beyond the veil

chapter 2

A few weeks after the haunting dream, Neon found herself sitting across from her best friend Lilly at a cozy restaurant, the dim lighting casting a warm glow over their table. As they sipped on their drinks and nibbled on appetizers, Lilly couldn't help but broach the topic of Neon's love life—or lack thereof.

"Neon, you've been single since forever. You've never even dated! Not even once , Don't you get bored of your loneliness?" Lilly teased, a playful grin tugging at the corners of her lips. "I bet all those dreams of handsome men stem from your single status." Because deep down you want to be held in a pair of strong arms, no?

Neon's expression shifted, her brow furrowing as she regarded her friend. "Lilly, in case you've forgotten, that dream wasn't exactly a fairy tale romance. I was literally being choked to death and had my neck broken by that so called 'handsome man'," she retorted, her voice tinged with a hint of sarcasm.

Lilly's eyes widened in realization, and she reached across the table to place a comforting hand on Neon's arm. "Oh, Neon, I didn't mean it like that. I'm sorry," she said softly, her tone filled with genuine concern.

Neon sighed, shaking her head. "It's okay, Lilly. It's just... I'm scared," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "Scared of loving someone, only to end up hurt. What if they don't love me back? What if they get bored of me? There are so many insecurities."

Lilly squeezed her friend's hand reassuringly. "Neon, listen to me. You are absolutely beautiful and kind. Who wouldn't love you? If I were a man, I'd be head over heels for you," she declared earnestly. "And even if you were to push me away, I'd still come back, begging for your affection."

Neon couldn't help but chuckle at Lilly's dramatic declaration. "Oh, really now? Too bad you're not a man, or I might have given you a chance," beside it's not like I pushed someond away and they still come back .. people just give up so easily..she teased, a playful glint in her eyes.

Lilly's eyes softened as she leaned forward, her voice gentle. "But love is not something you prepare yourself to fall for... it happens without realizing you have already fallen."

Neon shook her head, a wry smile playing on her lips. "Well, I'm not falling for that trap," she remarked, her tone laced with skepticism.

Lilly chuckled, her gaze unwavering. "Love has a funny way of sneaking up on you when you least expect it. Just wait and see, Neon. You might be surprised."

Neon sighed, her thoughts swirling with uncertainty. "I'll believe it when I see it," she replied, though a part of her couldn't help but wonder if Lilly was right.

The two friends shared a moment of lighthearted laughter, the tension from their earlier conversation dissipating like smoke in the wind. Despite her fears and insecurities, Neon couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope stirring within her heart. Perhaps love wasn't such a daunting prospect after all, especially with a friend like Lilly by her side.