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It has been a few weeks since you exchange texts with your friends and she barely calls you. You've been wondering why, it's not like you did anything wrong. Did you? Neither did she. You have been friends with her for as long as you remembered, and occasionally would get invited to dinner or just a simple family gathering. She would call you up for the extra hand. But as of lately, no sign.
Your mind kept wandering to the worst-case scenario, what if she is just messing around? That doesn't sound like Bela at all and there is no solid evidence as to why she would too. You got tired over time thinking about it. If she wanted to talk to you, she will, and if she wishes not to, then so be it.
This can't be solely blamed on you though. Not when you are busy with the final projects for your course.
The deadline is right around the corner, then after that, you are free from University - that is if you didn't plan on taking a Master's degree. The constant talking and seeing other people exhaust you, your introverted ass is not equipped to handle that much interaction. Being the lead writer is already a stressful job but to top it off the cluelessness that some of your teammates possess over simple and easy tasks baffles you. It's best if you don't keep it at heart but you can't help but lash out whenever the little voice in your head gets loud. You would say this, that is the first time you show your frustration to anybody else. Not your proudest moment but it happened.
A sigh escaped from your mouth, and you lean against your chair defeatedly. With your mind occupied with undetermined thoughts, you can't concentrate. The well-lit University residence caught your attention, you turned your head to the side and admire the night atmosphere. You have been so caught up with the projects that you forgot to socialise with the people near you, even your 2 best friends, and especially Bela. It has been dead silent between the both of you, you can't quite figure out why.
You reach for your phone on the side of the desk, then for the first time in a month, you open your call log and phone your sister. There are a few tuts before she picked up.
"Hello?" The other woman spoke.
"Hey, it's me." You replied.
"Yes, I can see that. It's just… you haven't been calling lately. Are you okay? Lauren said you've been busy." Your older sister, Stella stated. She's right, you have been busy - overly busy. You don't want to tell any of them that you've been experiencing anxiety, maybe even more. They will never judge you even if you show your fragility but you can't help to feel that way, especially when it comes to your parents. So you decided to lie through your teeth.
"Yeah, I'm fine. Just, busy."
"Your voice cracked." She said. "You're lying."
You sighed quietly, of course, she knows that, you're basically their child, they helped to raise you. The line was being left silent before Stella broke it by asking your thoughts. You told her about the whole thing, your finals, how stressful you have been and - Bela.
"Hm, it's a night before Valentine's day and you're still bitchless I see."
Upon her sarcastic and rude talk, you flipped her off. Though, both of you laugh because of how accurately true that is. But we never know what's gonna happen.
"But seriously though, you go girly pop!" She praised you after that. "Considering you are too chicken shit to text her, why don't you talk to her?"
"Wha- are you insane? You want me to talk to her." You retorted.
"Hey, look, it's the only solution I see. If she didn't want to talk to you, then you make the move! C'mon, let the chivalrous [y/n] out." You thought about her words for a moment before a shrill baby crying rings through. God, how can a baby be so loud? They're cute but still, annoying at times.
"Shit." She cussed. "I'm down to talk for hours but I have to get Hannah or else I'd be crazy." Her statement made you laugh. You both don't favour children that much but seeing your sister get married and have a child is amusing.
"Listen," She continues. "I know you don't really like mom and dad, but please, call them sometimes, they've been worried sick."
"If they are, they could've visited me." You jeered. For a moment, the sound of a baby crying occupies the line. "What? It's true!"
"[y/n], don't be a hard head." She nagged. "I get it, emotions have been running high for you, the weather is fine, why don't you take a walk to clear your head then think about all those things."
"You are one to talk, with HanHan crying, emotions are really running high." You joked in which you got flipped. Eventually, both of you said your goodbyes and then hang up. You thought about everything both of you talk, maybe you should be compliant with your parents. And, a walk seems like a pretty good idea right now.
With that being said, you put your laptop to sleep and sneak out of the dorm for a walk. Well, instead, a hike. Your feet ended up taking you to the familiar hill road that leads to your favourite spot. Hopefully not what you are afraid of. You expect to be alone but you guess someone wanted to ruin that because there is a car parked near the side.
The car looks familiar, so you squint your eyes to identify who that may be and to your absolute surprise, it's the person who you talked about earlier and she's wearing your jacket. Yes, she hasn't given you back yet for some odd reason.
"Didn't know you liked here that much." You muttered to yourself. Steadily, you approach the person. Her eyes are closed as she takes in the calmness, your footsteps are light but you doubt that she isn't aware. You came to a stop not far beside her just to admire her soft yet elegant features. You know that she knows it was you, otherwise she wouldn't be that calm.
"Is there room for one more?" With your hand inside your jacket pocket, you begin the conversation. Bela averts her gaze but still with her eyes closed. The moment she opens her eyes to look at you, you swear you saw a light in her eyes, it makes your heart palpitate from its beauty.
"Be my guest." She offered. With that, you joyfully hop on and sat beside her while keeping a friendly yet intimate distance. For a while, both of you sit in silence as you are taking in the calm night scenery.
"New around here?" You begin. Well, to be frank, you don't know how to start a conversation with her after everything you've been through.
"Not really," She paused. "The first time I came here was with a lovely company." Bela exhaled through her nostrils, shrugging the tensed muscles on her shoulder. "Too bad I've been alone lately."
She's talking about you and you know it.
"That's…unfortunate." You trailed off. At that moment, you tend to avoid the topic but you know deep down it is inevitable. It isn't fair for her more so for you. She and you deserve to share what has been going on.
But she isn't even my girlfriend, who am I to feel upset?
What? You thought you are the only one who thinks that way? No sir-e-Bob.
"I'm sorry for that..."
"Don't be." She chimed in. "It's not like I don't understand."
Considering you've witnessed all the things she had been gone through or at least part of it, you didn't realise that you've hurt her that much until now. If only you have a time machine, right?
You took the moment to look at her sympathetically, scanning her side profile and studying her body language.
Damn it, how does she have to be so perfect?
"How about you? Your first time?"
"No. Been here several times. Haven't had such a pleasant partner to get lost in this beautiful night sky together though, that's a bummer." You replied. For a moment, you sit there in silence but not in your mind. "Listen, Bela." You paused while shifting your body leaning towards her direction. "I'm sorry for suddenly going MIA. It's not my intention to leave you in the dark."
Bela averts her focus to you whilst looking into your pearly eyes that beg for forgiveness. "Here I thought you could keep up with this 'hello strangers' conversation."
, Of course, she would say that, you predicted it.
"Psh.." You dismissed, though feeling a tad bit annoyed. "You know what I mean."
Your response earn her a giggle. Bela shifted her direction a little towards you though maintaining eye contact. "I do." She said. "And you don't have to apologise. I know what it feels like." The Dimitrescu firstborn paused to ponder while staring at the sky thoughtfully. Then, Bela furrowed her eyebrows and grit her teeth after she recall something she witnessed within this month. "How are things with Rosie?"
Honestly, you didn't expect such a sharp expression coming from her, it almost sounds like she's...you can't quite tell… angry? Frustrated? Jealousy perhaps?
"She's my assistant, what else could I say about her? She's…energetic to say the least."
"Energetic" She repeated your word in a condensending tone.
"That's what I said."
"Neurotic is what I called her. Why the hell is she so smitten with you?" She suspiciously raised her voice. "Wherever you go there's her. What's her problem?"
"I have to admit, it's getting exhausting." For a moment, you paused. Judging by her tone and how she said that makes you read between the lines. "You're not jealous, are you?"
"Me? No, I'm wonderful." You know she's jealous when her hands can't stop playing with the hem of her shirt. Though, you let it slide.
"Then answer me this: Why are you getting defensive? And not to mention you act so passively when I accidentally bumped into you?"
"I was just - I thought you needed space." Bela answered you a little too fast. You narrowed your eyes while still looking at her. "What? You don't believe me?"
"No, I believed you." You replied as you turned your head towards the calm night sky again, though a little hurt that she thought of you that way. "100%."
"Doesn't feel like you are."
"Well," You ponder for a short while. "I'm unlike you to begin with…Ouch-" You yelped only when you felt a blunt twinge on your arm. The immediate pain causes you to look at the woman beside you.
"Sorry." She said unapologetically with a matter-of-fact expression. At this moment, you narrowed your eyes at her. You know she didn't mean it and it is clear that she is mad about you making fond of her.
"Alright…" You trailed off as the conversation ended. The air between the two of you cools down once more. Nothing is being said but the sound of the wind blowing peacefully. Then, a thought crosses your mind.
"Lovely day tomorrow, huh?"
"Hm?" The damsel beside you turned her head towards you and hummed. For a while, you didn't speak which granted the lady a few seconds to admire your side facial features, how the moonlight reflected on your skin, and your comfort energy. Just being beside her and doing nothing, she could feel the warmth you will give and provide to the ones you hold dearly to. It might be a little unclear for her,
But that, too, includes her.
"Bela?" The heiress flinched and was brought back to reality by your voice. When she realised she has been staring, you already have your eyes on her. "Did you hear what I just asked?"
"You didn't say anything." Bela covered her little act.
"I did," you arched an eyebrow. "I was asking where will you and your date go tomorrow."
A date? Where did you even get that information from?
"Did you just assume I have a date for Valentine's day tomorrow?" She's taken aback by your assumption, offended even.
"Well-"
"Wow," She paused. "I'm offended."
"In my defence, loads of people have a crush on you. So it will only be wise to assume someone would be brave enough to strike up that question"
For a short moment, Bela sulks and returns to her initial position, facing away from you while staring at the resident beyond the cliff. "Unfortunately, no…" Her sad voice let you feel sympathetic, for some odd reason, that is.
"Nonsense," You said. "There must be at least one that caught your attention."
"There is," She paused. "It's just I wasn't sure if I should continue to have feelings for her."
"Oh," Upon hearing that, your heart dropped. You thought you have your chance but since she likes this other person, it reduces to minuscule. Though, you bit your tongue to refrain from a yelp. "So it's a she, do tell." You purposefully act interested despite your jealousy. However, you never fail to remain stoic.
Bela stared at you for a while, a little frustrated that you haven't caught on with her hint but she obliged nonetheless.
"She's someone who you wanted to take home and introduce to your mother." She paused. "When I first met her - noticed her, she has been my supporter since day 1. Despite all my success, she saw my ugly and the horror though she didn't mind, she continues to give me support."
Because I feel like you're more than what they spoke of you
Bela stares distantly at the sky before let's out a thoughtful hum. "A bit cowardly I'd say. Such a turn-off."
"That's a bit mean don't you think?"
"I never said I'm not." At this moment, Bela sticks her tongue out to tease you for a short while. Then, she continues to admire the sky with you once more.
Honestly speaking, you are a bit hurt but you have to admit she's right though. "At least she has some redeeming quality."
"Some?" She raised her voice while giving you the side eye. "Such as?"
"She cared enough to not judge you after seeing your ugly face." You smirked at the heiress and she flipped you off with her middle finger.
"Aren't you an interesting one." Both of you chuckled.
"Can you let me have my moment please?" Bela giggled.
"If my lady wishes." You spare the damsel a glance and girl you did not regret. After all this time, it is nice to see her blush because of you again.
"She has a lot. Oh, more than you realise she has." Bela grinned, almost in a lovey-dovey manner. "Gosh, where do I begin."
"You can start by talking about how she made you feel during those hard times."
"Yeah, that's a good idea." Bela whispered then cleared her throat obnoxiously loud. "Okay, this is me pouring my heart out, don't - laugh at me or anything in between."
As a response, you make a motion of crossing your heart then put your pointing finger along with your middle finger together then peck it dismissed it while pointing it upward. But as always, she gave you a mediocre expression.
"I honestly didn't expect someone would get me so easily. I mean, really," As Bela kept going talking about how she absolutely adores the girl you know personally, you kept staring at her face while everything she said was tuned to white noise. You know you've said this so many times but my god you just can't get over how ridiculously ethereal she is. It's as if she is an angel sent from Heaven. You only realised that you have been staring when she spoke this one particular part.
"She's not like us yet every time I looked at her or am near her, it's like I'm in another realm that I feel… safe, loved, unjudged. My heart palpitates, yes, my hands get clammy, yes, but at the same time, she feels like I'm in my dream home, never would I want to walk away or let go. As cringy as it may sound, I think my heart only beats for her."
Unconsciously, you beamed at her, everything she said about you with ease made you smile like a dog with its favourite toy in its mouth.
"She must mean a lot to you."
"That is an understatement, [y/n]." She replied. "If only she would ask me out."
"I called BS," You loudly protested. "You are such a chicken shit."
"I beg your pardon?" Bela offendedly hovers her hand on her chest.
"Why didn't you make the first move on actually ask her out on a date?"
"Excuse me, I did multiple times!" True that. "To be frank, she did too it's just, we did this too regularly until I don't know what we are." She paused. "It'll be nice if she obliges to clear the air."
For a few seconds, you are taking your time to observe her demeanour. Once the air lighten a little from your previous conversation, you decided to speak again. "What if I tell you that someone, preferably that girl you talk so lovey-dovey of, would ask you out."
"Now you're just being ridiculous. How would you know?" She might sound dismissive but deep down she is practically on her knees begging that it might come true. Guess what? It might or might not.
"Because I'm sure she felt the same way." Your response earned a quirked brow from Dimitrescu while giving you the side eye, again. This woman with her judgy eyes.
"Oh, you're such a pessimist." You joked. "Be positive for once, lady Bela."
"No, I know she wouldn't." She said. "Don't even think about fighting me on this one because I'm always-"
"Would you go on a date with me tomorrow?"
×××
It is now the next day which is Valentine's day but it is just another regular day at the University: students come and go in the hallway except this time, the majority of them give the person they like a box of chocolate asking if they would be their valentine.
Before this, you always thought Valentine's day is overrated, and it still is. Why would you celebrate and be happy about someone's unfortunate death because of the same reason? Needless to say, you don't really read into it too much.
As usual, the three of you were walking to each of your lockers while discussing some unrelated topic. Though, Catherine on the other hand was asked by multiple guys to be their valentine. However as lucky as they thought they are, she declines every single one of them.
"Girl, this is why you're still single." You commented sarcastically on her. The bestie number 1 sneered but she accepted it. "I wanna be that rich, single-"
"Straight aunt that can't keep a man?" Kenneth joined in.
For a while, the group stopped at their track and paused. Both you and Kenneth are looking at each other first then Catherine while holding your laughter. When you can't any longer stand it, the two of you burst out laughing, almost too loud that some of the people giving you a disgusting stare. Well, Bela's admirers to be precise.
" Kenneth, you're such a bitch." You smirked at him. "We stan."
"Of course!" He added while doing the hair toss motion.
"Yer a bunch of idiot clowns." She said but didn't read into it too much. After being exposed to both your and Kenneth's sarcasm for far too long, she's almost immune to it.
After the moment died down, the three of you continued walking now heading to your locker. As soon as you arrived, both of your besties were on the side waiting not far from you. you dial in the passcode to take whatever you need inside. Just when you got it to unlocked, you felt a gentle tap on your shoulder causing you to immediately response to the stimuli and turned around.
"Hey [y/n]!" A lady in a flattering dress with both of her hands behind her back greeted you.
"Oh hi Rosie. Doing alright?" You reciprocated her gesture.
"I'm doing great, [y/n]. I hope you do too." She answered. "Hey, I know these past few weeks have been challenging for us,"
Oh no, you know where this is going.
"It tested, and still is, our patience and everything in between whilst working on this final project together. Through it, we bonded and we accept one another." She paused, embracing and encouraging herself to speak her mind. Meanwhile, you were clenching your entire body waiting for her to say the inevitable, dead-ass.
"We became closer, so close that I don't know how to process this feeling when I'm around you. You give me butterflies, [y/n]." She paused yet again to take a breather. "So here, I chose to be brave and ask you would you be my valentine?"
There it is, you predicted this would happen after last night and it did. Though, you remain neutral, blinking at Rosie a few times acting as if you are taken aback. I mean, you don't want to hurt the lady, so the least you could do is fake the reaction. By the looks of her, you'd say it's working.
Rosie anticipated waiting for a response whilst looking up at you with her doe eyes.
"I'm flattered, Rosie." You begin. "This is very unexpected for me."
On your peripheral, you saw a familiar figure walking in the same hallway stopped at their locker and observed this situation.
"How should I address this…" You trailed off. "You are a pretty lady(you're not my type), very pretty in fact. But I have to decline your invitation. I have a girlfriend." To lighten the mood and spare her pity, you just smiled at her, hoping she would take it well.
"I see," She trembled. "I understand."
"I'm sorry, Rosie."
"No it's fine. It happens." She said whilst smiling. Even though she is rejected, you have to give her kudos for taking it well. "Still friends?"
"Yeah." You returned her smile.
"Thank you for giving me chance to express myself, [y/n]. Treat them well." It is the last thing she said before she excuses herself. Despite it all, you kind of feel bad for her. Yes, rejection happens but during Valentine's day? It must've stung.
After Rosie left, you take the chance to look at the figure back only then to smile at them. "I will." You muttered to yourself. Soon, the person takes the initiative and approaches you.
"Hey Bela! Doing good?" Kenneth greeted her.
"Hello everyone. I'm doing wonderful, Kenneth." She grinned through changes her attitude as soon as she avert her gaze to look at you. "Don't be late." She emphasised with her sharp tone before walking away.
Your gaze followed her and noticed she shakes her hips a bit more energetically than usual. Flaunting huh?
"Will do, ma'am."
There's silence between the three of you. Feeling the monkey's gaze on you, you predicted they will ask about it.
"You and Bela rekindled, I see." Catherine coyly stated. "[y/n], my bitch, I think you owe us an explanation."
"Agreed! What doe do she mean by that? You have a date or something?"
Upon hearing their questions, all you could do is smirk at them. "I might have hidden this from you."
×××
Before she could finish her sentence, you impatiently cut her off. As soon as those words articulate into her ears, her heart stopped, her eyes were wide open and her mouth was apart, she froze as she tries to decipher it, like a computer processing the long-received coding. "Huh?"
"That sudden? Let me try that again." You cleared your throat politely. "Would it be the honour to make me the happiest woman alive by being my forever valentine?"
Girl, you better call for the ambulance because Bela could not take this much of a surprise, especially when you have a way with your words. One of the perks of majoring in writing, yeah?
However, she remained idle. This started to worry you but at this moment you have no emotional capacity to help her cope well. So, spontaneously you cracked a joke. "Is my breath that bad?"
For a brief second, you saw a twinkle in her eyes then suddenly she grabbed either side of her head then pulled you closer. It happened so fast and before you know it, she is kissing you. Of course, your eyes widened with shock.
You began to slowly pull a few centimetres away to look her in the eyes. All you saw at that very moment is fear and shame, she is ready to pull away. However, you gently reach a hand to caress her cheek and only then you pulled her closer to kiss her again. It is deeper this time, more passionate yet sensual.
After a few pecks, the kiss began to speed up and became more raunchy though both of you stopped before you two cross the line. Not yet at least.
When Bela pulled away, she is breathless, starving for oxygen. "How… long have you known?"
" By observing you constantly playing with the hem of your shirt, your clammy hands, and your dilated pupils, not long." You replied. "Right from the start if I'm being honest."
"Is that so?"
"Mhmm." You hummed.
"Forever valentine?" She quirked an eyebrow at you. "That committed?"
"Yes, my lady Bela Dimitrescu." You chuckled at her. "You know, this is not how I'd imagine my confession would be. I always have a finer idea of it. But considering how accidental this is, I hope this is acceptable."
"Don't worry about it," She reassures you by caressing a looped small circle on one of your cheeks. "This is beautiful." She said with a wide smile on her face which you happily reciprocate.
"If you don't mind, I still haven't received feedback from my invitation, your heiress."
"What do you think the answer would be?"
"It's a yes?"
Bela once again gently grab either side of your head and going in for another sweet peck on your lips "It's a yes."