Love, Lumiere

just love letters and nothing more

Lisa was born a hopeless romantic. Where others would confess through text, a phone call, or a simple face-to-face conversation, she preferred letters.

However, Lisa feared more than desired. She never handed the letters personally, and never revealed herself in them, preferring to use a pseudo name instead.

Lumiere.

Meaning light in the language of love

She had written a total of 5 letters.

The first one went to Jackson Wang, the new pretty boy from 4th grade. Her writing wasn't eloquent (she had barely grasped grammar at this point), but she appreciated the bluntness her words used to have.

~~~
Dear Jackson,

Thank you for playing with me at recess when I am alone. You look pretty with your long hair. I hope one day we can be best friends, or something more! I am too shy to tell you who I am, but for now, just remember me as your secret admirer! ;)

Love,
Lumiere

~~

In 5th grade, the second one went to Bae Joohyun, the first openly gay girl she had ever met. By then, she felt the need to write in a more reserved manner, feeling insecure about laying her feelings out in the open. Besides, this was her gay awakening.

~~

Dear Joohyun,

I get nervous around you, but I think that means I like you. I remember you saying that love has no boundaries, and I agree. I want you to know that you're brave for saying that. I like girls too, but I'm still too afraid to allow myself to. I admire you for that.

Love,
Lumiere

~~

The third letter went to Park Rosie, her first real friend. She met Rosie in middle school, an assigned partner for a history project, and eventually, her friend. It was the first crush she ever had on someone that she knew on a personal level. The deeper her feelings, the richer her writing.

~~

Dear Rosie,

I find happiness in your presence.

At first, I thought this meant that I had finally met someone who finally enjoyed my company. A true friend.

You are someone who makes me feel protected. I feel safe being my true self around you, knowing that you're there for me because you like me for who I am, not because I'm a good student and ultimately, someone who can help you get good grades.

In another world, and another, and so forth, I hope we continue to meet. I'd like to have you in my life and furthermore.

Love,
Lumiere

~~

The fourth letter was for Taehyung. Her first love. It was the summer before their first year of high school. She met Taehyung at an arts summer camp; Lisa saw this adorable, small-faced boy playing the piano in the music cabin. Every other day, Taehyung would teach her how to play piano, and in return, Lisa would let him read drafts of her novels.

~~
Dear Taehyung,

By the time you read this, I will be long gone.

Not in the sense that I have passed, but our paths may not ever cross.

I am a coward, I admit. Not once was I, or will I ever, be able to admit to you how I fell for you.

You make my heart feel in ways that I have never experienced before. It's a thrilling ride, the way my heart swoops when our fingers dance near each other. When I see your face glow above the campfire. When you smile brightly like the sun's rays as you emerge from the crystal lake water.