel safe.

“Happy birthday,” Owen said softly.

The words settled right into her chest, making her smile bloom without her even realizing it.

That day unfolded like a perfect dream.

They met at the city park, then walked together toward the amusement park that was never too crowded on weekdays. Their hands were clasped, their steps in sync. Music echoed from every direction, blending with the laughter of visitors and the mechanical sounds of spinning rides.

Owen did not speak much.

But he always listened.

“I want to ride that,” Ailine said, pointing at a brightly colored attraction spinning rather fast.

“Are you sure?” Owen asked, one eyebrow slightly raised.

“Sure… maybe,” Ailine replied hesitantly.

Owen chuckled softly. “If you scream, I won’t laugh at you.”

“That’s a lie,” Ailine shot back.

“Just a little.”

They went from one ride to another. There was laughter bursting freely, small screams Ailine pretended not to be embarrassed about. Owen was always beside her—sometimes gripping her hand tighter when the ride moved too fast, sometimes standing quietly, watching her with an expression Ailine could never quite decipher.

That gaze lingered too long.

As though Owen was hiding something.

Afternoon slowly melted into evening. They sat on a park bench, sharing ice cream that had begun to melt. Ailine carefully licked the tip of her spoon.

“You’re going to drop it,” Owen commented.

“I’m being careful.”

“You always say that.”

Before Ailine could respond, Owen reached out and wiped the smear of ice cream from the corner of her lips with his thumb. The movement was brief, almost instinctive.

Yet it was enough to make Ailine freeze.

Their eyes met.

The world seemed to shrink, leaving only the distance between them.

And without planning, without words, their first kiss happened.

Their lips met briefly—awkward, gentle, filled with quiet curiosity. Afterward, neither of them dared to speak. Ailine lowered her head, her cheeks burning. Owen turned his gaze away, his ears flushed red.

It was sweet.

Too sweet.

The wind stirred the leaves of the large tree above them. Ailine swung her legs lightly, her face bright after a day filled with laughter. She felt full—of memories, of emotions, of the belief that this day would remain with her forever.

“Owen,” she called suddenly.

“Hm?”

“You forgot something, didn’t you?”

Owen turned to her. “Forgot what?”

Ailine tilted her head, pretending to think hard. “Today is my birthday.”

“I know,” Owen replied calmly. “I already wished you a happy birthday.”

“Yes, but… is that all?” Ailine smiled mischievously. “I am having a birthday, Owen.”

“Are you asking for a gift?”

“Yes.” Ailine was not embarrassed at all. “It’s my first birthday since I became your girlfriend.”

Owen let out a short breath. “You’re very good with words.”

“Haven’t I always been?” Ailine moved a little closer. “People say I’m good at speaking.”

“I agree.”

“Then where’s my gift?” Ailine puffed her cheeks. “My boyfriend is obligated to give me one.”

“It’s not an obligation.”

“But I’m your girlfriend.”

Owen chuckled. He pulled out a small box and handed it to her. “Open it at home.”

Ailine accepted it with sparkling eyes, slipping it into her sling bag.

“Thank you, Owen!”

“Are you happy?”

“Very.” Then she looked at him seriously. “And you have to give me a gift every year.”

Owen paused. “Every year?”

“Yes. It doesn’t have to be expensive. Anything.” Her voice softened. “I just want something from you.”

“Why?”

“Because it’s proof,” Ailine answered quietly. “That I still exist in your life.”

The words hung in the air far too long.

“You will always exist,” Owen finally said.

“But the gift still has to be there,” Ailine replied quickly, forcing a smile.

Owen merely brushed her hair gently. “Alright.”

“Forever?”

“Forever.”

As night approached, they rode the Ferris wheel. When the cabin reached its highest point, Owen pressed a longer kiss to Ailine’s forehead.

And for reasons she could not explain, Ailine felt like crying.

Night fell.

Owen walked her home. They stopped in front of Ailine’s large, elegant house. Truthfully, this was the first time Owen had ever brought Ailine home and seen her house.

He stood there in silence for a moment.

“Today was fun,” Ailine said.

Owen did not respond.

“Ailine,” he finally said, “we should stop.”

The words fell like a blade.

“…What?”

“I think this is for the best.”

“It’s my birthday,” Ailine’s voice cracked. “I can wait. We can talk about this.”

“Ailine,” Owen interrupted gently, “this isn’t something you can fix. It’s beyond both your control and mine.”

She grabbed his jacket. “Please don’t do this.”

“I’m sorry.”

That apology hurt more than any outright rejection.

“I won’t forgive you if you really leave!”

“Then please… don’t forgive me.”

Owen turned and walked away.

“OWEN!”

Without looking back.

Ailine woke up gasping for air.

Her chest ached.

Two days left until her birthday.

And somewhere else, Owen stared at the date.

Medical volunteer mission. City X.

Leaving was the only way to make sure he would not return.

And two people who loved each other chose to carry the same wound—

alone.