This is How You Lost Me (To Be Revised)

Sixth

Necklace. I had this necklace that I've been wearing for years. It's just there, serving as a memento. But on my 21st birthday, I took it off as you gave me a new one. It was there on my neck for a long time, but I didn't have any second thoughts in replacing it. The unfamiliarity of the new one didn't bother me because the idea of it coming from you was enough to make it feel like it was there right from the beginning.

I didn't want my birthday to be grand like my sister wanted. I just invited a few friends over and you, of course. I just got us a couple of drinks and some snacks to munch as we all lounge on our backyard, reminiscing memories of me. That's how I wanted it, celebrating only with the people who matter.

You were new, and my friends are quite selective about who they wanted to let in our circle, yet you managed to slide your way through. They were comfortable with you. You even joked, teased, and make fun of me with them. I was surprised at how you could easily win the hearts of these finicky rascals.

From then on, I realized you were actually friendly. You weren't selective of who to converse with. You were misunderstood. I just misunderstood you before because of the friends you had and the vibe you emit at first glance.

You were different, Ivo. Only if other people talked to you more, they would know what kind of person you are.

I felt relieved that I wouldn't need to convince them to try to like you. You did it on your own love, and I was very proud. I was pleased that the people I love loved you too.

I went in to fetch more snacks, and you followed me. You were silently watching me as I rummage through our pantry.

"You're not going to help me?" I raised my brow.

You laughed and immediately assisted. After the last junk food to be poured into the bowl, you called my name.

"Hmm?" I answered without looking at you because I was trying to get some drinks too.

"Come here for a moment." You gently said. I stopped what I was doing and came near you.

"You okay?" I asked, worried.

"Of course. I'm having lots of fun even if it isn't my birthday." You chuckled. You reached something from your pocket. You handed me a small red box.

"Open it." You said, much more excited than me.

"It's beautiful," I said as I saw it. I looked at you lovingly. I was about to say my thanks when you headed to the corner of the room.

You switched the lights off. "Hey!" I shouted. "What are you doing? It's dark!" I complained, but you just shushed and told me to wait.

You fetched your phone and turned the flashlight on. You took my hand that was holding the necklace and focused the light on the pendant. Suddenly there were words flashed on the wall. I squinted my eyes, trying to figure it out.

It was I Love You, in different languages.

"Thank you. I love you." I said earnestly. I was expecting you to say it back, but you didn't.

***

After that day, I never heard anything from you.