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Most people have been talking about this year’s annual event since the very first of February. Every cake shop in the streets is displaying heart-shaped cakes, flower shops with their mixed-up colorful bouquets, trinket stores with their newest cute thing especially for couples, and many more fun places that are already decorated prettily, mainly in pink and white.
Three weeks ago, Nazuna had planned a special date for him and Kiya. In his notes, he jotted down every single place he and his darling should visit through the whole day. They were planning to celebrate Valentine’s Day in pure bliss and warmth.
In their shared apartment’s kitchen, both Kiya and Nazuna were busy making some sweets they’re going to savor on the D-Day of Valentine’s Day. The brunette busied her hands with cake decorations, embellishing the once plain cakes to be more colorful with sprinkles and fruits. On the other side, Nazuna was occupied with shaping chocolates into many types of hearts. He tried so hard to make them look appetizing, and his silly and annoyed expressions whenever he ruined the shapes never failed to make Kiya laugh out loud in endearment.
Once they finished the baking, Kiya sat on the couch while turning the TV on, and Nazuna followed her after he cleaned the counter. While Kiya was choosing the movie she wanted to watch, a question came from Nazuna’s lips.
“Sweetheart, do you have any idea where we should go as Valentine's Day comes?”
Kiya paused from her previous activity.
“Hm …,” Kiya thought for a moment, twirling her soft brownish hair as she gave lots of consideration regarding places for their date. Nazuna found her endearing at that moment, seeing her thinking about something that actually wasn’t that serious was truly charming in some ways. He always adores even the smallest detail about Kiya, every time, at every single moment possible.
An imaginary bulb appeared on top of Kiya’s head not long after the short pause. “Oh! I remember there will be some kind of night market near our apartment. I believe we can explore lots of funny things there,” Kiya considered, followed by a small nod coming from Nazuna as he took a note of it. He smiled at his lover’s keenness, agreeing to how that place is going to be perfect, especially after a whole day of sojourning at each place in sight.
“Mhm, got it! I’ve written that one down in my notes, sweetheart,” he exclaimed with the same amount of enthusiasm as her. “Are there any spots you want to stop by besides the night market?” Nazuna inquired, just to ensure that their destinations are more than enough as the 14th of February comes.
“We can decide that later, Nazun.”
Slowly, Kiya moved a little from her seat to make her closer to Nazuna, who sat by her right side. Her hand reached Nazuna’s, giving that boy a smile he would never get bored with. He held her hand back with a soft brush upon her knuckle and agreed.
It was mostly Kiya who chose the places they should pay a visit to, and the lemony-haired boy nodded in anticipation at everything she favored. Nazuna always knew that each journey between Kiya and him will always taste sweet, as long as they’re together.
But Cupid didn’t seem to be kind enough to them.
The 14th of February finally approached. We all knew on that day, Cupid had unleashed the heart arrow, shooting the love through everyone’s hearts in a smooth, fluid motion.
And the arrow missed these two lovebirds’ hearts.
Nazuna had prepared his outfit last night. He was already so excited with their plan, and he wanted to wake Kiya up in her room. He swung the door slowly, stepping inside his lover’s bedroom as quietly as possible. “Wake up, sweetheart, the date awaits us!” He said while patting Kiya’s cheek gently. His voice woke Kiya up, and she stared at him with blurry sight when she opened her eyes.
It was too late for Nazuna to realize how hot her cheek was. “Wait, Kiya ….”
Alas, as the morning ray peeked softly through the window, the uninvited heat crept onto Kiya’s whole body, including her face that was flushed due to the heat.
“Nazun, I … I feel so unwell. My head feels so dizzy.”
The fever caught her.
“Oh God … hold a second, love!”
In a panicked manner, Nazuna immediately brought her some medicines and a cold wet towel to reduce her fever. Once Nazuna came back to Kiya’s room, he sat by her side and cautiously tapped her face with the cold towel before putting it on her forehead, heart pounding in frantic agitation. He couldn’t help the concern on his expression. “My … since when do you have the fever, my dear?”
Kiya tilted her head to the side slightly, keeping Nazuna’s hand held against her feverish face. “I believe it’s been there since last night,” she answered in a low voice, “but I promise I’ll be alright, Nazuna. I’m going to take a bath now and—”
Before Kiya could even finish her sentence, Nazuna cut off her words firmly, but in such a gentle tone still.
“No, sweetheart. The fever will worsen if you insist.”
“But we’ve been waiting for this moment for a long time!”
Deep inside, Kiya felt bad for Nazuna, albeit she wasn’t even at fault at all regarding this unexpected sickness. She knew how badly Nazuna wanted to spend this lovely annual event together with her, but the plans they’ve made were shattered easily by something so infuriating. Something so unwanted.
Tears gathered in Kiya’s eyes, her hand tightening around Nazuna’s steady one. “Please, Nazun … I don’t want to ruin what we have planned.” Her voice cracked at the end of her speech.
In a jiff, Nazuna positioned himself on the side of Kiya’s bed, both hands cupping her heated face and caressing her wet cheeks before putting a soft peck on her lips.
“Shush, it really is okay, sweetheart. I’d be more upset if you don't recover fast enough rather than letting go of our plans.”
Between her sobs, she asked, “Are you sure, Nazun?”
And Nazuna answered with a simple nod, his soft smile never left his face when it came to soothing his distressed lover.
“Of course I am, love. I’ll make us a cup of hot chocolate for two. What does that sound like?”
The distress on Kiya’s shoulders slowly began to fall off thanks to Nazuna’s silk-like voice. A low hum of agreement slipped through her throat, and Nazuna went to the kitchen for some minutes to make them a cup of drink.
Once he came back to her room with the drink, he handed the cup to Kiya. A familiar warmth filled her heart, despite the distress she felt earlier. She always loved when Nazuna showed his gentleness like this, even when she didn't ask for it. At a slow pace, Kiya sipped the drink Nazuna had made, feeling the sweetness on her tongue melting into an enjoyment she always ached for.
Maybe, this Valentine wasn't as bad as she thought, because Nazuna was and will always be here for her regardless of the days they're on.