Chapter Thirty-One: Sol's Birthday
(Lyra's POV)
The morning of my birthday, I woke with a flutter in my chest. Today was my day—but with Evan, Soraya, Saphira, Cassian, Aveline, and Rina there… I felt equal parts excited and mortified.
"Sol, you okay?" my mom asked, entering my room with her warm smile. She carried a tray of coffee and pastries, and her eyes were brighter than usual. "You're going to have so much fun today."
I bit my lip, sitting up. "I… I think so, Mom."
She ruffled my hair affectionately. "Don't overthink. Just enjoy it."
---
By the afternoon, everyone had arrived at our music room-turned-party haven. Fairy lights twinkled, balloons swayed gently, and lilies filled the corners. I froze in the doorway, overwhelmed.
"Happy birthday, Sol!" everyone shouted in unison.
I felt my face heat up instantly. "I… I didn't expect—"
Evan stepped forward, impossibly tall as usual, smirk tugging at his lips. "You deserve this, Sol. And maybe a little more."
Before I could react, he handed me a huge, fluffy teddy bear, soft as a cloud. My eyes widened. "E-Evan… it's… it's huge!"
He shrugged, grin teasing. "So you'll always think of me when you hug it."
I hugged it tightly, feeling my heart flutter. Of course I'd think of him…
---
Next came the gifts. Soraya handed me a delicate sketchbook filled with motivational quotes and sketches she'd made for me.
Saphira gave a small silver locket with a pressed lily inside. "For… remembering yourself, even when things get messy," she whispered.
Aveline gave a bracelet with tiny charms representing each of us. "Because you belong with us," she said softly, eyes warm.
Cassian handed me a journal, leather-bound, with my initials engraved. "For your thoughts… and maybe some secrets," he added with a wink, causing Evan to glare possessively.
Rina, my cousin, gave a photo frame with a picture of us as kids, smiling like nothing could hurt us. "For all the times we've been together," she said, squeezing my hand.
Finally, Evan stepped forward again, pulling out a small velvet box. My hands shook as I opened it to find a beautiful, delicate necklace, a tiny star-shaped pendant sparkling in the light.
"For my star," he murmured, brushing a strand of hair from my face. My cheeks burned red.
---
Everyone clapped as I awkwardly thanked them, face flaming. I felt the weight of all the attention, all the love, all the teasing.
"Stop blushing, Sol!" Soraya teased. "You're glowing!"
"You're literally melting," Saphira added.
"I think someone needs to take a breath," Evan murmured, his voice low, possessive, his height making me feel small and safe all at once.
I laughed nervously, clutching the teddy and necklace, heart pounding.
---
Cake time. I brought out my iconic chocolate cake, and everyone went wild. Soraya insisted on feeding me the first bite, which Evan watched like a hawk, smirk tugging at his lips, fingers brushing mine.
We danced after cake — slow songs, fast songs, everyone laughing, teasing. For one song, Evan pulled me close. His height difference was impossible to ignore; I had to tiptoe slightly to meet his eyes.
"Relax, Sol," he murmured, voice warm, brushing his hand along my waist. "Just… enjoy this moment."
I melted into him, cheeks red, heart pounding. Every teasing glance from Soraya and Saphira, every smirk from Cassian, only made me feel more aware of Evan's protective closeness.
---
Later, we all sprawled on pillows to watch a movie. Rina shared popcorn with me, whispering jokes, while Aveline and Cassian bickered over snacks. Evan sat close, arm brushing mine just enough to send sparks through me.
And when the lights dimmed, and everyone else got caught up in the movie, Evan leaned closer.
"Sol…" he whispered, voice low, warm.
I turned slightly, heart hammering, breath catching.
Before I could overthink, he tilted his head, brushing his lips softly against mine. Short. Sweet. Gentle. My eyes widened, cheeks burning hotter than the fairy lights around us.
"E-Evan…" I whispered, almost breathless.
He smirked, pulling back just slightly, gaze soft but possessive. "You're mine, Sol. Always."
I felt my knees weaken, a shiver running through me. I… I like him… I really like him.
---
When the party ended and everyone left, I sat on my bed, clutching the teddy, necklace glinting on my chest. Mom peeked in, smiling softly.
"You're glowing, Lyra. I'm so happy you're finally making friends, being loved… and standing tall."
I leaned against her, sighing. "Thanks, Mom. Today was… perfect."
And somewhere in my heart, I knew this was just the beginning — of friendships, of laughter, of love… and maybe even of more kisses with Evan.