The next day felt unbearable for both of them.They were desperate to meet again — desperate in that quiet, aching way where you pretend everything is normal but your heart is literally sprinting laps inside your chest.
Morning came like any other day, but every second dragged like an hour… and every hour felt like a whole year.
Roe dressed up the same as always, but this time — he actually combed his hair.(Which for him was basically a red flag that something was up.)
Ria, on the other hand, was practically glowing.She picked her dress more carefully, sprayed perfume twice, and put on soft makeup… just enough to look pretty without looking like she tried.
She was getting herself ready for the night —for the possibility of meeting the mysterious man who wouldn't leave her mind.
But Kri… oh Kri had other thoughts.
Kri: "May I know what exactly you're doing, girl?"
Ria:"Getting ready."
Kri: "Yeah, I can see that. But you're taking… way too long. Like HOURS long."
Ria: "Hmm."
Kri: "You're pretty excited, aren't you?"
Ria: "Stop it, Kri. Are you jealous or something?"
Kri: "ME? Jealous? Please. I just think this is… pathetic."
Ria: "Huh?"
Kri: "You're getting all dressed up for a stranger. A stalker, Ria."
Ria: "You don't understand, old hag."(Ria makes a funny teasing face.)
Kri:(rolls her eyes, angry) "Old— HAG?! How dare you, kid!"
Ria just giggled and rushed out before Kri could grab her .
That evening, she finally reached the place.Her heart pounding, hands slightly cold.
She looked around.
Left.Right.Behind.Nothing.No one.
The air felt too still… too quiet.
Had he come?Was he late?Or… was fate planning something else again?