Echoes of Unrequited Love

Chapter 68

At the movie theater, Darren scratched his head awkwardly as he gazed at the love seats in front of us, muttering “Sorry. I had no idea.”

Our seats were smack in the middle, surrounded by couples on every side.

Putting on a cool front, I said, “The movie’s about to start, let’s just sit down.”

Darren plopped down on the edge of his seat, careful not to cross any lines, as if he was on thin

ice.

I couldn’t help but notice and felt a pang in my chest, as if it were being filled with seawater. both bitter and salty.

Truth be told, I’ve pulled this kind of “dumb stunt” myself before.

The difference was, Darren did it unknowingly, while I, years ago, did it on purpose.

I had deliberately chosen a horror movie and, at the scariest moment, threw myself into Hogan’s arms.

All I wanted was for that unflappable man to secretly develop a soft spot for me.

But even after the movie ended, Hogan didn’t make a move, remaining as aloof and noble as

ever.

it was just a case of the wrong person at the wrong time.

thought, I felt a warmth on my fingertips and looked down to realize I had accidentally brushed against Darren’s hand while reaching

for a moment, his eyes flashing

about to explain when the buzzing of my phone in

chance, I stepped out

the caller ID, I zoned out again.

was Hogan calling, probably

polite,

really late; it

aren’t you the

cutting to the chase, “What do

a favor, I need you to

it was work talk.

Chapter 58

up, asking,

like a space for couples, where two can share photos and videos,

if it was the

my end, I suddenly found

of the hundred coupley things I had

some platform being too rigid and many features being behind a paywall, swearing I’d create

to use it

emotions split in

being such