They were alone in the morning when Tristan's dad entered as they finished breakfast, he shot his son one of those looks. "You two can't help but bother the neighbourhood when you're together."

They blushed, Asher forced a smile. "We'd be quieter next time."

"Dad!" Tristan half-yelled, his face red with embarrassment.

He laughed. "What? Someone has to do Ethan's job when he's not around."
…

Darius hinted Asher a week before Tristan's birthday. Asher was excited and decided he would bake Tristan a birthday cake.

He woke up early, arranged his ingredients, and grabbed the cookbook from the kitchen cupboard.

Asher opened the 'cake' chapter and picked an attractive two-step birthday cake. "Tristan likes black, I can use black and gold frosting."

He read through the procedures and tied his apron. "Tristan cooks all the time, how hard can this be?" he said with an optimistic grin.

Tristan walked to the kitchen, he blinked to confirm if it was Asher in a white apron and cap. Asher's focus was fixed on a bowl, he stirred like his life depended on it.

Tristan glanced from left to right.
What's going on? Is this some special occasion?

He gradually took a seat. "Uh... good morning."

Asher gasped and turned on his heels. "Happy Birthday!" he beamed. "I'm the first to wish you, right? Please say yes."

Tristan's eyebrows creased. "Wait, today's my birthday?"

"How can you forget your own birthday?" Asher inhaled.

"It's not a big deal."

"Hmph! I disagree," Asher pouted.
Maybe he will feel how special today is when he tries my cake.

Asher pushed a white ceramic plate that contained a slice.

Tristan darted to him then to the plate.
I don't remember Asher knowing how to bake.

Tristan gazed at the enticing piece of cake.
This looks promising! Maybe it tastes just as good too.

He picked up the cake and took a bite.

Asher shook his head. "You're supposed to use your cutleries."

Tristan's eyes opened, he forced himself to swallow like it was rock.
This is tasteless!

Asher played with his fingers then smiled. "Well? Is it sweet?"

Tristan was about to say something but hesitated, his eyes narrowed to the bandaids wrapped around Asher's index and pinky fingers.

He must have put a lot of effort into making this, I don't want to discourage him, I won't.

"It's ehem... good," Tristan gave a thumbs up.

"Really!" Asher grinned.

"Yes."

Tristan flinched as he dropped the full cake on the table. "Good thing I made enough for everyone."

Tristan froze.
This is bad.

After their jobs, everyone gathered around and sang a birthday song.

"Make a wish," they chorused.

Tristan closed his eyes.
I wish everybody here will continue to be happy.

He opened his eyes and blew the twenty-two candles. Tristan flashed a smile as they clapped.

"I was about to make a comment but let me spare it since it's your birthday," Ethan said.

"Don't expect a thank you," Tristan snapped.

"Aww, our baby of the gang is growing up so fast," Betty wiped a tear.

Asher shared the pieces and stood by his chair. "How's the cake?"

Their eyes sparkled and they hurried to eat, their happy expression gradually disappeared.

Tristan shot them a death glare from Asher's back and made the 'kill' sign with his neck. He pointed to the cake, then his mouth, and did a thumbs up. They understood his gesture immediately.

"It's so good that I want to savour the taste by not taking a bite anytime soon," Betty said.

"Yummy," Darius faked a smile.

Everyone followed the pattern until it got to Ethan's turn. He frowned. "What are you guys saying? This is-" he stuck out his tongue so he wouldn't taste it in his mouth.

Betty shoved his side violently.

Ethan coughed out his guts. "Luxurious!"

When the party was over everyone went their separate ways. Asher was just returning from the kitchen while Tristan was going to his bedroom when they met in the hallway.

"Tristan, I feel everyone lied about the cake," he said in a low tone.

"What? Impossible," Tristan laughed it off.

"Then why don't you have mine," Asher stretched his hand with a slice of cake.

I thought it finished!
Tristan grinned. "No... you should try-" he paused as he darted to Asher's face.

His head was bowed, tears of disappointment clouded his eyes.
Why would Tristan lie to me? It could be anyone but not Tristan.

Tristan exhaled. "Fine, it looks good but has no taste. You put so much effort that I didn't want to hurt your feelings."

There was a short silence before Tristan spoke again. "I'm sorry I lied. Maybe we could make it together next time."

Asher cleaned his eyes, a small smile formed in his face. "I'd like that."

Tristan invited Asher to cook with him in the evening but Asher said he'd rather watch him cook. Asher kept him company, conversing about random topics until the food was ready.

That chilly night they were snuggled in each other's tight embrace, tangled up in the sheets as they drifted into a deep sleep.