Fateful Encounter

The weekend before school would start again, Luhan texted me. We hadn’t been in contact since the incident with the hug, and I was still nervous about all the crap about seeing Kai flashing through my head.

Are you free?

You aren’t at my front door, are you?

I’m like 10 minutes away.

Yeah, ok. I guess I am.

Put on something reeeaaally good

I have a feeling we’re going on a date. My palms start to sweat and my stomach churns. What if a replay of Wednesday happens? I’d been thinking about Kai again, which is unhealthy seeing as I kept claiming I was over him. I guess tonight will seal the deal.

I go to my closet, and look through the more fancy side. There really isn’t anything here, and then I remember the dress my parents bought for me a few months ago. I had only worn it once, but it was very nice and wasn’t too fancy. I rummage through the clothes, and finally find it. It’s a tube dress and has a nice blue theme. It starts off as blue, fades to black at the waist, turns back to blue as it goes to the end of the dress and has some black stripes at the very bottom. I nod in approval and hope I still fit into it. I grab a black cardigan and black flats to go with it.

I finish getting dressed and right on time, my phone vibrates.

I’m here. Be quick or the taxi will leave.

I hurry downstairs, and encounter my mum.
“Hey mum, I’m going out.”
“This late..?” She raises her eyebrow at me skeptically.
“Please, please.”
“Fine. But you know the rules.”
“Yes. I won’t break curfew, or drink or get pregnant. Thanks, mum!”
I rush out of the house, and almost collide into Luhan, who is about to press the doorbell. He’s wearing a dark blue button down shirt and a black tie with black jeans.

“Heyy, we match!” he laughs. “You look very nice.” He adds, as we walk to the taxi.
“Thanks. By the way, where are we going, exactly?” He winks at me as he opens the cab door.
“That’s a secret.” He gives the taxi driver an address, but I’d never heard of the place, so I guess I can only wait.
After 30 agonizing minutes, we arrive at a tall building.
“Luhan, isn’t this a hotel?”
“Yeah, so? It’s got an amazing restaurant at the top.” We walk through the doors, and get into the elevator.
“Waah, this place is so fancy!” I say. I look at the elevator’s surroundings in awe. Everything is polished to a shine. Luhan suddenly inches closer to me, and when the elevator doors spring open, he places his hand on the small of my back. The warmth of his hand is comforting, in this room full of snobby looking people- many of whom are turning to stare at us.
“Act snobby.” Luhan mutters in my ear. I can’t help but smile. It sounds so silly. We walk to a podium-like thing and wait for a host.

“Hello, how can I help you?”
“Ah, yes. Table for 2, please. Reserved for Luhan.” The lady takes out a small device, and puts something in.
“Yep. Right this way, please.” We follow her, and she leads us to a table next to a window that overlooks the city, gives us menus and then leaves. We take our seats, and I look out the window, completely amazed.
“Wow! Look! You can see everything…” It’s completely mesmerizing. I turn around to look at Luhan and catch him staring at me. “What?” He smiles.
“Nothing. You should order something.” I scan the menu, but don’t find anything that I would know.
“I have never seen these dishes before, to be completely honest.”
“They’re all exotic European stuff. Let’s just get the chef’s choice, seeing as neither of us have experience at this.” A waiter approaches us, and we ask for the chef’s choice. Luhan and I talk aimlessly while we wait for our food, and when it finally arrives, it looks absolutely amazing. Taking a bite into it, it tastes amazing too.

During dessert, Luhan pauses his eating, and looks at me.
“How have you found this date? Better than the first?” He asks.
“Well, they’re on very different levels, you know? The first was nice and friendly. This one is more on the romantic scale. Speaking of which, I never thought you would be any good at romantic stuff.”
“Excuse yourself, but I am a professional at captivating the hearts of young maidens like yourself.” I can’t help but laugh, and I really can see a future relationship with him. It’s nice spending time with Luhan.

I check my phone, and it’s already 9:30.
“Oh crap. My curfew is 10:30.” I say. Luhan looks alarmed.
“We should get back, then. I don’t want to be hated by your parents.” He raises his hand and asks for the check. He pays, and we quickly leave.

We get back to my house at 10:15, since it took longer than expected to hail a cab. We stand at the bottom of my driveway, and Luhan wraps his arms around my waist. My heart full on explodes, going into absolute sprint mode. He doesn’t say anything, but just holds me. Do I want to do this? I do. I really do. I like Luhan. I like the attention he gives me. Even though he can be annoying, he makes sure I know he likes me. He’s kind and he’s not always an ass. I can tolerate his ass-y moments. So why am I so nervous? Well, anyone would be nervous. I mean, Kai was the only ever person I had gone out with. It seems weird that I’ve moved on, but I am ready for a new beginning with Luhan. I put my hand on his cheek, and look him in the eye. He looks surprised, but happy. He leans closer, and suddenly I know I can’t do it. I jerk back, and Luhan’s face falls. My heart drops.

“I’m sorry! I’m sorry, but I love Kai!” It spills out of my mouth like vomit. But it’s true. I feel terrible for hurting Luhan, but I still like Kai, and separating from him made me realize that maybe it was love. I turn run into my house to find my mum.
“Mum! Please give me until 11. I have something to take care of.” I don’t wait for her reply, and instead run out of the house. Luhan is gone, and my heart pangs, but Kai is all I can think of. My feet follow a route so familiar I could travel it with my eyes closed. I had walked this path so many times, and when I reach my destination, I’m overwhelmed. What if he tells me to leave? What if he doesn’t? I’ll never know unless I knock. I walk up to the door, and remember the last time I came. I shake my head and forget about it. I’m here for a different reason. I take a deep breath and press the bell.

Footsteps, and then the door opens.

Notes