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07:18, Thursday, 4th January.
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Nick entered the building while Katie ran to the area where the posties leave the mail and parcels. He walked slowly, sorting and rearranging the shopping bags in his hands. His fault for not knowing how to say no to his little girl when she asked for toys after winning a contest at school.
His grip on the bags tightened when he bumped into something, leaving him confused because his paces were slow - he couldn’t possibly have reached the wall...
It was a person—a man. His hands were in his pockets, like he was looking for something.
“I’m sorry I wasn’t—” the curly haired man paused, glancing up and locked gazes with Nick, “…looking.”
Why does his voice sounds so familiar?
They held each other’s gazes for a moment. Nick stood like a deer caught in headlights, his heartbeat went rapid as he got lost in this man’s eyes.
Holy. Fucking. Hell.
He’s very cute. And he has the most beautiful blue eyes Nick has ever seen. His cheeks were pink, his hair messy - but even then, it's still looks perfect, with his lips parted slightly open.
Nick could almost hear his heavy breathing, like he just ran down five flight of stairs.
“It’s okay, I didn’t see you either.” he replied and cocked his head, “I’m sorry if this is a bit forward, but are you new here? I haven’t seen you around before.”
“Yea, I just moved in.”
“Dada, we got presents again!” Katie called.
They both looked at her as she tugged on the hem of Nick’s jacket. He crouched down, his voice low, “Those aren't presents, love.”
“Really?” she asked in disbelief, quite dismayed. Nick chuckled a little, “That’s the new doggie bed and toys we saw online. Remember?”
Katie’s face lit up, “For Fierro!”
“Yes, love. We'll set it up tonight, okay?” he said, smiling. Katie clapped her hands, nodding enthusiastically.
When Nick raised his head, he looked around, but - “He’s g-gone...” he mumbled with a broken and disappointed voice.
“Who’s gone dada?”
“T-the erm, the guy...earlier.”
Was he even real?
“Oh!” she bulged her eyes, “He is very cute! Do you know him dada? Is he your friend?”
“N-no. I-I...w-we just...m-met.” he replied, stammering. Katie giggled quite loudly as they walked towards the lift. Nick glanced back at her, “What's so funny, young miss?”
“Your face is very red, dada. And Aunt Darcy told me that happens when you have a crush on someone.”
Nick went silent with that remark, looking away to stare into nothing, not even commenting on Darcy’s influence on his child. Because, well – it’s a very astute observation.
The guy he just met is the prettiest human being he’s ever seen. With his perfect blue eyes, perfect dark curls, and very plump and perfect red lips.
Nick started to wonder. Will he ever see that guy again? Sure, they do live in the same building. But what are the chances of them running into each other for the second time? What are the chances that he even wants to see Nick again?
For fuck’s sake, I don’t even know his name.
“Dada, are we gonna go up or not?” Katie asked, snapping Nick out of his headspace. He felt her hand squeezing his, so he looked down, staring back at Katie's small face, “Don’t be sad, dada. I’m sure you'll see him again.” she assured him with a smile.
He smiled back at her but didn't say anything in return. Why is a six-year-old child much more of an optimist than him?
Does he wanna stand by the front door of the building to wait for blue eyes to come back? Yes, absolutely. But that would be weird...and creepy. And he doesn’t wanna freak him out because he might run away again...why did he do that?
God! Nick silently cursed at himself; is it so wrong to want somethi—someone to be in your life this bad?
If - and only if - they meet again, how’s Nick even gonna start talking to him? Should he bring up the fact that he's already—no...he's not. Nope! He can't be.
There is absolutely no way he’s in love with blue eyes...cos that would just be plainly ridiculous—not to mention impossible!
They exchanged like two sentences and a very brief (but meaningful, added the little voice in his brain) eye contact with each other - which, yes, he thought were the best and most important five minute interaction of his life.
But he can’t possibly be falling for someone he just met...right?
‘Like you didn’t fall for that mysterious laughing person on Darcy’s birthday party two years ago?’ Asked the annoying voice on the back of his brain. Nick groaned mentally, annoyed by how the voice is quite right.
But no.
Definitely not.
No. No. No. No. And NO.
Just no!
It’s just a crush, Nick. That’s all it is. Just a crush.
Which is good. Because he hasn’t had a crush in a while. He can finally move on from that faceless laugh.
Remembering that night two years ago, Nick scoffed silently; If he had a nickel everytime he had a crush on someone he’s not sure he’s gonna see again, he’d have two nickels, which isn't a lot but it’s lame that it happened twice.
He heaved a sigh. He probably won’t even see blue eyes and his perfect face again, so this crush or whatever it is – it’ll definitely fade away anytime soon...