NUNEW'S POV

- What about him? - Zee's voice echoing from the end of the hallway snapped me out of my sleep.

- He's resting... Let's not wake him. He's been looking out for us since he got up this morning. Listen, we need to start setting some boundaries because NuNew is really wearing himself out taking care us all the time. It's not easy dealing with drunk people, and he’s always the one taking care of us after every party. - I smiled hearing Nat's words... Despite our constant teasing, Nat is indeed my best friend. I know I can trust him infinitely, and I know he'd take a bullet for me, and I'd do the same for him. He's like a brother to me.

I'm also aware that my friends are too attached to alcohol to quit. I've accepted the fact that our booze-fueled parties always end up the same way. My friends are my chosen family, and I'm always there to lend a hand, even if they end up drunkenly squeezing their butts into a wardrobe, pretending they're off to "Narnia". I dearly love these lovable lunatics.

- I think he didn't sleep at all. When I went to the toilet, I saw that the light was on in his room. We'll only wake him up once we have everything prepared. Oh, I almost forgot... Zee, where the hell were you all last night and all night long? N'Nhu was looking for you... You went off without telling anyone. Nunew couldn't find you, he turned the whole house upside down and started panicking so much that even Nat tried calling you. Zee! I would like to inform you that the phone is not just for watching porn. It would be really nice if you occasionally answered calls. You're lucky idiot, that I was drunk and didn't have the strength to look for you in person, because if I had found you, I would have shamed you so much that even the penguins in Antarctica would talk about it! We were all really worried about you, do you realize that? - I heard P'Max insulted Zee, and I was really grateful to him for it.

Well, P... You asked a very good question... I've been thinking about it all night. "Zee, where were you?" I really want to know why Zee ran away from home. He didn't just leave, he ran away like a coward!

- I was at Pink Diamond, I met a really nice girl there. - Okay... Hearing the name of the nightclub - wait! I take back what I said a moment ago. However, I would rather not know what he been up to!  Hearing his response, silent tears flowed down my face. It hurts. It really hurts.

I sat in silence for about an hour, letting my emotions flow. I allowed the salty tears to stream down my cheeks. I stood up, but I wasn't ready to leave the room yet.

I knew the guys were planning a surprise for me downstairs, so I didn't want to ruin it for them. I reluctantly got out of bed and decided to get dressed. I was shocked by my reflection in the mirror... I looked terrible. I needed to do something about it. I grabbed a reliable makeup kit for special occasions from the dresser. Foundation, powder, and a lot of concealer for under my eyes. After fifteen minutes of work, it didn't look like I had been up all night crying into my pillow.

The yummy smells from the living room started creeping upstairs. I knew it was my favorite pizza. Every year, they ordered it just for me because they knew how much I loved pizza. And they knew I liked spending my birthday at home with my friends, having a movie marathon. They never let me down.

Before heading downstairs, I thought about how to act towards P'Zee. After weighing everything up, I decided that around others, I'd act as if nothing had happened. But, if I got a chance to talk to him alone, I'd do it sincerely.

I'm still worried about this whole new girl situation. The fact is, these two only met last night. I suspect this girl is totally into my Zee because... well, who wouldn't be? You'd have to be out of your mind not to be drawn to him. The real question is, "Who wouldn't fall for Zee?"

***

"Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday dear NuNew!
Happy Birthday to you... "

It's that awkward moment when I have to act surprised every year to make them happy with a successful surprise. I blew out the candles and got cake smeared on my face, because what kind of birthday would it be if the birthday boy isn't covered in cream... That's our rule.

I received a wonderful gift from all of them. Okay, this time I really felt appreciated. My dream JBL speaker made me genuinely smile for the first time that day. Bravo to all of you!

And then it happened, what I like the most. We sat on the couch... But, this time it was a little different. During our movie nights, Hia always sat next to me. It always ended the same way - during some movie, I would doze off, nestled on his chest, and he would tenderly stroke my head. Honestly, I never cared much about watching movies. The others thought I was the biggest movie buff, but I just craved a little attention and a cuddle session.

It wasn't just me who noticed that something was off. The others looked at the eldest with questioning expressions as he took a seat at the other end of the couch...

***

- Zee, seriously! Move your behind and pick up that phone, I can't focus on the story!!! - Max shouted at his friend, annoyed by his lack of response, and kicked him out of the living room to silence the device. Zee left the room and was gone for a bit. I think he was busy on the call. I waited for a while and decided to take advantage of the opportunity, as I didn't know when the right moment would come again. I got up and headed to my bedroom.

- Not now, Nhu... I'm in a hurry. I'll be leaving in a moment. - Ouch... I won't lie, it hurts, but... the sight of the guy's naked, muscular back compensated for the unpleasant sting in my heart, but... wait a minute! Is he joking about me right now? Where is he going at 11 pm on my birthday, needing to change into a shirt, for goodness sake?!

- NuNew Chawarin, we don't have anything to talk about right now. I don't have time for you today. - At that moment, the guy turned towards me, and my heart broke into a million pieces in an instant. And to make matters worse, it happened on such a special day for me. That's the real present I got today.

Zee hadn't finished buttoning up his shirt yet, but that was enough for me to see something I really didn't want to see - again. His chest was covered with love bites. The hickeys was fresh and looked as if they had been done yesterday. I stood there, frozen, watching him fasten his collar, put on his best watch, and spray himself with his favorite perfume that he only uses for special occasions.

- Nong! You're standing in my way... Please move, for God's sake, you're blocking the way!!! - It was the first time Hia yelled at me since we met. Sure, we had our arguments and raised our voices before, but I had never been treated like this by him. I think I know where you're going... or rather, who you're going to... I lost my interest in watching movies, went straight to my room, and cried into my pillow half the night - again.

***

- Nunu... Can I come in? - I heard Nat knocking on my door early in the morning. He didn't do anything wrong to me, so I decided to let him in.

- Do you want to talk about it?

- About what? - I replied, pretending that I didn't know what he was talking about.

- I have some doubts about last night... Don't worry, I didn't tell anyone anything. I've decided to keep it to myself. Because you know... P'Zee's behavior, that thing with the sofa... And, well, yesterday, I accidentally saw how P' was treating you. How are you feeling, are you okay? No... I know it's a silly question... I wouldn't feel okay myself if someone I love-

-Nat, stop! Love?! Haha, love doesn't exist. Where did you come up with such nonsense? What kind of feeling...?! - I reacted quite quickly and impulsively. I was scared, not having any idea how my friend knew my secret. Am I that obvious?

- Calm down, Nunu. Please don’t cry anymore. I know you’ve been crying, it’s been the second day. You can’t hide it with makeup… I know because I’m just observant, and to me, you are the most important. Come here to me... come on! - Natasitt hugged me in his arms and led me to the bed. That night, he stayed with me, letting me soak his shirt with tears. I fell asleep while he was gently stroking my back with a comforting gesture...

___

TO BE CONTINUED ♡