The Earth After Rebirth

Kiro was in the shower for 2 minutes and everything started to calm down. He sighed deeply.

"That was too close." There was nothing shameful about it, but he'd kill himself first before letting Isla witness that, if it wasn't her that caused it.

"Ki, are you alright?" A knock sounded on the other side.

"Ah yes, I just needed a quick shower. I was feeling a bit sick from the alcohol." He lied.

They walked out of the apartment, his hair was damp and it was obscuring his view a bit. In his hurry, he didn't see it, but there was foam on his hair.

"Very sorry about my sister, she's a bit, forward. She teases everyone a lot." She apologised while unconsciously fixing his hair.

Kiro was thankfully saved before he could get soaked into the moment. They were finally called to the dining hall. There was every bit of food Sanctauri had to offer.

Kiyoko and Freya with the help of their combined maids, had cooked every dish they knew. People sat in their designated seats. With Kiro sitting where the head usually sat, it was a one time thing but he still felt weird about it.

He wasn't someone who particularly liked attention, and this put him on the spot.

Meat was brought inside. People started dishing for themselves, helping themselves to whatever and everything.

They had great conversations with great food and wine to go with it. Kiro was glad they decided against doing a toast, that would only shine the spotlight on him more.

Gifts were something that, while part of the party, they weren't. Guests would bring them, but the person would open them when the guests had left. The custom evolved into this throughout the years.

After dessert which was the birthday cake, some left. It was already at night and it was winter so it was a lot chilly outside.

But his friends stayed. They decided they'd sleep over, chat about their way forward with After Dark.

Of course this didn't concern the girls, even if it did. Their fathers would turn blue before they allowed their kids to sleep over at some boys house.

"See you later Kiro." Tiana said with a naughty smile.

Kiro gave her an awkward smile. He didn't even want to think about what transpired earlier which was caused by her.

They were taking a walk around the estate before the girls could leave. Kiro was walking with Isla, they kept a little distance between them and the rest. They were enjoying each others company.

Kiro wanted to confess here and now. They were both adults in their society. If he couldn't muster the courage, he'd be a coward forever.

"Uh—eh—Bel—I—well... " Kiro's voice came out more high pitched than he intended. The words were stuck in his throat, tried as he did to let them out he couldn't.

He was confident but this was something else entirely. 'Wait, why's this so hard.' He gave Isla a genuine smile and was about to say nevermind.

When she took initiative, "Happy birthday Ki!" She kissed him.

She'd thought long and hard about a perfect gift for him. But since he had all the money in the world, she gave him something money couldn't buy. Isla Silva's first kiss.

"Huh?" everyone said at the same time as they turned around and were met with the spectacle.

But he paid them no mind, he just looked at Isla. She was flushed crimson with her eyes closed and so goddamn beautiful.

He didn't close his eyes immediately as she looked like a goddess to him.

When he finally did, he gave himself up to the feeling. He saw fireworks, his stomach was fluttering. It was a warm feeling. This went on for 5 seconds, the field they stood on was filled with applause and whistles.

Then they stopped, for what felt like eternity to them. They just stood there staring at each other, smiling. Kiro had never realised before, but Isla had dimples. They were cute, he thought.

Kiro stood at the same spot, dumbfounded. He couldn't believe he had his first kiss and it was this amazing.

Everyone else was already walking towards the house, it was very late after all.

"I reckon you both need to talk." Hiro said wisely, as he nodded at Isla's direction. Who was now with Saanvi.

"It was!" He suddenly said to Hiro.

"Excuse me?"

"My first kiss was majestic, you dunce!" He was over the moon.

Hiro laughed and shook his head, "so was mine."

Kiro gave him a crazy look. "When?"

Hiro wore a 'I'm your elder brother' expression on his face. Kiro didn't like that, he didn't like it one bit.

He smirked at his friend nonethless. "I admit defeat, this time."

Kiro decided to walk Isla home. It was silent for a while then she said abruptly.

"We can't date—"

That put a damper on the perfect moment that took place just seconds ago. He didn't understand rich people, he wasn't sure he wanted to.

"Why, because you'd dad wouldn't approve? I didn't take you for someone who acts as high society expects them." Kiro said with a tinge of agitation and melancholy.

"Is that why you like me? because I rebel sometimes?"

"Yes, at first anyway. The first time you sat at our table I noticed, and thought, this pale girl really is daring. I like it.

"Then we got to talking, you were opinionated, strong willed, beautiful inside and out, didn't let peer pressure dictate what you do.

"Then today, we kissed. We kissed and it felt like nothing else mattered." He said all that in one breath. He already had his back turned to her.

"I feel the same but—"

"I get it. You probably have a fiance or something. I understand." Kiro didn't mean what he said, he was just saying all this to cushion his fall.

She grabbed his arm and turned him around, their lips met once more. Then she put her finger on his mouth to keep him quiet.

"You can be a real talker, you know that? I was saying, we can't date yet, because dad has to approve.

"I've seen the way he looks at you. He admires you and your brain, he's just being a bit stubborn. So please Kiro, wait for me a little longer."

"Oh. Okay. I'll wait." He was relieved. "I met your grandpa earlier. Nice guy." He said trying to change the subject.

"You met my grandpa and he didn't shoo you away?"

"Nope. Hiro was over there, and I was by my house. We were talking, well, yelling. He said the noise is welcomed and we should keep it up."

"Your charm is amazing! My grandpa doesn't like anyone." She turned to leave, "See you tomorrow or in-game."

He waited until she was safely behind her gate. Then ran home for a second cold shower that day.