Azalea's POV,
"What time are we going to go there?" Maica asked on the other line of the call.
"Y'all will go there before 11 while Zack and I will go there at the exact time of 11," I answered, combing my hair. I just finished taking a bath.
"Mom what time is it?! 10:45? Okay! We'll go there now Aza. And oh, you already told the restaurant that they should cook the foods before 11 right?" she asked hurriedly.
"Yes I already told them. Y'all should go there to check," I muttered, arranging my things.
"Oh okay, I'll end the call now."
"Thank you Maica."
"Pft you're always welcome! Bye!"
She hung up the call and I started to text Zack, telling him that we'll meet in front of our mansion.
Frantically, I went downstairs, greeting manang and the others maids. Excitedly, I proceed to the gate, waiting for him to arrive. Last night, we decided to hangout and use his motorcycle which I agreed.
After few minutes, a motor stopped in front of me which made me smile ear to ear.
"Did you wait for too long?" he asked, lifting up the helmet shield.
"Not really, I just arrived here." I walked towards him, accepting the other helmet he gave. "How did you have this? Are you letting someone else to ride with you?" I raised an eyebrow.
He let out a hysterical laughter and spoke, "Actually that's Clarisse's, she bought that when I got this motor, so we can go to school together to save money. But when Aizen found out about this, Clarisse stopped riding with me and Aizen started to pick her up every morning to go to school."
"I see. So you borrow this from her?" I asked, wearing the helmet.
"No, actually she's the one who insisted to borrow her helmet, so you don't need to ride without one," he answered as I sat behind him.
"She's really considerate huh. I should say my thank you to her," I muttered, chuckling. I felt a little pang of guilt when I remember how I was jealous to her with Zack back then. I shouldn't have felt that.
"Okay, we'll go now." He snatches my arms. "Hold onto my waist okay?"
"O-okay."
He chuckled and after that we drove off. Cool breeze of wind touches my skin as my hair flick into several different direction. This is one of a good reason to drive a motorcycle, you can feel how fresh the air is.
After few minutes of driving, we arrived at the ramen house, seeing few cars around the parking lot.
"Why did you choose to eat here Aza?" he asked after we took off our helmets. He held my right hand as we started to walk.
"What do you think?" I asked back, hiding the smile on my lips.
"That's because this is the first restaurant we ate when we were young?" he asked, making me nod. "I see. Well, this restaurant is really important to me too."
"See? That's why we're going to eat here today," I muttered, but he suddenly stopped.
"Hey are you sure we'll eat here? The lights inside are off and there's also a sign there that they're currently close." He pointed the signboard.
"Maybe they just forgot it," I explained, hauling him towards the entrance.
"But how about the lights?" he asked worriedly.
"They forgot it too." I shrugged. Oh come on just come with me already Zack and don't ask too many questions or else the surprise will fail.
"Eh? Really? Well okay. Let's just check it."
Finally he stopped asking!
Sighing, we stopped in front of the entrance. Shifting my gaze at him, I flashed a reassuring yet excited smile. What will he reacts once we enter?
"Come on open the door," I reminded, snatching his right hand, putting it onto the handle.
"Oh it's not lock," he mumbled, opening the door gently as we got in. "No one is her—"
"Happy 18th birthday Zackarius!"
Our friends shouts all together as they opened the lights and pop out the confetti.
Leonel is the one holding the cake while Niger, Krystal and Maica are holding the confetti gun. Ashley, Clarisse and Owen are behind Leonel, waving their hands to Zack. Trisha and Mrs Pablo are also here. I contacted them last night to come here to surprise Zack. I apologized to Trisha for calling her so late, fortunately she forgave me easily.
"So how is it Zack, do you like it?" I asked, shifting my gaze on him. My eyes widened in shock, seeing his teary eyes.
"I-I never experienced this in my whole life." He wipes his tears. "Thank you everyone, thank you Aza."
Smile curved up into my lips, tugging his hair at the side. "Happy birthday Zack."
Wordlessly, he hauled my arm, locking me in his embrace and kiss my forehead gently.
"Yiiieee!"
"Enough with the lovey dovey moment, let's eat!" That's Leonel's voice, I'm sure.
"Hope all!"
"Thank you Azalea," he whispers to my ear making me smile.
Zackarius's POV,
Wordlessly, I went off my apartment holding my phone and my helmet to the other hand. Excitement is drew all over my face, knowing that Azalea and I will spend the whole day together.
I was about to get on my motorcycle but my phone suddenly vibrated. "Is it her?" I turn on the phone, seeing the message from the unknown number.
To: Zack
Happy birthday! I got something for you. I'm glad you haven't change your phone since you were young. Wait me there and I'll give it to you.
"Who the hell is this? I'll block them later," I hissed, shoving my phone into my pocket, wearing my helmet.
—
I can't believe what's happening right now. Azalea and her friends surprised me with my friends too....and also my cousin and my aunt.
I'm so happy right now. Azalea never fail to make me smile. I gotta marry her in the future!
"So what do you wanna eat?" she asked, once we got in front of the buffet. Plenty of japanese foods are on the table. But of course different types of ramen is also here.
"I want this, this and this." I pointed, giggling.
"Okay I'll get it for you," she stated, grabbing a plate.
"No, I can do it. Go get your own." I curved a smile.
"But I wanna serve you today." She pouted, making me pat her head.
"You already did all of this for me, so let me handle this myself." I giggled.
"Okay. But let me know if you want something," she said, pinching my nose.
"Sure."
"Okay, then I'll go to the restroom first to check something," she mutters, pointing at the restroom.
"Okay okay." I wave my hand as she proceed to the restroom, holding her pouch.
Biting my lower lip, I started to place different dishes onto my plate.
"Happy birthday bro," Leonel greets me, tapping my back. He's holding a plate too.
"Thank you," I reply, flashing a genuine smile. Leonel is really nice.
"So how was our surprise?" he asked, laughing as we walk towards the tables.
"It's indescribable good," I answer, shaking my head as I let out a soft chuckle.
"I'm glad you like it. Azalea really prepared all of this for you. Okay I'll take my seat here," he said, placing the plate onto the table.
I was about to sit next to him but my eyes landed on Trisha and my aunt. They are eating comfortably with each other while Niger is accompanying them.
Mechanically, I took my seat beside Trisha, which made them to stopped from talking.
"Happy birthday Zack!" Niger greets me, curving a smile.
"Thank you." I nodded.
"Well, I'll take my leave now to assist the crews, enjoy your meal." Niger bob her head, proceeding to the buffet.
"So how are yo—" I didn't have a chance to finish my words when Trisha suddenly push herself to me.
"I miss you kuya," she whispers soothingly, making me smile.
"I miss you too Trisha, how are you?" I asked, parting our hugs.
"I'm doing good. How about you? How was your life back then?"
"It's tough, so I am." I chuckle, ruffling her hair, shifting my gaze at aunt.
"Hello aunt, it's been a long time." I curve an awkward smile. As far as I remember, my mom and her had a mild fight back then before we went to Pangasinan.
"I'm good, Zack. I heard what happened to your mother from Azalea. I'm very sorry." She lowered her head.
Reluctantly, I raise my both hands, motioning her to lift up her head. "No no no Aunt. It's been a long time and I already moved on from that."
"I see, that's good. You're really a fine man now," she complimented, curving a proud smile.
"A-ah thank you."
"Kuya Zack, are you and ate Azalea are already in a relationship?!" Trisha asked excitedly, giggling.
"She hasn't answered me yet, but soon we'll be." I pinch her cheek.
"Yiiee." She pokes my left flank teasingly, which made us laugh. This silly girl!
We started eating while talking to each other until I saw Azalea, holding a plate while talking with Niger.
"Hey bro!" Owen suddenly appeared beside me, holding a juice.
"Happy birthday bro!" Ashley greets beside me too.
"Thank you."
They greeted my cousin and my aunt before they drag me to the dance floor. Azalea and her friends really prepared this much.
"Why is he not with you?" I asked, referring to the heir of Figueroa.
"He has a combat training now with Tandea," Owen answers, telling Niger to turn on the speaker which she did.
We started to dance in some pop songs. All three of us are really energetic. Later on, Leonel joined us too.
"Hey I was wondering why Rico isn't here?" I asked him despite the heavy noise.
"I don't know." He shrugged. "Ask Azalea instead."
"Okay."
Roaming my eyes, I saw her talking with Clarisse. They look so close to each other now.
Azalea's POV,
Upon getting in the restroom, I immediately open my pouch, searching for the ring box.
Wait...I'm sure I put it here. Oh perhaps I forgot it inside my bag.
Disappointedly, I facepalm myself. I just ruined my plan. Argh whatever! I'll just wear it on Monday!
Wordlessly, I went off the restroom, proceeding to Niger to talk to her.
"Are you doing good?" I asked, seeing how she struggles helping the crews.
She let out a chuckle and says, "I'm good, did you eat?"
"I haven't. That's why I'm here." I grab a plate and let Niger to put different dishes on it. "You should eat first Niger," I reminded but she just nodded.
Spinning on my heels, I look around to search for Zack, but when I saw him talking with his aunt and cousin, I decided not to share a table with him for a moment to not disturb his moment with his family.
Pouting, I look around the place again, searching for the better place to eat. There, I saw Leonel and Clarisse talking to each other. They look so close, since Clarisse is Aizen's girlfriend, and Aizen and Leonel are friends. Maica and Krystal are sitting there too.
Frantically, I made my way there, taking my seat between, Maica and Clarisse.
"Hello." I greet, which made them to look at me.
We exchanged a lot of conversation until Zack appeared beside me. He offered his hand to me as the music change from pop to romantic.
"What is this cheesiness Zack?" I asked, giggling.
"What cheesiness? Of course I want to dance with you on my birthday," he replies, extending his hand.
"Okay since it's your birthday, I'll allow you." I chuckle, accepting his hand as I stand up from my seat.
"Yiieeeee!"
"Wiiiiitttwiiiwww!"
"I have a birthday too but why don't I have a partner?!" Ashley shouts, which made us all laughed. That idi*t is really a crackhead.
We arrived at the center of the restaurant as I wrapped my arms around his neck. We look at each other eyes as he place his hands on my waist.
We started to dance along with the music. His eyes are so comforting. It makes me forget all the problems in my mind. His stares can make me calm. His hands are so comfortable. I could forget everything whenever I'm with him. He's like a drug to me.
"Zack, happy birthday," I greet, leaning closer to his face as I kissed his right cheek. Shouts cover the restaurant as soon as they saw me do that. Their eyes are really sharp huh.
"Thank you. I wish every year, I could celebrate my birthday with you," he whispers, tugging my hair behind my ear gently.
"Of course. We'll celebrate your birthday every year with each other. I won't allow anyone to part us," I assure as we both laughed.
He leans closer, giving me a soft kiss on my forehead. That send tickling sensation all over my body.
As the music came to an end we both went off the dance floor. However, all of our attention turn to the door as the guard came inside.
"Young Mistress Niger did you invite someone else except to them?" the guard asked worriedly.
Niger walked towards us, giving me a did-you-invite-someone look.
"I didn't," I answer confusedly, shifting my gaze at Zack. "How about you?"
"I didn't. Perhaps it's Rico?" he asked.
I shook my head as an answer. "No, I asked him last night if he could come today, but he has family gatherings."
"Then, who could it be." He held his chin.
"He said he is the birthday celebrant's fat—" the guard was cut off when a man who's about in early 40's came inside.
"Sorry if I enter without waiting for approval. I just want to greet my son."
***