"Dude, we should totally do karaoke on your birthday! It's not like we get paid to sing or anything, haha."
Gabriel is doing most of the planning for my own party, but it's not like I mind. I'm honestly quite indecisive.
"That sounds good. Thanks for coming up with these fun ideas for us to do."
It seems like my close circle is growing. I used to be all alone, until Dylan came into my life, and now this wonderful group of people. Genesis7 was one of the best things to happen to me.
The actual day arrives, and I groggily waddle out of my room with a blanket wrapped around me- only to be surprised by all of them in the kitchen, with a cake,
"Happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear Max~"
"You guys are insane. Wow."
My wide smile appears unconsciously, and I make my own wish before blowing out the candles.
I hope anyone who's felt lonely on their birthdays gets to spend one like mine, with amazing friends.
We eat cake for breakfast, knowing we'll have to practice dancing later in the studio but not really caring.
"At least we have the weekend off due to our dear friend Max!"
Luke pats me on the back, and I almost choke on the cake in my mouth. That guy really has to watch his strength.
"We had the weekend off on your guy's birthdays too... is your memory really that flawed?"
"Is Clarissa really pregnant with your child?"
Silence ensues. Of course, I knew the rest of the group members would see the rumors, but I didn't expect it to get brought up. Yet, I actually laugh.
"Clarissa's suing the weirdo who started that rumor to oblivion– I swear, it's not true!"
"I guess the answer to both questions is no, then."
Elias smirks, and Jeremiah places a hand on his shoulder, making the other guy wince.
"Well, it's really no surprise. Max already has someone he likes, and it's not our manager."
"Right, yes... wait, what?!"
Jeremiah takes his hand off of Elias, and now the whole group is interested. I want to strangle yet thank the guy at the same time.
"It's not- I don't... sigh..."
"Aw, looks like big bro's getting flustered already!"
Asher exclaims, though I find myself able to accept the shy part of myself with a smile. The whole cake is devoured in less than fifteen minutes, and we hurry to the studio so the dance instructor doesn't scold us again.
It's Saturday night, and we're all at the Mexican restaurant, choosing what to eat.
"It's been a while since I've had Mexican food, Jeremiah did a good thing by making the reservation early for us!"
I'm surprised Zachary actually seems eager to try all the spicy things they have, but Jeremiah accepts his thanks.
"I was just taking into consideration what our friend would prefer most on his birthday. And I thought... Maxican."
He says the last part so quietly only I can hear because I'm sitting next to him, and I elbow him with a chuckle.
"You're real funny, you know that, pal?"
Clarissa's been acting weird, but I hope she's doing alright. She's able to talk to Dylan at my birthday dinner, so at least nothing happened between them.
We part ways with them after the dinner, and I smirk at the boys,
"Guess the adults are gone now..."
"Dude, aren't all of us legal adults except Asher?"
Gabe's right, though it really doesn't feel like that sometimes.
"Let's go to the arcade, then- maybe try that one dancing game with the arrows?"
"Y0u're on, birthday boy!"
I have such a good time with everyone there. Who knew Elias was so fast with his feet?
Zach's great at racing games, and Luke can shoot a mean hoop. Now Jeremiah, Asher, Gabriel, and I are on one team for laser tag, while Luke, Zachary, and Elias are on the other.
"Ack- no...!"
I hear Asher's girly squeal and giggle, though Jeremiah and I realize it's just us left. Gabriel whispers to us.
"Go... avenge us...""
This is definitely fun. I get a hit on Zach, and he's down. Though I'm not really looking as I walk right back into Jeremiah.
"Oh- sorry."
"You're coming to my place after karaoke, right?"
"Shhh... I don't want the others getting jealous or something."
"No need, maxi pad."
"Ugh, don't start-"
I get up off of him, yet the encounter's weakened my senses. Luke gets me, and I groan.
"I thought you were better than this... on my birthday too! The horror!"
Luckily my revenge is served, by Jeremiah of course. Our team wins!
We sing loudly to our hearts' content after, and I can see why everyone's got their roles in our group. Elias is fierce with his rapping, Gabriel has such an angelic voice, Luke really puts all his energy into dancing...
Zachary has such a stage presence that amazes us all, I even start to feel like my own contributions are lacking-
"You're the prettiest one, you know."
"So without my visuals, I wouldn't be here.... right."
"Yeah, I'd probably keep you all to myself."
"Shut up-"
I whisper, but it's hard to muffle my laugh. Jeremiah cares a lot about each one of us- it's what makes him a good leader.
But knowing just a bit of his attention is especially important for me... I need to get my act together, now that it's my turn to sing.
It's past midnight when I say goodbye to the others, under the guise that Jeremiah and I live in the same direction.
We arrive, and I look around for a window.
"What are you doing?"
"We're not sneaking in?"
"I literally live here."
He grabs my hand and I'm prepared to awkwardly greet his family.
"... where is everyone?"
"My twin sister went to a school on the east coast, and my mom's probably doing midnight pilates at her gym, and my dad's doing whatever interests him."
"Huh..."
I didn't know Jeremiah had a twin. Or that his mom works out at the weirdest times. Or that his dad... does dad stuff.
"Am I sleeping in a guest room?"
"Do you want to do that?"
"No, I just-"
The words escape my lips way too fast, and I'm the opposite of hesitant. Jeremiah takes me to his room, and I sit down on the bed. Quiet.
"So, what does the birthday boy want tonight? Even though it's technically a few days after..."
"Come here."
I usher him over to his own bed, and whisper my one-word reply in his ear,
"I think I can make that happen."
A knock on the door jolts me awake. I can hear Alphonse's voice on the other side of the door.
"Breakfast is ready!"
I'm about to cover myself with the blanket... except we're both fully clothed.
What happened last night? We weren't even drunk, and yet my memory is blank.
"One second!"
Jeremiah walks up to the door and opens it, and I quietly greet his father.
"Good morning, sir."
I wave a hello, and my eyes widen. My gaze shifts to Alphonse, and he looks a little uneasy, but then stoic once again.
"Those pancakes look amazing."
"Yeah, my dad's a pretty good cook."
The breakfast is almost silent. A stark contrast to my actual birthday. Is it because the others aren't here?
Why did I leave his house? I should've said something. For whatever reason, he hasn't texted me back since.
"Jeremiah? I can't remember what happened last night."
"If we did... stuff,,, I really don't regret it. I like you."
"Are you busy?"
My phone buzzes, and I see a call from Dylan. I'm not even sure what to tell him.