Our dear parents couldn't stay awake till 12 yesterday. The reality was the gift wasn't here. We always snitched through the whole house for our gifts. We both hugged them. "Thank you," I said. "So we are just in time for the iconic gift exchange?" Dad asked. I nodded. I handed Kyle the big box his gift and he handed me mine.

The boxes were huge. We both sat down and opened the boxes slowly. Well, I opened it slowly Kyle just ripped it apart. "NO WAY, KIA!" he shouted. I stopped and smiled. "Yes way, Kyle!" I said. "PS 5?!" he asked. I smiled. "I LOVE YOU!" he screamed. "I know," I smirked. "Where did you get the money?" Dad asked. "You know I asked for money for that Louis Vuitton sale and Gucci sale?" I asked. My dad's eyes widened.

"Honey, they don't ever hold a sale," Mom said rubbing his shoulder and making him laugh. "Open yours!" Kyle said getting impatient. I opened up the box and it was just a cardboard box. "I just needed a box to fit in everything," he said.

I opened up the box to find four things in there. "Louis Vuitton handbag, Gucci necklace and earrings, Customized Airpods Pro, and Oh My Gosh Lavenders!" I smiled. "Wow, you got all that and you scream for the lavenders?" he asked. I launched myself at him. "Thank you all of this is so beautiful!" I said. "I know you don't like branded stuff that much," he said sarcastically. "Hey! I don't spend that much!" I said.

"Sure honey," Dad replied. We both hugged each other once more before turning to our parents. "Where are our gifts?" We asked simultaneously. "Why do we have to get you something?" they asked. "I swear Dad you-" "Honey you don't swear.. That's the whole reason for the swear jar," he said. I huffed. "Dad," Kyle warned pulling me close to him.

"Downstairs is-" But that's all we heard before we rushed downstairs our parents screaming behind us. There stood the person I was least expecting today. Tears started brimming in my eyes. "Oh My Gosh!" I gasped. Kyle was the first to compose as he went forward and hugged him. "I missed you," Kyle said hugging him.

I was still frozen. "Hey, don't you wanna join the hug?" He asked. I laughed running towards them. "I can't believe you are here," I said hugging him. "Hey, I missed my little sister, Happy Birthday!" He said hugging us. We finally composed ourselves and I looked at the door. "I am sorry," Shawn finally said.

She didn't come. "She couldn't get herself to come here," he said. I nodded. I was disappointed but I understood that she was going through something I could never think of. "So there's your gift," Shawn said pointing behind us. There were two boxes.

Shawn's mom and my dad were twins. So you know Shawn and Sophia were twins and I and Kyle were too. Twins kinda ran in our family. Me, Shawn, Kyle, and Sophia were quite close until she had to move to Australia when things went down the hill for her.

We ran towards them opening them up. There were hoverboards in both boxes. "I am sorry I could get only this," he said rubbing the back of his neck. "Are you kidding we both wanted this!" I said happily. "Exactly we wanted to go racing- I mean learn how to ride these!" He said covering up when Mom and Dad glared at him.

"Thank you Shawn!" we both said. "No problem kiddos," he smiled. "Anyways I will see you guys after school," he said yawning. "I am tired," he said as Mom showed him a room. "Dad?" I asked. "Yeah Yeah I know," he said walking to the dining table and handing us two envelopes. "Two tickets for each of you to travel anywhere in the world. Cash in when you want to Happy Birthday Kids," he smiled patting our heads.

We smiled hugging him. When mom walked in we hugged her as well. "Now come on got to school," she said. We grabbed our bags and rushed out. As soon as we sat in Kyle's care our phones pinged.

Sister-in-law: Happy Birthday! You better be here in ten!

I laughed and so did he. We were dressed a little bit fancier today I was wearing a dress and Kyle was wearing a buttoned-down shirt. I was wearing a red dress and he was wearing a black shirt and jeans. As soon as we pulled up in the parking lot. Elina ran to me when I got out. "HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABE!" she shouted.

"Thank you so much!" I said smiling. Kyle walked around to us. "I feel loved," he rolled his eyes. Elina looked at him and then launched herself at him. "HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABE!" she shouted. Making me laugh. "Thank you," He smiled pecking her lips. "Okay so as per rituals gifts are at the end of the day," she said putting both of her hands around our shoulders.

As we walked through the hallway everyone wished us. I don't even know why but I did reply to all of them. As soon as I reached my locker I saw Allisa, Blake, and Christian standing there. Allisa hugged me. "Happy Birthday Kiara!" she said. "Thank you so much, Al!" I said. Christain and Blake hugged Kyle. "Happy Birthday, Mate!" "Happy Birthday Bro!" They both said.

Christian hugged me, "Happy birthday!" he said. "Thank you, Christian," I said. Blake pulled me in a bear hug. "Happy Birthday, your highness," he smiled. "Thank you, Blakey," I said smirking. I looked at them to tell me where the third idiot is.

"Don't tell me!" I snapped. "We are sorry," they said.

Now

"I hate him!"

I snapped. "Blake you better tell me where he is," I said angrily. "He is rig-" "Don't give me an excuse. You better tell me! Or I will break your bone which has just recovered!" I said. "But he is beh-" Christian started.

"Why does he have to do this all the time? I mean come on! I get it he is Asher King! He is the best and he is the bad boy and he doesn't care about anyone!" I said mimicking his voice. Their eyes widened. "That day I thought we could finally be friends you know? But no Asher King doesn't like friends," I said huffing.

"You know he is such a nice guy than he lets on. But today he has proved that he is very evil. I mean normal people text when they are going to go away. Like- I won't be coming for the next two weeks. Even a curse word in there would have been fine. But Mr. King doesn't know how to use a phone!" I said huffing.

They looked at me their mouths open. "What are you guys staring at? I was expecting a nice hug. Maybe my favorite flowers or I don't know a simple wish-" "Happy Birthday, Kiara," I turned around as fast as lightning. He stood there in all his glory a fresh mark on his cheek that was fading away though. His hair was messy, he was wearing his classic all-black look.

I turned around immediately. I wasn't going to let him off this time. "I am late to the class bye," I said to others walking ahead. "Happy Birthday, Kyle," I heard him say. "Thanks, man, don't worry she is just mad at you. She'll be fine..." and that's all I could hear. I scoffed.

But I smiled. He was here and he remembered. I walked to class forgetting about getting angry. I wanted to be Happy today!

****

Lunch rolled in rather quickly today. I opened my locker to find Lavenders in there. I smiled. Beautiful. I smelled them and looked like they were freshly picked. I hated picking flowers but I could be selfish for today, right?

I grabbed them and saw a note in the locker.

Happy Birthday 🖤

I turned the card around. No name no signature? Why? There is something so familiar about this. Why a black heart? Why italics? I am overthinking. I looked around to see if someone was there. "Thank you," I whispered smiling.

"Hey, Birthday Girl!" Blake shouted motioning for me to come with him. I taped the note on the inside of my locker and brought the flowers with me. "Wow," he said looking at them. "I know right!" I smiled. "Who?" he asked. I just shrugged.

"So... Are we getting a treat?" he asked. "Sure," I laughed. We walked into the cafeteria to see everyone at the table. Even Mr Grumpy. "Kia!" Kyle hugged me as I hugged him back. "Wow," Elina and Allisa said looking at the flowers. "That's what I said!" Blake pointed out. "Secret Admirer?" Christian asked. "I don't think so not a lot of people know that my favorite flowers are lavenders," I said sitting down.

"And it's not like someone could guess Lavender," I said thinking about it. "What is so special about it?" Asher asked rolling his eyes. "The fact that they tried to impress me!" I snapped. Kyle put an arm around my shoulder. Asher just smirked. I was pissed he wanted a reaction and I was giving it to him.

"He even left a cute note of Happy Birthday! With a black heart just like I like them!" I said smiling instantly. Everyone started talking about random things and what to do after school to celebrate. But I didn't miss Blake asking Asher.

"How are you here so early? You were supposed to be here after a week!" Blake said. My eyes immediately snapped to Asher. He looked at me for a brief moment making eye contact. "I had some work that needed my utmost attention," he said smirking. REALLY? HE THINKS I WAS NEEDING HIS ATTENTION!

I rolled my eyes. "What do you mean?" Christian asked joining in. "Nothing whoever needed to hear it and understand they did," he said. I clenched my fists. "I don't know what you are saying but I am glad you are here! Kiara would have killed us now if we didn't give her your number or tell her where you were!" Blake said looking at me and I glared at him and he shut up.

"But seriously why don't you give it to her?" Christian asked. "She annoys you guys so much Imagine how much she will annoy me!" he said. Calm down. Calm down. "I don't even need it! You keep it to yourself. I don't need your number! You can have fun alone!" I snapped. Everyone at our table and some of the tables around us looked at me.

I sank in embarrassment. "I hate you," I muttered. Asher just rolled his eyes. The bell rang and walked out of the cafeteria not wanting to talk to anyone.

Unknown: Happy Birthday 🖤

A smile made its way up to my lips.

To Unknown: Thank you. Who are you?

I sent it eager for a reply but I didn't get one. I left it at that.

----

My parents were hosting a small party for us. Our friends and family were coming. And I was so eager to meet everyone. "Are you ready?" Kyle asked coming into the room. I turned around. "You look gorgeous!" he said kissing my cheek. "You look handsome as well!" I smiled.

We both looked in the mirror. I was wearing a white mini-dress and my hair was parted down the middle and straightened. I wore pearl earrings, that El gifted me a few minutes ago, with a bare neck and I wore black heels. I looked at Kyle and he was wearing a black shirt with a black jacket and black jeans with a necklace that El gifted him a few minutes ago.

I smiled and we both turned around to see Shawn coming in through Kyle's room. "Why do you have separate rooms if you are always together?" he asked. "Because when my best friend and brother are making out I don't want to be in the front seat of the show," I said. Kyle just smirked.

"Right... Okay let's go almost everyone is here," he said. I smiled. Kyle grabbed my hand and we walked downstairs. "HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" Everyone shouted. We both walked in and were immediately welcomed with hugs. "Happy Birthday Kids!" Uncle William and Aunt Hannah said to us. Aunt Hannah was my dad's twin as I mentioned earlier. She is super sweet. They handed us a gift and soon Elina pulled us both to her parents.

"Happy Birthday Dear!" Amber said hugging us and so did Sebastian. "Thank you!" we said as they handed us our presents. Soon after meeting all the family, we went to the backyard where our friends stood.

"Okay this is from me and Christian," Allisa said handing us each a box. "This is from me," Blake handed us two wrapped boxes as well just the sizes were different. We both opened gifts. Allisa and Christian had both bought us bracelets that had 'K' on them.

"Thank you I love it!" I said hugging both of them as Kyle did the same. I finally opened Blake's gift but Kyle bet me to it. My eyes widened as I saw what was in it. "WHY THE HELL WOULD YOU GIFT HIM THAT?!" Elina shouted. "What you guys are in a relationship for so long! You are going to need those!" He said. "That's not his gift," said a soft voice. I turned around to see Lilia standing there.

"Lilia!" I said hugging her. "Happy Birthday, darling!" she said smiling. "Who invited her here?" Blake snapped. "I did," I told him. He just rolled his eyes. "Guys, this is Lilia. This is Kyle my brother and Elina my best friend," I introduced. She shook their hands. "Blake was just kidding, condoms are not gifts," she said handing each a gift. We opened them to find French perfumes.

"Thank you," we both said at the same time. She stood beside Blake hitting him on the arm. "Happy Birthday, Kyle" we heard a deep voice which made me roll my eyes. I mean come on you know who it is. He came and stood in front of us giving Kyle a wrapped box. He opened it to find a very expensive watch inside. "Wow, thanks man," he said hugging Kyle. I stood there looking at anywhere but him.

After a few minutes of silence when he didn't say anything to me I turned around only to bump into Shawn. "Kids let's go the cake is here," he said grabbing both of us to the center. There was a huge chocolate cake. We both stood there as everyone started singing happy birthday we cut a piece and fed it to each other and then our parents.

I turned to Kyle only for him to put some of it on my face. "KY!" I shouted. He laughed running away. I sighed as everyone wished me while I went to my room to clean up. I unlocked my door and walked into the bathroom wiping the cake with a tissue. I heard the sound of the door creaking.

"Who's there?" I asked my voice shaky. I hadn't switched on my room lights so I couldn't see anything. "Hello?" I called out. I walked outside to bump into someone ready for the fall when strong arms gripped my waist. I slowly opened my eyes to meet familiar green ones. My hands went around his neck supporting me as he looked into my eyes.

After staring at each other for god knows how long I was finally pulled up to my feet. "What are you doing here?" I asked going back outside and switching on the lights. "Nothing," he replied. "So should I go out while you do nothing in here?" I asked angrily.

He walked closer to me and I stood there frozen. He stopped his body centimeters apart from me. "Did you miss me?" he asked. His voice was just a mere whisper. "Asher, I don't have time for this. You are talking to me and then you are going to leave and disappear for god knows how long. You don't care because you don't know about anyone.

You will be fine but you don't know how much it gets us worried. You come home with bruises, bullets. You don't want to tell me what it is that keeps you in danger and more importantly you don't know how much it scares me to see you in danger! You-" He leaned in kissing me just beside my mouth, near my left cheek his hand on my right one.

"Gosh thank god you stopped. Just a YES would have answered my question," he smirked. Although I wanted to sass out on him, I couldn't all my attention was how close his face was to mine and how he had just kissed me on the cheek! My hand slowly went to the spot he just kissed.

Fingers snapped in front of my eyes bringing me out of my dream. "You thinking about the kiss?" he smirked. I rolled my eyes turning around. When I was pulled back and turned around and into his chest. His hands instantly wrapped around my waist bringing me closer. My head was in the crook of his neck just like he was in mine.

His body heat spontaneously made me warm. I smiled. He was hugging me! For the first time, he initiated something not once but twice! I was so happy. "Did you miss me?" I asked after a few minutes. He pulled back his face blank. "Don't get too ahead of yourself," he said. I rolled my eyes. "This is what I was talking about," I muttered.

"Let's go," I said frowning. "Wait," he said making me stop. He pulled me to stand in front of the mirror. He slowly pulled all my hair to one side his finger gliding along my neck and sending shivers down my spine. "Asher," I said softly. "Shh," he said. He pulled out something from his pocket.

He brought it in front of my neck when I saw it! It was beautiful. It was a black heart necklace that had an intricate design on it. It was thick and solid from the inside. The cold metal touched my neck as he put it on me. When I realized something! He had sent me the flowers! He had sent me a message!

I smiled. As soon as he clamped it I turned around hugging him. "I love- it!" I said quickly covering myself. I had shocked myself. I was in l-lo-love? No, I loved him as my best friend nothing else. Yeah. That's right. I felt his arms wrapping around me. "Good, now you promise you are never going to take it off," he said.

But I was in shock to listen or even comprehend what he was saying. "Huh? Yeah, I won't," I said releasing him from the hug. "How did you know about the lavenders?" I asked. "Your room and pictures," He said pointing at the one where I was in the lavender field with a flower crown on my head. I smiled.

"Nice observation," I said. He just smirked. I finally looked at him. He was wearing a hoodie and black jeans. A hoodie was a first. It looked comfy. I mean he was taller than me and it was bigger on him. "Stop eye-raping me," he said bringing me out of it and my eyes went wide. "What?! I was not!" I said defending myself.

"I just like your hoodie," I said. "You want it?" he asked. "Will you give it to me?" I asked my eyes lighting up. "Sure, it's your birthday today," he said. "Okay give it to me tomorrow or later. Also, I want you to promise me something," I said. "Don't you think this is going over the board?" He asked. Okay, my patience level is running out.

"Sorry, Leave it," I said looking at my feet. I heard him sigh. "Fine, what do you want?" he asked. "Next time you go somewhere... more like disappear you have to let me know," I said. He rolled his eyes. "We'll see," he said. "Now let's go," he said grabbing my hand and tugging me downstairs.

I looked at our intertwined fingers. "I want you to meet my parents," I blurted out. "Absolutely not," he snapped. "But," I started. "You want me to leave the party?" he asked his eyes told me he was getting angry. "Okay, Okay," I said giving up. As we reached the garden he dropped my hand and we walked to the group. Elina smirked at me. Oh No, this can't be good!

"Where were you both?" she asked immediately. "I was in my room cleaning the cake someone put on me!" I said accusing Kyle. He just smirked and then laughed. "And you?" she asked Asher. He just ignored her. She glared at me before coming to me. "That's such a beautiful necklace!" she gasped gaining everyone's attention.

Lilia and Allisa looked at me. As soon as Lilia saw it she looked at Asher and he looked at her as if they were talking about something. "Wow, Looks expensive it is custom-made," Allisa said. I just shrugged smiling. "Who gave it to you?" Kyle asked. I looked at Asher to see him looking at me smirking.

"Yes, Kiara who gave it to you?" she asked smirking. Oh Boy!