TOXIC OBSESSION

HAPPY BIRTHDAY 2

Lian could finally breathe he walked into the cafe hoping and praying no one wished him a Happy birthday.

" Happy birthday" Dan spoke immediately he passed through the door

" Thank you" he said in a depressed in voice before moving on to change. He got out to meet Garvin " Happy birthday Lian!!" Gavin greeted with a big smile.

" Thank you so much"

Another person who always celebrate Lian's birthday aside from Nicholas was Lucas, he always made sure to get to Lian a gift, subconsciously he was looking forward to a gift from Lucas this year as well, but Lucas did not indicate that he got him a gift which made him feel a little bit sad.

Although he didn't like celebrating his birthday there where some special people he received presents from and he cherished those moments. He went on to change his clothes immediately his shift was over he decided to check his phone while in the changing room before changing he noticed he had an email, he reluctantly opened it not really interested on what it was about but it was the best gift he could ever look forward to.

His job application was approved as one of the teachers in the best law universities in the country, he really could not expect the joy he was feeling he immediately felt the urge to call Nicholas to tell him the good news but Nicholas wasn't picking up. He really wanted Nicholas to be the first to know that he found a job but since his line wasn't going through he dashed outside towards Lucas, another person who had encouraged him all through the struggle for getting one

" I got two job" he announced to Lucas.

Almost immediately he stood up rushing towards Lian and hugging him

" That's amazing, I told you that you would get a good job and it only takes time" he added before giving him another hug.

" I'm so happy" Lian's voice rang through the entire cafe

As the celebration went on Nick walked in and was told about the good news, he too joined them in celebrating before they went home to prepare for the party.

*** **** **** **** ****

" Congratulations on your new job" Lian's mum said through the phone

" Thank you Mom" he replied getting dressed before his party

" I hope you're going to celebrate" she asked

" Mum you should know Nick by now he wouldn't let me go to bed without celebrating, I'm already getting dressed to leave"

" That's amazing, you should get out and get yourself a partner."

" Mom!!"

" What! You wouldn't find one while you're sitting at home" she pointed out

" Mum that's not what I need right now, and I have to go Nick is waiting for me. I'll give you a call tomorrow" he said before putting an end to the call.

Nicholas was already dressed, he drove down to the venue of the party, Lian was shocked to see his friends and college friends that were present, he felt a bit happy.

He hadn't seen most of them in over a year since they graduated he was amazed that his best friend was able to reach them

" Happy birthday!!" Hudson wished

" Thank you" he answered as he hugged Lian.

" You look handsome" he added

" Thank you" Lian replied.

His outfit for the party was also picked by Nick, as he was talking with his friends, Gavin and Lucas

walked in, he was quickly catch a glimpse of them, immediately excusing himself as he walked towards them.

" Happy birthday big guy" Gavin said before handing him over the gift he brought. Both him and his wife picked out the gift

" Thank you"

" Don't mention it, now let's party!!" he screamed walking off to have a drink.

" I did not expect you to make it" Lian voice

" Why would you think that?" Lucas questioned

" Because you always get me a gift on each birthday but this year, you didn't even wish me a happy birthday" he pointed out

" About that I was going to tell you something before giving you your gift but I became shy and backed down"

" Shy? you? since when? just give it to me there is no need to be shy" he said putting his hands forward expecting something to be put in it

" It's actually in the car, I'll go get it for you later" he said as his eyes moved to Gavin, he was to make sure his friend was not drinking too much because his sister was going to kill both of them,

" No! I want it now" Lian said pouting

" I will give it to you, I promise but not now" Lucas try to explain

" Very well then" Lian finally agreed.

He sat down for a bit as the music blast through the speakers, he sat watching everyone having fun, he couldn't believe that he was now employed a smile crept on his face as he was still observing everyone.

His eyes caught a glimpse of someone he felt was only from his imagination

" Cobi" he whispered underneath his breath, his connection with him was unique and something that he had never experienced before, almost immediately he stood up as if his legs were carrying him to a destination his brain needed to go.

He got closer to the person who was backing him

" Cobi" he called out before touching the person on the shoulder.

The person turned around only for him to find out that it wasn't actually Cobi, he felt a little bit sad and apologized.

He also felt like ever since the last day he spent with Cobi he had been chasing shadows and he needed to get control of himself, he walked outside the party grabbing his jacket, he needed to walk and clear his mind with a little bit of fresh air.

" Lian!!" Lucas called out Lian stopped his tracks and turned to look at him

" where are you off to" he asked

" I just want some fresh air, it's choked up in there" he said with a fake smile on his face.

" You seem a bit worried"

" It's nothing, I guess I'm just a bit tired, I got here straight from work and into a party" he said

" I see, let's sit here a bit" Lucas suggested pointing to a chair beside them.

Lian took a sit on the chair

" Give me a second" he said before walking off, he came back with a large box which was wrapped in a gift wrap

" Here!" he said passing it on to Lian

" May I open it?" He asked requesting to open the gift, Lucas nodded his head. He gently unwrapped the gift and it was a hoodie in the colour purple which was Lian's favourite colour and he was so happy to see it.

The words engraved on the shirt was congratulation " Thank you, this is beautiful " he smiled as he pulled out the hoodie from the box, a smaller box fell down to the ground. Lian look down as he gradually bends to pick it up

" Is this also a present?" he asked Lucas nodded

" That's actually your birthday present" he explained, Lian immediately opened it to see a beautiful silver necklace, he felt a bit speechless because it looked very expensive

" You didn't have to go this far to get me something this expensive" he said still staring at the necklace

" It's actually nothing compared to the way I feel" Lucas spoke out,vhe felt it is the right time for him to confess his feelings to Lian.

" Feelings?"

Lucas took a deep breath before sitting beside Lian, " I think it's time for me to let it out, Lian for the past five years, I know this is going to sound weird coming from me but ever since the first time you walked into the cafe looking for a job, I have liked you ever since then and it has been growing bigger than I thought it would" he added picking the necklace from the dumbfounded Lian and putting it around his neck " I'm not asking you for a answer yet I just want you to know how I feel and I don't want you to begin to feel awkward between us. I like you Lian! and I don't think I'll ever stop liking you anytime soon" he spoke.

Lian was too shocked to speak, he couldn't believe Lucas of all people would have feelings for him, he really did not know how to reply or what to say. Lucas stare at him for a while with a smile before closing the previous box and carrying it in it, in his hand

" I think it's time for you to return back to your party,vit wouldn't be right if the owner of the party is outside while party is being celebrated, don't you think?" he said stretching his hand for Lian to grab

" Let's go" Lian looked at him and slowly placed his hand on Lucas's hand as both of them walked towards the party.

Nick almost immediately noticed Lian and Lucas walking back into the party but something got him worried, the expression on his face was suspicious, he walked toward him holding him by the hand

" Are you alright?" he asked increasing his voice because of the loud music playing

" Is it that obvious" Lian asked

" What happened?" He asked concerned

" I can't talk about that now, I'll tell you when we get home" Lian said.

Nick did not want that but he had no choice but to respect Lian's decision, he could not wait to put an end to the party in order to hear what was bothering his best friend.