I woke up that morning fully refreshed and totally excited to be another year older. I pulled off the covers and sat up in bed, rubbing my eyes with my fists. I stretched my arms overhead and yawned before jumping to my feet. The smell of my birthday breakfast wafted through my open door, and I followed it down the stairs and into the kitchen. I sat down at the table as I scratched my matted hair.

"Good morning, Mr. Sixteen-year-old!" my mom said as she put a plate of her homemade pancakes in front of me.

"Geez, mom," I yawned as I took a bite of my pancakes.

"Don't forget to go over to Kairi's," she told me.

"Yeah, yeah," I sputtered, my mouth full of pancakes.

My mom left the kitchen as I finished my breakfast. She took my plate for me and I ran back upstairs to get dressed. First I brushed and gelled my hair into it's normal spikes. I then pulled on a pair of black shorts, and a blue t-shirt. I pulled on my short sleeved, zip-up hoodie before running downstairs. As I got to my door, I put on my yellow and black sneakers before running out the door. I basked in the midday sunlight as I made my way to Kairi's. I never got to sleep this late, so this was a treat for me.

As I walked to Kairi's house, Selphie, Tidus, and Wakka joined me on my way.

"I'm so excited!" Selphie cried, skipping hand in hand with Tidus.

"Birthday parties are fun I suppose," Wakka said, folding his hands behind his head.

We soon arrived at Kairi's and walked inside. There was fun music playing and everyone was mingling. Riku was surrounded by girls, as usual. And Kairi was surrounded by boys, as usual. The entire party was extremely amusing. We all pretty much just hung out and Riku's band played in Kairi's backyard. At the end of the night, just as I was about to leave, Riku pulled me aside to talk to me.

"What is it Rikuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu!" I cried as he pulled me into a closet and closed the door.

"I have your birthday present," he told me, "Close your eyes."

"Okay," I agreed as I closed my eyes.

I soon felt his breath on my lips. I parted my lips and waited for what I knew was coming, but it never came. I opened my eyes to see Riku about to open the door.

"Wh-what are you doing, Riku?" I asked, grabbing his arm.

"I…uh…have to go. This was a bad idea," he said as he reached for the door again.

Before he could run, I pulled his arm and turned him to face me. I threw my arms around his neck and pulled his face to mine. As soon as our lips touched, Riku's arms were tight around my back, pulling me closer to him. His warm chest pressed against mine, and I tilted my head to deepen the kiss briefly before he pulled away.

"Thank you, Riku," I whispered against his lips.

I felt him smile against my mouth and he briefly kissed me again.

"I love you, Riku," I whispered.

A moment passed and I felt my heart speed up. My face started to heat up until Riku pulled me into a tight hug.

"I love you too, Sora," he told me, "Happy birthday, love."