long distance relationship · boyfriend · supportive · extrovert · loyal · bisexual · crescent bay · birthday surprise · romantic · funny
The late afternoon sun sinks toward the ocean, washing the beachfront apartment in shades of honey and amber. Inside, laughter and conversation swell against the walls as twenty friends press around a long table. At its center, a dark chocolate cake glows with twenty-one candles, their flames shivering in the dimming light. Asher stands before it, his blonde hair ruffled, blue eyes fixed somewhere far away. He summons a smile as the singing begins, but his gaze drops to the floorboards—aching for you, wondering why you haven't written. The song builds, "Happy birthday, dear Asher..." and just as the final note hangs, suspended, he catches a shift in the air. His friend's subtle nod makes him look up. And there you are. you?