I think I'm in love with her

🩷

I am really sorry; I am going to be a  litttttle late. 
 
I can totally hear her apologetic voice while reading the text. A cute prayer sticker is beneath the text. It definitely kind of looks like her.
 
The cool breeze made me tingle. I re-wrapped the scarf around my neck and shoved my phone into my pocket. 
 
The golden minibell near the corner of the door jingled when I opened the door. The person standing at the corner shot me a gentle smile. I nodded at them with a slight smile.
 
Luckily, there was a vacant table by the window; she loves to sit beside the window when it is snowing, especially. I ordered one cafe latter for myself. My phone received a notification.
 
I am almost there. 
 
Attached is the running sticker. Looking at it made me giggle.
 
She will be arriving soon, so I ordered a cappuccino, a chocolate croissant, and a tiramisu slice for her. 
 
I settled down in my chair. The chairs were made of metal; they are cool. I remember her complaining about it once. I laid my scarf over the chair..
 
My phone was filled with many notifications, emails from work, random DMs, and app notifications. I set a special ringtone for her notifications, so I won't miss them amidst others. 
 
A loud bell ring caught my attention. I looked over, and it's none other than Paige; she probably tumbled at the entrance. 
 
I waved my hands at her. Her eyes grew big, and she rushed over to me while getting hit by a few chairs.
 
"Idiot," I said while laughing..
She tried to hug me, but I moved away. She pouted while I smiled.
 
In the same instant, our order has arrived. I sipped my cafe latte while she munched away tiramisu and croissant in just a few bites. The chocolate cream stained the corner of her lips. I quickly took the napkin and wiped it. She showed her gummy smile. 
 
"Excuse me, Mademoiselle, how can you be a messy eater? You are going to be 26 next week." I said teasingly.
She finished her drink and said, "It is legal to be a 26-year-old messy eater."
 
She tried to talk in a French accent.
 
"Gimme that croissant, let me draw a moustache for you," I said while trying to grab some cream from the plate.
 
"Nooo," she grabbed my hand while laughing.
 
 
"So, do you mind explaining why you were late?" I asked her.
"Drum roll for the big announcement. I got a boyfriend," she said while smiling so widely..
 
'Boyfriend?'
 
"When did that happen?" I asked, unable to hold my eagerness.
 
"You know right, I had a crush on this senior; he finally asked me out today," she said excitedly.
 
"And what did you say?" I should've punched myself for asking that like an idiot.
 
"Of course yes, dummy."
 
"Oh!" I said. The only word I was able to utter in that moment.
 
"Aren't you happy?" She looked concerned. 
 
I didn't want to worry her. 
 
"No, no, it was just- it was just so sudden. I am surprised that this knucklehead finally got a boyfriend," I said, trying to sound as lively as possible.
 
"You are such a meanie." She said while hitting my hand.
 
Then for the next ten minutes, she narrated the whole story about how they both got paired up for a project and finally ended up being a couple. A perfect beginning to a lovely love story. As her friend, I should feel happy for her. But why, why do I feel bitter?
 
"Nick, Nicky, are you listening?"
She waved her hand in front of me.
"Yes, yes," I said hurriedly.
 
"Are you okay?" She said and leaned forward and touched my forehead. I felt conscious about my heartbeat. 
 
Her phone rang in the right moment, making her pull away from me. She could've heard my loud heartbeat.
 
"Nick, I have to go. We planned our first date today. He is taking me to an aquarium. Isn't that cool?"
She sounded so cute in excitement.
I didn't give her a warm smile like I used to; I probably forgot how to smile.
 
She was in a hurry to even notice that I wasn't smiling. 
 
She rushedly grabbed her things. I stood up from my seat and followed her after paying the bill.
 
She tried to hug me again.
This time, I didn't hold back. I wanted to confirm something.
 
She wrapped her arms around me, and I gently wrapped mine around her.
She smelled like citrus fruits. Her hair was soft and tickled my chin.
 
She pulled away first and gave me an amazed look.
 
"Mr. No touchy touch is finally opening up."
She said while patting my shoulder. 
 
She walked a few steps away from me and said, "Ok then, I will text you later. Bye bye, Nick."
 
"Nicky nick," I insisted.
 
"Bye bye, Nicky Nick," she gave me an adorable smile.
 
"Bye," I said in a low voice.
 
She grabbed a taxi and waved to me even after getting into the taxi. I waved back.
 
That evening after going back to my apartment. I placed my phone on the tea table and dozed off on the sofa.
 
....
 
What is this place? Where am I? 
A hill.
I looked around. There were no buildings, no people.
 
A gentle tap on shoulder. I turned around. It was Paige. 
She said something. 
She is heading up the hill.
I should go behind her; what if she trips and falls? I followed her. 
We reached the apex of the hill.
She extended her hand to me. I tried to hold her.
But then suddenly I felt a kick on my back. I lost balance.
I was falling. 
I glanced at Paige; she wasn't crying, and someone was standing beside her.
I squinted my eyes. 
The one that is standing beside her was "me."
 
I shot open my eyes. Pearls of sweat were forming my forehead; my chest was heaving. I rushedly opened the window. 
 
I sat down on the sofa and unbuttoned my shirt. I leaned onto the sofa and tried to relax.
 
My phone screen lightened up. A random notification. 
It was 12:34 am. 
I grabbed my phone and checked for a text. A text from her.
 
I dropped my phone and ran my fingers through my hair in frustration. 
Of course she must be enjoying her date. Why would she text me? I am not her boyfriend. I am her best friend.
 
Shit!
I messed up.
I think I love her.