Yesterday was a bad day for Shiro. She thought her boyfriend forgot about their anniversary. She prepared him a meal and had it sent to his office. She had a note placed inside one of the treats in the lunchbox that says 'Happy Anniversary!' followed by a thoughtful short message. She's never the type to do such sweet gesture, but this time she feels like she have to try. She spent her day waiting for a message or even a call from him, but there's none. She knew he's busy with his project that's why they can't meet. They had a fight about this before, he even had it explained to her a lot of times a month before their anniversary.

"Oh well, it's just for this year. Next year will be better.", Shiro told herself.

But today isn't the same as yesterday.

Shiro woke up to the sound of her phone ringing. It's Sunday, few minutes past 06:00 am, too early for a phonecall. She reached for her phone under her pillow, it's her boyfriend. Her eyes lits up in excitement. She rolled over on her stomach and lifted the phone to her ear.

"Good morning architect, what's up?" Shiro answered the phone in a playful voice.

"Good morning sunshine", he greeted back. "Hey, I'm sorry for yesterday. I know it's very inconsiderate of me not to reply to your message, I hope it's not yet too late.. Happy Anniversary.."

"It's OK, I'm fine", Shiro lied. She's actually deeply hurt yesterday. She was waiting for a reply the wholeday yesterday, but there's none. A simple "Thank you" or "I love you" would suffice, but she did not hear a word from him all day.

"So how was the food I prepared? Did you like it?" Shiro said trying to lighten up the mood.

"Yes, it was great. I didn't know a princess can cook", he teased. Shiro smiled. She really loves this guy. "So I was thinking, do you have anything to do tonight?" he asked.

"Well, I'm free. You wanna go somewhere?" Shiro answered.

"Kinda. Wanna meet at The Lake? You know, to talk or something, catch up, maybe?"

"Sure! Meet me in 12hrs?"

"Okay, see you in 12hrs. Oh, I have to go, I have work to do."

"Oh alright, go! Bye!" Her boyfriend hanged up. "He's so busy huh that he forgot to tell me he loves me."

They have been together for 3 years. She remembered the first time she met him personally, she had to commute for 2hrs to a place new to her. She didn't tell anyone about her meeting him, except to her bestfriend who stalked his facebook account every night just to make sure he's a good guy, single, and is not as poser.

It was a hot October day when they first met. That was also the first time that she heard his voice, and she instantly fell inlove. He knows she likes historical stuffs so he made a perfect plan for their date, an excursion.

Shiro was thrilled about the idea of going on a field trip with a guy she just met. They visited museums, stared at paintings, read old books, learn alibata, and dine in an old mansion. Going back in time is such a fun experience for her, and now, she have someone to share it with.

It took six months before they officially became exclusive. They were watching a documentary movie about war, one of her favorites, when he asked her when can they officially be together. Shiro answered "Today." while still focused on the TV screen. He looked at her and smiled, "This is a great day!" is what he said. She could feel him looking at her, but she know he respect her interest so much that he would let her watch that documentary than celebrate. Shiro likes that about him. It was her dream to prove the world that love isn't always about being sweet and cuddly; it's about trusting that your partner loves you, and being comfortable and safe when you are together. And that's exactly what she felt that day when they became official, and the feeling never left her since then.

"Geez, I must be day dreaming too much again, I have to prep for tonight."

As Shiro prepares herself for their date, she remembered a conversation with him. That was a year ago when they had a serious talk. He told her that he wants to save up for their future. To which Shiro answered, "Then make sure to marry me when I'm 27." He smiled at her, seemingly curious as to why she would prefer to be at that exact age to marry. "Why 27?" He would ask her that question every time they get to this topic. "Because I know both of us would be ready by that time." Then he will stare at her smiling, giving her a look that screams of pure love and longing. That's one of her favorite moments with him. And each time that happens, she'll wish for time to stop.

"Choosing what to wear is always giving me dilemma," said Shiro sighing. She looked at her body in the mirror, she doesn't feel pretty at all. She tried a lot of dresses, but she settled in wearing a flannel shirt, leggings, and a cap. "Simplicity is beauty Shiro," she said as she wink at her reflection.

It's almost time to go.

"Hello Rin! Guess what?" Rin is Shiro's friend since college.

"What's up?" answered Rin

"Well, he asked to see me today.."

"And you're calling me just to tell me you have a date?" said Rin smiling. She knows that Shiro is smiling at the other end of the line.

"No," Shiro answered. A hint of pure happiness can be heard on the tone of her voice. "I'm 27 Rin."

"OMG! That's not what I think it is, right? You think he'll propose to you!? Gosh! I knew it!" Rin said gleefully.

"I know, I realized it just now. I'm almost at the location, I'll fill you up later. Bye!"

He was there, watching the sunset when she arrived. There's a floating cottage nearby, lighted by yellow fairy-like bulbs. A dinner for two.

"I don't think I'm dressed for this. I should have worn a dress," Shiro said walking up to him.

"You're still beautiful to me," he said as he guide her towards the floating cottage.

They had the night for themselves. Shiro wished for the time to stop and savor every moment he's with her. She missed him. After dinner, they walked at the bank of the lake. It was silence that followed.

"I have something to tell you," he said.

"What is it?" Shiro answered smiling. She could hear her heart beat. The thought of him asking for her hand is making her giddy.

"I've been thinking about this for a long time.. I've been busy and all, but please believe me when I say that I love you.."

"I know.. and I never asked for more. Tell me what is it?"

It was the moment of truth for her, she's been waiting and is ready for this. Though she had a walkthrough of this in her head, everything is still making her nervous and excited at the same time. She doesn't want him to know that she knows he's proposing.

He stopped walking and turned to face her. His back is against the light from the post but she could see his eyes glimmering. He's crying, is what she thought.

"Shiro.."

This is it girl, he's gonna propose. Shiro looked at him. She lifted her hand to caress his face. He took her hand and kissed it.

"I've been busy with work and almost have no time to see you. I know it's been hard for both of us, especially you. Shiro, I love you, you know that. But I think this is for the best. Let's break up."

Shiro's world stopped. She can't process what she heard. A lot of things rushed in her mind; he was saying something. A lot of why's and an instant flashback of their happy memories flooded her. She was probably stunned for a long time, she didn't notice her boyfriend, now her ex-boyfriend, walk away.

She looked back at the lake as warm tears start to run down her face.

It has been three months since they broke up. During the first week, Shiro would cry herself to sleep. She still went to work but would cry secretly in the comfort room. She got depressed and lose weight. After talking to her friend Rin, she felt completely fine.

Today while working, Shiro noticed the blinking notification light on her phone. Someone sent her a message. She checked, it was from the dating app that her friend forced her to use. Out of curiosity, she opened the message.

"Hello!"

She checked his profile. His name is Seiji. She thinks she have to reply so she did.

"Hi Seiji."

A few seconds and he replied instantly. He must be online now. Shiro checked his message and proceeded to reply again.

"I saw your uploaded pictures. Do you live overseas?" Seiji asked.

"No," Shiro typed. "I just travel a lot."

They proceeded to talk about stuffs, interests, and told each other why they installed the dating app.

Talking with a stranger feels nice. Shiro opened up to him easily and told him about her story. She told him everything that happened to her 3 months before. In return, he told her his story.

Shiro found out that Seiji was from a break up too. His girlfriend ghosted him. He was supposed to meet her, but she never showed up. And he never heard from her ever since. He tried contacting anyone related to her, her friends, her family, but they wont tell him anything.

"It seems to me that all of her family and friends are against the two of you being together," Shiro commented.

"You think so? But they all told me this is for the best. I can't force her to be with me though, so I forgive her wherever she is."

They chatted more about personal stuffs and work. She found out that his work place is just near her, but she's not yet ready to meet anyone so she declined his invitation to meet.

"Haha I thought I could meet someone now, sorry. Maybe next time when you get to know me more?" He said

"Yeah, maybe next time." Shiro answered.

"Hey, did you mention that you're looking for a model ship?"

"Yes, I did. Why?"

"I'm actually working on a ship model now. The first prototype was trashed by the owner though. I can give you that one next time if you want."

"Really? Gee, thanks!"

"No problem. I just wonder if you like ships because your ex used to build them."

"No. I liked planes and ships even before I met him."

This is what people don't know about Shiro. She's a plane and ship fanatic. She's so amazed by planes and ships that whenever she meets people who works with them her inner geekiness comes out and she would engage them to talk to her for hours. Her enthusiasm reached its peak after meeting her ex. And it didn't change even after they break up.

"Oh sorry I have to go. I still have work to do," Shiro chatted.

"Sure. Nice talking to you," Seiji replied.

Shiro proceeded with her work. She's been chatting for an hour, she lost too much time. She have to finish the slides for her presentation this afternoon.

"Shiro, it's almost lunch. Would you like to eat out?"

It's her friend at work. They never liked the food prepared in the canteen so they either eat out or bring packed lunch. Both of them didn't bring packed lunch today.

"Yeah sure, there's this newly opened restaurant 3 blocks from here, would you like to try that out?" Shiro answered.

"That's where we are going. Let's go!"

The restaurant was packed when they arrived. It seems like all the employees of offices in the vicinity decided to have their lunch here. Thanks to Shiro's friend who made an early reservation, they didn't have to wait to be seated. An usherette guided them to their seat and handed them the menu. They placed their order and waited for the food to be served.

"So how are you holding up?"

"It's been 3 months, I'm over it."

"That's good to hear girl. So who are you chatting now?"

"Chatting? Me? I'm not looking for anyone right now."

"Really? You've been on your phone all morning, I saw you smiling while chatting."

"Oh that's nothing, just a message from a stranger."

"I see.. And this stranger must be sending you messages now."

Shiro looked at her phone on the table. The notification light is blinking. There's a message, it's from Seiji. She was about to read it but their food is now ready to be served. She put her phone aside making a mental note to check it after lunch.

Seiji woke up to the ringing of his phone. He was working late the previous night with his team to finish the prototype ship. He sat up from his bed and realized he must have fallen asleep as soon as he laid on his bed because he's still wearing his office clothes.

The phone on his pocket continued to ring. He fumbled with his phone and finally answered the call.

"Seiji? Hey bro! Where are you? Presentation is within one hour but boss said he'll be running late."

"Oh yeah sorry, I just got hold up at home. I'll be there on time don't worry," Seiji lied. He looked at the time and made mental calculations.

"Ok. We're preparing the slides for the presentation. Don't be late! Bye!"

"I won't. Thanks, bye!"

As soon as he hang up, Seiji dashed to the bathroom, brushed his teeth and took a quick bath. In a matter of 20 mins, he was done with his morning routine and is now ready to go to work.

As soon as Seiji reached the office, he went straight to his team and checked eveything that needs checking.

"Man, the way I see this, I don't think this will be approved," said one of his teammates.

"I know, but we have no choice. Management wants to see an output of this magnitude asap," Seiji answered in agreement.

"Oh well, we already told them that quality takes time but they wont listen."

Just a few minutes after the team's lament, the boss came. They proceeded in the meeting room after that and started the presentation.

"Goodluck to us."

It was a long discussion. Contrary to what they expected, their concept was accepted but the prototype ship was rejected due to aesthetics. It looks rushed, was the comment of the boss. They were told to redo the prototype ship from scratch.

"Let's relax for now, I haven't had any decent sleep for 2 days. By the way Seiji, do you use this app?"

It was a dating app.

"No, it's my first time seeing that," Seiji answered.

"You should try it, lots of pretty girls in here bro! Give me that. Let me install it on your phone."

By the time Seiji reacted, his phone was already at the hands of his friend and the app was being installed. A dating profile was also made in his behalf. When he got his phone back, Seiji saw the profile of all the girls that his friend swiped. He randomly checked each profile. One got his attention, it was a girl named Shiro.

"She's pretty right?" said Seiji's friend while looking at the photo.

"She sure is. She looks rich though," Seiji answered.

"Drop her a message."

With his friend looking at his phone, Seiji typed a message and hit send.

"Haha! What are you doing? You should comment on their looks first instead of saying 'Hello!'"

Seiji sighed and put down the phone on the table. He and his friend were both eagerly waiting for a reply.

"Hi Seiji!"

A smile formed on his face. He immediately typed a reply. His friend was coaching him from behind.

"Ask her questions to engage her into a conversation."

Seiji asked questions and soon enough they are talking about random stuffs and common interests. He found out that she's looking for a model ship. He thinks she's cool because that's something most girls would not want. For some reason he got fascinated with her.

"Do you have a boyfriend?"

There, he said it. That was the question that he's been itching to ask.

"No. He broke up with me.." was her answer. He tried asking for details and little by little she started opening up to him.

"How about you? Are you in a relationship?" she asked.

Seiji smiled. A thought occured to him that she wont ask that question if she's not interested in him.

"Nope, I'm also single like you. Why ask? Are you interested?" Seiji replied.

"Haha! No. I just don't want to be the cause of any misunderstanding."

"You won't be. Let me tell you a story.."

Seiji told her his break-up story. She gave out comments and asked him questions on every message he type which made Seiji believe that she must be talkative in person.

"Hey, I noticed that you are within 3km radius. Does that mean you also work somewhere here in Metropolis?" Seiji asked.

"Yes, somewhere in Metropolis."

"Cool! would you like to meet up for lunch?"

She declined.

"Haha I thought I could meet someone now, sorry. Maybe next time when you get to know me more?" Seiji asked wishing he doesn't sound pushy.

"Yeah, maybe next time."

Seiji remembered the trashed prototype ship model that they made. He promised to give it to her next time if they meet. She agreed to that and told him that she had to go do some work. That ended their conversation.

First thing Seiji did is ask his teammates for the rejected prototype. He put it aside and checked the photos of other girls. He's getting the hang of using that app. He chatted with some girls he find pretty and cute.

"Lunch guys? Let's go down to Gustav's."

"Let's go! They have a new branch here."

The place is not yet crowded when they arrived. One of Seiji's team member knows the manager so they were given priority upon arrival.

The food was heavenly in Gustav's. Seiji made a mental note to ask Shiro to eat here if she agrees to meet.

"Group picture guys! To celebrate our first prototype rejection! Hahaha!"

It was a wacky shot. After that they paid their bill and went back to the office. They were still laughing at the photo until they reach the elevator.

"Here Seiji, let me send you a copy. You should send it to Shiro."

"Let me see how I look first."

When he got the copy, he looked at his wacky face, then at the background. He smiled. He sent the photo to Shiro along with a short message.