Random Short Stories

Replacement

"Shion!" I hear a call and look up from my phone.

"You're here! Shall we go?" I say, putting on my best smile.

"Yes!" You skip in front, turning back to smile at me. "I've got a big surprise for you! It's sad Shen can't celebrate with us since he's still overseas..." Your voice drops to a shy whisper, "But I'm happy to spend some alone time with you..."

I pretend to have not heard the last part, bugging you to reveal where you would bring me.

"It's a secret." You grin, dragging me along. We pass by rows and rows of shops. Finally, with a left turn down some district, we reach the "secret place" - a quaint music cafe.

"Wow!" I glance around in awe. The cafe is quiet with only a few people around. A musician sits on a stool in front, strumming some blues.

"I know you have always liked music cafes. I stumbled across here one day and thought I'd bring you here!" You stare at me with stars in your eyes. Knowing you silly girl, you probably made crazy effort to find this place. "I love it a lot. Thank you." I smile, "It feels as amazing as I imagined it to be."

"What do you want to eat?" I ask as we are offered the menus. Though before I know it, you are already speaking to the waiter.

A few minutes later, you are presented with your usual salad set, and I, a burger, coupled with some coleslaw and waffle fries on the side. "Salad again?" I frown, "We are exchanging plates." Without waiting for your reply, I swap our plates. You look like you are about to protest but I cut in, "I know you don't like salads. You can't fool me, I'm your boyfriend you know."

I had a walk through on the argument. Defeated, you pout but happily dig into the fries moments later. Seeing your adorable expression, I can't help but smile.

As we finish up, you call the waiter, whispering to him some words. I am curious, but say nothing, already expecting something.

The music changes to an all too familiar tune. "Happy birthday to you... Happy birthday to you..." The waiter walks out with a big slice of chocolate cake, a small candle flame dancing above it. Honestly, I am a little embarrassed by the huge scene this is but it feels nice receiving such attention. The music slowly draws to a stop and I make a wish. After the blowing of the candle and claps, everyone goes back to doing their own business, and you and I to eating cake.

With that, we part unwillingly and I head off to meet my friends.

"Bro, is that girl still calling you Shion?" Jasper asks as we walk towards the cinema. "Yeah it's kinda creepy considering your brother has been gone for like a year already." Caden chimes in.

"Can't help it, I don't want to hurt her." I say, giving a sheepish smile.

"But Shen, she needs to know someday. Are you just going to let her treat you as your brother? What about your own feelings?" Caden voices and Jasper nods along.

"Guys, can we stop talking about it? It's my birthday, let's just forget about it ok?"

"Yes sir." They both say, rolling their eyes. Fortunately, the conversation takes a turn to our movie later on.