Chapter 4

Lisa didn’t expect anything special that day.

Birthdays had never really been her thing—at least, that’s what she always told everyone. A simple “happy birthday” was enough, maybe a small cake if someone insisted. Nothing big. Nothing overwhelming.

So when Jennie acted completely normal that morning—barely even mentioning it—Lisa believed her.

“Don’t you have practice today?” Jennie asked casually, scrolling through her phone while leaning against the kitchen counter.

Lisa narrowed her eyes slightly. “That’s it? No dramatic speech? No clingy birthday hugs?”

Jennie shrugged, lips twitching. “You said you don’t like a big deal.”

Lisa huffed, crossing her arms. “I don’t.”

But still… something felt off.

—

By evening, Lisa was convinced Jennie had actually forgotten.

She tried not to let it bother her, really. Jennie had been busy lately—meetings, schedules, who-knows-what. It made sense.

Still, as she unlocked the apartment door, a tiny part of her felt… disappointed.

“Jennie?” she called out.

No answer.

The lights were off.

Lisa stepped inside slowly, squinting into the darkness. “Seriously? You’re not even home?”

She sighed, kicking off her shoes. “Wow. Worst girlfriend ever—”

“Surprise!!”

The lights flicked on.

Lisa froze.

The living room exploded with color—balloons everywhere, fairy lights strung across the walls, a table filled with food, and right in the center—

Jennie, grinning like she’d been waiting her whole life for this moment.

“Happy birthday, Lili!” she cheered, popping a small confetti cannon that sent sparkles raining down.

Lisa blinked. Once. Twice.

“You—what—how—”

Jennie bounced over, hands clasped behind her back, eyes shining. “You said you don’t like big parties,” she said softly, “so I made it just us.”

Lisa looked around again. It wasn’t crowded. It wasn’t loud.

It was perfect.

There were photos of them clipped along the wall—random selfies, blurry moments, candid laughs. A cake sat neatly on the table, decorated a little unevenly, like it had been made with more love than skill.

“You did all this?” Lisa asked, voice quieter now.

Jennie nodded, suddenly a little shy. “I started this morning… I even baked the cake myself.” She pointed proudly, then quickly added, “It might taste questionable though.”

Lisa let out a soft laugh, her chest tightening in the best way.

“You really had me thinking you forgot,” she murmured.

Jennie pouted immediately. “Hey! I would never forget your birthday.”

Lisa stepped closer. “You’re evil.”

“And you love me,” Jennie shot back.

Lisa didn’t answer with words.

She just pulled Jennie into a tight hug, burying her face in her shoulder.

For a second, Jennie went still—then melted into it, wrapping her arms around Lisa just as tightly.

“Thank you,” Lisa whispered.

Jennie smiled against her. “You deserve it.”

They stayed like that for a moment, quiet and warm, before Jennie pulled back slightly.

“Okay, okay—wait till you see the cake before you get emotional,” she said, grabbing Lisa’s hand and dragging her to the table.

Lisa raised an eyebrow. “Should I be scared?”

“Just sit,” Jennie insisted.

Lisa obeyed, watching as Jennie lit the candles, her tongue peeking out slightly in concentration.

“Make a wish,” Jennie said softly, once everything was ready.

Lisa looked at her instead of the cake.

“I already got it.”

Jennie blinked. “Huh?”

Lisa leaned forward, blowing out the candles in one breath—then reached for Jennie’s hand again.

“You,” she said simply.

Jennie froze for a split second—then her face softened, cheeks turning pink.

“Ugh, stop being cheesy,” she muttered, but she didn’t let go.

Lisa laughed, pulling her closer. “Never.”

And as they shared cake that was slightly too sweet, surrounded by soft lights and quiet laughter, Lisa realized—

She didn’t need big parties.

She just needed Jennie.

(HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO JENNIE’S BABY, LILI)