MY UNUSUAL ROMANCE
Chapter 12
No matter where Eileen went, the vibrant and boisterous environment enveloped her, a room filled with neon lights and loud music of laughter. The people around the area are scattered everywhere, playing various video games and slot machines. Young people and children flock around the retro arcade game, enjoying their time playing together. The positive energy started to influence Eileen to run amok and push all her worries away.
While she busied herself trying all sorts of games, Olivia has to keep her under control before Eileen gets branded as a "lost child". This exhilarating environment keeps draining Olivia's vitality, regretting the choice she made letting Eileen decide their next date.
It's their 7th date as of now, probably still counting. Ever since they went to the theatre, Olivia keeps asking her out, even if it seems like their usual hang out. During their previous dates, they went to an ice cream store where couples mostly frequent to, visited a local aquarium and admired the numerous kinds of fishes, had a "study date" inside the library, watched a movie in the cinemas, and randomly went to a carnival amidst the harsh cold season!
Although Eileen plans to throw all her worries away in this arcade, the truth is that she had already emptied her wallet. What a waste! All of the savings she's been earning is completely gone! Vanished into thin air!
And the culprit? Obviously it's Olivia! If she hadn't asked her out on a date, or if she hadn't been this bewitching enough to steal Eileen's heart, heck she wouldn't even agree going on a date for a million times!
Eileen suddenly felt a funny sensation inside her tummy. All this messing around from one game to another starved her.
Thus, the two went to a nearby fast food chain and placed an order after playing at the arcade. Thankfully. Olivia will be the one paying the bill since Eileen ran out of cash. The waiter arrived at their table and placed two large fries, two ice creams, one cheese burger and one spaghetti. Each has their own fries and ice creams Meanwhile, Eileen ordered the spaghetti while Olivia chose the cheese burger.
As evening fell, their little date has came to an end. Olivia walked with Eileen until they reached the latter's home.
"Thanks for inviting me again." Her lips parted into a smile before turning away to reach the entrance.
Just then, a hand grabbed Eileen's wrist.
She abruptly turned around to face the person who seized her hand. She stared at Olivia with patience, waiting for the other to speak. Not gonna lie, this heightens Eileen's hope that the person she likes will say something she longed to hear or do something that she longed to experience. Since the day of the kiss, their numerous dates, and this particular moment, it made her hope that this person also shares the same feelings as her.
"Come with me. I have something to show you."
…
The cold breeze hit Eileen's body as they walked on a slightly curved ground, a slope to be specific. Their icy hands interlocked with each other to avoid getting lost in the dark vicinity. As they went further, she could feel the grass rustling through her legs and the cold wind whispering to her.
Finally, Olivia stopped walking. It seems that they're now located at the top part of the slope. Eileen stared confusingly at Olivia, taking out a picnic blanket and laid it down on the ground. Then, she held Eileen's hand and guided it to move downward.
"Sit here." Olivia instructed, which her friend also complied willingly.
When they sat down side by side, the black haired girl raised her head up towards the open sky. Eileen noticed her eyes sparkling bright when she looked upward. Baffled, she also inclined her head up.
Only then she realised the dazzling light on her eyes are the countless stars shining through the night sky. There's an indescribable feeling she cannot explain while gazing at the millions of stars in the sky. A mixture of emotions churn Eileen's heart, especially when she feels the presence of the person she yearns for.
"Do you like it?" Olivia asked, her tone this time, unlike her usual cold attitude, is soft like a feather and gentle like a breeze. Eileen thought she saw a mirage of the person's light smile.
"It's beautiful..." Eileen replied breathlessly.
Olivia took off her winter jacket and draped it over Eileen's shoulders. "You might catch a cold."
Her lips curved upward. "Thank you, Liv."
Just then, the girl who everyone thought whose heart never wavers at all, reveals her hidden warmth concealed by the cold facade. She smiled softly, her eyes curved alongside her puffy cheeks.
Eileen's world seemed to stop in motion, unable to move anymore. If seeing the stars left her breathless earlier, then Olivia's smile finally became the death of her. It took her a lot of strength to resist herself claiming the other's lips.
However, there are words that wanted to escape from the top of her lungs. Words that she wanted Olivia to know clearly, especially now. Words that she'll readily shout out to the whole world. This is the perfect time to say those words! If she doesn't say it now, when will there be another chance to confess?
"Olivia." Eileen said, serious and firm.
This caught Olivia off guard, hearing her name from Eileen's lips. She didn't say anything, but her expression gestures to her friend to speak.
"I… I want to kiss you." Tsk what!? That wasn't what she's trying to say! All the pressure, nervousness, and anxiety accumulated Eileen's throat, ending up choking her to say a different thing!
She wanted to fix what seemed to be a 'confession' that failed due to her stupidity. "Ah- No! T-that wasn't it..! You see, what I was trying to say was…"
A cold sensation covered her lips that prevented her from talking. Eileen didn't know whether this action is a reciprocated feeling or a form of pity. She's hoping for the former, but she can't help but think that the latter is more logical than the other.
The two continued their exchange of lips before pulling away to catch their breaths. Olivia raised her hand to tuck Eileen's front hair to her ear and lovingly stroke her cheeks. At this moment, she finally knew the answer.
Between the two of them, there is no need for such words to express their feelings.