THEN
I walked into the crowd, hoping to see your face. There were so many people who looked like you, and yet I was never able to find you. Maybe I thought I could see you one last time before I left for college—but you were nowhere in sight. My heart stopped beating ever since you left me in the void.
NOW
It was early in the morning, around 7:30. I could hear my alarm ticking. I woke up, opened the window, and enjoyed the birds' song. I made myself a cup of coffee, leaned against the window, and took in the view.
"Will I ever be able to see him again?"
Ring ring—my phone started to ring. I picked it up and realized it was Zam.
“Hello?”
“Lissy, what are you doing?”
“I just woke up.”
“Oh, anyway, let’s go to that new restaurant that opened near S Road. I heard they have a special menu and I want to try it,” she sounded excited.
“Sure, why not?” I replied.
She told me the time and place we’d meet. She’s so wholesome—whenever I’m in a bad mood, she always shows up for me. She was a very good friend of mine. We decided to meet at the new restaurant at 5:00 PM. There was still plenty of time, so I cleaned my room, did my laundry, had a small snack for lunch, and then watched TV.
After a while, I started to write in my journal for my company. I did everything I could to keep myself distracted from thinking about him.
It was already 4:00 PM. I got in the shower and got ready. I usually don’t wear much makeup, so I just put on some mascara and lipstick, along with my beautiful heart-shaped earrings, my favorite cream-colored skirt, a pink top, and white outerwear. I carried my bag and called Zam.
As usual, she made the plan and was still late. She told me to go ahead and book a seat. I walked to S Road and found the restaurant. It was new and not many people were there yet. I quickly went in and booked a seat.
While waiting for Zam, I needed to use the washroom. I asked the manager and was told it was behind the restaurant.
Who could have imagined that I’d bump into him?
He was there, helping to carry things—I assumed he was working at the restaurant. His face still had bruises, but he was still handsome. Before he could notice me, I went back inside without using the washroom.
Zam was already there.
“What took you so long?” I asked.
“My babe’s car ran out of fuel, so we had to go to the gas station on X Street. Such a long way,” she sighed.
I laughed looking at her face. Her eyeliner wasn’t even—the right wing was longer than the left—but I couldn’t tell her. She still looked pretty. We called a waiter and ordered some food. While waiting, we talked about a lot of things. It was therapeutic.
“You dating anyone?” she asked.
“No,” I replied softly.
“Then there must be someone in your heart?”
It hit me like an arrow. I didn’t know what to say. Was there? Is there someone?
When she said that, all I could think about was Lio. It took me a while to answer.
“Not really,” I laughed awkwardly.
“You’re lying. I know you’re hiding something. It’s fine—tell me, we’re besties,” she said, holding my hands.
I felt like crying when she said that. Can I really trust her? It felt like déjà vu.
I couldn’t say anything, so I just looked into her eyes and smiled.
“Why are you hesitating?” she shook my hand gently.
“Nothing,” I said.
The food arrived. As the waiter placed it on our table, I noticed his hand. It looked familiar. The same tattoo I saw seven years ago—a little dragon on his right hand. I looked up and saw that it was Lio.
My heart beat faster. I froze. He was about to say something until our eyes met.
“Enjoy your meal,” he said, and then walked away.
I was left dumbstruck. I sat there in shock. Why did it have to be him? Now that he had seen me, I couldn’t focus on the food or on Zam. My eyes kept scanning the restaurant for him.
When I finally saw him again, our eyes met. I quickly looked down. It felt like he was also searching for me. Oh my god—the feelings. I was getting déjà vu again.
“What’s wrong?” Zam looked worried.
“No—nothing,” I stuttered.
She turned to look, then back at me.
“Is he someone you know? Or do you have something to do with him?”
Her question was so direct, I lost my words. Silence hung in the air. Zam shrugged and continued eating.
Finally, I looked up at her with teary eyes. It felt like my heart was being stepped on. Why did I feel this way?
“Zam, I’m sorry, but I need to use the washroom,” I said, and walked away with eyes full of tears and a heavy heart.
I washed my face, and my mascara ran down my cheeks. Luckily, I had my bag. I wiped my face with tissue and reapplied my mascara.
As I walked out of the washroom, I bumped into someone. I didn’t know it was him.
“I’m so sorry,” I said, and when I looked up, I was speechless.
It was Lio.
All I could do was run.
“What the hell is wrong with you today? Should I call a shaman?” Zam yelled.
“I’m sorry, please just ignore me,” I begged.
“If something’s wrong, you can tell me, you know. After all, we’re best— I mean, close friends,” she said, holding my hand gently.
With those sweet words, my tears came out. I was finally ready to tell her about Lio.
***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***
Updated 6 Episodes
Comments