You’re sitting on the couch as Taemin applauds, excited.

Jonghyun’s arm is around your shoulders, anticipating.

Minho hides his smile behind his fingers, secretive.

“We didn’t mean to scare you. I hope you liked our surprise.”

Jinki’s hands are heavy with Happy Birthday Kibum,

letters gooey and red like your cheeks, ready to be eaten,

frosting creamy and star sprinkled.

“I almost dropped the cake on the way home. Taemin complained about my clumsiness.”

You’re a piñata, candy scraping on cardboard skin,

ready to burst in appreciation with one hit,

small squares of colored paper tangled in your hair.

“You’re covered in decorations. You’re a mess, you’re pretty.”

You count three wax sticks surrounded by strawberries,

flames on the wick swaying gently to your breathing

“Make a wish Kibum, make a wish!” Taemin squeals.

“Are you wishing for cherry lip gloss or maybe a trip to Italy?”

Your eyes collide with Jinki’s own,

his irises brown firecrackers in the light of the fire,

sparkling with something you can’t quite place.

“Wish for me. I can moisten your lips longer than any expensive lipstick.”

Your eyes never lose contact as you lower your head;

mouth shaped in a delicate “oh, I wish for chocolate malt eyes,

butter cream skin, and sugar dough lips.”

“I can give you a trip to my heart. It’s free, the temperature warm all year round.”

You blow. The room is in darkness again.

The light behind the front door wags its tail,

still waiting to be let in.

“I’ll give you anything you want. I’m in love with you.”

A shadow plants a quick kiss on your lips before Minho clicks the lights on.

The others think you’re stupefied because of the pleasant birthday surprise.

You and Jinki know differently.