EPISODE 6: The Birthday She Always Chose
829 Words
“The Birthday She Always Chose”
February 14, 2026
SMALL BAR – NIGHT
The bar is decorated subtly.
Not overly romantic — just warm.
Small string lights. Soft jazz mixed with slow love songs.
A small cake sits on the counter.
CHANEL stands in the center, wearing a stunning black outfit — confident, radiant.
MINHO and JISU cheer loudly.
MINHO
Make a wish!
JISU
Preferably something realistic this time!
Chanel rolls her eyes, smiling.
Carol stands behind the counter, watching quietly. Calm. Present.
Chanel closes her eyes.
Her gaze unconsciously shifts toward Carol.
She blows the candle.
Everyone claps. (woohhh) ଘ(ᐛ)ଓ
Carol pours her a drink and hands it to her.
CAROL
Happy birthday, Chan.
Chanel accepts it gently.
Their fingers briefly touch.
CHANEL
Thank you, Car.
They stand beside each other.
Comfortable silence.
Then—
CAROL
Can I ask you something?
CHANEL
You just did.
Carol smirks faintly.
CAROL
Why do you always celebrate your birthday here?
(beat)
Instead of dating someone you like.
It’s Valentine’s Day.
(soft tone)
Or with your family. With uncle and aunt in America.
Chanel looks at her.
Her expression softens.
This question again.
CHANEL
You know my answer, Car.
Carol leans casually on the counter.
CAROL
Still.
You shouldn’t spend every Valentine’s Day in a bar.
Chanel studies Carol’s face.
She memorizes it.
Every detail.
CAROL (CONT’D)
You know what…
(half-teasing, half-serious)
I’ll find a guy for you.
Someone decent.
Someone who’ll take care of you.
Chanel’s smile freezes for half a second.
Just half a second.
But it hurts.
She hides it quickly behind laughter.
CHANEL
No need, Car.
(playful tone)
I know you’ll take care of me for the rest of my life.
She laughs.
Carol smiles too.
Not realizing what that sentence truly meant.
CAROL
I already am.
Chanel looks away first.
Because that answer is both everything—
And not enough.
LATER THAT NIGHT
Music gets louder.
They drink.
They laugh.
Minho and Jisu dance dramatically.
Chanel pulls Carol to dance.
CHANEL
Come on, birthday privilege.
Carol resists slightly.
CAROL
I don’t dance.
CHANEL
Tonight you do.
Carol gives in.
They move slowly, casually.
Nothing romantic.
But close.
Chanel rests her head briefly near Carol’s shoulder.
Carol doesn’t push her away.
Because to Carol—
This is normal.
To Chanel—
It’s everything.
LATER – NEAR CLOSING
Chanel is drunk.
Not unconscious.
Just vulnerable.
Carol supports her arm gently.
CAROL
You’re heavy.
CHANEL
You’re strong.
Carol helps her walk upstairs.
CAROL’S APARTMENT – BEDROOM – NIGHT
Simple. Clean. Quiet.
Carol helps Chanel sit on the bed.
Chanel suddenly grabs Carol’s arm.
And hugs her tightly.
Carol freezes.
CAROL
Chan—
Chanel buries her face into Carol’s shoulder.
Her voice is soft.
Honest.
Unprotected.
CHANEL
I like you.
Silence.
Carol doesn’t react immediately.
She assumes—
She’s drunk.
CHANEL (CONT’D)
You don’t need to find a guy for me.
Carol gently pulls back.
Not harsh.
Just careful.
CAROL
Stop it, Chan.
(soft, calm)
You’re drunk.
Chanel looks at her.
Eyes glossy.
Sad.
But smiling anyway.
CHANEL
Yeah.
She lets go.
Carol helps her lie down properly.
Covers her with a blanket.
Carol turns off the light.
Before leaving—
She pauses at the door.
Looks back at Chanel.
Sleeping peacefully.
Carol whispers softly—
CAROL
Happy birthday, Chan.
She closes the door.
BEDROOM –
Chanel’s eyes slowly open.
She wasn’t fully asleep.
A single tear falls.
She whispers into the darkness—
CHANEL
I wasn’t drunk enough.
- Writer
