Undo [ Second Edition ]

Part 1, Chapter 2: Where It All Started

Hours, minutes, and seconds passed on February 14, 2021. We hadn't communicated at all. This wasn't normal, but the feeling was so ticklish I had to step away.

I messaged her—a belated Valentine's Day greeting on the dawn of the 15th. It felt silly and stupid, like charging head-on into a war with an unfamiliar foe. But to my surprise, I got an instant reply. She was still awake. And thank God, I wasn't rejected. I wondered what kept her awake. Was it something I couldn't care less about? Or was it my absence? Damn. That was the moment I knew she was becoming someone in my life; occupying a space I thought she never would. Not in my wildest dreams. I was already creating scenarios when I knew I shouldn't. It had only been days, but every second brimmed with so much good that it felt like years. The realization hit me: she's someone I wouldn't want to lose, even just as a friend. But I couldn't lie to myself—I wanted us to be more than that. Still, I knew it was too early. Great things take time to flourish.

So I asked, with all the innocence I had: How was her day?

She answered she had a lot to do and that she even forgot it was the Day of Hearts. I apologized for not taking her on a date to remind her how the day should be.

Plain stupid, but that's how my heart worked ten years ago: Independent from the brain.

She said she was busy all day, and even if I had asked, she would have still turned me down. I don't know if that was true or just a story to lessen the guilt I had confessed to her. Then came a moment of awkward silence—a silence I knew I should break, but before I could...

"I liked you the moment I saw you come by months ago"

She shattered silence the best way possible.

And you fell for it? Dumb cunt.

"It wasn't instant. If you'd ask me, I saw you came in and you were wearing this 𝑓𝑢𝑐𝑘 𝑦𝑜𝑢-𝑔𝑒𝑡 𝑙𝑜𝑠𝑡 face and I was like nope. no thanks"

"It was when you came by the counter, got your order, and thanked me for it. You smiled at me. You, sick bastard—that smile got me."

I didn't know what to say. I was speechless on a whole new level. So that was the reason for those post reactions and random comments. I was flattered.

Without further hesitation, I took my chance and asked if we could meet. It was the longest thirty seconds of my life as the typing bubbles on Facebook Messenger bounced up and down while she typed her reply.

I can't face palm harder.

My heart skipped a beat as I read her message. I kept my cool, but deep inside, butterflies in my stomach fluttered wildly, imagining what was about to happen. And as calmly as I could, I responded, "Sure, I'll be there."

We ended the day with heart reacts on both messages.

Funny how I didn't notice—4 a.m.? Isn't that an odd time to meet? I probably wouldn't because I'd just explain it away. I was smart and dumb at the same time. All I thought about was finally meeting her.

The weather was cold as I arrived at the 24-hour shop near her place. I asked if she wanted me to bring anything. I don't know her that well yet. She said nothing, so I insisted.

"Gatorade, I love it".

Gatorade it was.

03:50 a.m. I was ahead of schedule. It showed how excited I was to finally meet her. But that didn't matter—I figured a little vulnerability wouldn't hurt.

Really? Are you sure about that, bud?

I stood right in front of her building. It was dark. A streetlight cast just enough glow to illuminate the spot I assumed she'd emerge. The coldness of the drink made the paper bag damp. The morning breeze added to the chill. I was an ice cube, but all I could do was wait for her.