“They’re taking too damn long…” I heard you grumble. I was peacefully watching the city lights and the streets below us, but when you spoke, I shifted my gaze and looked sideways, hiding a smile. I’ve never fancied waiting for this long, but from the two of us, you were a lot more impatient and somehow… I found a certain joy in that.

Picking up my cup, I took a long sip. “You broke the silence,” I finally said foolishly.

At first your brows furrowed, but when you started to chuckle, I knew that you understood. “It’s not like we’re short on comfortable silences. Why… were we on a roll?”

I playfully looked at my wrist acting as though I had a watch, “Yep. An hour or so.”

You brushed strands of your hair away from your face, “Next time, I’d like to break our record.” I laughed as I remembered how we spent almost two hours of silence in this same coffee shop, waiting for the same friends.

“Let’s hope not. That was too long. But I can’t believe that we’re waiting for them again—”

“That’s right!”

I raised an eyebrow, “What’s ‘right’?” An amused smirk spread across your lips and I knew right away that you were up to something. I watched you jump out of your seat and before I knew it, we were already inside an elevator with the number ‘28’ shining at us glaringly; that number brings back memories.

I was about to say something but I felt you squeeze my hand… surprisingly, that was the only time that I realized that we were actually holding hands. I looked at you and you gave me a wide grin, looking like a kid who was about to show a surprise. “They’re going to look for us, you know,” I mentioned in a matter-of-fact tone.

“Then they will.”
“Where are we going?” Though I actually knew where.
“And where did you hide that spontaneous-loving girl that I know of?”

I tried not to giggle but failed, “Fine.”

At last, we reached the top floor and a wide but well-lit empty space full of big glass windows greeted us—it was a really good place where I could see the whole city in full view. We’ve been here before. “I thought this place would be an office by now?”

“Duh. Apparently not.“ You playfully rolled your eyes at me and I punched your arm in return. We crossed the room slowly and then you pushed a door open, sending a strong gust of wind across our faces. Still, you kept on pulling that finally, you had me at the edge of the balcony. “Whoa,” I exclaimed, “Too close! Too close!”

You laughed at me teasingly, “You big sissy. Now look.”

I hesitated.
But…

I quickly realized that I didn’t want to waste that moment. There might not be a third time around, so… I shook my fears away, took two more steps, and leaned forward. And I’m glad I did, because it was the same breath-taking view that I would never want to miss—better than what I could see down the cafe.

I smiled to myself as I looked at all the numerous splashes of colored lights, spread out like jewels across one vast darkness. Seeing the city like this instantly made me feel that same familiar feeling; that feeling where I know that I’m in the right place… that I’m at home.

It’s no news that I’m a night person and these city lights always—[i]would always[/i]—make me feel this way. I was clearly enjoying myself, so once again, silence passed us by yet all too suddenly, I felt your hand slip away from mine.

That rather took me by mild surprise. By instinct, I turned to my right to look at your face and I found you looking back at me with a warm smile. I smiled too and then turned back again to the scenery.

…Everything felt right.
So usually, when it does, I would always find myself humming a tune.

“Boston by Augustana, huh?” You asked as I started humming and I nodded.
Within seconds, you hummed along; you even playfully acted as though you were playing the piano part.

…Minutes passed and we finished the song.

A strong wind passed once more and this time, it carried your scent; your scent that I know too well and which I really loved. Or should I specifically say, perfume? You use different perfumes from time to time that I’ve already lost track of their names, but I always found comfort in it. I’ve even met a lot of people who have the same scent, but when it comes from you, it oddly smells… special, unique, and nice. For a moment, I half-hoped that another wind would come by.

Or maybe I could just lean in closer…

“Hey…” You uttered softly but with a hint of anxiety, stopping me from my thoughts. By that one word alone, my mind became fully aware and it knew instantly as to what would happen next just by the tone of your voice—I really knew right away what you were about to say.

So before you could say any thing further, I spoke up. “…Don’t.”

You were surprised. I know you’d be. But… I shook my head. “Don’t say it.”
I showed you a gentle smile; the best that I could. “Please…”

“Don’t.”

For a fleeting moment I saw something that tugged my heart, but you quickly smiled at me. Reassuring me with that same look that tells me that you understood.

You took one step forward. Slowly and lightly, you kissed my forehead, “Okay…” you whispered.

“I’m—”

“Don’t say it.” You pulled back, sticking out your tongue.
It was an abrupt mood change but still… I started to laugh.

When my laughter died down, we shared a look. I knew that it was right, and I think you knew it too. “Now come on…” you said. “I guess we should go back.”

I didn’t know if that carried a double meaning. But I looked down at the hand that you were offering and gladly took it, “Okay.”
And then that was that…