Third Person’s POV:-

"WHAT?!"

Nora's voice echoed across the college courtyard, loud enough to draw curious stares from passersby. Her grip on the cellphone tightened as she pressed it against her ear.

"Out of all the days, you choose today not to come to college?" she nearly shouted, eyes wide in disbelief.

"Okay, calm down. No need to be dramatic," came the nonchalant voice of her best friend, Sarah, from the other end. Nora could almost hear her rolling her eyes. "Also, lower your voice. I’d like to keep my hearing intact, thank you very much. Besides, it’s not like anything special is happening today."

Nora’s jaw clenched. She took a breath and muttered under her breath, "Obviously, there is something special."

Sarah scoffed lightly. "No, there isn't."

If there was ever a moment to describe someone as furious, it still wouldn’t come close to what Nora felt. She was beyond angry. She was outright pissed.

It was her birthday. Her birthday. And her best friend hadn’t even remembered.

There she stood, dressed in a soft peach dress that hugged her perfectly, a touch of shimmer on her eyelids, lips tinted in rose. She had actually made an effort—something she only did when someone was getting married. Normally, it was crop tops and ripped jeans all the way.

“Sorry, Nora,” Sarah’s voice dropped, tinged with hesitation. “But I’m kind of busy right now. I’ll call you later, okay? Love you, bye!”

Click.

Nora stood frozen, the call ended. Her phone still pressed to her ear, her mouth slightly agape. It felt like the world around her was moving forward, while she stood stuck in place, alone.

Her shoulders slumped. Everyone seemed to be busy today… everyone but her.

With a sigh, she entered the college building, making her way through the crowded hallway. A few students waved at her, and just as she passed her locker, a familiar voice called out.

“You look beautiful in that dress!” June beamed at her.

Nora smiled for the first time that morning. “Thanks.”

Maybe someone remembered after all.

“But what’s the occasion?” Mike asked, raising a curious eyebrow.

And there goes my hope.

“Nothing special, Mike,” she replied, trying to sound casual. “Just felt like dressing up.”

“Well, you look great,” Jasmine chimed in. “Hey, why don’t you join us? We’re heading to the canteen.”

Nora considered it. She wasn’t in the mood for company, but then again, being alone felt worse.

“Sure, why not?”

They walked together, laughing and jokingly lightly. Nora forced a few laughs, trying to hide the growing disappointment she still felt.

As they reached the canteen door, everything suddenly went dark. Pitch black. Silence.

“I think the canteen’s closed…” Nora began to say, confused.

Suddenly, the lights burst on, and a chorus of voices erupted:
“HAPPY BIRTHDAY, NORA!”

She froze.

Before her stood Sarah, Harry, and almost everyone from her class. The canteen was decorated from floor to ceiling with pastel balloons, streamers, and fairy lights. A huge Choco Truffle Cake—her absolute favorite—sat proudly on a decorated table in the center.

Her eyes welled up with tears.

Sarah came forward, arms wide, grinning from ear to ear. “HAPPY 20TH BIRTHDAY, NORA!”

Nora rushed into her arms. “Thank you so much,” she whispered into her best friend’s shoulder. “I thought you forgot…”

“You silly girl,” Sarah laughed. “How could I forget your birthday?”

“Hey! Where’s my hug?” Harry’s playful voice interrupted. Nora and Sarah turned to see him standing there with a mock-offended look.

“By the way, this entire surprise was my idea,” he said, puffing his chest out proudly.

Nora grinned. “Thanks, buddy.”

He pulled her into a tight hug—so tight she gasped, “I can’t breathe…”

“Oops!” he laughed, letting go. “Sorry.”

Sarah stepped forward, placing a pink sash around her shoulders that read ‘Birthday Girl’ in glittering letters. Harry followed, placing a sparkly crown on her head.

“Now that’s how a birthday girl should look,” he announced.

Nora’s heart swelled. “I… I don’t even know what to say. Thank you all. I can’t believe you did all this.”

“It’s our job to make you feel special,” Sarah said, smiling warmly.

“Yeah, that’s what friends are for,” Harry added with a wink.

A loud cheer went up: “Time to cut the cake!”

Nora laughed, blinking back the tears threatening to fall. “Alright, alright! Let’s cut the cake.”

***

Later that afternoon, after the celebration quieted down and the crowd thinned out, Nora sat on the college lawn with Sarah and Harry.

“That was a little over-the-top,” she said, still smiling.

“Totally agree with Nora,” Harry added, stretching out on the grass.

“I thought you’d like it,” Sarah defended herself.

“I did,” Nora said. “But please—no more surprise serenades next time.”

“That reminds me,” Harry began with mock seriousness. “When you were singing Love Story earlier, I realized something.”

“What?” both girls asked in unison.

“I sing way better than you.”

Nora tried to stifle a laugh, but failed, bursting out as Harry joined in. Sarah glared daggers at them.

“You two are so mean.”

“Speaking of traditions…” Harry leaned closer, a mischievous gleam in his eyes. “What dare are we giving her this year?”

Nora groaned. She had hoped they’d forgotten. Every year on their birthdays, it was a ritual—the birthday person had to complete one ridiculous dare.

“How about…” Sarah said slowly, her smile turning devilish, “she has to kiss the first person who walks out of the college building.”

“NO. WAY.” Nora’s eyes widened in horror.

“Oh, come on,” Harry taunted. “Unless you want to give me your video game collection. Permanently.”

Nora turned to him so fast she nearly gave herself whiplash.

There was no way she was handing over her precious games. Defeated, she sighed. “Okay. I’m in.”

She looked up just in time to see the front door open.

And her heart dropped.

The first person to exit the college building was Ryan Knights.

The college’s infamous bad boy. Tall, built like a model, with sharp features and a cocky swagger. Son of the CEO of Knights Enterprises, one of the biggest business empires in the country. Girls practically trailed after him wherever he went.

He looked intimidating.

Sweat began to bead on Nora’s forehead as she turned to her friends. Sarah’s grin had widened, and Harry’s expression clearly said: Do it… or lose everything.

Taking a deep breath, she stomped her way across the lawn, drawing stares as she approached him.

Ryan, meanwhile, barely noticed her until she was right in front of him.

“I’m sorry,” she blurted.

He blinked. “For what—”

Before he could finish, Nora leaned in and pressed her lips against his.

It was soft. Quick. But electric.

The world seemed to freeze around her. She could hear the faint clicks of camera phones and gasps from the crowd. And the warmth of his lips lingered just a second too long.

She pulled away abruptly, her heart thudding.

Ryan stood still, stunned.

Nora turned and rushed back to her friends without another word.

She didn't know what had just happened.

If only she knew, that wouldn’t be the last time she’d kiss him.

***

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