The two of them returned to their hometown after their trip to the city. Autumn had settled in, crisp and golden, and Jerelr's birthday was approaching—October had always been a special month for him. Home felt quieter now, slower, a comforting contrast to the city's rush. The breeze carried the faint scent of fallen leaves, and sunlight filtered through the branches, casting long amber shadows over the streets.
The afternoon drifted quietly over the house. Egemed sat alone on the veranda, elbows resting on his knees, waiting for his mother to return from the market. His little brother was still at school, his father off at work. The neighborhood was calm, the only movement the rustle of leaves brushing the wooden railings.
Then Jerelr appeared at the gate, waving with that familiar bright grin.
Egemed lifted a hand.
"Come inside."
Jerelr climbed the steps and settled beside him. The veranda creaked under their weight, but it was a sound they both found comforting.
Jerelr's birthday was just around the corner, and the thought brought a small, warm smile to Egemed's face. He glanced at Jerelr, who quietly watched the leaves swirl in the wind, his expression calm yet thoughtful. There was a gentle anticipation in the air, the kind that comes not from parties or presents, but from the simple joy of being side by side. Even in the quiet streets of their hometown, the world seemed alive with possibilities, and Egemed felt a spark of happiness at the thought of making Jerelr's birthday truly memorable.
"Jerelr," Egemed said, "your birthday is coming soon. Want to go anywhere?"
Jerelr shrugged.
"No. You didn't even celebrate your own. Remember when I asked you to go to Quisia?
That island where the beach glows at night? Six hours from Nephelion—and you didn't go."
Egemed laughed softly.
"But this time we will go. Back in April, I was busy writing. Spending time with you—writing and painting—made me happier than celebrating anything else."
"Then on my birthday, let's do the same."
"No," Egemed said firmly. "Things are settled now. I've published those books, earned enough. And even when we traveled these past months, we never really enjoyed it."
Jerelr leaned back.
"Alright then… one week left. It's the 13th of October. Friday."
Egemed nodded.
"Winter's coming soon."
Jerelr glanced at him thoughtfully.
"You're very dedicated… so hardworking. Do you even remember you skipped two birthdays?"
Last year flashed through both their minds.
Egemed had spent the entire season buried in his stories. Jerelr, seeing how exhausted he was, had surprised him with a medium-sized cake—big enough for ten people. Yet it ended up being eaten entirely by the two of them in Jerelr's room, laughing like thieves who stole their own dessert.
"I remember," Egemed said, smiling.
"You bought me a cake, and we finished it without giving any to our parents. We were so greedy."
"And this year?" Jerelr beamed.
"I'm sorry. I was busy editing scripts with you. But at least you made ramen for me."
Egemed sighed. "I didn't treat you to anything for two birthdays."
Jerelr waved it off.
"It's okay. I understand you, Ege. This year, we'll go somewhere. Definitely."
Egemed straightened, suddenly playful.
"Yes! Everything is on me—BRO!"
Jerelr jolted.
"WHAT! Three years and this is the first time you call me 'bro'!"
"You don't like it?"
"No… I do. Next year, I'll take you somewhere too. On your birthday, brother."
Egemed laughed.
"We'll always make time to celebrate together. Last year we skipped both our birthdays, remember?"
"Yes—and on my birthday, you punched me." Jerelr snorted
Egemed groaned, covering his face.
"I'm sorry! I didn't mean to. I didn't even realize how I moved my hand. I even kissed you afterward! I thought you'd cry.
My little brother once got hit at school and cried, and my mom kissed his forehead… he stopped. I just did the same."
A memory resurfaced—clear, vivid.
On Jerelr's birthday, Egemed had tried to drag him out since it was his special day. But Jerelr refused, insisting they couldn't celebrate his when they didn't celebrate Egemed's.
So Egemed grabbed Jerelr's collar to pull him out, while Jerelr pushed back, both laughing like two stubborn children. But Egemed was stronger.
When Jerelr realized he couldn't budge him, he attacked Egemed's armpit with merciless tickles.
Egemed burst into uncontrollable laughter—and instinctively punched him in the stomach.
Jerelr collapsed, clutching his stomach.
Panicked, Egemed knelt beside him, guilt flooding his face.
He couldn't find words, so he kissed Jerelr's forehead and whispered:
"Sorry, Jerelr… I'm sorry, I didn't mean it. Please don't cry."
____
Jerelr smirked glancing at Egemed
"It's okay. I hope you kiss me more. Nghahaha…"
Egemed shoved him lightly.
"HAHAHA! Hey—I'm not gay. It's called affection."
"Who knows…"
"Ahh! Really? I won't touch you anymore since you don't understand A-F-F-E-C-T-I-O-N."
Jerelr burst out laughing.
"Okay, okay! I understand, I'm kidding!"
Just then, footsteps sounded.
Egemed's mother returned, carrying bags from the market.
"Oh, Jerelr—you're here."
Jerelr nodded politely.
"You two are always together." She smiled
"We are. I feel like Egemed is my big brother now."
"Do you have siblings?"
"I do… but the age gap is too big. Brother Ege is different. We understand each other."
"Mn." she smiled and sat with Jerelr outside.
While Egemed took the bags from her and headed to the kitchen.
When the tea was ready, he called them both. The three sat on the veranda, sipping quietly as night slowly layered itself over the sky.
Later, Jerelr stood, waved goodbye, and walked home under the settling dusk.