Imagine realizing, amidst the bustling streets, that the person who fills your heart with kilig was right there, unidentified. The ache of missing that chance, coupled with a bitter twist of irony, stings deeply. It's a poignant reminder of how love and fate can intertwine in unexpected ways. She was alone and broken, yet so near that I didn't try to reach her!
Mia waved goodbye and exited the karaoke bar, her forced smile attempting to convince those at a distance that she was perfectly fine. A group of guys approached the bar and, not noticing each other, accidentally collided. As a lost soul, Mia simply apologized, maneuvered around them, and left.
One of the men happened to be Jack's friend! He thought he recognized the young lady but couldn't quite place her.
Hey guys, what's up? It looks like someone died here! the second man to the left of Jack's friend mockingly commented, a hint of cruelty in his voice.
Before you say anything useless, check this out, he said, placing his phone in front of them and tilting his head to gauge their reaction to the video. The others snickered, adding to the mockery.
The DJ chimed in, Man, some ladies are trouble indeed, shaking his head as he walked outside, his tone filled with a mix of disdain and pity.
What? Why are you showing us this?" Jack's friend asked. We came here to have fun, not to watch drama," he added, feeling increasingly uncomfortable with the situation.
Jack came running and missed Mia on his way because he was in a hurry to catch up with his friends; he was already late. He felt a mix of emotions when he passed a lady who looked like a walking dead on the street. He wanted to approach and ask if she was okay, but his phone rang and his attention shifted from the lady to his phone. After the call, he looked in the direction where the lady had been, but she was no longer there! A pang of sadness hit him; he couldn't shake off the feeling that he should have helped her.
He thought maybe she had gone home, and he continued walking, but his heart seemed left behind. He repeatedly turned his head, trying to see if he could at least spot her at the street's corner, but it was no use—she was already gone. Each step felt heavier as he wondered what might have happened to her.
He finally reached the karaoke bar and entered. His friends were now seated at the concert stage and, when they spotted him, called out for him to join them.
Hey guys! It's been a long time since we met up like this, Jack said, trying to sound cheerful despite the lingering worry in his heart. His dimples were visibly pronounced, his cheeks large, and his eyes wide open. His black leather jacket clung to his broad shoulders, complementing his well-toned physique. The white t-shirt underneath hinted at his muscular chest, and his pair of blue jeans fit snugly, showing off his athletic legs. His short black hair was tousled perfectly, giving him a ruggedly handsome look that turned heads. Even his friends couldn't help but mock him.
Hey man, do you want to attract all the girls today? We will go back empty-handed, hahaha, one of them teased, trying to hide their envy behind laughter.
Jack playfully slapped all their heads, making them cry out in exaggerated pain. Hey, mind your language. I didn't come here to get girls. Or do you want me to change my mind? he threatened with a grin, pretending to turn back.
His friends quickly pulled him back, laughing and apologizing. No, no, stay! We missed you, man, they said, genuinely happy to have him there.
As they settled down, the night was filled with fun moments. They sang their hearts out, shared embarrassing stories, and laughed until their sides hurt. Jack couldn't help but join in the fun, momentarily forgetting the lady on the street and the mixed emotions he had felt. His friends' light-hearted teasing and the joy of their company made him feel better, even if just for a little while.
Jack called James out because he seemed off the entire time and tried to talk to him alone on the way to the restroom. He looked puzzled, as if something was really bothering him. But what?
Listen, we came here early this evening, but the bar was so quiet we thought we were the only ones here. But no, I bumped into a young lady who seemed familiar, though I couldn't place where I'd seen her before. She seemed deep in thought or really hurt by someone she might have trusted.
Jack cut James off because he was lagging in the serious conversation, and he wasn't the type of guy who would be bothered by an unknown stranger. James' angry stare made Jack stop mocking him. Jack apologized and pleaded with him to continue.
For real, man, don't you ever laugh when I'm being serious! His stare ensured that Jack wouldn't repeat his silly action again. Look here, this is the video they showed us! It is scary, but her voice sounds as if she was conveying a regretful, hurting message to someone...
Before he added another word, Jack took his phone from his hand. ....What? This is Sara! But why was the girl singing only looking at...His heart sank. Oh my God! Mia! She is Mia. What happened here?! His voice shook with worry and panic.
Yes! The girl who sang that sad song was Mia! But how do you know her? the DJ asked with a questioning look.
Jack's mind raced, panic setting in. He felt a deep, aching sadness as he recalled Mia's face, the pain in her eyes evident even in the video. James clenched his fists, anger bubbling up at the thought of someone hurting Mia. We have to find out what happened, he said, determination and worry battling in his voice. Jack nodded, his mind a whirlwind of emotions, from the mockery he'd initially shown to the deep worry and panic now consuming him.
James was about to leave to search for Mia but stopped when he saw his friend Jack lost in the video. It seemed that he was hurt by the way he watched Mia singing, and his tears were flowing, unnoticed by him.
Jack! Are you okay?! Why are you in this state, man? James asked, his voice full of worry for Jack's well-being. He placed a hand on Jack's shoulder, trying to comfort him.
James...Jack sobbed as he hugged James tightly, his body shaking with emotion.
Wait!? Is she the Mia? The one you always talk about? James asked, pulling Jack back from the hug and staring into his eyes, his own worry intensifying.
Jack only nodded, his face a mix of pain and sadness.
Oh! It is okay. We will find her. Let's go out now, James assured Jack, though his voice trembled with his own worry.
Sara, Sara, Sara... aaaaah! Jack suddenly erupted in anger, throwing the table in front of him with a force that sent glasses shattering to the floor. His face contorted with rage and panic. Again she cried because of you! His emotions and worry made it hard for him to control himself, and his hands shook with fury. The entire bar went silent, everyone staring in shock.
I'm sorry, boss. I will send the payment for the broken items to your mobile money, Jack said, his voice full of barely contained anger. He clenched his fists, trying to steady his breathing. He called out to James, and they both exited the bar, leaving the boss and the rest of their friends in confusion. Jack's mind was a storm of pain, worry, and anger as they stepped out into the night, determined to find Mia.