Til' Midnight || Yoo Youngjae

-4-

10:26am

Yesterday was a failure. I had a clear chance and I let it escape from me.

This morning I crossed off another date on the calendar. The marks were nearing the final day. Today I knew I had to make it work. Even if my tongue got tied, as it often did, I would find a way to let her know.

For sure she had to work today. I could easily portray a customer and then profess my feelings before a crowd. And maybe this oddly placed grand gesture would be enough for her to love me.

I laced up my shoes and checked my wallet. I knew I wouldn't purchase anything but it was good to have. It was a comfort having that old leather object near.

The clothing store wasn't far from the apartment. I could easily just appear there but the small walk would help me collect my thoughts. Human's were scurrying across the sidewalks eager to be to their destinations.

The longer i've been down here the more important their problems became to me. Others like myself always saw their worries as trivial. But what they had yet to understand is this worry is real for them. That they aren't like us. They don't know the answers to nearly everything. They can't change matters with the snap of their fingers.

How could I fall for something so stressed and frazzled as a human? But the moment I saw her through the glass shop windows I remembered why. I saw her beauty and the graceful way she walked. I saw how she treated everyone so kindly, even if she didn't have to.

The small chime dinged as I walked through the threshold of the store. One of the other female employees walked over to me asking if I needed help to which I immediately declined.

My stomach was still in knots. I was still too nervous. I was certainly not capable of making a confession in this state.

I flipped through the various articles of clothing. It was a mindless action because my eyes were in her the entire time. I quickly avoided being caught by turning my back and swiftly hiding behind other racks of clothes.

I don't know how long I did this but eventually I decided enough was enough. I couldn't do this any longer. I clenched my fist and took a breath.

I have to tell her now.

I smoothed my shirt though I knew it had no wrinkles. I turned to face her just in time.

Just in time for my heart to shatter.

A beautiful smile graced her face but the cause hurt my pride. A man's arms wrapped tightly around her and his cheek pressed against her cheek.

He was a mutual friend.

Daehyun.

She looked happy.

And not because of me.

I could feel my cheeks heat and my fists clench. I walked out before I could be noticed by either.

Why did he have to show up?

Why did he have to do that?

My time would continue to dwindle and that one instance had ruined my day. Had ruined this chance.

My time is nearly up.

Please give me courage and luck tomorrow.