-

Today was a big day for Chaehyun. It was her first date in God knows how long. A date she hadn't stopped talking about for the past two weeks.

She was always in your ear, saying the same things over and over again.

"I'm so excited [name]!"

"He's so dreamy!"

"I really think he's the one for me!"

And you'd listen to her with a big smile on your face, agreeing with everything she'd say. Pushing her to spill out her attraction and like for this man you weren't really fond of and never took the time to 'meet'.

It was your job though. You're her best friend after all.

She came to your place before her amazing date to get ready. Your apartment was only a few blocks away from the meet up place with the love of her life.

You watched her from your bed, as she was brushing her hair. Her lips were moving at lightening speed and her cheeks were flushed red. You were barely listening to her anymore.

Her giddiness was making you sick.

And you hated that. So much. She wasn't yours. You were just there to bring her joy, distraction, and listening ears. That's all. So why the fuss? Did you have a crush? Maybe.

"How do I look [name]?"

"Breathtaking."

She squealed, jumping into your arms. You hugged her back with a sad smile. Did she see the glint in your eyes? Your love for her?

-

Chaehyun left your place with a huge smile plastered on her face. You watched her from your window. She was skipping like a carefree child.

You sighed.

You've made a plan with her before she left.

"If he's boring, mean, or stinks, text me and I'll call you. So you can escape."

"No need [name]! He's gonna be perfect for sure!"

Sitting down on your couch, you grabbed your phone.

I really hope you don't have to text me, and he's the one for you.

-

You were tidying up your place when your phone rang. It couldn't be Chaehyun since the plan was to text you. You took a brief look at the screen.

Chaehyun.

You scrambled, answering as fast as you could.

"Chaehyun? You okay?"

"I got stood up."

Wincing, you dropped the broom on the floor and grabbed your coat.

"Are you still at the restaurant?"

A long pause.

"Just left. I'm walking back home."

"Home?"

"Your place."

Home.

You hummed, grabbing your keys, you sped down the stairs and hopped in your car.

"He didn't even call to cancel [name]... he's not even answering my texts anymore, I feel so stu-"

"I'm picking you up."

You hung up before she could say anything else. You hated hearing her say bad things about herself. Especially when she was the most amazing person you've ever met.

I'll make sure to treat you right Chaehyun.

-

You were laughing as Chaehyun was trying her best to push around the broken carousel for you. Straddling the little horse, you kicked its sides, shouting,

"Come on Chaehyun! Faster!"

"I'm trying! This ride is much heavier than I thought it'd be!"

Right after picking her up from this horrible "date", you took her to all her favourite places to lift her mood. You refused to see her sad.

You had pulled her in your car, kissed her tears away, squeezed her tightly, cracked two jokes, passed by the McDonald's drive-thru to grab their greasiest meals, then sped through traffic to have a little fun at the semi-abandoned fair.

semi-abandoned because only two rides worked and only three food trucks were there. Also, no one really dared to go since everything seemed bleak and way too eerie. Its closeness to the shore certainly did not help its haunted-like appearance.

Especially right now. At night, where the soft breeze was kicking in and the neglected neon lights were flickering as if they were following someone's heartbeat, and where the ripples of water sounded like the whispers of lost souls.

but.

With Chaehyun, everything seemed beautiful. Full of life, laughters, love.

The carousel stopped turning and you were faced with her. Out of breath, slightly smudged lipstick and hair flowing everywhere. She hopped on the head of the horse, grinning,

"Wanna go grab cotton candy, then go on the Ferris Wheel?"

You giggled,

"We don't really have a choice, we did bumper cars already."

She shrugged, lacing your fingers with hers.

"And we'll do it over and over again, until we get kicked out by this poor dude we've been bothering every two days. Let's go! The last person to the cotton candy truck has to pay!"

-

You and Chaehyun were at the top of the Ferris Wheel. She sat on the same bench since she loved the thrill of having the small cubicle swing from side to side.

"I need the adrenaline [name]!", she told you one day, while you were clenching the handles, fearing for your life. But with her by your side, you weren't fearful anymore.

Cotton candy long finished, she dropped her head on your shoulder, humming.

"I'm sorry [name]."

You slid your arm around her shoulders and brought her closer.

"You have nothing to apologize for Chae."

She sat up straighter, eyes locking with yours.

You saw something flash through them. You weren't quite sure what is was, but you noticed her cheeks growing red.

The moonlight was shinning bright, lightening your face in a way Chaehyun has never seen before. The tiny crease between your eyebrows, your small smile on your lips, your eyes sparkling, that look on your face. 

Just you, you, you.

Her breath hitched and she bit her lip,

"[name]-"

You stopped her. It was now or never.

"Chaehyun... I know today has been horrible for you and I'm deeply sorry. I know it's selfish what I'm about to say, but I can't keep it to myself anymore. It's been months that I like you. More than a friend. And I know this is not the right timing, but I can't look at you without having that feeling in my chest. And it's okay if you don't feel the same way, I understand. And I get you would've rather be with this other dude. Gosh, this is so embarrassing... Just forget what I said."

Chaehyun was staring at you, eyebrows shot up.

Her mouth opened then closed. She slid out of your embrace and ran her fingers through her hair, looking out the window.

I messed up.

Chaehyun thought about everything about you. How you complete her. How you care about her. How much you actually love her. Her stomach flipped.

This is definitely not from the cotton candy or Big Mac.

This is love.

"Look Chaehyun, I am so sor-"

Her lips were on yours. Pressing, pouring words through you. The kiss so sweet from cotton candy. She pulled back, her hands grabbing your face.

With a small smile, she whispered,

"I'd much rather be with you, [name]."