With the return of Alex’s most awaited person in his life, he goes through the point of thinking about this particular someone—Aurea, a girl who likes reading books.

Upon meeting her, Alex urges the concept of confession. He does really expect the inevitable, but will Aurea accept his thoughts? The answer would relies on a bookmark in between the pages of their books.

Started: February 14, 2023
Finished: February 14, 2023

“I’m going!” Alex excitedly shouts as he closes the door and goes to the garage to get his bicycle.

“Ah, it’s a bit cloudy today.” He inhales then exhales.

As he hops on to ride his bicycle, a sweet wide smile stretches his lips.

“What a nice day to see you, my bookworm!” he exclaimed to himself.

The smooth wind brushes all over his body as he accelerates along the narrow road. His black silky hair dances with the wind. He hums as a certain face flashes into his mind.

“Is it really possible to be this happy? She doesn't even know that I like her.” Alex utters to himself, each foot busily pedals down the small street.

He passes by a bakeshop. The fresh aroma from the baked goodies touches his nostrils, and so he slows down and steps on the brake.

“Should I get her something to eat?” he asks himself again.

Alex’s eyes wander around the store and looks for his bookworm's favorite bread. He spots the familiar bun, then proceeds to buy and fill one small bag.

“Thank you!” he thanked the baker who handed him the bread he bought.

He goes out of the store, and continues to pedal. The bag of bread quietly sits inside his basket, and the sweet aroma clings to his nostrils.

Just ten more meters and he is going to see her again, through those metal screens, in their school field, under that big tree. And believe me, this is his only routine that he does not get tired off.

Alex slows down as he reaches the parking area for bicycles. He gets off, lock his bike, and then grab the bag full of bread.

Alex finally saw the girl that he admire a lot sitting under a big tree, eating bread while reading a book. It does not say much, but for Alex, the whole scenery is like an unseen wonderland.

He nervously walks down on the field and unconsciously grips the brown bag. His palms sweat too much, his head feels light and heavy at the same time.

Alex is the type of a guy who does not confess to anyone that he likes, he usually lets it slide until he forgets, but when it comes to Aureia, he risks, because nevertheless, Aurela is worth the risk.

“Alex, all you have to do is give those things, why are you sweating too much?” he silently scolds himself.

Alex is only seven steps away from confessing. And from his position right now, he is seeing the love of his life and nothing changes, just his heart-it grows fonder.

He readies himself, fishes something out of his pocket, and clears his throat. He is finally before her. His shadow looming over once again.

“Aurela, I've been liking you for months, are you willing to jump down the rabbit hole with me?” Alex confesses and closes his eyes, then hands out the hallmark bookmark to her that he bought days ago.

Silence...

Alex opens his eyes to check the other's reaction. His mind goes blank as the possibility of being rejected crosses his mind.

He swallows hard then mutters all the courage to look at Aurela again, only to see the same serene face he saw the first time they've met each other.

“Sit here,” Aureia taps the space beside her, and invites Alex to sit down. Without any inhibitions. The taller obliges He sits down and he muttered back.

“My heart is constricting, Aureia. Please tell me what's on your mind?” Alex asked but Aurea seemed to be lost in her thoughts.

“Where is my bookmark?” you reciprocated.

“Here,” Aurea says.

Aurea inserts the bookmark in between the pages, closes the book and puts it down. Aurela smiles again, hold one of Alex’s hands, then finally talked back.

“I’m keeping the bookmark,”

“And you, too.”

---End---