The Birthday Boy

⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱⋅•

“I guess you’re the birthday boy,” Katherine said, her voice a soft whisper. She looked at the figure casually leaning against the railing, silhouetted by the moonlight. “Shouldn't you be inside with the others, enjoying your special day?”

A sigh escaped Zayn, as gentle as the night breeze. He glanced at the door, his face twisting into a slight grimace before he turned back to Katherine. “I’m not really a fan of… parties. Castiel insisted on throwing this one.”

Katherine chuckled lightly, her laughter blending with the city's nighttime lull. She understood where he was coming from. “So, you’re going to skip the grand masquerade gala of the year, your own birthday celebration, no less?”

Zayn’s smile was charming, a gradual curve of his lips reflecting the city's gentle slope. He leaned against the railing, mirroring her stance, and reduced the distance between them. “Yes, I actually prefer being out here with you… the crying lady.”

Katherine laughed out loud, a genuine sound that echoed through the calm of the night. It tugged at Zayn's heartstrings, a melody both familiar and refreshingly new.

“I understand how you feel,” she replied, a trace of melancholy in her voice. Memories of her younger days, pretending to be sick to dodge social events, flitted through her mind. “It can feel smothering after a while.”

Another wave of silence enveloped them, a comfortable space filled only by the distant hum of the city and the steady beat of music from within.

“I'm Zayn Hogan.” He extended his hand, his charming smile lingering and a playful glint in his hazel eyes. “You must be the famous Katherine Donovan?”

“Famous? I wouldn’t call myself that,” Katherine replied with a smile, a hint of self-deprecation coloring her voice as she took his hand—her smaller fingers enveloping his, contrasting his calloused palm with her soft skin. “Nice to meet you, Mr. Hogan.”

“Oh, just Zayn is fine.” His gaze remained steady, holding hers with a quiet intensity that felt comfortable, not intimidating. It was as if he was taking in every detail, every flicker of emotion dancing in her eyes. He slowly released her hand, his touch lingering for just a moment longer.

“Alright, Just Zayn,” Katherine teased, a playful smile gracing her lips as he let go. “Happy birthday, and sorry for almost ruining it with my drama.”

“Thank you; no worries at all. I’m just glad you and Caroline didn’t lose it completely before I arrived,” he replied, amusement lacing his words, as if he’d been holding his breath in relief.

“It’s strange, isn’t it? Me being here…” she murmured, leaving the question floating between them.

“Yeah, it is,” he agreed, his gaze wandering for a moment, a thoughtful frown settling on his face. “I barely know half the guests in there, and I’m pretty sure you weren’t invited.”

“Ohhh,” Katherine responded, deliberately blinking to add a playful flair to her words. Truthfully, she expected the reaction. It was only a matter of time before someone noticed her presence. “You caught me.”

Zayn smirked, a charming yet predatory grin that hinted at something wild beneath his polished exterior. For a brief instant, Katherine felt a flicker of recognition. It was a familiar sensation, echoing a time when her life revolved around power dynamics and subtle deception. It stirred a mix of unease and defiance within her; she was no longer the naive girl easily swayed by the allure of wealth and status. She had fought her battles and emerged stronger, more resolute, and more dangerous.

“Don’t worry, I’m not going to kick you out…” His voice was low, a soothing rumble that sent shivers down her spine.

“Really?” Katherine’s tone lacked enthusiasm. “Thanks, I guess…” Something about his assertive gaze made her skeptical; she could sense he was holding her captive in a different way. There was a reason he hadn’t chased her away—he had his own motives for standing there with her, under the moonlit sky. She wasn’t simply an uninvited guest; she felt like prey.

“If… you tell me why you’re here,” Zayn interjected, a challenge threaded through his words.

“Should have seen that coming…” Katherine scoffed, sarcasm dripping from her tone. “You wealthy types always have ulterior motives behind your so-called good deeds.”

“That’s quite a stereotype.”

“But am I wrong?” she pressed, holding his gaze with determination.

“No,” he admitted, sighing softly. He realized she was sharp; Katherine had glimpsed the darker side of this world, aware of the hidden currents swirling beneath the glamorous facade. No longer was she the naive girl drawn in by promises of luxury and belonging.

“Why should I tell you?” Katherine's tone turned sharp, her defiance growing. “So you can brag to Castiel about my ‘evil schemes?’ You two seem pretty well-acquainted.” She rolled her eyes, her irritation woven with amusement.

“Castiel and I are....great friends, but I’m capable of keeping the secrets of a beautiful lady,” Zayn replied with a playful counterpoint to her cynicism.

For a moment, Katherine was taken aback. His approach was unexpected; he wasn’t attempting to intimidate, threaten, or charm her into submission. It felt more like an offer for a truce, a pathway forward. For the first time that evening, a flicker of curiosity ignited within her.

“You really believe that?” she asked, her voice softening, genuine interest seeping through the edges of her caution.

“I do,” Zayn affirmed, his gaze steady and sincerity palpable. He stepped closer, his hand reaching out to gently touch her arm.

Katherine didn’t flinch. His touch was gentle and respectful, as if he understood the unspoken boundaries she had set. It felt both familiar and oddly comforting. She wasn't fearful of him anymore. She had faced tougher trials.

“Tell me, Katherine,” Zayn urged, his voice low and intimate. “Why are you here?”

Katherine hesitated, her mind racing. She had come for answers and possibly revenge. She wanted to break free from her past and reclaim what was taken from her. But now, standing on this precipice of the night, facing Zayn, she recognized the complexity and danger of her quest.

She couldn’t unravel everything to him. Trust was a scarce commodity. Yet, she understood she couldn’t go through this battle alone. She needed an ally, someone who understood the game, someone who could lend a helping hand.

Katherine took a deep breath, the cool night air refreshing her lungs. She knew she was playing a risky game, but she had no other choice. Trusting her instincts and Zayn felt necessary in that moment.

“It’s nothing sinister,” Katherine finally said, her voice low as she locked eyes with him. “My sister is marrying my ex-husband... and I’ve missed my hometown, so I’m here.”

Her words hung in the air. Zayn didn’t pull away or back down. He simply stared at her, his gaze probing, as if trying to fathom the depths of the shadows within her.

He didn’t buy her story, but that was okay. He couldn’t definitively prove she had ill intentions.

“Alright, Miss Katherine,” he finally said, his tone low and steady, a blend of respect and curiosity. “Would you care to join me for a drink?”

Katherine stepped forward, closing the distance between them. She was ready to embrace this game, to fight for her future, and reclaim her life. She had nothing to lose, and she sensed that Zayn Hogan might become either a formidable foe or an invaluable ally.