The day had turned crisp and clear, with a light breeze brushing against Wren’s cheeks as she and Riley made their way across the parking lot. The chatter of students leaving their classes filled the air, but Wren’s focus was solely on Riley, whose mood seemed to be as heavy as the clouds gathering on the horizon.

They got into Riley’s car, and he started the engine with a low rumble. The car was filled with the scent of worn leather and a faint hint of cologne. Wren could sense Riley's attempt to mask his feelings behind a façade of cheerfulness, and she appreciated his effort for her birthday.

“Where would you like to eat?” Riley asked, trying to sound upbeat.

Wren thought for a moment, tapping her chin. “Umm… how about hotpot?”

Riley’s face lit up with a genuine smile, though it was tinged with an underlying sadness. “Sounds good. Hotpot it is for the birthday girl.”

The drive to the restaurant was marked by the occasional burst of conversation, but there was an unspoken heaviness between them. When they arrived at the hotpot place, they quickly ordered their food and settled into their seats. The sizzling sounds from the pot and the fragrant steam filled the air, but Wren’s mind was preoccupied with the conversation she needed to have with Riley.

As they waited for their food, Wren took a deep breath, her fingers nervously tapping the table. “Riley… umm… I have something to say, but I’m not sure how to say it.”

Riley looked up, his expression a mix of curiosity and apprehension. “What is it?”

Wren hesitated, her heart pounding. “I don’t want to hurt your feelings or have you get mad at me… okay?”

Riley’s brows knitted together in concern. “You’re making me nervous.”

“Well, I kind of talked to Stormi, and she told me what happened with you two,” Wren said, her voice gentle but firm.

Riley’s shoulders slumped, and he let out a resigned sigh. “Ughh… just great.”

Wren’s heart ached at his reaction. “Don’t be upset. She needed someone to talk to.”

“It’s not that,” Riley said, frustration evident in his voice as he ran his hand through his hair. “It’s just embarrassing.”

“Why are you embarrassed?” Wren asked, genuinely puzzled.

Riley looked away, his gaze fixed on the table. “I’ve liked her for so long, and she pretty much rejected me.”

Wren’s eyes softened with empathy. “Did she tell you no?”

Riley shook his head. “No, but she said she only sees me as a younger brother.”

Wren played along, though her heart ached for her friend. “Oh.”

“That pretty much means no, right?” Riley asked, his voice laced with a mixture of resignation and pain.

“Well, yeah… I’m sorry, Ry. It does seem that way,” Wren said quietly.

The sight of tears welling up in Riley’s eyes made Wren’s heart clench. She reached across the table, her hand gently resting on his. “Please don’t cry, Ry. It will be okay.”

Riley’s tears spilled over, his voice trembling. “I can’t help it. It just hurts.”

Wren’s heart broke for him. She stood up and moved to the other side of the table, sitting down next to Riley and patting his back comfortingly. “It’s okay. You’ll meet someone better.”

Riley’s sobs subsided slightly, but the pain was still evident in his eyes. “I just wanted Stormi,” he admitted, his voice breaking.

“I know… I know,” Wren said softly. “But you deserve to be loved too. Not a one-sided love.”

Riley’s tears began to slow, but he still looked pained. “I know deep down you’re right, but it still hurts.”

Wren nodded, her own heart heavy with understanding. “I know it hurts. I know what it’s like to not be loved back.”

At that moment, Riley felt a wave of guilt wash over him. He had been so wrapped up in his own pain that he had forgotten what Wren had gone through. The weight of his own sadness seemed insignificant compared to her struggles.

“I’m so stupid for acting this way in front of you,” Riley said, his voice barely above a whisper. “You’ve been through so much worse.”

Wren reached over, squeezing his shoulder reassuringly. “Hey, don’t say that! Your heart matters just as much as mine.”

Riley looked at her, a small, grateful smile breaking through his tears. “Thanks. I feel better now.”

“Anytime,” Wren said with a warm smile. “Your brother and I are always here for you.”

Riley nodded, his expression softening. “I know.”

Wren’s gaze was steady and kind. “I mean it too. You deserve love, and you will find it.”

Riley’s smile grew a bit brighter. “I hope you’re right.”

“I know I am,” Wren said confidently, returning his smile.

Riley pulled Wren into a gentle hug, his eyes still moist but filled with gratitude. “Thanks so much.”

“You’re welcome,” Wren said softly. “Now let’s eat. The food is getting cold.”

Riley laughed, the sound lighter and more genuine now. “Alright, let’s eat.”

After finishing their meal, they decided to head to a nearby theater for a movie instead of bowling. The decision was made with Wren’s playful insistence on watching a horror film, much to Riley’s trepidation.

“Can we watch a horror movie?” Wren asked with a mischievous grin.

Riley’s face paled slightly. “Do we have to?”

“Pretty please?” Wren begged, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

Riley looked at her, torn between his fear of the supernatural and his desire to make her happy. “I guess… since it’s your birthday.”

“Don’t be chicken,” Wren teased, nudging him playfully.

Riley rolled his eyes but couldn’t help but smile. “I’m not chicken. I just don’t like ghosts and creepy stuff.”

Wren’s teasing continued as she held her hands up in mock surrender. “Do you need mommy to hold your hand? Come here, my baby… mommy will save you.”

Riley grinned, tickling Wren in retaliation. “Come here and say that again.”

Wren laughed, holding up her hands defensively. “Okay… Stop! I promise not to tease you.”

The movie started, and Wren’s laughter echoed through the theater as Riley jumped in his seat, spilling popcorn everywhere during the scariest scenes.

“Stop laughing,” Riley whispered, though he couldn’t suppress his own grin. “You wait. I’ll get even.”

“Oh yeah? How?” Wren challenged, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

“I’ll show my brother some embarrassing pics of you when you were younger,” Riley threatened playfully.

“Don’t you dare,” Wren said, her voice tinged with mock outrage.

“Try me,” Riley countered with a smirk.

“Alright, I give up,” Wren conceded, laughing.

Riley’s smile was victorious. “That’s better.”

After the movie, Riley drove Wren home, the evening air cool and crisp. As they reached her doorstep, Riley glanced over at her, his mood visibly lighter.

“Thanks for cheering me up,” Riley said sincerely. “It was supposed to be your special day.”

Wren smiled, her eyes reflecting the warm streetlights. “I still had fun. I always do with you. You’re my best friend always.”

“And future brother-in-law now too,” Riley added with a grin.

Wren laughed, shaking her head. “Yeah, that too. Goodnight.”

“Night,” Riley replied, his smile lingering. “See you later.”

As Wren closed the door behind her, she felt a sense of contentment. The day had been filled with laughter, tears, and a deeper understanding of the bonds that held them together. And though her birthday had not gone as planned, it had turned out to be one of the most memorable and meaningful days of her life.