17

Fast forward to three months of living together, Chas's 21st birthday rolled around in November 15th. Chas wasn’t the type to make a big deal out of her birthday—if anything, she usually preferred to keep it quiet. Growing up in the orphanage, birthdays often passed with little fanfare, and as she got older, the habit stuck. This year, she hadn’t even mentioned her birthday to Nick, hoping to let the day pass uneventfully.

But Nick wasn’t having it.

He noticed the date circled in faint pencil on the small calendar Chas kept on the fridge, and a little flashback when asking carol (chas's foster mother) permission to let chas move into his house, he look at chas's biodata that carol give him. After asking Chas casually about it a few days earlier and receiving her classic “it’s not a big deal” response, Nick decided that not celebrating wasn’t an option.

The day of her birthday, Chas woke up like any other morning. She headed to the kitchen in her oversized sweatshirt, half-asleep, only to freeze in surprise when she saw the dining table. It was decked out with a small birthday cake, a single candle in the middle, and a neatly wrapped gift box. Beside it sat a handwritten card with “Happy Birthday, Chas” scrawled in Nick's unmistakable handwriting.

Nick, who had been waiting in the kitchen with a cup of coffee, looked up and grinned. “Morning, birthday girl.”

Chas's jaw dropped slightly as she took in the sight. “What… is all this?”

“Your birthday,” Nick said simply, leaning against the counter. “You didn’t think I’d just let it slide, did you?”

“I told you it’s not a big deal,” Chas mumbled, but there was no hiding the smile creeping onto her face.

“Well, it’s a big deal to me,” Nick replied, walking over to light the candle on the cake. “Come on, make a wish.”

Chas hesitated for a moment, but the look of anticipation on Nick's face made her relent. She closed her eyes briefly, made her wish, and blew out the candle.

“Happy 21st, kid,” Nick said with a soft smile.

“Thank you,” Chas said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Nick handed her the gift box. “Go on, open it.”

Inside, Chas found a beautiful silver bracelet with a small, intricate charm shaped like a star and music note. She held it up, her eyes wide with wonder.

“Nick…” she started, her voice thick with emotion. “This is—this is too much.”

“It’s not,” Nick said firmly. “You deserve something nice. And before you argue, no, you can’t return it.”

Chas laughed through the lump in her throat and immediately put the bracelet on. “It’s perfect. Thank you.”

As Chas held up the silver bracelet Nick had gifted her, admiring the delicate star charm, she hesitated.

“Here,” Nick said, stepping closer, his voice low and calm. “Let me help you with that.”

Chas nodded, handing the bracelet to him. Her pulse quickened as Nick carefully wear it to her wrist, his large hands surprisingly gentle as he leaned closer to drape the chain around her wrist. The proximity between them made her breath hitch slightly, though she tried her best to hide it.

Nick stood beside her, tilting his head as he fumbled briefly with the clasp before securing it. “There,” he said softly, his voice near her ear.

Chas raised her hand to touch the charm now resting on her beautiful wrist. “Thank you,” she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Nick admire the bracelet on her. “Looks good on you,” he said with a lopsided smile. His tone was casual, but there was something in his gaze that lingered—an unspoken tenderness he wasn’t entirely aware of.

Chas glanced down at the charm, her fingers brushing over the delicate star and music note shaped. “It’s beautiful,” she said, smiling shyly. “And I mean it. Thank you… for all of this.”

Nick shrugged, his nonchalant act cracking just enough to reveal a soft warmth beneath. “It’s your day. You should feel special.”

Chas looked up at him, her eyes sparkling not just from the gift, but from the effort and sincerity behind it. “You’ve made it the best day,” she admitted quietly.

For a moment, neither of them said anything. The air between them felt still, intimate, as if they were caught in a shared moment neither had anticipated. Nick, ever the one to break tension with humor, stepped back and gave a mock bow.

“Well, glad I could be of service,” he said, his grin returning.

Chas laughed, the moment lightening. “You’re ridiculous.”

“Maybe,” Nick replied, ruffling her hair playfully. “But I’m also pretty good at surprises.”

Chas shook her head, still smiling, but as her fingers grazed the necklace again, her heart swelled. Nick's unexpected, almost romantic gesture would linger in her mind long after the day was over.

*Throwback Scene: After Nick ask Carol's Permission to let Chas be his housemate*

Nick sat in Carol’s office at the orphan house, the air thick with the weight of the conversation they had just finished. She had given him her blessing—her trust—to let Chas move in with him. It wasn’t something he took lightly. Carol had made it clear that while Chas could handle herself, she was still young, and Nick had a responsibility now.

As Carol stepped out of the room, Nick’s eyes landed on the folder she had left on her desk. His fingers itched with curiosity.

Her biodata.

After a moment’s hesitation, he pulled the folder closer and flipped it open.

His gaze immediately fell on a slightly worn photo of a fifteen-year-old Chas.

Even though she looked younger, she was still unmistakably her. Wild curls framed her face, her warm tan skin contrasted with the faded school uniform she wore, and her dark eyes held that same quiet fire—the look of someone who had been through a lot but refused to let it define her. There was something stubborn in the way her lips pressed together, something fierce in the way she looked straight at the camera.

Nick felt a small, unintentional smile tug at his lips.

His eyes flicked to the printed text beneath the photo.

Name: Chastin “Chas” Honeydew

Date of Birth: November 15

Background: Being dropped here at the orphan house with her biological Chinese-Filipina mother due to her mother’s separation from her abusive and alcoholic Spanish father, as well as financial crisis.

Nick’s smile faded slightly as he read that last part.

He had always known Chas didn’t have an easy childhood, but seeing it laid out so bluntly like this made something in his chest tighten. He imagined a younger Chas standing beside her mother, clutching her hand as they arrived at the orphanage for the first time. He imagined the weight her mother must have carried to make that choice.

His fingers brushed over the paper absentmindedly before he closed the folder with a quiet snap.

That date—November 15—he wasn’t going to forget it.

Not now. Not ever.

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At afternoon of her birthday, Chas stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the fabric of her red long-sleeved off-the-shoulder dress. The dress framed her pear-shaped body perfectly, hugging her waist before flowing down elegantly. She had taken the time to do her hair and makeup—soft curls cascading down her shoulders, her eyes subtly accentuated with warm, golden hues, and her lips painted a shade of red that matched her dress.

She gave herself one last glance before stepping out of her room.

Nick, who had been lounging on the couch, casually scrolling through his phone, looked up when he heard her footsteps.

And then he just—froze.

His thumb stalled over the screen, his brows raising slightly as he took her in.

The dress, the hair, the makeup… damn.

He wasn’t sure if it was the way the dress clung to her curves or the way she carried herself with effortless confidence, but for a solid five seconds, Nick completely blanked.

Chas, oblivious at first, grabbed her purse from the counter and was about to slip on her heels when she finally noticed his silence.

She turned to him, raising an eyebrow. “What?”

Nick blinked. Say something, idiot.

He cleared his throat, leaning back on the couch. “Nothing. You just—uh…” He gestured vaguely at her. “Look nice.”

Chas smirked knowingly. “Just nice?”

Nick let out a small scoff, shaking his head. “Fine. You look…” He exhaled, giving her another once-over. “Beautiful.”

That wiped the smirk off her face.

For a moment, she hesitated, her fingers fiddling with the strap of her purse. Then, a soft smile crept onto her lips. “Thanks.”

Nick shrugged like it was no big deal, but the way his gaze lingered on her for a second too long gave him away.

Chas rolled her eyes playfully before grabbing her coat. “Alright, I’m off. Try not to miss me too much.”

Nick let out a small chuckle. “Yeah, yeah. Have fun.”

She winked at him before stepping out, leaving Nick sitting there—phone still in hand, but his mind far from whatever he had been looking at before.

He exhaled through his nose, shaking his head to himself.

She really had no idea what she did to him, did she?

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The trendy café in downtown buzzed with energy, its warm string lights and pastel aesthetic making it the perfect backdrop for Chas’s small birthday gathering. The place was one of their favorite spots—cozy, always playing the right mix of indie pop and jazz, and known for its ridiculously cute desserts.

Chas sat at the center of the booth, her red off-the-shoulder dress making her stand out effortlessly. Around her, her closest campus friends—Gigi, Leon, Katy, Nina, Josh, and of course, Martin—were chatting animatedly, passing around plates of sweets and cups of coffee.

“Okay, okay, before anything else,” Gigi grinned, standing up and raising her glass. “A toast to the birthday girl! To our dearest Chas, who somehow manages to be both the most chaotic and the most caring person in this group.”

The group chuckled, nodding in agreement.

“To another year of you thriving, stunning, and hopefully, making fewer questionable life decisions,” Leon added, smirking.

“Hey!” Chas feigned offense.

They all clinked their glasses together, laughter filling the air.

As the celebration continued, Martin, who had been sitting beside her, leaned in slightly. “So… how’s Nick? Surprised you today?”

Chas hesitated for a fraction of a second before a small, genuine smile appeared on her lips. “Yeah. He did, actually.”

Martin raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Oh?”

Chas glanced down at the silver bracelet on her wrist, absentmindedly brushing her fingers over the star and music note charm. “Just… something thoughtful,” she murmured.

Martin noticed the subtle shift in her expression—the kind of soft, almost dreamy look someone had when they were thinking about someone special.

He didn’t comment on it, just chuckled under his breath. “He’s got a way of getting under your skin, huh?”

Chas rolled her eyes but didn’t deny it.

As Chas absentmindedly brushed her fingers over the silver bracelet, Gigi’s sharp eyes caught the glint of the delicate charm.

“Wait a minute,” Gigi leaned in, grabbing Chas’s wrist gently to examine it closer. “Is this new? I don’t remember you wearing this before.”

Chas blinked, suddenly aware of the attention on her. “Uh…”

Katy, sitting across from her, tilted her head. “Ooh, it’s so pretty! A star and a music note? That’s so you, Chas.”

Leon smirked knowingly. “Let me guess… Nick?”

Chas groaned, knowing there was no escaping their curiosity. “Okay, fine. Yes. It’s from Nick.”

The entire table let out a chorus of reactions—Gigi practically squealed, Nina gasped dramatically, and even Josh, who wasn’t usually one to pry, raised an intrigued eyebrow.

Martin, meanwhile, leaned back in his seat, watching the scene unfold with mild amusement.

“Oh my god, that’s actually so cute,” Gigi gushed. “Like, he picked a star and a music note? That’s literally him saying ‘you’re my star and my music’ without actually saying it.”

Chas felt her face heat up. “You guys are reading too much into it.”

“No, no, no. We’re reading exactly into it,” Leon countered, grinning. “Come on, honey, you live with him. Spill. Did he just casually toss this at you, or was there, like, a moment?”

Chas exhaled, realizing resistance was futile. “Okay, fine. He surprised me this morning with cake and a gift, and then he helped me put it on.” She paused, remembering the way his fingers had brushed against her skin, the warmth in his voice when he told her it looked good on her.

The group erupted into more excitement.

Katy gasped. “He put it on for you?!”

Martin, who had been quiet up until now, let out a low chuckle. “Damn, Chas. Sounds like you’ve got a real romantic lead on your hands.”

Chas groaned, covering her face with her hands. “Can we not make a big deal out of this?”

“Too late,” Nina teased. “It is a big deal! I mean, the man got you jewelry. That’s next-level thoughtful.”

Gigi nodded firmly. “Nick is so into you, it’s insane.”

Chas rolled her eyes but couldn’t suppress the small, shy smile creeping onto her lips. As much as she wanted to brush it off, she knew deep down that this morning had meant something.

And judging by the way her friends were looking at her, they knew it too.

The conversation quickly shifted when the waiter arrived with the café’s signature birthday dessert—a beautifully plated cake with edible flowers and a small sparkler on top.

“Make a wish, birthday girl!” Nina grinned.

Chas took a deep breath, closing her eyes for a moment before blowing out the sparkler. The table erupted into cheers, and for the first time in a long time, Chas genuinely felt like her birthday was something worth celebrating.

And maybe, just maybe, a part of her couldn’t wait to get back home and tell Nick all about it.

As laughter and chatter filled the cozy café, Chas and her friends were caught up in their usual lively banter. Gigi and Leon were dramatically recounting an embarrassing moment from their freshman year, while Katy and Nina eagerly forked into slices of Chas’s birthday cake. The conversation naturally circled back to Nick, with everyone teasing Chas about the silver bracelet.

Martin, sitting at the edge of the group, chuckled along with them, but inside, something unfamiliar twisted in his chest.

He wasn’t supposed to feel like this.

He had Ana now—his sweet, intelligent, and caring girlfriend. He was happy with her, wasn’t he? But as he sat there watching Chas, the way she laughed with ease, the way her dimples deepened when she was genuinely amused, he felt something crack quietly inside him.

It was nostalgia, maybe. A reminder of the times when he was the one who made her laugh like that. When she used to glance at him the way she now unconsciously glanced down at the bracelet on her wrist, tracing the charm with her fingers.

The way she used to look at him.

He swallowed hard, forcing a smile as he took a sip of his coffee.

It was stupid. He and Chas had ended things amicably. They had moved on, remained friends, and he genuinely wanted her to be happy. And yet, seeing how her eyes sparkled when she talked about Nick—even if she wasn’t aware of it—made something deep inside him ache.

He caught himself staring a second too long and quickly looked away, masking his expression with another well-practiced smirk.

“Damn, Chas. Who knew living with a rockstar would turn your life into a rom-com?” he teased, his voice light, betraying none of his thoughts.

Chas rolled her eyes but grinned. “Shut up, Martin.”

He laughed along with the others, but the feeling in his chest didn’t go away. Instead, it lingered, like a faint bruise that no one else could see.

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Chas carefully adjusted the many bags in her arms as she stepped into Nick’s house, letting out a small breath of exhaustion. Her birthday lunch had been fun—her friends had spoiled her with gifts, food, and endless teasing about Nick. Now, as she set the bags down near the couch, she figured her night was winding down.

At least, that’s what she thought.

“Don’t get too comfortable,” Nick’s voice came from behind her.

She turned and blinked, catching sight of him standing near the door, dressed in a sharp black button-up and dark jeans, his car keys dangling between his fingers. His expression was casual, but there was something playful in his eyes.

“What?” Chas furrowed her brows, confused.

“Go freshen up if you need to. We’re going out,” Nick said simply.

Chas stared at him for a beat, then let out a soft laugh. “Nick, I just got back. I thought my birthday celebration was over.”

Nick smirked, stepping closer. “Yeah? Well, I didn’t get the memo.”

Chas raised an eyebrow. “And where exactly are we going?”

Nick shrugged, his smirk deepening. “That’s for me to know and you to find out.”

Chas bit her lip, glancing down at her red dress. She had been wearing it since lunch, and yet it still felt perfect for the night. She hesitated, but the excitement in Nick’s expression was contagious.

“Alright,” she said, crossing her arms. “Give me five minutes.”

Nick grinned. “Take your time, birthday girl. But not too long.”

As she rushed to touch up her makeup and brush through her curls, a warm feeling settled in her chest. She hadn’t expected anything more after the already wonderful day she had, but of course, Nick had other plans.

And, if she was being honest, she was looking forward to whatever he had in store.

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The car ride to their destination was smooth, the city lights casting a golden glow against the windows. Chas sat beside Nick, still slightly overwhelmed by how much effort he was putting into her birthday. She wasn’t used to this—to someone going out of their way just to make her feel special.

“Nick, I really don’t—”

“If you’re about to say I didn’t have to do this, don’t bother,” Nick cut in, glancing at her briefly before focusing back on the road. “It’s your birthday. I want to do this.”

Chas sighed, but a small smile tugged at her lips. “You’re stubborn.”

Nick smirked. “I’ve been told.”

A short drive later, they arrived at an upscale restaurant—one of those elegant places with warm lighting, expensive-looking chandeliers, and live soft jazz playing in the background. Chas felt slightly out of place at first, but Nick placed a hand on the small of her back as they walked inside, a silent reassurance.

“Nick, this place is fancy,” she whispered as they were escorted to their table, her eyes sweeping over the neatly set white tablecloth and flickering candlelight.

“Yeah, figured I’d end your birthday on a high note.” He pulled out her chair for her before taking his seat across from her. “Just enjoy it, Chas. No overthinking tonight.”

She bit her lip, feeling warmth spread in her chest at how thoughtful he was. “Okay,” she relented.

The restaurant was stunning—warm candlelight, a gentle hum of soft jazz, and the quiet clinking of silverware against fine china. It was a place far fancier than anywhere Chas usually found herself, and she couldn’t shake the feeling that she didn’t quite belong. But as she sat across from Nick, watching him casually scan the menu, she tried to relax.

“Alright, birthday girl,” Nick said, setting his menu down. “What’s it gonna be?”

Chas frowned slightly. “I don’t even know what half of these dishes are.”

Nick smirked. “Welcome to fine dining, sweetheart.”

She gave him a flat look. “I think I saw one dish that costs, like, my entire grocery budget for a month.”

Nick leaned back in his chair, unbothered. “Good thing I’m paying then, huh?”

Chas huffed, still hesitant. “You really didn’t have to do all this, you know.”

Nick sighed, resting his forearms on the table as he looked at her. “Chas, if I hear you say that one more time, I’m gonna start charging you for every complaint.”

Her lips twitched. “That’s extortion.”

“That’s gratitude enforcement,” he countered smoothly. “Now, pick something before I order for you.”

Chas rolled her eyes but finally settled on a dish, letting herself enjoy the moment. The server took their orders, and soon, a bottle of wine was placed on their table. As Nick poured a small amount into her glass, she watched the way his hands moved, steady and confident.

“Didn’t know you were such a gentleman,” she teased as he refilled his own glass.

Nick raised a brow. “Didn’t know you doubted me.”

Chas took a sip, tilting her head. “I mean, you did scare the life out of me with that stupid intruder prank the other night. Doesn’t exactly scream ‘gentleman’ to me.”

Nick laughed, setting his glass down. “You’re still mad about that?”

Chas narrowed her eyes. “I didn’t talk to you for hours, Nicholas.”

“Yeah, and you still laughed about it later,” he pointed out. “So technically, I win.”

She scoffed, shaking her head. “Unbelievable.”

Their food arrived shortly after, and Chas had to admit—it was incredible. Each bite was rich with flavor, and for once, she let herself enjoy the indulgence. But what she enjoyed even more was the conversation.

They talked about everything and nothing at the same time. Nick told her stories from his early music days, some hilarious, some downright disastrous. Chas, in turn, shared funny memories from her campus life, including the time she accidentally walked into the wrong lecture and sat through an entire engineering class before realizing it.

Nick chuckled, shaking his head. “How do you just sit through a whole class without noticing?”

“I was committed to the bit at that point,” she said dramatically, making him laugh.

As the evening continued, Chas found herself watching Nick more closely. The way his eyes crinkled when he laughed, the way he absentmindedly refilled her glass every time it got low, the way he actually listened when she spoke—not just waiting for his turn to talk, but genuinely engaging.

It felt… different.

She wasn’t used to someone paying this much attention.

At one point, Nick leaned forward slightly, smirking. “You’re staring.”

Chas blinked, quickly looking away. “I am not.”

Nick chuckled. “You totally were.”

“I was just—thinking,” she defended, fiddling with her fork.

“About?”

She hesitated, then gave him a small smile. “Just… how nice tonight is.”

Nick’s expression softened, and for a second, the teasing edge in his voice disappeared. “Good,” he said simply. “That’s the whole point.”

A warm feeling settled in her chest, something unfamiliar yet comforting.

When dessert arrived—a beautifully plated chocolate soufflé with a single candle—Chas let out a small laugh, shaking her head.

“You just had to, huh?” she teased.

Nick leaned back in his chair, smirking. “Tradition. Now, make a wish.”

Chas sighed dramatically but played along, closing her eyes for a brief moment before blowing out the candle.

Nick tilted his head. “What’d you wish for?”

“You know I can’t tell you,” Chas said with a small smirk. “Or it won’t come true.”

Nick chuckled, shaking his head. “Fine. Keep your secrets.”

As they finished their meal and stepped out into the crisp night air, Chas found herself smiling for no reason. This had been one of the best birthdays she’d ever had—not because of the fancy restaurant, or the gifts, but because of Nick.

Because he cared.

As they walked toward his car, she suddenly reached out, tugging lightly on his sleeve.

“Hey, Nick?”

He turned his head, looking down at her with a questioning look.

She hesitated, then smiled softly. “Thank you… for everything.”

Nick held her gaze for a moment before shrugging lightly. “Anytime, kid.”

And yet, the way he said it—gentle, almost fond—made her heart skip just a little.

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By the time they got back home, Chas felt comfortably full, warm, and… happy. It had been a perfect birthday. From lunch with her friends to the surprise upscale dinner with Nick, everything had felt special in a way she hadn’t expected.

She kicked off her heels near the entrance, sighing in relief. “Ahh, freedom.”

Nick chuckled as he shrugged off his coat, tossing his car keys onto the counter. “That’s why I stick to boots.”

Chas rolled her eyes, already heading toward the living room. “Yeah, yeah, Mr. Rock Star. Not all of us are cool enough for Chelsea boots.”

Nick smirked, but instead of firing back, he grabbed a bag of snacks from the kitchen. “Alright, birthday girl. You get full control over movie night. Whatever you want—romcom, K-drama, cheesy Netflix Christmas movies—I won’t complain.”

Chas gasped dramatically, turning to him. “Anything?”

Nick nodded, though there was a slight look of hesitation in his eyes now. “…Yes.”

Her grin widened. “Even that one K-drama I showed you before? The one where the guy pretends to be a chaebol heir but is actually a broke café worker?”

Nick groaned. “Okay, wait, let’s not get crazy here—”

“No take-backs!” Chas grabbed the remote and flopped onto the couch, scrolling through options. “Let’s see… should I go for something with maximum second-lead syndrome? Or an over-the-top enemies-to-lovers romcom?”

Nick sighed, throwing himself down beside her. “This is gonna be painful, isn’t it?”

Chas grinned, leaning into his shoulder slightly as she settled in. “Oh, absolutely.”

Before starting the movie, Nick reached over to the coffee table, grabbing the bag of snacks he had gathered while she was busy scrolling. “Here,” he said, placing them between them. “Don’t say I never spoil you.”

Chas raised a brow, looking at the assortment—her favorite popcorn, sour candy, and even a couple of chocolate bars.

Her heart did that weird, fluttery thing again.

“…You actually paid attention to my favorite snacks?” she asked, slightly surprised.

Nick scoffed. “You act like I don’t listen to you.”

Chas didn’t respond right away, just looking at him with something soft in her eyes. Then, with a small, genuine smile, she unwrapped a piece of chocolate and popped it into her mouth.

“I guess you do,” she said quietly.

Nick glanced at her but didn’t say anything. Instead, he reached over and ruffled her hair lightly before leaning back, getting comfortable.

“Alright,” he said. “Let’s get this over with.”

The movie started, and as predicted, Nick groaned every time a dramatic slow-motion scene happened, but he didn’t leave. He stayed. And somewhere between the second-lead’s heart-wrenching confession and the obligatory piggyback ride scene, Chas found herself leaning against Nick’s arm without thinking.

Nick didn’t move away.

And neither of them said anything about it.

As the movie played, Chas felt the warmth of Nick’s arm drape casually around her shoulders. It wasn’t a big deal—at least, that’s what she told herself. Just a natural, comfortable gesture between two people who had been living together for months.

And yet…

She let herself lean in, resting her head against his shoulder, her gaze still fixed on the screen but her thoughts drifting elsewhere. Nick didn’t move, didn’t shift away or make some teasing remark like she half-expected him to. Instead, he just… let it be.

She could feel the slow rise and fall of his breathing, the faint scent of his cologne mixed with something unmistakably him. It was calming, too calming, and if she wasn’t careful, she might actually get used to this kind of comfort.

Nick, for his part, barely registered the scene playing out on screen anymore. He was hyper-aware of the way Chas fit so easily against him, how natural it felt to have her there. He told himself it was nothing—that they were just housemates who got along really well, that this kind of closeness was just part of their odd, unexpected friendship.

But his fingers absentmindedly traced small, lazy patterns on the fabric of her sleeve, and he didn’t even realize he was doing it.

Chas felt it, though.

And yet, neither of them said anything.

They were just two people sitting together on a couch, watching a movie. Nothing more.

Or at least, that’s what they both kept telling themselves.

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