February 10th

 

I got to hand it to them, they really put a lot of effort in this.

 

I looked around the cafe, admiring all of the decorations they had set up. There was also all those food displayed on the large table. I can see my favorites. I could feel my stomach flipping with excitement as the smell of food filled my nostrils.

 

Everyone had started digging in immediately, me included.

 

“How’s the food?” asked Taeyeon.

 

I was busy stuffing myself with food so I just responded with a satisfied moan and a thumbs up.

 

“Glad you like it,” Taeyeon said proudly.

 

“She better be. We worked our asses off in the kitchen,” Yuri added.

 

I knew there was a reason I’m friends with these two.

 

“Ish tash graysh,” I tried to say.

 

(Translation: It tastes great.)

 

“Yah. Chew first. Do you want to choke or something?” said Yuri.

 

So I did.

 

I looked around to check on everything. So far so good. That was until I noticed a certain someone was absent.

 

“Sorry, Sooyoung,” Tiffany apologized. “She got stuck in a conference call.”

 

“At this time?”

 

It’s already after the usual office hours. We intentionally started the party late so that everyone could make it.

 

“You see, we have these new clients from abroad and...you know, time zones,” Tiffany tried to explain.

 

“Oh. I see.”

 

The smile on my face immediately fell.

 

“She excused me so that I could at least show up on behalf of both of us. She said she’ll try to make it though. I’m really sorry about this. We weren’t exactly expecting them to call today. They just informed us this morning so we couldn’t really do anything. She feels really bad about it. Me too.”

 

I smiled at her in understanding. Although, I couldn’t help but feel disappointed.

 

“You don’t have to apologize for anything. I understand,” I replied. “I’m glad that you could at least make it.”

 

She smiled at me and said, “Let’s get this party started then, shall we?”

 

I furrowed my eyebrows and made a confused look.

 

“But it already did,” I pointed out.

 

“The party doesn’t start ‘til I walk in,” she singsongs while presenting a bottle of Jack. “It’s not a party until we’ve brought out the alcohol,” was her cheeky response. “Now come on, birthday girl!” (She said that last one in English.)

 

I grinned at her infectious enthusiasm.

 

We joined the others and opened up the bottles of champagne and wines that Tiffany brought. The alcohol definitely made things livelier.

 

“HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!”

 

I was surprised at the sudden greeting. From the entrance, my older sister ran towards me and engulfed me in a big hug.

 

“Happy Birthday, Youngie~” she said.

 

I’d thank her for the greeting but she made it difficult by how hard she was hugging me. I could barely breathe.

 

“Can’t breathe...Let me go,” I said in between breaths.

 

With one last squeeze she let me go.

 

“Were you planning on suffocating me to death?”

 

“Oh stop. I just missed you so much,” Soojin said. “Aren’t you happy that I’m here?”

 

“Well if it means nearly suffocating to death, then no.”

 

“Tsk. This brat.”

 

“Soojin unnie!” Sunny came running towards us and hugged my sister.

 

“Well at least someone’s happy to see me,” she said while looking at me.

 

I stuck out my tongue in response.

 

Taeyeon and Yuri came next and greeted my sister. During their greetings, my sister must have noticed Tiffany and immediately approached her.

 

“Who’s this?”

 

“Hi. I’m Tiffany. Tiffany Hwang,” Tiffany said accompanied by, what I assume now is, her signature eye smile.

 

“Well I haven’t seen you around. Is she…,” she drew out whilst pointing a look towards me.

 

I realized what she was implying and quickly denied it. “She’s a friend of mine.”

 

“Oh. A friend. Well that’s nice.”

 

I internally facepalmed. She’s obviously giving another meaning to what I just said. I had to make sure to clear things up with her later.

 

“Are you hungry? There’s food over at that table,” I said pointing at said table. I wanted so badly to shift her attention somewhere.

 

Fortunately, she made her way towards the crowded table and joined in with the feast. And just like that, the party proceeded without a hitch. Good food and good people. What more can you want?

 

But of course.

 

Jessica.

 

Where art thou, Jessica?

 

I found myself sighing. I asked Tiffany earlier if there was any news and I even tried texting her, but she said she was still stuck in the meeting room. Tiffany told me it was a really important client from abroad.

 

She still hasn’t greeted me today.

 

“What’s gotten you all sulky?” I heard my sister say as she sat next to me.

 

“Nothing.”

 

“‘Nothing’ usually means something, you know?” she said.

 

Should I talk to her about it?

 

“Come on. Tell unnie what’s bothering you,” she urged.

 

“...”

 

“I’ve noticed that you keep glancing at the door the whole night. Expecting anyone?”

 

“I…,” I paused.

 

“Is it something you can’t tell me?” Soojin asked.

 

She was giving me an expectant look.

 

I smiled at her.

 

My sister was the first one I ever told and had fully accepted me for who I am. And I’m really grateful for that. Some people aren’t as lucky. My sister was my confidant. I always told her everything and she’d always be supportive.

 

I haven’t told her about Jessica yet.

 

Well, until now that is.

 

“I like someone.”

 

I was looking down at my lap when I confessed so I wasn’t aware of the pure excitement reflected in my sister’s eyes.

 

“Really!?” she exclaimed. “Who is it? Is it her?”

 

“Her?”

 

She pointed towards Tiffany. I couldn’t help snort and shake my head.

 

Good thing I can clear up whatever misunderstanding she had earlier.

 

“No. Tiffany’s really just a friend,” I explained. “She’s actually the best friend of the person that I like.”

 

“Omo. Then I guess I should apologize for implying things earlier. Sorry. I must have sounded weird earlier.”

 

She chuckled.

 

“Apology accepted.”

 

She suddenly sat up straight and turned her full attention on me.

 

“Now. Tell me about this person. Is she nice?”

 

Unlike my three best friends, she wasn’t hounding for answers and was patient with me. She waited quietly until I was ready to speak.

 

I began by telling her how I first saw her, our encounters on the train, about that night with the sleazy guy,...etc. until our latest encounter.

 

When I finished, I took a glance at my sister. She was giving me this more than amused look.

 

“What?” I asked.

 

“It’s just…”

 

“What?” I repeated.

 

“From the way you talk about her...,” she paused. “It just seems that it’s beyond just ‘liking her’.”

 

“What are you saying?”

 

“You’re in love with her,” she said simply.

 

“....”

 

“Well?”

 

.

.

.

 

I.

.

.

.

Love.

.

.

.

Her.

.

.

.

I’m in love with her.

 

“I’m...I’m...,” I hesitated.

 

I couldn’t deny that I harbor romantic feelings for her.

 

But does it go as far as to say that “I love her”?

 

I placed a hand over my chest. I felt it beat hard and fast every time I was with her. A lot of times, it felt like my heart would burst out of my chest and spill all my guts out.

 

I remember what I promised myself, how I would distance myself before I get in too deep; that I shouldn’t get too close or else I’ll get hurt; and how I should limit myself to what my heart could endure.

 

All those warnings I’ve told myself?

 

Bull.

 

I realize that all of that was useless because I’ve been doomed from the start. Her pull on me was hard to resist. Not like I even tried to fight it. I was already aware where the road was headed. I saw the signs but I just kept telling myself I could just turn around and go back. But there was no going back. No U-turn. No stops. Just one road and one destination.

 

And now, I’ve reached the end of that road.

 

And there it is.

 

In CAPS and boldface letters.

 

L

 

O

 

V

 

E

 

“Youngie?”

 

She was looking rather concerned at me. I realized I must have been quiet for a while.

 

Taking a deep breath, I bravely said, “I’m in love with her. I’m in love with, Jessica.”

 

“And there you go.”

 

I looked up at her and saw how she was smiling quite proudly at me. I smiled back.

 

“I feel so much lighter just from saying that out loud,” I said.

 

“I don’t doubt it.”

 

“God, it feels so amazing finally admitting it out loud.”

 

“Why? Have you been denying it?”

 

I shook my head. “Not really. I just didn’t want to admit it and end up hurting myself because, well for one, she’s straight; and second, even if she wasn’t, hypothetically speaking, I doubt she’d ever look my way.”

 

“You know, for someone so outgoing and cheerful, you can be very pessimistic at times,” my sister commented.

 

“I’m just saying it based on facts.”

 

“No. It’s more like you’re saying what you want to believe in because: A) you haven’t confirmed anything B) you’re probably just scared of being rejected,” she told me a matter-of-factly.

 

I looked at her for a second before finally saying, “I hate it when you’re right”.

 

She gave a smug look.

 

“I’m scared, unnie.”

 

“Love is a scary thing,” she replied with a laugh. “Whatever happens, I’m here. Your friends too.”

 

At that moment, Sunny shouted from across the room. “It’s time to open your presents!”

 

“Shall we?” she asked me as she stood up.

 

I nodded as I too stood up and walked to the others.

 

---

 

I couldn’t help but give my sister a skeptical look.

 

“Don’t give me that look. I asked, didn’t I?” she told me.

 

I continued to give her the ‘Are you serious?!’ look.

 

I only meant it as a joke. I didn’t think she’d actually...

 

“Hey, you said you wanted a castle, a sword, and a horse,” she said defensively.

 

True to her word, she was holding in front of me a miniature castle model and...a rapier?!

 

Where did she even...then again, this is my sister we’re talking about.

 

She can be eccentric at times.

 

“WAIT. Where’s the horse? Oh god, please don’t tell me you actually got me a real horse?!” I begged the one up above that she didn’t.

 

“Pssh. Calm down. Of course not. How would you ride it in the city?” she said. I release a sigh of relief. “But I got you the next best thing!”

 

My eyes widened at that.

 

What thing?!

 

I began to panic.

 

“Come on, it’s parked outside,” she said.

 

She urged me to follow her.

 

I didn’t really want to.

 

I looked at the other guests and sure enough they were looking at us oddly but it was more out of amusement.

 

“Oh my god!” I heard Tiffany scream.

 

What is it now?

 

My friends and some of the other guests were gathered outside, surrounding what I assumed was my other gift.

 

“Hurry! Or I might just take this back!” I heard my sister shout.

 

Okay. So she got me curious. I laid down her other gifts at a nearby table and ran outside the cafe.

 

Oh my god.

 

I came face to face with a motorcycle.

 

A freaking motorcycle.

 

I learned later that it was a Triumph Street Twin. IN BLACK AND SILVER!

 

(A/N: FYI. I have no knowledge of vehicles. I just got this from the internet.)

 

My immediate reaction was to pull my sister up into a suffocating bear hug. I squealed for the first time in years. I’m really not that into cars and bikes, but I’ve used to ride one of these before. Call it a form of rebellion from my parents. SadIy, I was forced to sell it when I needed money to help start my business.

 

“Damn, Soo,” came Yuri. She put her arm around my shoulders as we both admired the piece of machinery. “You think I can ride it sometime?” She was looking at me while batting her eyelashes.

 

“Not before I ride it first,” I said.

 

She gave me a wide grin. “Deal.”

 

“So I guess you like it then?” inquired my sister.

 

“Like? I love it!” I exclaimed excitedly.

 

“I guess I made the right decision then. I was a little hesitant when I paid for this.”

 

I was so happy that I continued to admire my present before I had to reluctantly go inside with the others.

 

---

 

As much as I wanted to ride my new present, I didn’t want to risk it. I found myself stumbling a bit as I got to my apartment. I had a few drinks, enough to get me tipsy but not enough to render me incapable of coming home on my own, much to my friends’ protest.

 

I gotta say. Tiffany has great taste in booze.

 

It was a little bit after 11 P.M. when I checked my watch. We had to stay back a bit to be sure everyone got home safely. I took a taxi home instead of carpooling with the others. Sunny and the others lived in the other direction so I didn’t want to inconvenience them. Guess how surprised the driver was when he saw me with my sword.

 

When I got to my room, I readied myself for bed, taking off my clothes and throwing them in the hamper. After changing into some sleeping clothes and brushing my teeth, I slumped into my bed. At first I just laid there before I moved to reach for my phone.

 

No messages.

 

It was already nearing midnight and I was still hoping. I kept my phone close beside me. Even in my tired state, I fought off the urge to just sleep.

 

I patiently waited.

 

Please.

 

I was about to give up when I saw it was 11:59 P.M. But just then, I received a text. I completely sobered up as I saw whom it was from.

 

Jessica: Happy Birthday

 

I almost cried.

 

I jolted up from my lying position at the sound of my doorbell ringing.

 

Who in their right mind would be visiting me at this hour? I swear, if this is Sunny or...wait. What if…

 

I approached the door with caution, holding up the sword I got from my sister.

 

Who knew I’d actually be using this?

 

I first checked the peephole and…

 

!!!

 

“You better open this door right now.”

 

She was looking up and staring right at the peephole. I put down the sword and, like a servant doing her bidding, I flung the door open.

 

342. there she was, wrapped up in her thick coat and scarf.

 

“Hey, I-”

 

I didn’t let her finish as I quickly pulled her inside and hugged her. I hugged her so tight as if my life depended on it.

 

“S-Soo-”

 

“Why didn’t you call? I waited the whole day.”

 

At this point, I didn’t care if I was sobbing in front of her. I was drunk and it made my emotions run freely.

 

I felt her wrap her arms around my back.

 

“I’m sorry, Soo.”

 

“You’re mean,” I complained.

 

I felt her body shake as I heard her give a soft laugh.

 

“I guess I am, aren’t I?” she replied. “But I promise. That wasn’t my intention.”

 

I pulled away from the hug, wiping some tears, and looked at her. “And what exactly was your intention, Ms. Jung? I’m actually hurt that you only greeted me just now. And via text might I add.”

 

“I have a reason for that,” she said.

 

“And that would be?”

 

“I wanted to surprise you.”

 

“By showing up in the middle of the night? Sure. I’m surprised. But how is this related to you not showing up at my birthday? I waited for you, you know?”

 

I could hear my voice crack at the end.

 

At this point, I could sense myself getting a bit mad. The alcohol I had earlier didn’t help either. I know what I said earlier about understanding that she had work-related stuff to do but I haven’t even received one call today. And I just got a text at the last minute!

 

“First of all, this, showing up unexpectedly was part of my plan to surprise you,” I explained. “And second, here.”

 

She held up a bag that I’ve only noticed she was carrying just now.

 

“What is it?”

 

“It’s a gift, obviously.”

 

“Quite late, aren’t you?”

 

I was a bit confused. She could have given it to Tiffany so she could hand it to me during the party.

 

“You told me not to give you a gift on your birthday so I didn’t. Now it’s...,” she paused to check her watch. “...12:15 A.M. so technically it’s already the day after.”

 

This woman. Seriously!?

 

“Did you have to go that far?” I asked, giving her a disbelieving look.

 

My anger had dissipated at this point and, instead, I felt rather amused and shocked.

 

“You said you didn’t want a gift on your birthday,” she repeated. “I just did what you told me.”

 

I pinched the bridge of my nose in frustration.

 

First my sister and now her.

 

“Okay. Fine.” I heaved a sigh. “You could have just given it to me in the morning and save you the trouble of coming all the way here at night.”

 

“It’s no trouble if I wanted to.”

 

After saying that, there was nothing but silence afterwards.

 

“I guess I should take my leave,” she spoke suddenly. “Happy Birthday, Soo.”

 

My brows shot up.

 

Wait! Now?! At this hour?! Alone?!

 

I caught her by her hand to stop her. But from the least bit of touch of her hand, my nerves numbed so I quickly retracted my hand.

 

“Jesus! Your hands are cold!”

 

I couldn’t help but react that way because her hands literally felt like ice. I doubt she can even move her fingers.

 

She immediately dug her hands in her coat pockets.

 

“How long have you been out there?” I questioned. I was concerned at the fact that her hands had gotten this cold (most likely from staying out for too long.)

 

I saw her bite her bottom lip, reluctant to answer.

 

“It doesn’t matter,” she said. “Good night.”

 

She quickly fled out the door. I followed suit.

 

“Wait! Sica!”

 

I saw her stop and look back at me.

 

“Please,” I begged. “Stay.”

 

At this point, I was standing next to her.

 

“I don’t feel comfortable letting you go at this hour,” I said. “So please. Stay.”

 

I saw her blink at me. She was looking up at me with unsure eyes.

 

“Are you sure?” she asked.

 

I smiled.

 

“Of course. Now, let’s go inside where it’s warm.”

 

“Okay.”

 

She gave me a warm smile, and despite the cold, I felt my insides heating up. I took her by the hand and pulled her inside. This time, I held it tightly, not minding if it was cold. But damn was it cold.

 

How long has she been out here?

 

---

 

I’ve sobered quite a bit by now. Drinking water helped.

 

“These are probably a bit big on you but it’s better than nothing, right?” I said as I gave her some spare clothes to sleep on.

 

She placed her cup of hot chocolate on the table and took the clothes from my hands.

 

“Thanks.”

 

“The bathroom’s across the hall. I have a spare toothbrush and towel prepared. You can find them in there,” I instructed.

 

She nodded along and proceeded to the bathroom.

 

As I watched her disappear into the bathroom, I started freaking out. I was now pacing around my kitchen.

 

She’s in my apartment! Oh god. I didn’t give this much thought! Is the place clean? I cleaned a bit yesterday.

 

I was too busy panicking inside that I didn’t notice her come back. I had my back turned to her so I was really startled when I heard her call my name. As I turned around, I stopped my movements altogether.

 

“What?” she questioned.

 

“It’s just…,” I tried to say.

 

I could tell she felt embarrassed from my staring. She got the idea and covered her face with the towel until it just reached below her eyes.

 

“Stop staring,” she pointed out. “I took off my makeup so I look weird.”

 

I walked up until I was standing right in front of her. I pulled down her hands that were holding up the towel so I could get a full view of her face once more.

 

“Nope. Not weird at all,” I said, tracing my eyes from her forehead down to her chin. “Still beautiful.”

 

The next thing I knew, she slapped me with the towel and then walked over to the table. I looked over and she was sitting there and sipped on her hot chocolate. I grinned when I saw she was obviously covering the blush on her cheeks with the cup. I pulled out one of the chairs and sat across from her.

 

“Would you stop staring,” she said.

 

I smirked.

 

“Why?”

 

“It’s creepy.”

 

“What if I don’t want to?”

 

She put the cup down on the table and glared at me. That caused me to laugh a bit.

 

“Okay. I’ll stop,” I said. “But I stand by what I said earlier.”

 

“...”

 

“You’re still beautiful.”

 

“Thanks,” was her shy reply. “But I’m not sure if I believe the words of a drunk person.”

 

“Not drunk. Tipsy,” I defended. “Alcohol doesn’t make me a liar. Why? Do you lie when you're drunk?”

 

I took her silence as a ‘No’.

 

Aww. She’s all red. I’m only stating the truth though. She doesn’t even look that different when she has makeup on.

 

I hear her suddenly clear .

 

“Don’t you want to open your present?” she brought up.

 

“Oh right.”

 

I got up to grab my present in the living room and quickly came back with it. There was a small box inside. I opened it and I saw it contained a silver chain bracelet.

 

A very fine looking bracelet.

 

The sterling silver shone marvelously under my kitchen light.

 

“I left the plate blank so you can have it engraved later on,” she told me.

 

“I...This. I can’t accept this,” I said.

 

This is too luxurious. Then again, so was that motorcycle.

 

She frowned. “You don’t like it?”

 

“No!” I quickly said. “That’s not it. It’s just. This is too much.”

 

“It’s a gift.”

 

“But this must have cost a lot.”

 

“You don’t have to worry about that,” she said. “It’s money well spent.”

 

“But-”

 

“It’s non-refundable,” she cut me off. “So it’s best if you just take it.”

 

I don’t see her backing down from this.

 

I’ll let her win...this time.

 

“Thank you,” I said finally.

 

I looked at her and she had a victorious grin in place.

 

“Why don’t you try it on? It’s adjustable which I figured is a plus since you’re too skinny,” she said. “I really do wonder where all that food go.”

 

“Fast metabolism.”

 

She helped me try it on then I lifted my arm to see and admire the piece of jewelry.

 

“I thought it’d suit you when I first saw it,” she said. “Thankfully, I was right.”

 

“Thanks again, Sica.” I smiled happily as I continued to admire my gift. I only looked away and turned to her when I noticed how she suddenly fell silent. “What’s the matter?”

 

“You called me ‘Sica’,” she said. “Earlier too.”

 

“Oh, right. It just came out. I mean you have been calling me ‘Soo’ lately. I just thought...,” I drawled. “I won’t call you that if you dislike it.”

 

She shook her head.

 

“It’s not that. Except for Tiff, I was never really given nicknames before,” she confessed.

 

I smiled.

 

“Then can I call you Sica?”

 

“Suit yourself,” she replied in her usual chic manner.

 

I knew better though.

 

I made myself my own drink and joined her. We chatted for a while. I told her all about the party including my sister’s ridiculous presents.

 

“And you call my gift ‘too much’?” she said.

 

“But she’s my sister. I didn’t really expect it either.”

 

“Now I’m actually looking forward to meeting your sister.”

 

I gave a tight-lipped smiled.

 

Well, I’m not. I’m scared she’s gonna say something embarrassing.

 

“Back to my question earlier,” I began. “How long were you waiting outside? Not too long, right?”

 

“...”

 

“Sica?”

 

“About...to...hours,” she mumbled.

 

“What?” I asked again.

 

“About 2 to 3 hours,” she whispered. But I caught on to her words.

 

“You waited for 2 to 3 hours?!” I cried out. “What were you thinking?!”

 

“Would you calm down,” she said. “It’s not a big deal.”

 

“How could I? It’s really cold out,” I reasoned.

 

I saw her roll her eyes at me.

 

“It’s not like I was just waiting the whole time. I spent some time looking for your apartment first,” she explained.

 

Speaking of.

 

“How did you know where I live?”

 

“Sunny,” she said simply.

 

Sunny knew?! Why that…

 

“Before you go scolding your friend, it was me who insisted,” she added.

 

I sighed.

 

“If I knew, I would have come home sooner.”

 

“That wouldn’t have changed a thing,” she pointed out. “It would still be your birthday. I planned on giving it to you today.”

 

“What if I fell asleep?”

 

“I would have just come around in the morning.”

 

I sighed.

 

“I would have actually preffered that than you coming here so late at night. It’s not safe,” I said with concern. “Just promise me you won’t do something like this again?”

 

“I promise.”

 

We continued with our conversation on her part of the day. I found out Tiffany was telling the truth when she said Jessica was stuck in a conference call.

 

“I left the office at about half past nine I think,” she said, her eyes looking up in a manner saying that she’s trying to remember. “After that, I made my way to your apartment.”

 

“So you just waited for me until I came home?”

 

She nodded.

 

“I hid behind the corner next to your door. I almost fell asleep actually.”

 

My eyes widened. It was already past 1 A.M. Looking at her now, she did seem pretty tired.

 

I’m such a bad host.

 

“We should probably get you to bed,” I suggested. As if on cue, she yawned.

 

“That would be great.”

 

I showed her to my room. Good thing it’s the part of my apartment that I manage to always keep clean and organized.

 

“Will the blanket be enough for you?” I asked.

 

She nodded.

 

“Okay. Good night then,” I said as I picked up one of the pillows. As I made my way out, she called out to me.

 

“Where are you going?”

 

“The living room.”

 

“Why?”

 

“I’m sleeping on the couch.”

 

“You’re bed’s big enough for the two of us. Just sleep here.”

 

Did I just hear right? She wants me to sleep here? On the same bed? With her?!

 

“You want me to sleep here?” I asked. “With you?”

 

She rolled her eyes at me.

 

“No, the stuffed bear over there,” was her sarcastic response. “Yes, with me.”

 

“I’m really fine sleeping on the couch.”

 

“I’m used to sleeping on the same bed when my sister comes over to my place. I don’t mind sharinga bed,” she said. “Besides, I’d feel bad hogging your bed.”

 

I wanted to fight back but I knew she’d insist with the way she was set on making me stay. We’re both too tired at this point so I complied.

 

---

 

While the other body beside me was sleeping so peacefully, I was the opposite. I kept tossing and turning until I ultimately lay on my back and stared up at the ceiling.

 

My heart was beating a million times a minute. The fact that she was just inches away from me was making me completely restless. She was lying on her side, facing me. I could hear her breathing in and out small puffs of air. I mirrored her position so I was now facing her.

 

It was dark with all the lights off but some of the light coming in from the window was enough for me to make out her features. It was a sight to behold the way her hair was slightly tousled, covering some parts of her face; how was slightly open; and how her skin seemed so lustrous as it reflected the moonlight.

 

Her pale skin seemed so soft I was tempted to touch it. But rationality won over and so I kept my hands to myself. As I kept watching her sleeping figure and listening to her even breaths, I found myself slowly drifting to sleep, a small smile on my lips.

 

---

 

When I opened my eyes, I was met with an unfamiliar ceiling. Then events from last night, well early morning, came pouring in and I finally remembered where I was. Sure enough, when I turned my head to the right, I came face to face with...hair?

 

I released a light chuckle at the sight. Her face was almost completely covered by her hair. I moved a handful of her hair so not to block her face. I tucked as much hair as I could.

 

She’s a lot prettier than what she gives herself credit for.

 

I must have been staring for some time as I felt her stir beside me. I instinctively closed my eyes to avoid being caught staring the whole time. I thought I was safe but then I heard her speak.

 

“I know you’re awake,” she said. “And that you’ve been staring.” Her tone was pretty much teasing.

 

I opened my eyes immediately and sat up.

 

“I-I was not,” I denied. “I was just too lazy to move.”

 

“Whatever you say,” she replied clearly not convinced.

 

Hoping to change the topic I said, “What time is it?”

 

She turned her head without much moving from her lying position to look at the digital clock on her nightstand.

 

“It’s...10:34,” she read.

 

“Already?”

 

Considering how late we got to bed, it was reasonable we slept in.

 

“Good thing it’s a Saturday.”

 

I nodded.

 

I saw her look up at me. “Are you hungry? I could fix us up some brunch?”

 

“You cook?” I questioned.

 

“Enough to get by,” she shrugged. “I can make us pancakes. Is that okay?”

 

“Are you sure? I can just leave, you know?” I said. “I don’t want to impose.”

 

“You’re not. You’re my guest. I wouldn’t just let you leave after all the trouble you went for me last night...last morning?”

 

She shrugged.

 

She lead us to the kitchen where we talked just hours ago. I wanted to be of help somehow so I asked if I could at least make us both coffee while she made the batter.

 

“The cups are in that cupboard and coffee’s there,” she said as she pointed at said things “Sugar’s there too.”

Nodding along, I brewed some coffee and then poured us both a cup. I set both cups on the table and proceeded to watch silently as she made pancakes. As I watched her, I couldn’t help but think how domestic this all seemed.