Bittersweet Memories || Nishimura Riki

Entry Ten

December 7, 2022

I still remember the day we became much more than just close friends.

November 24, 2020. I had been growing a crush on you for 3 months. I knew the chances of you, the popular jock at school, liking me back was slim. I didn't dare to get my hopes up. Countless times, I had told myself to lay off. Maybe the distance would be enough to shake off my crush. I had no wish to become hurt and bitter like those crazy exes in K-dramas, I wanted to end my crush on my own turns, but inevitably, there would be hurt, pain, and tears if it were to come to that. Still, it wasn't going to be worth crying over a person who wasn't mine in the first place. At least we could still be friends. I had to face reality: keep trying or give up.

You told me that you had something urgent to tell me. What it was, back then, I had no idea, but it piqued my curiosity and against my better judgment, I agreed. Clearly the pep talks I had given myself on moving on didn't work.

That decision, listening to my heart instead of my mind, was the best decision I had ever made.

We met up at the usual place: the cafe just around the corner. Since it was late autumn, I was bundled in layers of clothing to keep myself warm in the cold. I must've looked silly, but you merely smiled and brought me inside.

Strangely enough, there was no one but the workers. Not a single customer was in sight.

Decorations were hung up around the room. Not winter decorations like snowflakes, mind you. Heart banners hung from side to side. Golden fairy lights hanging from the walls were the only lights illuminating the whole cafe, giving it a cozy, warm vibe.

That should've been sufficient enough to tell that something fishy was going on, but of course, slow, dense, me had merely put it off as a coincidence.

We sat at our usual table, the booth snugged in the far corner of the cafe. We ordered our pastries and drinks as per usual. We talked for some time about random things, like school, homework, etc. Nothing different. But by now, it was clearly obvious the workers had been staring at us as we were the only people in the cafe. It felt awkward. I excused myself to the bathroom.

Sure enough, I had finally concluded that something odd about the missing customers, strange decor, and staring employees. It was no longer a coincidence, it was suspicious.

I spent a good ten minutes hyperventilating in the bathroom. Should I stay or leave? Should I say that my mom had called me? What in the world was going on?

Eventually, I exited the bathroom, only to find the whole cafe bathing in darkness. The blinds must've been shut closed or else some light would've entered. Cautiously, I turned on my camera light on-

I blinked in confusion and scanned around the room. Where was everyone?

Just then, I heard a few distinct grunts and yelps before you rolled into view from behind the counter.

The first thing I noticed was the small bouquet of light pink carnations in your hands. Somehow, you had changed into an entirely different outfit. Gone was the usual gray hoodie and black sweatpants. In their place was a crisp, white dress shirt and black dress pants paired with black Oxfords. And dare I say you were undeniably good-looking.

I swallowed. My hands had become clammy. What was this occasion for? But part of me wanted to hope that this, the flowers, outfit, cafe invite, was all for me.

You brushed off the imaginary dust on your outfit and smiled at me and that alone was enough to make me melt under your gaze.

"Hey, Miso," you greeted me, taking a step closer. Your eyes twinkled like stars in the night sky, I could get forever lost in staring into your eyes.

My heart palpitated. "Hi," I replied softly. I stared down at the floor, my hands nervously fidgeting with the hem of my shirt.

"Sori," you started, "I don't think I want to be friends with you anymore."

I jerked my head up, my eyes going wide with shock. Tears threatened to burst out of my eyes. "Ni-ki-?"

And in a span of a millisecond, my heart shattered. I knew it. I shouldn't have sold my heart to you. I shouldn't have-

You looked at me sincerely. "I want to be more than your friend, Min Sori. May I have the honors of being your boyfriend?"

"Boyfriend?" I stammered, my mouth gaping. I pointed at myself. "Me? Be your girlfriend?"

A laugh echoed through the room. You sauntered up to me. Our faces were merely a few inches apart. A wide grin spread across your face. "Of course. Is there any other Min Sori I know?" You leaned even closer, causing our noses to touch. "I like you a lot, Miso."

"I-" I pause, staring at your visage, soaking in the details of your face. Was this a fantasy?

"I would love to be your girlfriend."

Suddenly, your arms circled around my waist and lifted me from the floor. You twirled me around before pressing

Was there magical Disney music playing in the background? Were fireworks shooting into the sky? That moment seemed magical, unforgettable.

I was in love with you.

"Cut!"

"Yah, Yang Jungwon! You just ruined their moment, dumbo!"

"Shush, Kim!"

"You two-"

And there, tumbling like a stack of dominos were your friends, who apparently had also huddled behind the tiny counter.

We broke away and could only watch in amusement as they scrambled to get up.

"Ouch, you little-"

"Hey, don't blame me! Jake hyung was so heavy!?"

"Am not!"

You could only facepalm at the sight of your friends bickering like a bunch of five year olds.

"Hi!" The sunshine boy I recognized as Sunoo, bounded over towards me. He stuck out his hand and beamed. "I'm Sunoo! And you are Min Sori! Our maknae has told us so much about you!"

"Really?" I snuck a glance at you, only to find you averting eyesight, blushing slightly. I turn back to Sunoo. "Nice to meet you, Sunoo."

"Outta my way!" Jungwon interrupts, only for his gaze to settle onto me. "We've met before right? That project for finance, right?"

I nodded. He scrunches his nose up, scanning me from head to toe before nodding in approval. "Ni-ki, you found a good one."

You only could cough before smiling shyly at me, locking our arms together. "Do you want something to eat, Sori?" You ask.

I shook my head. "Not really. How-" I look around the cafe in amazement, admiring the theme. "How did you afford this?"

You only could point at Jay sheepishly, who could only shrug. "You should thank me later." He flips his nonexistent long hair. "Rich friend at your service."

"Don't mind him," you advised, "He's our resident bank account." You hug me tightly, stroking my hair tenderly. "I can't believe you're mine now," you whisper into my ear softly.

I look up, gazing into your eyes. "I can't believe it either."