You came from a family who had a carefree attitude. When your best friend invited you to her hotel birthday party, your parents initially refused to let you go. You'd almost given up hope, but at the last minute, they surprised you by saying you could go.

However, with no time to shop for a gift, you felt a bit anxious. But as her closest friend, you thought she'd understand, so you got ready and headed to the party empty handed.

But things took a turn when the two girls who were also close to your friend, but not exactly friendly towards you, blocked your way at the door, saying 'no gift meant no entry'.

What hurt more was your friend's indifference. She looked at you but didn't intervene.

Crushed, you ended up sitting alone on a footpath outside the hotel, quietly sobbing, when you felt someone sit beside you. You peeked to see...

It was your crush, also your friend's crush. He was definitely on the guest list, so why was he here?

You wiped away your tears and asked. "Did they kick you out too for not bringing a gift?"

He scoffed, pulled out a velvet red box, and revealed a stunning ring inside.

"I brought a gift," he said, "just not for her."

"But isn't the gift supposed to be for the birthday person?" You asked.

He glanced at the velvet box still in his hand, the ring on display. "You know… funny thing about gifts. Some people think they’re just for birthdays or ceremonies. But sometimes… the most important ones are given when no one’s watching."