Happy Birthday

The morning sun filters through the kitchen window, casting a warm glow over the small space as Earth and Edin sit at the table, their breakfast laid out in front of them. Edin swings his legs excitedly under the table, barely able to sit still as he munches on his toast.

“Hey, buddy,” Earth says, glancing up from his plate. A smile forming in his lips. “You know what’s coming up next week?”

Edin’s eyes light up instantly, his little hands reaching up to count on his fingers. “My birthday!” he exclaims, his voice bubbling with excitement.

“I’m gonna be five!” He proudly holds up all five fingers, wiggling them in the air as if to emphasize the importance of the number.

Earth chuckles, his heart swelling at the sight of his son’s joy. “That’s right,” he says, reaching over to ruffle Edin’s hair. “You’re growing so fast.”

Edin nods enthusiastically, puffing out his chest. “I’m a big boy now. Strong enough to help Daddy fight monsters!” He strikes a little pose, flexing his tiny arms as if to prove his strength.

Earth can’t help but laugh, the sound light and full of affection. “I don’t doubt that for a second, champ. You’re gonna be my number one monster hunter.”

They finish the rest of breakfast, Edin still chattering away about all the exciting things he plans to do now that he’s “so big.” Earth listens fondly, his heart warm with pride, though a part of him aches a little at how fast his son seems to be growing up.

Once breakfast is done, Earth clears the plates while Edin scrambles off to grab his shoes, ready to head out for preschool.

“Daddy, let’s go!” Edin calls from the hallway, his small hands already working furiously to tie his laces, though his impatience often gets the better of him.

Earth walks over, crouching down to help Edin with the laces. “Hold still, champ. Let me help.”

Edin stands still for a moment, but his mind is still swirling with excitement.

“You think Teacher Mix knows it’s my birthday next week?” Edin says with wide, worried eyes.

“I’m sure Teacher Mix remembers,” Earth reassures him with a smile as he finishes tying Edin’s shoes. Mix keeps tally of his pupils birthdays, it's the class' tradition to sing for the celebrant.

“How could anyone forget something as important as your birthday?” Earth adds, his smile knowing.

Edin relaxes, smiling again. “Yeah, I guess you’re right.”

At preschool, Edin is a whirlwind of energy. The moment he walks through the door, it’s as if the entire room shifts to match his excitement. His small frame is bursting with enthusiasm, and every step seems to have an extra bounce as he races to tell anyone who will listen about the big day approaching. His bright eyes dart around, searching for one person in particular, and when they land on Mix, his entire face lights up with pure joy.

Without a second thought, Edin bolts across the room, his small feet tapping against the floor, and he throws his little arms around Mix's legs in a tight hug.

“Teacher Mix! Guess what?” he blurts out, barely able to contain himself, his voice already rising with excitement.

Mix, who had been arranging some activities for the day, feels the tug at his legs and looks down with a grin. He immediately kneels to Edin’s level, his eyes warm and full of playfulness.

“Hmm… let me think,” he says, tapping his chin with exaggerated thoughtfulness, his eyes twinkling as Edin stares at him, practically vibrating with anticipation.

Edin’s eyes are wide, almost pleading, waiting for Mix to say the words. He leans in closer, just on the edge of bursting again. Mix, unable to hold back a smile, finally gives in with a teasing tone, “Oh, right! It’s almost your birthday!”

Edin nods so vigorously that his little head could nearly bob off. “Yeah! I’m gonna be five!” His hands fly up, fingers spread wide to show the important number, his face radiating pride.

Mix chuckles softly, his heart warmed by Edin’s energy. “Five, huh? That’s a big number! You’re growing too fast, Edin,” he says, looking at him with fondness.

Edin beams, standing up a little taller, his chest puffing out in response to Mix’s words. “Yeah! I’m big now!”

Mix smiles warmly, the corners of his eyes crinkling with affection. “So, birthday boy, what gift do you want for your big day?”

At this, Edin pauses. His little brows furrow, his lips purse in concentration. It’s the same reaction he gives every time Mix asks him this question. The anticipation is almost too much for him, but after a long, dramatic pause, he does what he always does: he shrugs and says with genuine confusion, “I don’t know.”

Mix can’t help but laugh, the sound light and full of affection. “Still can’t decide, huh?” he teases, ruffling Edin’s hair gently. “Well, you’ve still got time to think about it.”

Edin giggles at the hair ruffling, but quickly turns serious again as if he needs to make sure Mix truly understands the gravity of the situation. “It’s a really important birthday, Teacher Mix,” Edin says solemnly, his eyes wide with the wisdom that only a soon-to-be five-year-old can possess.

Mix nods in agreement, doing his best to keep a straight face. “Oh, I know. Turning five is a huge deal,” he says, his tone full of playful seriousness. “You’re practically an adult now.”

Edin’s grin returns, and he stands a little taller, clearly pleased with the recognition of his new "grown-up" status. “Yeah! And I’m going to have a birthday cake, and maybe balloons, and…” he trails off, his excitement bubbling over once again as he begins listing all the possibilities of his upcoming celebration.

Mix listens with a warm smile, nodding along to every detail. His heart swells at the sight of Edin’s joy—it’s moments like these that make his day brighter.

As the other children begin to trickle into the room, Edin bounces away from Mix, eager to spread the news of his impending birthday to his classmates. Mix watches him go, shaking his head fondly.

It’s only Monday, and already, Edin has reminded him of the upcoming birthday at least five times. But each time, Mix can’t help but mirror Edin’s excitement. There’s something contagious about the way Edin looks at the world—with such pure joy and anticipation. It reminds Mix of simpler times, when birthdays felt like the most magical days in the world.

On Thursday morning--it's finally Edin's big day, he wakes up earlier than usual, his excitement bubbling over even before his eyes fully open. His small body wiggles under the covers, and with a sudden burst of energy, he throws the blanket off and hops out of bed, his bare feet padding quickly across the floor.

Earth, who had been up for a while preparing breakfast, hears the tiny thuds of Edin’s footsteps and smiles to himself. He glances toward the doorway just as Edin appears, wide-eyed and grinning from ear to ear.

“Daddy! It’s my birthday!” Edin exclaims, his voice filled with pure joy. His little hands flail around, as if he’s trying to express just how monumental this day is.

Earth chuckles, wiping his hands on a towel before walking over to his son.

“Happy birthday, buddy,” he says, bending down to scoop Edin up into his arms. He hugs him tight, feeling Edin's excitement vibrating through his small frame.

“Guess what?” Earth whispers playfully, carrying Edin into the kitchen.

“What?” Edin asks eagerly, his hands clutching onto Earth’s shirt, eyes sparkling with anticipation.

“I have a little surprise for you,” Earth says, setting Edin down at the kitchen table, where a simple breakfast is already laid out. But what catches Edin’s attention is the small cupcake in a form of a blue monster, sitting in the middle of the table, a single, colorful candle perched on top.

The flame flickers gently, and Edin’s eyes widen as he takes it all in.

Earth starts to sing softly, his voice warm and full of love. “Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear Edin, happy birthday to you…” He finishes the song with a soft kiss to Edin’s forehead.

Edin’s face is glowing as he looks at the cupcake, and then back up at his dad. “Can I blow the candle now?” he asks, barely containing his excitement.

“Go ahead, birthday boy,” Earth says, stepping back to watch. Edin takes a deep breath, puffing out his cheeks before blowing out the candle with all his might. The flame flickers once more before disappearing, and Edin claps his hands together, letting out a happy giggle.

Earth smiles, leaning down beside him. “I’m sorry, buddy, but your present might come a little later,” he says gently, running a hand through Edin’s soft hair. “But I promise, it’ll be worth the wait.”

Edin, surprisingly, doesn’t seem bothered at all. He looks up at Earth with a grin. “That’s okay, Daddy! I have a monster cupcake!”

Earth’s heart swells with pride and love. “You’re such a good boy,” he murmurs, pulling Edin in for another hug. “Now let’s eat breakfast and get ready for school.”

After breakfast, Earth helps Edin get dressed, making sure his shirt is neatly tucked in and his shoes are on properly. They head out to the car, and Edin is practically bouncing in his seat the entire drive to preschool. His small hands drum on his legs, and his feet tap on the car floor in rhythm to his excitement.

When they arrive at the preschool, Edin is the first one there. As soon as Earth parks, Edin bursts out of the car, running ahead toward the entrance.

“Wait, wait for me!” Earth calls after him with a laugh, locking the car and jogging to catch up.

The minute they step inside, Edin’s eyes start scanning the room, searching for Mix. When he finally spots him at the other end of the room, his face lights up like the morning sun. Without a moment’s hesitation, he runs toward Mix, his arms stretched wide.

“Teacher Mix!” he shouts, his voice ringing through the room. He crashes into Mix, wrapping his arms tightly around his legs in a big hug.

Mix, caught slightly off guard but smiling, looks down and laughs softly. “Well, someone’s excited today,” he says, crouching down to Edin’s level. “I wonder why…”

Edin looks up at him with wide eyes, practically bouncing on the spot. “It’s my birthday!” he announces proudly.

Mix’s face lights up, and he pulls Edin into a quick hug. “Happy birthday, Edin!” he whispers into his ear, his tone full of warmth and affection.

Edin grins up at him, replying with a soft, “Thank you, Teacher Mix.”

Earth watches from the doorway, smiling at the exchange. He walks over, bending down to give Edin a kiss on the top of his head. “I’ll see you later, okay?” he says, ruffling Edin’s hair gently.

Edin nods enthusiastically. “Okay, Daddy! Bye!”

Earth straightens up, exchanging a quick, fond smile with Mix before heading out the door to start his workday.

Inside the classroom, the atmosphere is filled with excitement as the other kids start to arrive.

Edin’s birthday is the hot topic, and soon the whole class gathers around to celebrate. Mix leads the group in singing "Happy Birthday" to Edin, and the room is filled with happy voices as they clap along. Edin stands in the middle, grinning from ear to ear, his cheeks flushed with happiness.

After the song, Edin proudly shows off his birthday hat, a creation he and Mix had made together earlier in the day. The hat is simple but colorful, decorated with glitter and stars, and it sits slightly askew on Edin’s head.

He doesn’t mind, though—it’s perfect in his eyes.

When the school day ends, Edin is the last to leave, eagerly waiting for Earth to come pick him up. As soon as he sees his dad’s car pull up, Edin races out the door, his birthday hat bouncing on his head. Earth steps out, his smile widening as he sees the hat.

“Look, Daddy!” Edin says proudly, pointing to his head. “Teacher Mix helped me make this!”

Earth chuckles, ruffling Edin’s hair. “You look great, birthday boy.”

After buckling Edin into the car, Earth turns to Mix, an appreciative smile on his face. “We’re having a little celebration tomorrow,” he says. “Just something small with few people. I’d love for you to come.”

Mix’s eyes light up. “I’d love to. Thank you for inviting me.”

“Of course,” Earth replies, his gaze soft. “It wouldn’t be the same without you.”

Mix smiles, feeling a warmth spread through his chest. As he watches Earth and Edin drive away, he can’t help but feel excited for the celebration ahead.

It's Friday, and the kids at the preschool are sent home earlier than usual.

The room quiets down, the echoes of laughter and chatter fading as the last child leaves. Earth had been by earlier, picking up Edin, who, with boundless energy, reminded Mix once again about his birthday party. Edin’s eyes had sparkled with excitement, his voice full of anticipation, and Mix couldn’t help but smile as he reassured the boy, “Of course, I’ll be there.” Edin had leapt with joy, his small body almost vibrating with happiness before he left with Earth.

Now, with the room empty, Mix moves around methodically, putting everything back in its place. He straightens chairs, packs up stray crayons, and wipes down the small tables, enjoying the quiet after the storm of children. Once everything is neat and in order, he closes the classroom door behind him, heading home with a plan already forming in his mind. He wants to get Edin the perfect gift, but the boy hasn’t given any clues about what he wants, leaving Mix feeling the weight of the decision.

He changes into casual clothes, deciding to head out early to the mall. The business of the place contrasts sharply with the stillness of the classroom, and Mix finds himself wandering through aisles, scanning shelves, unsure of what to pick.

He roams the toy stores first, picking up items but putting them back down, none of them feeling quite right for Edin. Time ticks on, and he starts to feel a small sense of frustration. Then, as he turns a corner, his eyes land on an art store. It feels like a lightbulb moment. He remembers how much Edin loves drawing, how he always gravitates toward the art supplies in the classroom.

Inside the store, Mix finds himself in the children's section, where the shelves are filled with vibrant art materials. He picks up a box of crayons, then some pastel chalks, followed by a watercolor set. A sketchbook catches his eye, and next to it, a few coloring books featuring cute, playful monsters.

Satisfied, he takes everything to the cashier, asking them to wrap it as a gift. The brightly colored paper and ribbon look festive, and Mix smiles to himself, feeling accomplished. With the gift in hand, he heads to Earth’s house, excitement bubbling inside him.

At Earth’s house, Mix knocks on the door, and it’s First, Earth’s friend, who answers. First smiles warmly, stepping aside to let Mix in.

“Hello,” First greets him, a light warmth in his voice. “Earth is in the kitchen, and Edin is helping—well, kind of.”

Mix chuckles at that, imagining the scene. As they step into the house, First calls out, “Edin, Teacher Mix is here!”

From the kitchen, there’s a squeal of excitement, and within seconds, Edin bursts into the room. “Teacher Mix!” the boy cries, bounding toward him.

“Hi!” Mix greets, crouching down to Edin’s level, a warm smile on his face. “Happy birthday, again, sweetie.”

“Thank you, Teacher!” Edin sings, bouncing in place.

Mix hands over the gift, wrapped in bright paper. “This is for you.”

Edin’s eyes widen, and his hands eagerly tear at the wrapping paper, bits of it flying in all directions. Earth appears from the kitchen just as Edin reveals the contents. The boy’s eyes light up even more as he pulls out the crayons, paints, and the coloring books.

“Colors! And paints!” Edin exclaims, holding up the items and running towards Earth, eager to let his father see. “Look, Daddy! Monsters! And I can paint!”

Earth crouches down beside his son, examining the gift with a smile. “Wow, bud, that’s awesome!” Earth says, his eyes meeting Mix’s over Edin’s head. His expression softens into a genuine, thankful smile, and it makes Mix’s chest warm.

“You just made Edin’s birthday extra special,” First murmurs beside Mix, who turns slightly, feeling a blush creep up his cheeks.

“I wasn’t sure what to get him, to be honest.” Mix admits, a little embarrassed. “I’m so glad he likes it.”

“Like it? He loves it,” First laughs, watching as Edin continues to chatter excitedly to Earth about the coloring books.

Mix smiles to himself, feeling a sense of relief and happiness. It’s then that he realizes Khaotung isn’t around. His eyes scan the room, looking for Earth’s other friend.

“Khaotung?” First asks, catching Mix’s searching gaze.

"Umm.. Yeah, he’s not here?”

“He went out to get some drinks,” First explains with a chuckle. “But really, he just needed some air. We had a little argument on the way here, and now he’s giving me a time-out.”

Mix watches First’s expression soften, the fondness clear in his eyes as he talks about Khaotung. It’s then that Mix pieces it together: First and Khaotung are more than just friends. By the time Khaotung returns, carrying a bag of drinks, First is quick to wrap him in a hug, clearly over their earlier spat. Khaotung pouts for a second, but soon they’re both smiling.

The atmosphere feels light, and soon, the group gathers around as Earth lights the candles on the birthday cake. Edin sits at the center of it all, beaming, with a big “Happy Birthday, Edin!” banner hanging behind him.

They sing together, and Edin blows out the candles with gusto, everyone clapping and cheering.

The food that follows is delicious—home-cooked by Earth, with Edin’s favorites taking center stage. Earth serves Edin a slice of cake and a helping of spaghetti, which Edin eats eagerly, getting sauce all over his face. First and Khaotung sit beside him, laughing at his messiness, while Mix serves himself a plate of food.

Earth joins him, noticing the generous pile of poh pia tod on Mix’s plate. He grins. “Looks like someone likes powpows just as much as Edin does.”

Mix, caught off guard, chuckles. “Looks like Edin’s got competition.”

They laugh together, settling down around the table with First, Khaotung, and Edin. The conversation flows easily, full of warmth and laughter. It’s a cozy, intimate gathering, and Mix feels at ease, like he truly belongs here.

After dinner, First and Khaotung whisk Edin away to the bedroom, taking the new art supplies with them. Meanwhile, Mix and Earth start cleaning up, stacking plates and washing dishes in comfortable silence. As they work, they can hear the sound of laughter coming from the bedroom, Edin’s high-pitched giggles mixing with First and Khaotung’s voices.

“They're so fond of Edin, huh?” Mix comments, smiling to himself.

“They are,” Earth agrees, drying a plate. “I’ve been telling them they’d make great parents if they ever decided to adopt.”

“They’d be perfect at it,” Mix says softly.

Earth looks at Mix's way. "Wait.. Did I tell you that--"

"--they're a couple?" Mix says, amused. "No, you didn't."

"Then how--"

"I kinda just figure it out." Mix says, winking at Earth.

Earth chuckles, and it prompts Mix to smile at him

After the dishes are done, they head out to the balcony, beers in hand. The night air is cool, and the lights from the city below twinkle softly. They sit there, breathing in the night air. It’s peaceful out here, the kind of quiet that allows words to settle into the heart.

“You know,” Earth begins after a sip of beer, “Your gift was amazing. I got him the choo-choo train he wanted, but honestly, I think he was more excited about your present.”

Mix laughs, taking a sip of his own beer. “You’ll have to step up your game next year, Daddy.”

Earth freezes, and Mix immediately realizes what he’s said. His face turns bright red. “Oh my god, I didn’t mean it like that,” he stammers, covering his face with his hand. “I didn’t—”

Earth chuckles, watching him with amused eyes. “It’s okay. I don’t mind.”

Mix lowers his hand slowly, still blushing furiously. “Oh my god, Earth.”

Earth looks at Mix, feeling bolder than usual. Maybe it’s the beer, or maybe it’s something else, but he decides not to let the moment slip by. Earth turns to Mix, his eyes filled with a warmth that has been growing, unspoken, between them for some time now.

“Thank you, Mix,” Earth whispers, his voice gentle yet laden with something deeper. “For everything you do for me and Edin.”

Mix shifts slightly, the sincerity in Earth’s voice sending a wave of warmth through him. “You don’t have to thank me,” Mix replies, a soft smile tugging at his lips. “Edin’s a wonderful kid. And you…” He hesitates, searching for the right words. “You’re doing your best for him. It’s hard, but you’re doing an amazing job, Earth.”

Earth looks away for a moment, then back at Mix, his gaze a little more intense now.

“It’s just...I don’t think you know how much it means to me,” Earth says, his voice softer than before. “Having you here, helping me with Edin, it’s more than I could ever ask for.”

Mix feels his heart quicken, catching something in Earth’s tone that goes beyond gratitude. There’s a tension in the air now, a shift from their usual lighthearted banter.

Earth’s eyes, warm and steady, hold his gaze longer than usual, as if searching for something unspoken in Mix’s face.

“You’ve made things... easier,” Earth continues, his voice just above a whisper now. “I thought I had to handle everything alone. But with you...”

Mix’s breath catches, and though Earth’s words are still vague, the meaning beneath them is starting to become clear. He doesn’t want to assume, but the way Earth is looking at him, the way his voice softens, it feels like something more than friendship.

“I care about you and Edin,” Mix says, his voice just as soft. “More than you know.”

Earth smiles, but there’s something different in it this time—something deeper, something that reaches beyond his usual calm. He looks at Mix with such tenderness that Mix feels a flutter in his chest.

Slowly, Earth lifts his hand and, without a word, caresses Mix’s cheek, his thumb brushing lightly against his skin. Mix’s breath hitches, and the moment feels suspended in time. Earth’s hand is warm, his touch gentle, and when Mix meets his gaze, it’s like everything around them fades away.

Earth’s eyes drift down to Mix’s lips, and his face begins to lean in, closer, his breath brushing against Mix’s skin.

Mix feels his pulse quicken, his heart racing as he instinctively closes his eyes, anticipation building as Earth’s face inches closer, their breaths mingling in the cool night air. The world around them disappears, and all Mix can feel is Earth’s warmth, the magnetic pull between them.

But just as Earth’s lips are about to meet his, there’s a sudden knock on the door, breaking the spell. Both of them straighten up abruptly, the moment shattered.

Mix feels a wave of shyness wash over him as he quickly stands, his face flushing. “I’ll, uh… I’ll get the door,” he mumbles, escaping the balcony before Earth can respond, leaving him standing there, the air still thick with what almost happened.

Mix walks toward the door, trying to calm the thundering in his chest. As he pulls it open, his brow furrows in confusion. He doesn’t recognize the person standing before him.

“Who is it?” Earth calls from the balcony, his voice slightly tense. Before Mix can answer, Earth is already beside him.

Earth's freezes in shock as soon as his eyes land on the woman. His breath catches, and for a moment, it’s like the air is sucked out of the room. “Namtan?” Earth says, his voice trembling.

Mix feels the blood drain from his face, his ears ringing at the sound of that name. He knows exactly who Namtan is—the name Earth had mentioned in passing before, the ex-partner who left him to raise Edin on his own.

The tension in the air, once warm and filled with something promising, now turns cold and uncertain.

:happy birthday, edin! 🖤 edin says thank you for celebrating his day with him~