Chapter 76

Kai was completely oblivious to the fact that his friends were plotting a celebration to celebrate his birthday. While he remained secluded in his room, Aurora and Adelaide moved around the hospital to orchestrate the surprise details.

Frederick and Klaus burst into the room, carrying colorful balloons and exuding effervescent energy. Aurora, who had become accustomed to the relationship between the two, in contrast to the self-proclaimed virgin Harry, was fully aware of what was going on. Harry himself, also hospitalized, was participating in the party planning, even though he hadn't met Kai personally. However, he knew Aurora and understood how significant it was to her.

The virgin sat absorbed in his corner, engrossed in his phone, when suddenly he felt something being placed on his head.

"What's this?" Nicholas asked, surprised.

"A hat." It was the typical birthday hat, small and conical, vibrant in colors. "Everyone should wear it," Aurora declared enthusiastically.

Harry quickly retrieved his phone as the sound of a message filled the room.

"Is it Violet?" Aurora asked with conviction, noticing the silly smile on her friend's face.

"No, it's my mom," Nicholas replied.

"Come on, Nicholas! Everyone knows you're getting involved, or do you plan to keep denying it?" Aurora teased.

"Well..." Nicholas scratched his neck, blushing. "We kind of are going out..."

Aurora exploded with excitement: "Oh my God!" She hopped around excitedly. "Tell me everything! Have you... you know, had sex?"

Nicholas was horrified: "Aurora! That's not something you ask!"

"Stop the drama. It's a normal question," Aurora retorted.

"Okay, let me rephrase." She cleared her throat. "So, have you and Violet engaged in the common physical union act between couples, involving both genital areas, widely known as intercourse?"

"Not yet!" Nicholas whispered, embarrassed.

"So, I can still call you a virgin..." Aurora teased, giving him a mischievous look.

A sudden whistle made Aurora turn her head. Josh had just arrived, holding a bag.

"Did you buy the candle?" Aurora asked.

"Yes, here it is!" Josh pointed to the bag. "See you in the dining area."

"Okay."

Meanwhile, Aurora continued with the distribution of the birthday hats. She put a hat on Alex and Lucca as they arrived, carrying sodas and snacks. All the guests were present, the food was ready, and the decoration was set up. Only one thing was missing.

Tristan crossed his arms, rejecting the proposed hat: "I'm not wearing that."

Aurora replied with determination: "Oh yes, you will."

She placed it on Tristan's head. The hat was vibrant and fun, a noticeable contrast to the serious personality of the guy.

"I feel ridiculous," Tristan complained.

"I thought you looked adorable," Aurora responded, provoking a grumble from Tristan.

"Adorable? That adjective kills a man's masculinity," he retorted, handing back the hat and eliciting an eye roll from Aurora.

"It's just for a while. You can take it off later," Aurora tried to reassure him.

"I'd rather take off your clothes," he said, pulling her closer and slipping his hands into her back pockets.

Aurora responded with a suggestive tone: "You're only allowed to remove something after it's been properly put on."

After that, Tristan finally gave in and allowed her to put the cone on his head. The group gathered in the cafeteria, which was empty due to the time. They had devised a plan with Kai's nurse, who would put him on a stretcher and pretend he was being transferred to another room, while in reality, they would take him to the cafeteria.

"They're coming!" Alex alerted.

After the warning, everyone took their positions. The nurse entered pushing the stretcher, and at that moment, almost everyone began to sing "Happy Birthday." Kai looked astonished at everyone, unable to believe what was happening. Unable to blow out the candles, Kai received help from Adelaide to accomplish the task.

The party went on for hours. Josh stayed by Kai's side the whole time, seeking redemption for damaging his motorcycle. Aurora was surprised to see Tristan talking with Lucca. Curious, she approached to listen to their conversation. They were discussing the projects that engineer Lucca was working on.

Soon, she joined another group, where her friends were discussing an important award ceremony that would take place the next month.

"Aurora, are you going to the awards ceremony?" Griffin asked.

"Definitely. Tristan has been nominated in two categories. And I heard that Emotion is also competing," Aurora replied.

"These awards are always luxurious! And this year, I won't miss it for the world!" Klaus affirmed.

"How did you get an invitation?" Griffin asked.

"I haven't gotten it yet. Thomas has many connections. If I stick close to him, I can get in," Klaus revealed.

She arched an eyebrow at the model, who responded with a teasing look.

Tristan, on the other side of the cafeteria, caught Aurora's attention: "Hey! Tristan's Hottie!"

Aurora froze. It felt like the whole world had turned to witness her embarrassment. She felt a wave of inner frustration.

Klaus couldn't contain his laughter: "Did he really call you 'Tristan's Hottie'?" He laughed so much that he fell to his knees on the floor.

Griffin also let out a little laugh, barely holding himself together.

Aurora turned her head slowly until her gaze met Tristan's. She put on the most furious expression she could, making it clear how much she wanted to annihilate him. However, he didn't seem affected at all and gestured for her to come closer with a wave.

"This stays between us, understood?" she warned as she approached.

Klaus was still laughing while wiping tears from the corners of his eyes: "I don't forget things that easily! Girl, be prepared, because I'm going to tease you for the rest of your life."

Aurora huffed, knowing that Klaus wasn't joking. With firm steps, she headed toward the businessman isolated in a corner.

"You're asking for trouble!" Aurora scolded.

Tristan wasted no time in provoking: "Eye for an eye, Hottie." He smirked mischievously, finding amusement in her frustration.

"So you called me here for nothing?" she asked, challenging him.

Tristan continued the teasing: "Actually, I was wondering if I can finally get rid of this ridiculous hat?"

Aurora conceded with a gesture: "You can."

But he didn't stop there: "And..." he hooked his fingers on her waistband, pulling her closer. "This?" He gestured to her clothes with a suggestive smile.

Aurora couldn't help but smile too, realizing that it was hard to stay mad at him for too long.

"I'll just say goodbye to the other people," Aurora said as she walked away.

The goodbyes continued, with hugs for everyone, a little longer ones for Kai and Adelaide. When it was Klaus's turn, he lived up to his previous promise and teased Aurora.

"See you tomorrow, Tristan's Hottie!" He raised his middle finger, joking with her.

Finally, Aurora hugged Alexander, who posed an intriguing question: "Is it true that you turned down going to London?"

Aurora nodded sincerely: "Yes. I know it's an incredible opportunity, but it would completely change my life, and I don't want that."

Alexander understood: "I get it. Besides, Kai needs you now."

She looked at Kai, who was engaged in a conversation with Adelaide: "You're right."

After the farewells, Aurora accompanied Tristan to the parking lot. However, she noticed something different about him; he wasn't as agitated as he had been a few minutes ago.

"What's going on, Tristan?" she asked.

He stopped walking and faced her: "I heard your conversation with Alex." He fixed his gaze on her. "About London. What's that about?"

Aurora explained: "I received an offer from Luna earlier. She wanted to transfer me to London."

Tristan's eyes revealed his anguish. With a low, fragile voice, he asked, "Did... you want to go?"

Aurora promptly denied: "No, that's why I turned it down. This is my home, and it's where my family is."

A faint smile appeared on his face, as if he had regained his strength: "Aurora..." He gently cupped her face and pressed his forehead against hers. "We both know I'm a complete mess when I'm away from you."

She smiled too and replied, "So you'd come after me?"

Tristan didn't hesitate: "Always." He was sincere and then kissed her.

***

The couple fell asleep in each other's arms but were soon awakened by the frantic ringing of Tristan's phone. Griffin's name was flashing on the screen.

Aurora placed her hand over her chest, worried: "Could it be something about Kai?"

Tristan answered the call, and she watched him, full of anxiety.

Tristan listened to Griffin on the other end of the line, his expression changing with each word he heard. Aurora tried to listen, but Tristan gestured for her to wait.

"Alright... we're on our way," Tristan finally replied, ending the call.

Aurora hurriedly asked, "So? What happened?"

Tristan explained, "They found a compatible donor for Kai."

The news hit her like a lightning bolt. Her eyes glistened, and tears began to stream down her face.

Aurora asked hopefully, "So, is he going to have the surgery?"

Tristan confirmed, "Yes, later today. They're already preparing him for the surgery."

She threw herself into his arms, crying. Her heart was filled with happiness and optimism, but there was also a touch of fear for what the night might bring.

***

Hours passed, and Kai remained in the operating room. Adelaide and Josh paced back and forth, exhausted from waiting so long. Aurora sat on a bench, huddled up. Occasionally, she closed her eyes and whispered prayers, hoping that her friend would come out of the surgery alive. Tristan was by her side, comforting her by stroking her back.

Adelaide got Griffin's attention: "Griffin!" The doctor had come out of the operating room alone.

Aurora stood up hastily, eagerly awaiting news. The door behind Griffin was slightly ajar, and she could see Kai lying on the stretcher, his face covered with a sheet.

Griffin began to speak: "We did everything we could, but he didn't make it..."

A jolt of shock ran through Aurora's body. Her expression transformed, and tears filled her eyes. The news was devastating, and pain spread through her chest as she tried to process the loss of her friend.