Mo Chou stood rooted to the ground.
His gripped his hair in frustration. Such stupidity had caused him another mistake. A fatal one.
He had never wished to disturb her. A new beginning was all he had asked for. And yet, it seems that his presence only causes her pain. His eyes glanced over the direction where she left.
He looked at the palm of his hands and could still remember the sensation of her touch. Callouses. It was vastly different from the hand from a decade ago. Tears threatened to spill from his eyes.
Look at him! A grown man crying over a woman. How pathetic. It was not until tonight did he realize how painful it was.
A flashback went through his mind back to a decade ago.
...
Zhi Ruo felt like a nervous wreck. Even as she tried to act normally, she couldn't conceal the slight redness of her ears. Her mind continued to run through the possibilities of what might be the first and last time she would confess.
It was a few days before the award ceremony and they were practicing inside the auditorium. Only the best students were included so the venue didn't have much people.
Zhi Ruo had been pacing back and forth by the entrance, her patience running thin. Just a little longer and the second practice would start. By then, confessing would be impossible and her courage would've dissipated along with their fragile friendship.
Mo Chou was supposed to have arrived an hour ago. His friends were already waiting in their designated seats and only Zhi Ruo remained waiting by the entrance. He had woken up late and hurried to school as fast as he could.
Unfortunately, even though his house was only a few kilometers away from school, he was still unable to attend the first round of practice. This caused Zhi Ruo to frown.
What's taking him so long? Her legs were tired and decided to squat down by the door and wait for his arrival. Fortunately for her, he arrived at the venue five minutes before the second practice would start. The teachers were already calling all the students who have not yet arrived in the intercom.
Mo Chou looked liked he was in a hurry and did not notice her figure by the door. His hair was disheveled and his clothes were out of place. Zhi Ruo's eyes lit up and she did not hesitate to grab his arm and drag him to her.
Mo Chou felt surprised. He didn't even notice her standing there till she grabbed him. "Hey, why are you so late?"
His breathing was ragged and he felt out of breathe. Running here was not easy. Not only was it noon, but his body was not physically fit. He was already slightly drenched in sweat.
"I woke up late... so... I... ran here..."
Zhi Ruo's frown deepened as she saw his poor figure. "It's noon. Couldn't you atleast wear a cap? Look at you, drenched in sweat."
She took out a towel and threw it at his face. "Take care of yourself for goodness sake."
Mo Chou smiled. "Thanks."
Her ears went red and her heart beat faster. This boy was killing her. Such an innocent smile could even make herself lose control. She put a hand on her chest and tried to calm down.
"Well, the practice is starting so we better head inside." Mo Chou turned to leave.
"Ah wait!" she grabbed his shoulder. "I have something to tell you."
He raised a brow. What could be so important that the punctual Zhi Ruo would miss being early to the venue? Even more important than being punctual? Maybe it was about him? hehe. No stop. Delete that thought. Imagining a relationship with Zhi Ruo was like wishing to eat a piece of swan meat despite being an ugly frog.
"What is it?" her grip on his shoulder tightened as she chewed her lip. He did not fail to notice the redness of her face down to her neck and he wondered how could a person be so red. She looked like a tomato!
"Can you... turn around?"
Strangely he complied and he was very much curious about what she was about to say. The thought of her liking him had long been crossed out in his mind. After all, the both of them had always put their priorities first. Which was of course, studying.
Something trivial as a confession would only become a distraction. It did not matter if other people thought of him as gay. When the time comes he will slap all the people who have underestimated him.
"I uhm... Please don't be mad when I say it okay? It's just that I've been meaning to get this off my chest and I might never get another chance at this."
Mo Chou nodded, still clueless. If she knew his thoughts she would've slapped him silly and left him there.
"I... like you! I've liked you since sixth grade and I will continue to like you till we're old..." Zhi Ruo felt her heart beat faster than it ever had. She felt like on the brink of exploding. So without waiting for his reply, she ran away like a madman.
Mo Chou took a few minutes to digest what she said. Maybe it was a joke? Or was fate toying with him? Maybe she had grabbed the wrong guy?
No. She said his name.
She liked him.
Mo Chou squatted down and felt his entire face redden.
This was the first time a girl had confessed to him. And that girl was none other than Zhi Ruo! He felt a surge of happiness overcome him as he walked inside the venue with a small smile playing on his lips.
...
Mo Chou laughed at himself. Pathetic, wasn't it? She had never failed to remind him that the only person she likes is him. She proved it with her actions.
The truth was right in front of him and yet, he had never had the courage to be with her. He never took the risk. Never told her how he really felt.
But most of all, he never told her he loves her.
Coward.
That's what he is.