Before You Loved Me - Chapter 10: Birthday Wishes

5Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPvEf2PPSMa

October arrived, bringing cooler mornings and the start of midterm break.

The school corridors were quieter than usual, but students still came in for club activities and sports practice.

Kavin's ankle had healed, and everything seemed to be returning to normal.

Or so he thought.

"Tomorrow's your birthday, right?"

Than asked while they were cleaning up after basketball practice.

Kavin nodded.

"Yeah."

"You should celebrate."

"It's just another day."

Than laughed.

"Easy for you to say. Half the school will probably wish you happy birthday."

Kavin smiled, but there was only one birthday wish he secretly wanted.

The next morning, Kavin's phone wouldn't stop vibrating.

Happy Birthday!

Messages poured in from classmates, seniors, relatives, and even teachers.

His social media filled with birthday posts.

When he arrived at school, several girls handed him small gifts.

"Happy Birthday, Kavin!"

"Thank you."

He accepted each gift politely.

Across the classroom, Khem watched the scene with a small smile.

At lunch, Than placed a small chocolate cake on the table.

"Happy Birthday!"

Rin handed Kavin a neatly wrapped notebook.

"For your photography."

"Thanks."

Kavin smiled sincerely.

Then he noticed Khem standing beside the table.

"I... um..."

Khem looked a little nervous.

"I don't usually buy gifts."

Kavin quickly shook his head.

"You don't have to."

Khem held out a thin, paper-wrapped package.

"I made this."

Kavin accepted it carefully.

Inside was a handmade leather bookmark.

A tiny basketball was engraved near the bottom, and at the top were the words:

"Keep chasing the stories you want to remember."

Kavin looked up.

"You made this yourself?"

Khem nodded.

"I remembered you said you liked photography and reading."

"I thought... maybe you'd use it."

For a few seconds, Kavin couldn't speak.

Out of all the expensive presents he'd received that day...

This simple handmade bookmark meant the most.

"Thank you," he said quietly.

"I'll treasure it."

Khem smiled.

"I'm glad."

That evening, Kavin placed every birthday gift on a shelf in his room.

Then he picked up Khem's bookmark.

Instead of putting it away...

He slipped it into the novel he was currently reading.

His mother noticed.

"That one must be special."

Kavin smiled.

"It is."

She looked at him curiously.

"Was it from someone important?"

Kavin stared at the bookmark for a long moment.

"...Yes."

Very important.

Later that night, Khem sat at his desk finishing a novel.

His phone buzzed.

Kavin: Thanks again for today. It's my favorite birthday gift.

Khem smiled and replied.

Khem: I'm happy you liked it.

After sending the message, he set his phone aside.

He didn't realize that his small act of kindness had become one of Kavin's most treasured memories.

For Khem, it was just a birthday gift for a friend.

For Kavin...

It was proof that Khem remembered the little things about him too.5Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoiAQ9qsKWd

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