𝐌𝐄𝐓 𝐁𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐒𝐔𝐍𝐒𝐄𝐓

3. BIRTHDAY

3 weeks passed and the lectures had gotten tougher day by day. I was glad that it was only till half the day. If it was a full day learning system, I would have been dead by now. As usual after my classes, I left for my shift in café. The costumers were pretty less today and so I got to leave early. I bought a drink for myself and made my way to the park.

I was somewhat sure that he won't be there as it was early than the usual time. I reached the park and saw that the spot under the tree was empty. I kind of felt hurt even though I was expecting his absence.

'Ha, I must have been so lonely that now I started to miss even strangers. Great!' I sighed to my own stupid character as I walked up to the tree and sat down were he used to sit. Until then, I didn't know how spectacular the view was from up close. The sound of the river was much louder and the sky's reflection on the river was mesmerizing.

I plugged in the earphones and got lost in the moment with a never-ending loop of thoughts while looking at the river.

The constant feeling that was lingered in my mind was that 'I miss home'. The climate was really nice, so I took out my book which I got from the library. Reading always helped me in relieving the stress and it was another world to escape into.

I was jolted back to reality when the music player blasted a rock music indicating that my playlist was over. I realised that it has been two hours and he didn't come. For the first time, I felt sad after not seeing a stranger. 'I must be crazy. Y/n what is wrong with you?' I murmured to myself while gathering all my stuff before leaving. But deep in my heart, I hoped that he was safe and I could see him tomorrow.

The next morning, I was as energetic as a horse. I woke up early and was all ready to head out for classes. "Woah lady, where are you going?" Katrin asked. "For the class?" I said waving my hand as if it was an obvious answer. "For class on a Sunday morning? Are you mad?" "ITS SUNDAY??!!!" I shouted in disbelief.

It really was Sunday which means I don't have to work at the café and I can't possibly see him. The whole energy that I had drained out within a second. I was sad for some unknown reason that I too had no idea whatsoever, which felt strange. As if rubbing salt in the wound, the day went slower than a snail. With each passing hour, I grew more impatient.

'Was it all because he didn't come? OMG, y/n do you know him? Or have you even seen his face? Are you that lost, to wait for some stranger or did your oestrogen pumped up too much?' I cursed to myself while trying hard to sleep which was long gone a mile. 'Jeez, you must be crazy. Just sleep for god's sake.' I continued to murmur.

"Can you just shut up and sleep? Either you sleep on your own or I'm gonna knock you off. You choose which one you want." Iseul shouted at me from the opposite bed of mine.

**********

As days went by, I grew more and more impatient and worried as he continued his no show. A week passed with me sitting under the tree alone and waiting for someone that I don't even know. Every night I felt a heaviness in my heart while forcing me to sleep.

I was sitting in the park, listening to music and enjoying the sunset when someone touched my shoulder from behind. "Were you waiting for me?" An angelic voice reached my ears which startled me to the core. My heart started to beat like crazy and I thought it was gonna pop out of my ribs. 'HE IS HERE.' I said to myself as I slowly turned to him.

I was about to see his face when I heard that music. It gradually became louder and louder, unbearable to withstand and snapped me out of my dream. I was woken up by the ringing of my phone at 12am. Seeing that it was from mom, I got tensed up. Why are they calling at this late hour?

"Happy Birthday Baby...." Screamed mom and dad in chorus which kind of broke my ear drums. And yes, it's past twelve now so it is my birthday. "Thank you, Mom and Dad. I almost forgot about it. I love you both." I said and a tear rolled down my cheeks.

"We love you too my dear." We talked for a little more before ending the call. I really miss them. Later in class, everyone who knows me, wished for my birthday. Katrin, Eun-Ae and Iseul gifted me a cute teddy bear. Everyone was happy about my birthday, except me. I felt sad, may be because it is my first time celebrating without my parents.

After finishing my shift in Café, I brought a small piece of cake before heading to the park, thinking of video calling my parents and celebrate it by my own. But reaching there and seeing the empty spot under the tree again, I no more felt like calling anyone. I sat under the tree, placing the bag and cake to my side. Pulling out the player, I noticed that I didn't bring my earphones and so I played the songs, loud enough for me to hear. I leaned back to the tree, listening to my favourite playlist, with eyes closed. I was so immersed in the song when felt someone sitting near me on the other side of my bag. Right now, I didn't want to engage in any conversation with anyone, so I just ignored, whoever it was.

But then suddenly, "That's a nice choice of song." said a male voice. His voice was so alluring, something that makes you feel like you want to hear more. But I was in no mood to talk. 'Oh god, why can't he just mind his own business and leave me alone.' I thought to myself and said "Thankyou" in an annoying way hoping that he would stop talking.

"Is it your Birthday?"
"mm-hmm.."
"Happy Birthday." he said in a cheerful. 'It's not really a happy day.' I wanted to say but stayed silent.

"It's a day to celebrate and party hard. But why are sitting here alone, again?" That statement made me sprung open my eyes and look at the person beside me in utter shock.
And I was surprised to see that it was HIM.

I was surprised to see him sitting in front of me. The same person I used to watch all these days. The person I was hoping to see again. He was still wearing that hat and was dressed in full black and he also had a mask, only showing his eyes which was glittering, or it looks like shining to me.

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Hey pretty readers,
I extremely apologize for the late updates. I have an exm at the end of this week. So please bear with me till that time. Next week onwards ill try to do faster updates, I promise...

Hope you liked the chapter and ignore my mistakes.
See you in the next chapter, bye.!!!