SOUR

'I knew from the start this is exactly how you'd leave'

milli.

I feel like I'm watching a hurricane from above the Earth. Something that will end in chaos, and people will get hurt because it's inevitable. But this is worse, because I knew this was going to happen. I could predict, but I couldn't protect anyone from it.

Or maybe I could have, and I just chose not to.

"Will you.... be my date to the dance?" Sora asks.

I watch as Sunwoo blinks, slowly, as the words register. He's stepping on the trail of black flower petals leading up to Sora, holding a sign up with a big smile.

My lungs restrict as his eyes shift to me, and I see the slightest bit of disapproval. I stare at my shoes instead, as I hear Sunwoo sigh.

There's a long pause. I don't blame him. Sora couldn't have picked a more public place to do a confession. It's right in the middle of campus where students usually lounge around. There are phones out recording and taking pictures, all waiting on Sunwoo's response.

"No." He says bluntly.

I see the back of Sora's head flinch. "...what?" She asks quietly.

Sunwoo doesn't repeat himself. Instead he just walks past her, and bumps his shoulder against mine, hard, so he knows it'll hurt. And that's what I deserve.

I watch him walk away, and the people around us begin to talk as they disperse as well.

Then I hear a quiet scoff from my best friend. And even though she usually wouldn't give people like him the time of day, she can't be tough this time.

I hug her tightly, and silent tears roll down her face as I help her back to the dorm. But the whole time I sit there with her, comforting her and giving her advice, all I feel is guilt.

She's my best friend, and he's... he told me how he was going to react to her. And I didn't do anything to stop it. I guess I just thought that if she didn't have to hear it from me it would hurt less. And seeing Sunwoo's face of betrayal only makes it worse. I have broken both of their trusts, since he was the one who told me to tell her.

"I'm sorry, Sora." I say softly, patting her back.

"It's not your fault." She says.

I can't bring myself to nod.

"I'm okay." She says, and dries her tears. "Guys like him are dipshits anyways. It doesn't matter."

"Yeah," I agree, but I don't know if that's the right word to describe him.

"He didn't even say why," She adds. "Not that it matters, it was just more harsh that he didn't."

"Maybe he's just not looking for someone right now." I say, which is the truth. My mom used to tell me that You have to heal your own wounds or else you'll just bleed on everyone else.

"But we could have been so good together," Sora says. "I know we could've."

"I know, it's not your fault." I say. It's mine.

She shakes her head. "Doesn't matter, we just have to have so much fun tonight while we shop. I think I want to get drunk after, do you?"

"As fun as that sounds, I'm sorry, I can't go with you guys, Jacob and I have to help set up the final touches in the auditorium."

"Ugh, you and your responsibilities," Sora says with a small smile.

"I'm sorry,"

"No, it's okay. Olivia Hye is going, so I know it'll be fun."