"We all cheer as the champagne fills the room. Everyone is taking pictures and calling parents and relatives. I reach for my phone and feel a small jab of disappointment as I see messages from everyone but her. I look at her number and hesitate before I call her. I hear the familiar ring but she doesn't pick up. Worry tugs at me but I try to shake it off since she's probably out celebrating, too. After a couple of minutes of pacing back and forth, I text Dara. 

                                Are you with Chaerin?

No, she didn't want to go out with us. 

I suggest you don't try to look for her. 

                                Why? 

No offense, but you're the last person 

she wants to see. 

                                        Why? 

                                        What did I do?

Don't you remember? Last New Year's, 

you told her you didn't want anything to do with her.

The New Year's before, you told her you loved her

and she was the only one. It's a rollercoaster of emotions

with you and she's fed up. 

 I'm surprised Dara knows all this. I can vaguely see Chaerin telling her all of this like a little girl who was excited about her first kiss. I smile at the image of Chaerin being happy...because of me. It's been so long since I was the reason for her smile. I frown and pick up my jacket. I quickly say goodbye and head out the door, ready to find to her. 

---------

I open the door and I instantly frown. She always leaves it unlocked and it's so dangerous. The house is quiet and dark and for a second, I'm about to leave when I hear... my song? That XX is playing upstairs and I'm momentarily confused. I run up the stairs, not knowing what to expect. I hide under the darkness and see her dancing around her room. She sings along to the lyrics, almost bitterly. 

Oh I