"There's barely enough time to love in a lifetime, please don't give it all away to pain," his words were gentle, yet slightly pleading as his hand trailed down my cheek.
"But what if the pain has already consumed me?"
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𝐍𝐞𝐰𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫'𝐬𝐄𝐯𝐞
NOVA Four Years Later
Johnny's voice came through the phone line, muffled by the sound of his head repeatedly hitting a surface. "Please, Nova, I'm begging you!"
It took everything in me not to scream. "Can't you give me one night off? Just one night a year, Johnny, that's all I ask for. Is it really too much to ask?" I struggled to keep my phone steady as I fought the temptation to dunk it into my tea.
"I really need you, Nova! It's New Year's Eve and Sana is all alone. I'm counting on you to help me out... think of your best friend. Everyone else has called in sick, my best waiting staff."
"I'm failing to see how that's my problem," I retorted sharply. "You're the one who fed Hyunjin expired gimbap."
"Please, Nova, don't do this to me! I'm not asking you to dance or anything, just serve a few tables."
Honestly, I had no plans for the evening, but New Year's Eve had always been a difficult time for me. All I wanted was to have a peaceful evening to myself, away from the creepy guys at the club and all of life's trials and tribulations.
I cursed under my breath at the thought of the lecherous men. If I didn't go, Sana would be left to deal with them alone.
I furrowed my brows and let out a guttural growl of frustration. Deep down, I knew that I would regret giving in to Johnny's request. If only I had made my New Years resolution to stop being such a pushover.
"Oh, fine. I'll do it," I grumbled, fighting the urge to hang up the phone right then and there.
"Thank you so much, you're a lifesaver! I love you!" Johnny said with a heavy sigh of relief.
"I have a condition though," I added firmly. "I want free drinks the entire night and I also want as many paid days off as I want next year."
"Done," he laughed.
I knew he couldn't resist me.
***
I lowered myself onto the vanity seat and gazed at my reflection in the mirror. "No crying today," I warned myself with a feeble attempt at sounding stern. I was determined that this year would be different. No more sadness, no more being bossed around, and definitely no more boys.
I picked up my foundation, deciding to add a drop of shimmer to give my skin at least some life for the night ahead. With steady hands, I proceeded to apply a winged eyeliner, layer on mascara, and swipe on a bold red lip - the uniform for "Platinum," my workplace. It was like I was putting on a mask, transforming myself into a version of me that was acceptable for the eyes of others. And honestly, I didn't really mind, I liked blending into the crowd.
