my headband. Sure it was a simple picture, the reason he's staring is I'm literally doing a distracting movement. I will pay no mind to all those thoughts, it wasn't him simply staring—it looked too adoring for it to be something uncomplicated.

Zy's eyes were half lidded. An endearing smile was plastered on his face. Dimples deeper than usual. He wasn't watching me fix my headband; He was watching my face with such an adoring gaze. Anyone could mistake such an expression for something more than distraction.

"Sorry, Mel," Zy played with his ear. "Punta muna ako sa restroom, you can wait here or do you want to go too?"

"I'll wait for you." Nasanay na akong laging naghihintay sayo.

"If I'm taking too long. Text me, okay?" I nodded. He patted me on my shoulders, mouthing the words "I'll be right back." After that he walked off.

So, I waited.

And waited.

And...nothing.

A couple of minutes had passed by and there was no sign of Zy.

Me:
Hello Zy!
Are you still in the restroom? (_ _。）

Delivered

Huh, that's weird. Maybe he is still in the restroom. It doesn't hurt to check if he's doing okay, right? And he did say to text him if he's taking too long though he did not give an alternative solution to when he does not respond.

So here's the alternative solution I came up with.

I walked to the restroom's direction. At the same time, I was fascinated by that specific picture. I think this moment deserves a mental celebration—confettis and all things that make parties fun.

I did not hold back my smile.

I earned this smile.

I noticed the familiar hallway, white walls lined with identical doors. Malapit na ako sa comfort room. I eventually looked up from the picture only to see an image I wish I could burn away from my mind.

My smile faltered.

I clutched the photos, wrinkling it in the process.

Then I ran.

Ran far away from the scene.

Me:
Sorry Zy huhu something came up and I need to go home
Enjoy the booths! Don't forget to eat (๑′ᴗ‵๑)
Delivered

I was having a hard time breathing hence why I crouched down to rest. My heart was no longer trying to escape, it was clenching hard that it made me want to vomit. The skies dimmed, I no longer had the sun beside me as raindrops painted the cemented floor. Then I realized there was no rain. I was crying.

I'm so pathetic.

Mel, you're so fucking dumb. Idiot. Stupid. Fool. Moron. Simpleton. Dense. Tanga. Bobo. Hindi nagiisip!

Hindi, masyado akong nag-iisip. That was my second mistake. My first mistake was believing that I wasn't a distraction. That I was something more. Now look at me, I bit off more than I could chew. Even worse, I can't swallow the truth that I would never have him with a hello.

I never had him from the beginning.