The early morning was foggy. The windows were misty, the sky a soft gray, and the cold bit at everything it touched.
Eliza was curled up like a cinnamon roll under her blanket, only her messy hair sticking out. Her alarm buzzed. She groaned, blindly smacked the snooze button, and reached for her phone. Her sleepy eyes blinked at the screen… until something caught her attention.
Tomorrow's date.
She blinked again. Then sat up.
Wait…
Tomorrow was her birthday.
And just like that, all the sleep vanished. She tossed off her blanket, now fully awake, excitement bubbling in her chest. Because every year, without fail, Lucifer would do something the day before her birthday—an early wish, a surprise cupcake, a silly note in her locker. Something.
And this year? She was sure it'd be even more special.
She got dressed in record time, wrapped herself in her thickest scarf, and braved the cold. Her nose turned red instantly as she stepped outside, but even the chill couldn't dim her excitement.
At school, she spotted him immediately—Lucifer, leaning casually by the front gate, hands in his pockets, hoodie pulled over his head.
Her heart did a happy flip.
She rushed over, grinning. "Hey!"
Lucifer turned and smiled. "Hey, princess."
Her heart skipped, like always.
She waited. Anticipated the next thing he'd say. A cheeky "happy almost birthday," maybe. Or a wink. Something.
But nothing.
He just walked beside her, chatting casually about the weather, basketball practice, and the new vending machine snacks.
Eliza blinked. Maybe… he was saving it for later?
At lunch, they sat with Ava and Ryan in the cafeteria. Eliza poked at her fries, subtly fishing for clues.
"So…" she began, twirling a fry. "What's the date today?"
Lucifer didn't even look up from his food. "Why? You forget already?"
"Kinda," she said, trying to sound casual. "Isn't there… something today?"
Lucifer shrugged. "Not that I know of. Just Friday."
She turned to Ava. "Anything happening tomorrow?"
Ava popped a grape into her mouth. "Hmm… not that I remember. Why?"
Eliza narrowed her eyes at both of them.
Was this a joke?
Or… did they really forget?
"Lucifer," she said, her voice serious now, her smile gone. "Did you forget something?"
Lucifer paused, then shook his head. "Don't think so."
She huffed, crossing her arms. "Whatever. It's nothing."
After lunch, Lucifer said he had basketball practice and had to run an errand with his teammates. He left in a hurry, ruffling her hair before jogging off.
Eliza sat alone under the tree in the courtyard.
No surprise.
No wish.
No nothing.
Maybe he really did forget.
That night, she lay in bed, arms folded over her chest, staring at the ceiling. She had been so excited. So sure this year would be extra special.
But the silence from her phone told a different story.
No messages. No calls. No him.
She tried texting.
"Hey…"
No reply.
"Where are you?"
Still nothing.
His phone? Switched off.
Now it wasn't just disappointment—it was worry.
Lucifer was never like this. Even when he was busy, he always found a second to text her. She hadn't even touched her dinner. Her appetite was gone. So was her excitement.
She stared at her dark room, trying not to cry.
And just as she was about to drift off—
Knock knock.
Her heart jumped.
She sat up and glanced at the window. She rubbed her eyes. "Who's there?"
A familiar voice whispered, "Princess… it's me. Your dream boy."
Her heart leapt out of her chest.
She scrambled to the window and yanked it open. "Lucifer! What the hell! Where were you?! Are you okay?!"
He grinned. "Whoa, whoa, calm down. I'm fine."
"You didn't reply to a single message! I called you like twenty times!" she whisper-yelled, arms crossed.
"Aw, were you worried about me?" he teased.
She glared. "I was this close to reporting you as a missing person."
He laughed. "Sorry. My phone died. Forgot to charge it."
Before she could yell more, he held out a hand. "Come on. Sweater on. You're coming with me."
"What?" she frowned. "Are you out of your mind? It's freezing!"
"Just trust me, princess," he said with a grin.
With a sigh, she grabbed a sweater, pulled it on, and climbed out with his help. He led her quietly through the chilly streets until they reached an old building behind the gym.
"You planning to murder me or something?" she mumbled.
He just laughed.
As they reached the top of the stairwell, Lucifer stopped her and gently wrapped a scarf around her eyes.
"Lucifer—what are you doing?!"
"Shh… no peeking. You'll ruin the surprise."
Her heart jumped.
Surprise?
She bit her lip, grinning. "You're planning something, aren't you?"
"Who, me?" he said innocently. "Maybe."
He guided her up three more steps.
The wind got colder. Her skin tingled from the chill. She could hear the soft rustle of something… maybe balloons?
"Okay," Lucifer whispered. "Ready?"
He slowly removed the blindfold.
Eliza opened her eyes.. And gasped.
The rooftop was simply but beautifully decorated with fairy lights, a blanket, a little table with a small cake, and a few flickering candles that somehow hadn't blown out.
Her hand flew to her mouth. "Wow… this is… amazing!"
Lucifer smiled, a little shy this time. "You like it?"
"Of course I do! Did you do all this?"
He scratched his neck. "Well… Ava and Ryan helped decorate. But it was my idea."
Her eyes welled up. "I really thought you forgot."
"Dummy," he whispered, brushing her hair back. "I'd never forget my princess's birthday."
~
They sat down, and Lucifer handed her a cupcake with a tiny candle.
"Make a wish, birthday girl."
Eliza closed her eyes, heart full, and made her wish. She blew out the candle softly.
"Now where's my gift?" she teased, eyes twinkling.
"Umm… it's not fancy or anything," Lucifer muttered.
"Shut up and just give it. Whatever it is, I'll like it."
He chuckled and pulled a small chain from his pocket—silver and simple, with a tiny charm engraved with an "L."
Her smile widened. "It's so nice…"
"Really? When I saw it, I thought about you. I figured it'd look good on you."
Lucifer gently clasped it around her neck.
Then, for a moment, he went quiet.
She saw him fidget, eyes shifting nervously.
Before she could ask, he pulled a small bouquet of rosebuds from behind the table.
And then—he kneeled.
Her heart stopped.
Lucifer took a shaky breath. "Eliza… I don't know how to say things the way you deserve. But I'm gonna try. So—this is me. Not just wishing you happy birthday…"
He paused, voice barely above a whisper.
"…This is me asking if you'll finally be mine. For real. Officially."
The rooftop was still. Even the cold seemed to pause.
Eliza stared at him, wide-eyed, lips parted—but no words came.
It was their first real moment. No jokes. No teasing. Just truth.
Lucifer stood, stepped closer, and handed her the flowers. He cupped her face, gaze deep and certain.
"I don't know how to express everything I feel… but one thing I know for sure—" his voice trembled slightly, "—I love you. I love you, Eliza."
Her tears fell before she could stop them.
All this time… all the waiting…
"I love you too, idiot."
"Shh, don't cry, princess," he murmured, gently wiping her tears. Then he kissed her cheeks. Her nose. Her eyelids—soft and slow.
He paused, just inches from her lips, waiting.
Eliza whispered, "Lucifer…"
His lips hovered closer.
The world held its breath.
And just as their lips were about to meet—
Her stomach growled. Loudly.
They both froze.
And then—burst into laughter.
"Wow," Lucifer said, grinning. "Way to ruin the most romantic moment of your life."
"You were being too dramatic anyway!" Eliza blushed, pouting.
"I didn't eat anything," she muttered.
"Why?"
"Because of you, idiot! I was so worried. You didn't reply to anything the whole day!"
He laughed and pulled her into a hug. "Okay, okay—I'm sorry. I'll make it up to you."
They stayed like that for a moment
To be continued....
💬Author's Note:
Y'all… I was about to hand you the kiss — the long-awaited, lip-tingling, heart-melting moment — and then Eliza's stomach said, "Not today, Satan."
But hey, at least we finally got the "I love you," right?
Don't cry just yet. Stay tuned…
Things are just getting started.
There are some juicier moments coming up—
Oops, did I say that out loud? 👀