The Moon and His Sun

9

Neli and I talked until we both passed out. The next morning Jiu and Neli pack their things (though Neli leaves some of her things here for when she comes over). It's sad to send Jiu home after all the fun we all had together. After a heartwarming goodbye to Jiu, we send her off. She promises to hang out with us soon which I'm sure will come sooner than we think. Neli heads home, but she's right around the corner so that hardly counts as a goodbye.

After a few days and a few more fittings, we narrow it down to the dress I plan to wear and the backup. I'm officially ready for the event, been briefed on everything and am prepared as mentally as I can be for something I haven't experienced yet. It's the morning of the event and I couldn't sleep. I guess I could, but it was one of those weird kind of sleep. Like I slept, but it felt like I was staring at the wall for hours unable to move, but not paralyzed. Then on top of it I had two dreams and it was odd. It was like if I turned left was one dream and if I turned right was another. It felt like I was choosing my path or something which in itself feels eerie. I've been sitting up in bed just staring at the wall. It's early. Too early. I'm taking this time to properly wake up, but if anything I'm just recalling the strange dream.

It's a weird feeling. The dream felt all too real and quite alarming in that way. Felt like one of those dreams that's trying to tell you something, but you either don't know what or can't remember. I decide to journal and make tea. I have bar stools now and a couch making the place look a bit more homey. Or at the minimum less scarce.

My phone rings with Neli's ringtone and I'm a bit puzzled at why she's up so early. Me being up early is pretty common, but her being up early is a bit uncommon. I answer the facetime call. She comes into view with her hands together.

"Oh no, what did you do?" I say putting my phone on a stand on the counter.

"I am the worst friend ever."

"I very much doubt that," I say blowing on my tea to cool it down.

"I forgot I told a friend a few weeks ago I'd go on this blind date with a guy she knew and he just texted me today how he planned this whole evening for us. I don't know how to cancel on him. I feel so bad about it. Aureliaaa what do I do?" She looks as if she's holding back tears. She must've forgotten all about the guy because she was very excited to go to the event with me tonight.

"Just go on the date with him then," I sip my tea.

"Nooooo, but I wanted to go to the event with you tonight."

"Then cancel plans with him."

"I CAN'T. He says he planned this whole elaborate night and everything."

"Then don't go to the event." She groans in response.

"I'm so mad I've never done this ever and now my one chance to go to a massive event is ruined." She's clearly upset but I mean she can choose whatever she'd like to do. There's only two choices. Ultimately, it's up to her.

"There will be other events I'm sure, but it's really up to you to decide. It's still very early in the day so that's really on you mate." She groans once more knowing that I only speak the truth.

"I really hate to cancel on him though, but I'm coming over right now. I'll be there in a bit." We hang up and I decide to go through my emails.

Eventually, my door code chirps followed by, "안녕." Neli greets me with a smoothie and breakfast which I always welcome. I can tell that she still hasn't come to a decision so I decide not to push it. We eat our breakfast and just talk about random things. She updates me on all the work tea and everything else between. After getting some things done on my mini to do list for the day I get a text saying the crew is on their way to my apartment to start getting me ready.