The End of the Rainbow (2023)

Dancing with Two Left Feet

DANCING WITH TWO LEFT FEET

It was always you... all along.

There are times when I wonder if it was a mistake when I let you slip away from me. I still remember everything that happened in the past few months we've been together.

Weirdly enough, it was always you that I wanted.

I still remember that fateful night...

I think I had one too many shots when you approached me.

"H-Hi."

Your way of greeting was awkward—like a kid who's not used to talking to people. But you look nice with that messy hair of yours, with your brown eyes and shy smile, in your white button-down polo that is quite wrinkled, your denim jeans, and white kicks.

"Hey."

I remember hearing screams from the other side of the club when I answered you back. I turned to see a group of girls screaming like you achieved something spectacular that night. I think all of us had one too many shots.

"Sorry about this," I heard you say. Your voice is a bit awkward. Your cheeks blushing. "This... This is just a little dare."

After that, I felt your lips on my cheek.

I don't know if it's just the alcohol taking over or just me being touched-deprived for so long that I felt my face heat up when it happened.

You joined your friends after that weird kiss. And me? I just found myself touching my cheek—the one that you kissed. I was definitely dumbfounded.

I thought of getting your number or something but decided against it. You said it was a little dare—and I don't want to gamble on something that shallow.

After that, life happened. My thoughts of you completely disappeared from memory and the universe continued as if you didn't exist anymore.

I was reviewing for midterms in a coffee shop when I heard footsteps approach my table.

"H-Hi."

I looked up only to see you again. You have the same shy smile as before.

"Hey," I answered. "Is this another little dare?"

I don't know why I asked that. But I heard you chuckle.

"N-No," you said immediately. "I-I was wondering if I could sit with you. If that is alright?"

"Yeah, sure," I said.

When you sat across me, the atmosphere suddenly became awkward. No one is talking. I shrugged off the feeling and just studied.

"My name's Michael, by the way." you said, breaking the awkward silence.

"Luke," I said. "Nice knowing you, Michael."

"Nice knowing you too, Luke." you said.

I found myself looking at you—focused on that smile of yours. Somehow, you look a bit different than when I first saw you. You seem...happier.

"Studying?" you asked.

"Yeah," I answered. "Midterms."

"Same."

After that, there was silence again. I did my thing. You did yours. Somehow, the silence now is much more comfortable. It isn't awkward anymore.

"I'm sorry about that kiss, by the way," you said. "It was stupid, really. Just kissing someone like that."

"I mean, we all had one too many drinks that night." I said.

"That's true."

"But...why me though?"