Parting Ways | TAYNEW ONE-SHOT AU

Parting ways

***

"Are you sure about this?"

I'm not.

"Can we really not fix this anymore?"

I don't know.

"We've been together for so long, breaking up didn't even cross my mind but I guess we reached the end game now."

Can I take it all back?

***

5:00 PM 🕔

Walking a few meters apart from each other are Tay and New.

"Should I help you with your bags?" Tay asked.

"I'm good. You don't really need to come with me to the airport. I can manage." says New.

But I want to. I wanted to be with you more. Because this might be the last time...

"It's ok, I insist." Tay answered.

"Tay, if you're doing this because you feel bad then please don't. I told you I'm ok with it na? We tried, but it just didn't work anymore, and I understand you're tired. I'm doing this for you. For the both of us."

But what if I don't want to let you go anymore?

"You can just leave me here. I'll just cross over the street, ride a taxi and be on my way. You should go home and rest, remember, you still have work tomorrow."

Typical New. Always thinking of others before himself.

"Ok. I'll just wait with you until the go signal then." I said.

Can time be stopped?

***

New and I first met at the university. We were both first year students who, for some reason, got lost in the university grounds and ended up skipping classes the whole day.

We were both young, wild and free.
The bestest of friends.

Until I caught feelings.
He dated several girls back then.
But not one relationship lasted.
I, on the other hand, had one sided feelings for my best friend.

One fateful day though, he confessed to me.
That the reason his relationships never worked out is because he was never interested in anyone... but me.

Little did he know, I felt the same way for him.
So I confessed and we started dating.

I was in a state of euphoria.
The feeling of being in the right place, in the right time, with the right person.
My everyday is full of bliss.

But lo and behold, all relationships go thru problems. We cried, we got mad but at the end of the day we reconcile. This cycle went on for so many years I can't even remember when it all started.

One day, I got really tired.
I stopped trying to make amends.

At that moment, all I know is that i'm tired and I want out.

In a fit of anger, I had done something I regretted doing till this day.

"I can't do this anymore. Let's break up."

***

How could I let go of someone so special?
Here he is, bag full of things we used to share, now on his way to the airport, flying further away from me.

I was the one who ended us.
The one who looked away, was stubborn, and the one who gave up.

And yet, I can't help but feel like I made the biggest mistake of my life. Do I really want this?

Before I could even make up my mind, I grabbed his wrist that made him turn around to face me.

But it seems fate is playing with me, the signal turned green.

"Tay, I have to go now."

No. Don't go.

"Tay, I— I don't plan on seeing you again. Take care, ok?" he said as he gently let go of my hand, and smiled at me.

I was stucked there standing, looking at the love of my life walking away.

"Take care, ok?"
At the end, you still cared about me.
You showed me many good traits of yours, your tenderness, that made me fall in love with you in the first place.

Tears are already forming in my eyes.
The reality has kicked in.
We'll go our separate ways. It's like before the beginning, not being in the same world as each other.
Will I be able to do it?

My words are caught up in my throat.
I want to stop you but why can't I do it?

But just when I found the words I deeply want to say, you turned around and said,

"I'm going to miss you. Take care Tay. Good bye." as you waved and smiled again.