http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_y-VRnB8Qn4

Wax- Tears are falling

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It was Haewon’s eighteenth birthday. Her birthday came a month after Luhan’s. They would be one year apart again.

Haewon was sitting on the ground at the food of her bed. She had been struggling with the Braille Rubik’s Cube for at least two hours now. Yet, she still hadn’t managed to solve it. Whenever she thought she could solve the words, it would somehow not make sense, and she would end up having to start all over again.

Haewon ran her fingers along the words. “Meeting you…your friend…with you…”

Her expression fell. *Again, it doesn’t make any sense!*

Frustrated, Haewon tossed the cube onto the bad and hugged her knees to her chest. *Why would he give me something so annoyingly hard to solve? Is he playing a game with me?*

There was a gentle tap on her door. Haewon lifted her head up. “Come in.”

The door opened. “It’s me. May I come in?” Director Nam asked.

“Sure.” Haewon pulled herself up and sat on the edge of the bed.

Director Nam took a seat at the chair by her desk. “What are you doing here all by yourself? It’s your birthday. Shouldn’t you be doing something special?”

“I was just trying to solve this.” Haewon sighed and jabbed her thumb behind her.

Director Nam smiled knowingly. He remembered when Luhan had requested Director Nam to get that special message etched onto the block.

“Do you know what it says? Can you help me?” Haewon asked.

“That would be cheating.” He pointed out. She sighed. “It’s so hard though.”

Director Nam chuckled. “I’m sure you’ll solve it one day. It will be a lot more meaningful when you are able to solve it on your own. I know you can do it.”

“Thank you.” Haewon was grateful for his encouragement. He never treated her like a disabled person. He wasn’t cautious around her and never pitied her. She appreciated the fact that he regarded her as a normal person who was capable of making decisions.

“Guess who is coming.” Director Nam said. Haewon sighed, “You don’t have to tell me. My aunt will be here.”

“Don’t be so down, Haewon. She wants to celebrate your special day with you.” He clucked his tongue. “I’m not down. I just…I don’t like the fuss she makes. My birthday is nothing special.” She mumbled.

“I highly disagree with that. I’m sure a lot of people here are also.” Director Nam was talking about one person especially.

Haewon smiled softly. “Where’s Luhan oppa?”

“He’s getting ready for your birthday dinner. You should, too.” Director Nam got up and headed for the door.

“Director?” Haewon called. He stopped and turned back. “Yes, Haewon?”

“Thank you…for everything.” She smiled gratefully.

“It’s my pleasure, Haewon.” With a fatherly smile, he left the room.

Haewon made her way towards the closet and began to feel her clothes. *What shall I wear today?*

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When Haewon was done getting ready, she made her way down the lobby towards the dining hall. She touched the walls for direction as she carefully treaded towards the cafeteria. Her hands suddenly passed through empty and realized the doors were open for her. “Hello? Anybody hear?” Haewon breathed. She heard a giggle nearby and turned her head. “Saera? Teacher? Auntie?”

Someone grasped her hands, and she jerked her head around.

“Happy birthday, princess.” Luhan wrote on her arm.

Haewon softened. “Oppa…” Smiling gently, he walked backwards as he led her towards the table.

“SURPRISE! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!” Voices shouted. Haewon laughed, “You guys!”

“My lovely girl!” Inhee squealed. Luhan stepped back to give them some room.

Inhee hugged her tightly. “You are officially eighteen years old now! You are officially a woman! I’m so proud of you!” She planted a wet kiss on the birthday girl’s cheek. Haewon wiped the spit off her cheek. “Thanks, auntie. I came this far because of you. Thank you for not leaving me behind.” Her aunt smiled softly and patted her cheek with adoration. “Of course, sweetie. You are family. I would never let you go.” Haewon smiled back.

“You should see the decorations, noona! It’s amazing!” One of the boys exclaimed.

Inhee grinned proudly. “That’s right! I decorated the room in pink and purple! There are balloons and streamers everywhere along with a banner I made myself!”

“That’s great…besides the fact the birthday girl can’t see it.” Haewon teased.

“Why don’t you sit at your throne, birthday princess?” Mr. Song held out the chair. Mr. Park led her to the chair, and she sat down. “Thanks, teachers.” “No problem. I expect your aunt to throw us such big birthday parties as well.” Mr. Song grinned.

Ms. Lee rolled her eyes. “He’s joking, Ms. Cho.”

“It’s all right. I don’t mind. I’d love to do birthday parties for all of you. That means I can visit my Wonnie more.” Inhee kissed her niece’s cheek again.

Haewon shook her head, but her lips were stretching into a wide smile. She was the luckiest niece in the world, always being pampered by her aunt. She felt something being nestled into her hair and tilted her chin upwards.

Luhan touched her cheek, assuring her that it was okay. He fixed the glistening tiara in her hair and smiled affectionately. *Piao liang, my birthday gongzhu.* Haewon touched the crown on top of her head. *A tiara? For me? I feel like a princess.*

“Let all the court ladies and gentlemen sit.” Mr. Song bowed lowly.

Ms. Lee slapped his arm.

“Watch it, Sohee! You have a hot hand!” He hissed. She flushed, “We are amongst students, Mr. Song. Please call me with the appropriate name.”

“I called you by your name. How much more appropriate could I get?” He snorted.

Ms. Lee rolled her eyes for the hundredth time that night and shook her head. She walked up to Haewon and hugged her tightly. “Happy birthday, Haewon. May all your wishes come true this year.” “Thank you, teacher.” She beamed.

Ms. Lee slipped something into her palm. “It’s not much, but I hope you like it.” “You didn’t have to get me anything, teacher. You’ve already done so much.” Haewon stated. “I couldn’t miss an opportunity to give something to my favorite student.” Ms. Lee chuckled. “Thank you.” Haewon felt a flow of gratitude for the beautiful-hearted instructor.

“Before we eat, let’s wish our daughter, niece, sister, and…” Director Nam looked towards Luhan with a knowing smile, “…friend, a happy birthday.”

“Happy birthday!” Everyone cheered again.

“Happy birthday, unnie. I drew a picture of us. I know you can’t see it…but I hope you like it.” Saera timidly held out a piece of paper. Haewon softly smiled and her cheek. “Thank you, Saera. I’ll tape it to my wall.” The little girl flushed with delight.

“Can we eat yet?” Seungpyo signed.

“All right. Let’s eat.” Director Nam sat down. “Let’s not forget to thank the staff and Haewon’s aunt for the wonderful food.”

“Thank you for the food!” Everyone chimed. Seungpyo, Luhan, and another boy signed their gratefulness.

Haewon poked something squ