TEXT ME BACK || hirai momo [COMPLETED]

XXXV

[narration]

I fanned at my face, desperate for some breeze to blow. My hair was grilled under the sun's glare. Despite wearing a mere t-shirt, I still felt hot. Fortunately, I wasn't sweating, but I very much wanted to take a swim in the lake. I ran across a street, smiling at a familiar neon sign. Dawn Café.  

Pushing the door open, the delicious smell of freshly brewed coffee and warm bread entered my nostrils, making me sigh in content. I briefly waved at the cashier who'd grown to be my friend, taking my usual place by the window after ordering.

I waited for what seemed like hours until my coffee arrived, and still she was nowhere in sight. I drank my latte, watching couples wistfully, and still I was alone. My fingers played with the hem of my shirt. I was quickly growing bored, despite the loud music playing in the café. 

The leaves dancing merrily on the branches outside were in contrast to my feelings. The cloudless sky felt like the world was mocking me. It seemed as if I was the only person who was unhappy, making me feel out of place.

I even ordered a slice of chocolate cake just to pass the time. Outside, the sun grew harsher and the wind blew stronger.

My lips let out a sigh. If it was of defeat or disappointment, I wouldn't know. I stood up, paying, then left. She'd let me down again.

I flagged a taxi and was about to get inside when a loud ding emerged from my phone.

Momoring🍑

where are you?

it's 4:10 PM, Momo. i was waiting for almost an hour

shit, sorry! i got distracted!

I sighed again. With the number of sighs I'd let out, I could be the next big bad wolf to blow down the little piggies' houses.

where are you now?

about to go home

wait-

wait no

you know the plaza with the really pretty cherry blossom trees?

please go there

I decided to head to where she was. After all, I still longed to see her. I guess that, even if she left me hurt, I would still crawl back.

Where has my pride gone?

Upon arrival, my eyes landed on a familiar figure. She looked different, somehow. Maybe it was the way she held herself with confidence. She was always burdened with books in school, leading to her having a slouched posture. Maybe it was the bright smile on her face, the smile I didn't see for 2 months.

Her black hair hung around her shoulders. She seemed fitter, as if she started working out. Her smile widened when she saw me, and I felt my heart beat faster, the way it used to when I was around her in class.

She had her hands in her pockets, jacket slipping off her shoulder and exposing the bare skin beneath.

Hirai Momo was in front of me, looking as beautiful as ever.

"You.. hi," I stuttered. She chuckled and ran her hand through her hair. "Did you miss me?"

I suddenly scowled. "No. I hate you. How dare you leave me with no explanation and come back looking like that?!"

"If you really hated me, you wouldn't have come."

I scoffed and crossed my arms, glaring at her. She did have a point though, but I wasn't about to admit that. She sighed. "I already explained to you, okay? I already apologized. I had to leave after... that. I wasn't able to tell you I was transferring."

I remained silent.

"It's true about the phone, too! I still had it once I got to our new house, then while unpacking it suddenly disappeared! Apparently I'd thrown it into my closet, then its screen shattered."

I still didn't react. She pouted. "Don't you believe me?"

A strong wind blew and caused petals to fall from the cherry blossom tree. My eyes wandered hungrily, taking in the view. They say that if you catch a petal, then you're lucky.

And one of them landed on Momo's cheek, but she didn't seem to have noticed. She was still staring intently at me. My hand instinctively reached out to brush it off, but I paused halfway.

I pursed my lips and retracted my arm. Momo's face fell. "You don't?"

"I missed you so much, Mo," I whispered, looking down. "I thought I'd done something wrong. I thought you didn't care. I thought you found someone else so quickly. I thought that you didn't mean what you said that day. I thought-"

She threw her arms around me as an act of comfort. "You thought wrong, okay?" she murmured in my ear. Her hands protectively wrapped around my waist with her chin acting as a comforting weight on my shoulder.

I melted into her touch, relishing the feeling of her warmth. We stayed in that position for a while, the spring breeze playing with our hair.

Finally, she pulled away, forcing me to make eye contact. "Can I try this again?"

"Try what?"

Momo took my hands in hers. "I like you a lot, Y/n. I liked you the moment I saw you. You were always so helpful and was there to support me the whole way. I hope you like me too, but if not, I hope we can still be friends."

I stood there for a moment, trying to process what just happened. My eyes narrowed. "Why are you acting as if I didn't reply last time?"

She shrugged. "A lot can happen in two months."

Rolling my eyes, I brought her in for another hug. "Of course I like you too, Momoring."

"So, like, are you my girlfriend now, or what?" She scratched her head.

I laughed. I actually laughed. When was the last time I laughed? "Yes, I'm your girlfriend now."

Maybe she'll have to leave soon, but at least she texted me back.

___________________________________________

WASSSUUUUPPP

IT'S THE EEEEEEEENNNDDDDD

if u came here from the start, congrats!

if u came here halfway, congrats!

if u came here near the end, congrats!

if u found this book completed, still, congrats!

tysm for being with me through this journey. perhaps i'll start another one, who knows?

i hope u enjoyed, and i'll see you on my next book :D

-Iza