Clichè • TK

4

Eyes wide as I stared at you. Your eyes yield tears threatening to fall.  Gently taking hold of your wrist, I helped you up. You stood in front of me, shaking. Then the water works started to fall from your eyes.

The eyes that I was so used to seeing bright and full of life, now I stare at them, fearful and shaking. 

I stood frozen as you hugged me, grip tight with you sniffling and full on sobbing on my chest. 

I was never good at comforting people so I just stood there, dumbfounded. Passerby's stared accusingly. Awkwardly, I put my arms around you and gently patted your back in hopes that it comforted you even just the smallest bit.

Slowly, I took hold of your wrist leading you to my apartment. You were still sniffling quietly but your sobs died down. 

I could've been jumping from joy but the situation was too unfitting and glum to do so. So I just quietly held your wrist. Heart pounding so loud I was afraid you'd hear it. But I did the best I could to keep my cool, the main priority was to take you somewhere safe and away from judging eyes.

"Where are we going?" you said very quietly I almost missed it.

"To my apartment" I replied. That was the first time I didn't stutter talking to you. Given that you were behind me and I couldn't see your pretty crying face. HOW COULD YOU LOOK PRETTY CRYING!?

We reached my apartment after a few minutes. The walk wasn't that long considering the fact that I live nearby the cafe. 

Inserting the key, I opened the door. Looking behind me, you were taking a peek behind my shoulder. Eyes swollen from the crying you did earlier, you looked even more endearing. Sniffling every now and then. 

As we entered my apartment, I reluctantly let go of your wrist. Heading towards the kitchen to fetch you something to drink, you probably felt dehydrated from all the crying you did. 

From the kitchen, I looked at you. You were standing where I left you, eyes wandering, studying the place. I wonder, how could you easily trust me like that. We were merely acquaintances. You're too precious for this world, really. 

With a glass of water in hand, I headed back to where you stood. Again, taking hold of your wrist and leading you to the couch. Placing the glass of water on the small table. I sat down, with you doing the same. We sat in silence. Awkward silence, failing to notice the hand that still held your wrist. Or maybe its just me.  You were blankly staring ahead, deep in thought.

I wonder what made you cry. What could have possibly made you run, face fear-stricken, and body trembling. I wanted to ask, but my lips were sealed as the thought that this was the closest I have ever been next to you, after the time you cleaned and nursed my wounds.

The water long forgotten, I cleared my throat. 

"Uh-, the water" I said not looking in your direction, vision straight ahead.

"Oh yeah, right, I'm sorry" 

I removed my hands from your wrist as you took the glass of water and drank from it. Still refusing to meet your gaze, you placed the glass back to the table and cleared your throat.

"Thank you" you said with your head hanging low.

"It's nothing" I wanted to ask what happened but felt that it must have been too personal if you reacted the way you did.

"I'm really glad it was you I bumped in to though, and I'm really sorry for bothering you."

Hunching your back, you hid your face in both your palms mumbling a muffled "Gaaaaaah this is so embarrassing" 

I chuckled upon hearing it. You took a peek through your hands, glaring at me. Goodness, you're so adorable.

"It's fine, really, I'm glad to have helped" I quietly said to you, smiling lightly. 

"So, I guess today marks the day we officially become friends then?" you asked with raised eyebrows, sitting up right, hands no longer hiding your face.

"Yeah, I'd like that" I replied, sounding almost breathless, too happy to believe that what's happening was real.

The smile you wore grew. I was happy, so damn happy. I mirrored your smile. 

After that day, as the days progressed, we only got closer and I couldn't be more happier.