Work Text:
Be Careful, My Heart
Tiki-tok
Goes the hands of my heart
A simple and fleeting crush, nothing new
Yet why does this feel new?
Like an invasion that I can’t explain
You probably didn’t notice me
I’m sure of it, you couldn’t have, you never turned my way then.
Back in class.
Back at Southwestern.
Back beneath the old performing arts theatre.
That basement, where I first met you.
I remember whenever I used to hear you sing and play the guitar.
Down the stairs from the library. Or over in the grass.
Under the trees, branches creating a canopy
You gave me comfort under the shade,
waiting to be taken away from the sun of warm spring
Such gentle and airy music.
I swayed along
but I’m still sure you didn’t notice.
Wavy locks hide your face
Eyes closed.
To engrossed in your world.
I understand, I would be too.
I remember going to the school’s play, class required we did.
And I saw you. And how well you performed.
How natural you looked.
How happy you seemed.
You gave it your all
And the crowd loved it.
I loved it.
Tiki tok, flutters my heart.
Was that a look in my direction? No, couldn’t be.
The stage lights are bright.
It’s hard to see out beyond
Yet, maybe, maybe you recognized me?
Tiki tok
Tiki tok
My heart falls. Puppy love.
Fleeting as quick as you exited my life.
I’m sure you don’t remember me. How could you.
I was barely a part of your life.
Another classmate
A stranger
Tik tok
The hands of my heart stop.
Why…why does it hurt
I did it again, huh.
Fell for someone I couldn’t have
I left SD for LA. For Irvine.
Yet, my mind occasionally found its way to you.
As I sat in the bus heading to campus, staring out the window
Lying in bed, late nights keeping me up.
Out walking to get the mail.
Grocery runs.
When I got drunk, hurting from the pain a once close friend caused me.
When I lied to my friends and said I used to like you but don’t anymore
Unsure of what I truly felt.
I don’t know, my mind is spinning.
Shut it down! Shut it DOWN!
Enough!
Its, too much.
Too good to be true.
I saw whenever you posted.
Your shows
Your music
Your talent was growing.
I’m happy to see the attention you deserve
I should go see a performance of yours
Just trying to find the time.
Tik tok
Goes the hands of my heart. Happier and over it.
I’m glad you’re doing well.
Yet…. Was it an accident?
Accident that you followed me back.
After 3 years?
Was it my imagination?
It must be.
Why would you follow back now? You must want something.
You just liked my posts?
Huh? What?
Feelings that once simmered begin to boil again
I don’t mind, but I find It odd
Tiki tok, tik tok
You liked my story. Wished my luck on my midterm…
Tiki tok, tiki tok
Goes the hands of my heart
Are you? Messing with me?
You said I looked pretty, in my dress!
Wait? You know me?
Hands of my heart clicking faster,
mind overwhelmed,
about to pull the plug on it all.
You asked me to come to your show
I was out of town…but I would’ve gone in a
Heartbeat
You didn’t have to bribe me.
But it was opening night?
You were only asking to get people to see it huh?
Tiki tik tok
I—
I wanna see you…..r show
I’m going to see your show
I wanna support you.
My guard’s down.
Oh, poor heart.
Will you ever learn?
Left you dazed and confused… wondering what you did wrong.
What happened?
Tik tok, tik tok
I got over him once, I can do it again
Tik
Tok
Ti-