×Sunghoon's pov×

Sunghoon's eyes widened in shock as he took in the scene. The vibrant decorations, the happy faces of his closest friends, the sweet aroma that filled the air - it was all so overwhelming, so unexpected.

His gaze darted around, trying to process the whirlwind of emotions that washed over him.

"Wow. That's... Beautiful. Where...where did you get a key? Did Jay give you one before leaving?"

He asked, his voice laced with confusion. He never gave anyone a spare key to his house.

A beat of silence hung in the air, then, from the corner of the room, Jay emerged, a warm smile lighting up his face.

"Actually, I opened the door myself. "

"Jay?!"

Sunghoon's jaw dropped. His voice was a mere whisper, a mixture of disbelief and sheer delight. He couldn't believe his eyes, his heart swelling with a wave of affection he hadn't felt in a long time.

He rushed forward, pulling Jay into a tight hug, burying his face in his shoulder.

"You came! This is the best gift ever."

"I told you!"

Suddenly, a voice boomed. It was Jake, a triumphant grin plastered across his face.

"Were you doubting anything?"

"I just...I think I haven't done enough."

He confessed, his voice barely above a whisper. His smile softened, a hint of vulnerability flickering in his eyes.

Sunghoon's heart ached at the sight of Jay, his insecurities momentarily overshadowing his joy. He cupped Jay's face in his hands, his thumbs gently stroking his cheeks.

"Don't ever think that way, Jay. You've given me so much, so much more than I ever deserved. And you, you are the best gift."

As Sunghoon's words echoed through the room, a comforting warmth filled the space. The tension dissolved, replaced by a renewed sense of joy and hope.

Just then, the doorbell rang, a melodic chime that seemed to signal the arrival of more guests.

Jungwon, ever the eager one, rushed to open the door, ushering in a group of eight familiar faces. A wave of surprise and sheer joy washed over Sunghoon.

"Guys!"

He exclaimed, his voice filled with excitement. He rushed to greet them, embracing each one tightly, feeling the warmth of their friendship envelop him. The sight of his friends, their smiles as bright as the decorations around them, touched his heart.

"Innie! Missed you."

Heeseung was heard, moving towards Jeongin, pulling him into a welcoming hug. Jeongin, his face lighting up with a wide grin, agreed.

"Me too. It's been so long."

Sunghoon, amidst the flurry of hugs and greetings, noticed Jake talking in a strong Australian accent to Chan and Felix, his words seemingly incomprehensible to Sunghoon.

Distracted, he turned back to Jay, his heart overflowing with gratitude. He took Jay's hand, his gaze unwavering.

"Thank you for everything."

"It was the least I could do."

Just then, a melodious voice, clear as a bell, filled the air, a voice that sent a shiver down Sunghoon's spine.

It was Heeseung, singing the simple tune of "Happy Birthday," but in his voice, it transformed into the most beautiful, enchanting song Sunghoon had ever heard.

His eyes darted towards the source of the sound and landed on a sight that made him chuckle, a little embarrassed.

Jake and Jungwon stood proudly, holding a cake that was an explosion of purple, covered with numerous pictures of Kim Taehyung.

Sunghoon's chuckle was a mixture of surprise and amusement. He never expected this. Never.

His friends, oblivious to his inner thoughts, continued their joyful chatter and laughter. Heeseung finished his song, a final note lingering in the air like a sweet melody.

Sunghoon, amidst the joy, felt a warm blush creep up his neck. He took a deep breath, blew out the candles with a slight smile playing on his lips, a warmth spreading in his chest. It was truly the best birthday gift ever.

Jake and Jungwon, beaming, carefully placed the cake on a nearby table and began cutting it, ready to share the sweet treat with everyone. Just then, Sunghoon looked at Jay again, a soft smile gracing his lips.

"You're really handsome today. Weirdly handsome."

He said, a hint of wonder in his voice, and Jay chuckled, looking down, a playful glint in his eyes.

"If I have to be perfect at least once a year, then your birthday is that time."

Just as Sunghoon was about to reply, a shiver ran down his spine. He felt a hand on his waist, a hand that slid there slowly, possessively.

It was a possessive touch, not just a friendly gesture. It was a claim, a silent declaration of ownership.

Sunghoon felt the warmth of Heeseung's fingers against his skin, a sensation that sent a strange mix of unease and a flutter of apprehension through his body.

He felt Heeseung's grip tighten, a subtle but palpable pressure that communicated a silent warning - a warning that Sunghoon was, in a way, claimed.

It was a sensation that made Sunghoon's heart race, his breath catch in his throat with a sudden jolt of anxiety. He felt cornered, a strange sense of vulnerability rising within him.

It was an intense sensation, a mixture of discomfort and a strange sense of being trapped, like a bird caught in a delicate but strong net.

He looked up, meeting Heeseung's gaze. His eyes were fixed on him, a flicker of possessiveness and an undeniable jealousy shimmering within their depths.

The usual warmth in Heeseung's eyes was replaced by a steely intensity, a possessive glint that sent shivers down Sunghoon's spine.

Heeseung's grip tightened, almost imperceptibly, a silent warning that he wasn't letting go.

Sunghoon and Jay shared a knowing look, a silent acknowledgment of the tension that had just entered the room.

Sunghoon's heart thudded against his ribs, a frantic drumbeat against the backdrop of the cheerful chaos surrounding them.

He didn't like the shift in atmosphere, the sudden intrusion of Heeseung's possessive nature. But fear kept him silent, a cold knot forming in his stomach.

Slowly, he pulled away from Heeseung, a subtle movement that nevertheless spoke volumes about his discomfort.

Heeseung's eyes, dark and intense, followed every inch of Sunghoon's movement, his gaze unwavering.

Sunghoon could feel the jealousy burning in those dark eyes, a raw emotion that was both unsettling and oddly compelling.

It was an emotion that laid bare Heeseung's insecurity, an emotion that made Sunghoon feel a touch of guilt. He felt a pang of sympathy for Heeseung, but at the same time, he also felt trapped.

Immediately, he stumbled over his words, trying to extricate himself from the situation.

"I- I... I'm going to go help Jake and Jungwon with the cake."

He stammered, his voice betraying his nervousness. He walked over to where Jake and Jungwon were, his heart pounding in his chest.

Even as he helped them serve the cake, he could still feel Heeseung's fingers pressing on his skin, a lingering phantom sensation that whispered of a possessiveness he wasn't sure he wanted.