Chapter 139: Chapter 139: The Surprise That Stole My Breath
~Zayn’s POV~
When I lifted my head, it was Evans standing there.
I couldn’t help but chuckle when our eyes met.
"You must be happy to see me," he said, a sly grin tugging at his lips.
"Happy? For what exactly?" I raised a brow.
He only smiled, brushing off my tone. "Anyway, happy birthday, Zayn."
"Thanks," I replied, studying him. "But why are you here so early? Are you that free?"
"Zayn," he said lightly, "you should appreciate me for coming. Don’t talk like that."
I exhaled, then gave him a small smile. "Alright. Thanks for coming."
His grin widened, and for a moment I just watched him. There was something about his face, familiar in a way I couldn’t quite place. "You know," I murmured, "your look sometimes feels familiar to me, but I can’t tell where I’ve seen it."
He leaned closer, teasing, "Maybe in your dreams. I came to you as your boyfriend."
I rolled my eyes. "That’s not funny, Evans."
"Relax," he chuckled.
"Still," I pressed, "why are you here so early?"
He straightened. "I actually have somewhere else to be later. So I came now. I won’t be staying long, I just wanted to wish you and head back."
"Alright."
He tilted his head, his tone softening. "But you looked troubled earlier. Is everything okay?"
"I’m fine," I replied quickly.
"You know you can talk to me," he said, watching me closely.
I gave him a look, unsure.
"Jokes apart, Zayn," he added, his voice sincere this time. "You can actually talk to me."
I thought twice, then sighed. "I’m only telling you this because you asked me to trust you."
"Trust me," he repeated gently.
"But I’m not telling you only because of trust," I said firmly. "I’m telling you because you’re older, more experienced than me. Just... please say something useful in return."
His expression shifted, serious now. "Alright. I’m all ears."
"It’s about my boyfriend."
"Evric?"
The name slipped from his mouth too quickly. I shut him up with a glance, lowering my voice. "Yes."
"What happened?" he asked.
"I don’t even know," I admitted. "He only started acting strange yesterday morning. Two days ago, we were fine, normal. We even talked in the evening, everything was okay until I told him I’d be coming here today. Since then, nothing. He didn’t reply to my texts until the next day, and when he finally did, it was... cold."
Evans frowned. "Why not just call him and ask?"
"I did," I said bitterly. "I called, I texted. He answered, but his replies were still cold, distant."
"That’s serious," Evans muttered. "Does he usually behave like this?"
"Misunderstandings happen sometimes," I admitted. "But we always work it out. This time, I don’t even know how to begin."
He nodded slowly. "That’s serious. Listen, Zayn... I don’t know every detail about the two of you, but from what I’ve seen, he loves you. So don’t overthink. Trust that he’ll calm down and talk to you soon."
"Are you sure?" I asked, my voice tense with worry.
"Yes," Evans said firmly. "You know he’s on projects. He might be dealing with something he doesn’t want to take out on you. Be patient."
I still couldn’t hide the worry in my eyes.
"Zayn," he said softly, "just calm down. He’ll reach out to you himself."
I let out a long sigh. "Okay. I’ve heard you. Thank you, Evans."
He smiled faintly. "You must really love this boy."
I shot him a look.
He corrected himself. "You must really love this man."
I smiled, a little but honest. "I love him more than I can even put into words."
"Wow," Evans said, shaking his head. "I respect that. Really. I guess I should back off then, there’s no room for me."
I chuckled. "Did you just realize that now?"
But then his tone shifted again, sharper this time. "If you love him that much, why are you still hiding him from your friends?"
I sighed. "You wouldn’t understand. It’s not easy for me."
"Why not?"
I paused, then he pressed, "Is it because they’ve always known you as a straight guy, and now you’re suddenly gay?"
I met his gaze. "I wasn’t planning to hide him forever. I was going to tell my friends today, actually. If he had shown up, I would have. But since he couldn’t make it back because of work..." I trailed off.
Evans leaned back, thoughtful. "I get that. But still..."
"Still," I cut in, "I’ve already decided. After my birthday, I’ll tell them. When he’s back, I’ll make it known."
"That’s good," Evans said. "Because nobody likes being hidden, especially when love is involved. Keep your promise, Zayn. Tell them soon. That way your mind will finally be at rest."
His words surprised me. For once, Evans spoke like an older brother rather than someone chasing me. "Thank you, Evans," I said sincerely.
"You’re welcome." He straightened, brushing invisible dust from his sleeve. "I should take my leave. I’ll say hello to your friends, then head out."
"Alright."
He added casually, "My assistant will bring your gift later."
I raised a brow. "’Oh, big bro, that’s thoughtful of you. Thanks.’"
He smirked and scoffed. "Don’t put me in the brother line just because you want me to stop chasing you."
I chuckled. "Then just accept your fate already, bro."
He only shook his head, laughing under his breath, and I watched him disappear through the doorway.
After he left, a strange calm settled over me. Still, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was more like a guest at my own birthday than the actual celebrant. Everything about this day felt blind, like some kind of birthday date I hadn’t agreed to.
I didn’t even know who was invited, how many people were coming, or what exactly had been planned. They only told me to "step in when the time comes," while I stayed in the dark. But I let it be. Let’s see what they have prepared, I thought, watching the day slip closer to evening.
I retreated to the room they had arranged for me and changed into something more fitting. Alone for a moment, I finally gathered the courage to do what had been gnawing at me all day. If Evric was mad at me, the least he could do was let today pass peacefully.
So I typed: Babe, today is my birthday and you haven’t wished me. Are you really that mad at me?
I stared at the screen, waiting. Seconds stretched into minutes. Nothing. No reply.
The silence stung worse than any harsh word could have.
A knock at the door pulled me from my thoughts. Nantam peeked in with his usual grin.
"Zayn, it’s time. Everyone’s ready."
I drew in a deep breath, steadying myself. Come on, Zayn, I told myself. Step outside, it’s time to see what they’ve put together for you.
I forced a smile, slipped my phone into my pocket, and rose to my feet. Quietly, I whispered a prayer. God, let today be blessed. Let it go smoothly. Then, under my breath, I added, Happy birthday, Zayn.
Stepping out, I walked side by side with Nantam, his energy carrying me along until we reached the venue.
The evening air was cool, carrying the faint scent of blooming flowers and freshly cut grass. The moment I stepped inside, my heart stuttered.
The sight before me was nothing short of magical. Two long banquet tables stretched across the open resort lawn, dressed in rich white cloth that shimmered beneath the golden glow of sunset. Crystal glassware sparkled, tall vases spilled over with roses and wild blooms, and strings of fairy lights twinkled overhead like a private constellation.
Before I could even take it all in, voices erupted...
"Happy birthday to you..."
The chorus rose, laughter and clapping mixing with the familiar melody. My eyes swept the scene, and for a moment I almost lost it. My throat tightened, my chest ached, and I had to blink fast to stop tears from spilling.
Dean was there, grinning widely. Mike waved like he couldn’t contain his excitement. Nicki’s laughter rang out as she clapped along, and scattered among them were other old friends, faces that carried memories, and even strangers I didn’t recognize, yet they sang for me like they’d known me all along.
I stood frozen, my hands pressed to my mouth, overwhelmed. They really did this... for me. The effort, the beauty, the thought, it was more than I ever imagined. My heart swelled so big I thought it might burst.
Without thinking twice, I turned and pulled Nantam into a hug. I knew he was the one who had poured his heart into making all of this happen, and in that moment, words weren’t enough.