16/02/2025
๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ผ๐๐| #2
๐๐ท ๐ฑ๐ธ๐ถ๐ช๐ฐ๐ฎ ๐ฝ๐ธ ๐๐ธ๐พ, ๐๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ซ๐ฌ๐ฑ๐ฎ๐ท
The skies darkened, droplets of heaven threatening to fall as the wind rustled ever more strongly, and corridors grew crowded with students, each hoping to find their twin flame, as they wore colors mirroring their love lives. Decorations dangled over arched hallways, the scent of chocolates and sweets wafted through the air. The event started and my vision was quickly deluged by a sea of colors.
Couples wore red, symbolizing the fiery passion of their love. Others dressed in green, the color of patience as they waited for the 'right one'โthough I couldn't bother. To my right, a crowd of students sporting yellow shirts represented their shared ghosting experiences. An array of colors flooded the hall, though some still clung to their uniforms, trying to maintain a semblance of academic excellence amidst the air of love.
A myriad of fragrance engulfed my senses, each one attempting to bury their truths beneath. Banners were hung as the crowd hollered, throwing promises they never meant, ones that never reached the depths of their heart, buttering their lovers with deceitful phrases. It's always the same. Exasperation filled me as a sigh spilled from my lips, always plagued by the faces of people I would never recall again.
The wind nipped at my skin, the wintry air closing in, suffocating and filling my veins with ice as the temperature fellโand yet, amidst the chaos, I still felt cold. I couldn't fathom why. Though amidst the noise, your voice rang the loudest, each syllable passing through my ears, each sound capturing my heart in a frenzy. Your boisterous laugh rung in my ears as my gaze sought yours amongst the crowd. I scanned the crowd, heart thumping erratically in my chest as the butterflies stirred with a newfound instancy in my stomach.
And then, I saw you.
Standing there in your uniform, never in my life had I felt so relieved that you weren't wearing a red shirt. It was the very first time I felt thankful to you for being a KJโkilljoy as they call it. My hands trembled as though I was about to perform in a theatre, but this time, you and I were the main characters, your eyes locked in mine under the pouring rain as sweet nothings cascade out of your mouth. The remnants of the sun's kiss traced the crease of your eyes, dappled across your cheeks like cherry blossoms in spring, your skin illuminated under the dimmering daylight. Leering away, the air seemed to warmed up.
When I dared to glance back, feigning innocence, disregarding the way your eyes lingered on mine. Stares reciprocated, averting gazes once we catch each other's peripheries. A deafening yell permeated through the haze instructing us to move far from the center. Performers flooded the empty space, their presence pushing against me as I stepped backwardโstraight into you. I turned, gaze fixated skyward, 'till your eyes captured mine.
Meeting your gaze, I looked deep into your eyes. Seconds passed, and akin to a sunflower, I beheld your gaze, as though the sun both rose and set within your eyes. I swore I saw freedom through the depths of your gaze; I had never seen eyes burn with such fervorโand perhaps with something more, something I couldn't quite grasp, keeping your mystery veiled. The uncharted sunlight dawning on you, an unspoken symphony playing in the obscure.
And for a fortnight, you'll be my paradox, because fleeting emotions always ends tragically. It felt surreal, like a scene from a movie. Leering away from each other's beguiled gaze. Surely I wasn't the only one whose heart had stopped. For in those stolen stares, you managed to purloin my heart, deeming it as yours, and yours only.
โ๏ธ: A. Loirรฉ
๐จ: Alexi Wagner
