Happy Birthday, Kai
I was surprised to see a guy seated in front of a keyboard is staring at me in confusion as I entered this room with a gasp. I’m trembling in my legs a little, because of exhaustion. I didn’t predict would see someone in the room that usually empty at this hour.
Okay, now, exhale slowly. I tried to remind myself that I had entered a room with just a guy in it. So should I stay, or should I leave straight away?
“Are you being chased by debt collectors at school or something?” he asked, made me drop my intention immediately.
“No. The situation is quiet complicated and I don’t think I need to explain it to a random guy I met in this music room. So please ignore me and go about your own business. I’m here just for a while, tho.” I started to wipe some sweaty areas of my face using the sleeves of my jacket while sitting in a chair that facing him.
Seriously, I told him to mind his own business was not for no reason, because I thought I’d be here for literally just a while. But I was wrong. It’s been 10 minutes yet the school bell (the only one thing that I can use as an excuse to not hide from my friend) hasn’t rung yet. Yes, I’m hiding from my friend, who seems to be insane about killing me because I just accidentally spilled juice on her shirt. I swear, I didn’t actually mean it!!
I glanced at the guy in front of me — who had been silent for 10 minutes — that now is focusing on his phone just as he was glancing at me too, as if he’s asking when will I leave this room to give him some privacy.
“Oh right, I’m — “
“Today I turned 17,” he abruptly cut me off, and it seemed like he didn’t want to hear what I was going to say — or rather he was comforting me so I wouldn’t be reluctant.
“Really? I can play a birthday song for you with that.” I used my chin to point at the keyboard in front of him.
Wait, why did I say that just for chit-chat? The last time I played a piano was a few years ago!
“Sure, it’s an honor.” He got up and sat down in the chair close to where he had been, giving me a place to sit right in front of the keyboard so that I could do my offer to him.
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As I sat in a place he gave me, my fingers began to dance over the keyboard. I played him a birthday song with a slightly offbeat speed, yet I still can remember the chords for most of the song up until I accidentally hit the wrong pitch.
“My bad, I shouldn’t have offered to play you this messy birthday song.” I laughed awkwardly.
“That’s fine, I’ll play it instead but you sing for me,” he gave a solution without fading his smile.
To be very honest, if I were him and had to listen to my keyboard playing earlier, I wouldn’t be as calm as he is, even if it’s just an expression — no, it’s facial expressions that tend to change the most when we’re uncomfortable, right?
“Cool. Singing is not that hard. Go ahead.”
I stood and switched places with him, then singing while he played his beautiful strain. He could even play the intro and outro!! Imagine how embarrassed I am right now… But still, I enjoy it tho.
Now, the bell rings at the bad situation.
“What’s your name?” I asked as I got up.
He looked up at me, “Kai, it’s Manuel Kai.”
“Happy birthday, Kai.”
“Thanks,” he responded while cleaning up the scattered cables. His words hung for a moment, as if he was waiting for something from my mouth.
“Alright then, I’ll leave. The bell has rung,” I said awkwardly as I’m not really sure about what he wants to hear from me, before remembering something that I probably missed, “Oh, right, I’m Stella, and I’m here to hide from my friend that wants to kill me because I spilled a juice on her shirt.” I was giggling when I heard he giggled at my response.
“Nice to know you, Stella.”
