Chapter 19
"Hey, Genya, what's your room number?" Lerah asked casually.
But inside, her thoughts were elsewhere.
Was Nehan here to meet Genya?
Ever since their unexpected meeting earlier that day, countless questions about him had been circling through her mind.
"It's Room 7 on the second floor," Genya replied.
Lerah lowered her gaze for a moment.
Just as I expected... He really came here to surprise his sister.
"Hm?" Mimi looked at her curiously. "Did you say something?"
Lerah quickly smiled.
"Nothing... just thinking."
The three of them continued walking through the quiet hostel corridor.
A few minutes later, they stopped in front of Room 7.
"So... here we are," Genya said as she unlocked the door.
"I'm kind of excited," Mimi admitted with a grin.
Lerah remained silent.
She already had a feeling about what they were about to see.
Genya slowly pushed the door open.
The room was completely dark.
"Huh?" she muttered in confusion. "That's strange... I could've sworn I forgot to switch the lights off before leaving this morning."
She stepped inside and reached for the switch.
Click.
The lights filled the room.
All three girls froze.
The room had been beautifully decorated.
Colorful balloons floated near the ceiling. Delicate ribbons hung across the walls, and a birthday banner stretched above the bed. Small fairy lights gave the room a warm, gentle glow.
For a few seconds, no one spoke.
"W-What...?" Genya whispered.
Her eyes slowly wandered around the room.
"I... I didn't decorate any of this."
She looked genuinely confused.
"Who could've done this?"
Lerah smiled faintly.
"Are you sure you're remembering correctly?" she asked playfully.
Genya shot her a look.
"Of course I am."
Mimi looked around the room once more.
"Maybe someone wanted to surprise you."
"But who?" Genya asked. "No one even knew I was planning such a small celebration."
She crossed her arms.
"Honestly... this feels more creepy than surprising."
Mimi nodded thoughtfully.
"Then why don't we ask Receptionist? She might know something."
Genya sighed.
"Yeah... that's probably the best idea."
The three girls left the room together and walked downstairs toward the reception.
A few moments later—
"Hello, Miss Siera," Genya greeted politely.
"Oh, hello, Genya!" Miss Siera smiled warmly. "Happy birthday! How can I help you?"
Genya hesitated before speaking.
"Someone decorated my room while I was at university."
Miss Siera smiled knowingly.
"Oh..."
Genya frowned.
"You already know about it?"
"I do."
The three girls exchanged curious glances.
Genya stepped closer.
"Then... who decorated my room?"
Miss Siera chuckled softly.
"A young man came here early this morning."
"He spent nearly an hour decorating everything himself."
Genya's eyes widened.
"...Who?"
Miss Siera's smile grew a little warmer.
"He specifically asked me not to tell you until you discovered it yourself."
A brief silence followed.
Then she answered—
"Your brother."
Genya stood frozen.
"...Nehan?"
End of Chapter 19