Fated to kill you

Birthday

Leah stepped into the dorm, her bag slung over her shoulder, and let out a tired sigh. The day had been uneventful, just as she'd wanted it to be. She hadn't told anyone it was her birthday—there was no point, she thought. Birthdays were for celebrations, for being surrounded by people who made you feel special, and this year, she just wanted to slip quietly through the day without fuss.

She kicked off her shoes and headed toward her room, already picturing herself curled up with a book and some instant noodles. But just as her hand reached for the door handle, a voice called from behind her.

"Going somewhere?"

She turned to find Sath leaning against the wall, his arms crossed and an unmistakable grin on his face. He was dressed casually, but something about the way he looked at her made her heart skip.

"Hey Sath," she said.

"Hey, you may want to put on something beach-appropriate. We're leaving in ten minutes."

"What?" Leah blinked, confused. "Why? I—"

"It's your birthday," Sath interrupted, his tone light but firm. "Don't even try to deny it. You think I wouldn't figure it out?"

Leah's mouth opened and closed in surprise. She hadn't expected anyone, least of all Sath, to notice. "You didn't have to do anything," she said.

"Too bad, I already have something planned. Hurry up, we might be late," Sath replied, his grin softening into a genuine smile.

The drive to the beach was filled with the sound of music playing softly on the car radio and the occasional joke from Sath, who seemed determined to make her laugh. Leah couldn't stop smiling, though she kept trying to remind herself to keep her guard up. It wasn't just the surprise that had her feeling so flustered—it was the way Sath looked at her, the way he made her feel.

When they arrived, the beach stretched out before them, bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun. The golden sand felt cool under their feet as they walked toward the water, the waves lapping gently against the shore.

"Come on," Sath said, tugging off his shoes and rolling up his pants. "Let's see if the water's freezing."

Leah laughed. "You go ahead. I'm fine right here."

"No way." Sath reached for her hand, pulling her forward before she could protest. "You're not just standing around on your birthday."

She stumbled after him, her laughter mixing with the sound of the waves. The water was cool but refreshing, and before long, Sath was splashing her, his grin mischievous.

"Sath!" she shrieked, trying to shield herself. "Stop!"

"Not a chance," he said, stepping closer. "You asked for this."

Leah laughed, splashing him back, and soon they were chasing each other through the shallow waves, their laughter echoing across the beach. Trying to outrun him, she slipped and started to fall, but in a split of a second, Leah felt a strong had grip on her waist stopping her from falling and found herself looking into Sath's eyes. For a few seconds they just stared at each other.

"You okay?" he asked breaking the silence.

"Yeah," Leah said, her voice barely audible. She quickly stepped away, brushing off the moment as if it hadn't happened. But her cheeks burned, and she couldn't shake the feeling of his hands on her.

As night fell, Sath led her to a secluded spot further down the beach. There, a small table was set up with a white cloth, a few candles flickering gently in the ocean breeze. Leah stopped in her tracks, her breath catching.

"Wow" she couldn't help but express her surprise.

"Surprise," he said, his grin a little sheepish now. "I thought you deserved something special."

A small cake sat in the center, its frosting decorated with swirls and a single candle.

Leah sat down, feeling warm inside "I can't believe you did all this."

"Happy birthday, Leah." Sath beams as he lit the candle on the cake and slid it toward her. "Make a wish."

Leah hesitated, her eyes meeting his. She wished to clear the confusion in her mind. As she closed her eyes and blew out the candle, Sath clapped.

"Thank you, for everything " Leah manages to mumble.

Sath leaned back, his grin soft but teasing. "Anything for you"

Leah looked away, her cheeks burning. She wanted to say something, to tell him how much the day meant to her, but the words stuck in her throat.

As they packed up and walked back to the car, Leah felt his hand brush against hers, a small, fleeting touch that sent her heart racing. Neither of them said a word, but in the quiet of the drive back.

Leah couldn't stop thinking about the way Sath looked at her under the stars, and his teasing eyes and smile. So many questions circled her mind. What in the world was happening? Didn't she just get her heart broken because of Liam? Why did she not feel anything for Liam anymore? Why was she getting flustered around Sath? Did she get it wrong all this time?.

'This cannot be love' Leah thought. She was just overwhelmed by her heartbreak that she was mistaking Sath's friendship and kindness for attraction. 'Yeah, that must be it' she determined