I remember the first time I met my boyfriend. A dark night, a lonely girl, a boy with love in his eyes, and a thump of hearts. As I stood beside you, the school grounds transformed. Willow trees, once mere backdrop, now shimmered with vibrant green leaves. The unexpected sight of ripe blueberries amidst the lush grass was a treasure uncovered. Every detail seemed amplified; every sensation heightened. Your hand enveloped mine, sending shivers down my spine. Your whispered name in my ear was a sacred promise, a secret known only to us. Time suspended, leaving only the warmth of your body against mine." He introduced himself as Simon. What a sweet name, I thought, what a lovely smile, I blushed.

No one, not even one single person had even looked at me with such eyes, so this is what it meant to fall in love. I had never been in love before, I had dated at least three guys in my high school, back when I was just a nineteen-year-old teenager, but none was I ever in love with. They were good boys, very nice to my friends, my family, to the whole world, but were never good to me. I remember each of them like a fever dream, how I held on to them with my heart, just for each to break me, to destroy my hope in love, to leave me with a new disorder from love. Jason, my first love, Maron my next boyfriend, and Jarul, my last high school love. But hey, we can’t cry over spilled milk forever now, can we? I moved on, I told myself all would be fine, living the rest my teenage years all alone. Right now, a twenty-two-year-old graduate with a bachelor’s in mechanical engineering, from Angels University, one of the best Universities in Ash town, I told myself that I had made it. I did not need anyone…. until you came and shattered my gates.

I had seen Simon before, within the University grounds, he was a good swimmer, something I heard from my friends and all those around me. He was loved, he was noticed, he had a great name among the students and the professors, and God was he gorgeous! Tall, six feet tall, luscious long brunette hair, how the girls and I loved it when he tied into a bun, made me want to detangle it and run my hands all over, just to fix it back and repeat the whole process. And those lips, how could a man have such naturally pink lips, I wanted to kiss him. I wanted to hold onto his biceps and never let go, I wanted to hug him and feel the thumping of his heart after a vigorous swim session, I wanted to know what it is like to have such precious and good things to myself.

I don’t remember how or when I fell for him, Simon, but all I know is that I started searching for him in the University grounds, I started wondering what his favorite meal in the school cafeteria was, and if he liked tea and detested coffee like I did, if he had a favorite color, if he only enjoyed swimming and paid zero attention to other sports, What his type was, was he perhaps gay, straight, bisexual or……. I wondered, IF HE COULD EVER LIKE A GIRL LIKE ME, would he bat an eye if he saw or would he ignore me like how all the others did. Anyways, I already knew the answer to that, Simon would never notice me, NOONE EVER NOTICES ME.

It was a serendipitous encounter on a quiet, moonlit night. Bella, lost in thought, walked down the deserted street, her footsteps echoing off the buildings. She hadn't noticed Simon standing outside the coffee shop, his eyes fixed on her as she approached. Thinking she could slip past unnoticed; Bella quickened her pace. But Simon's voice, low and smooth, halted her mid-stride. "Excuse me," he said, his eyes locking onto hers. "I couldn't help but notice you walking alone. Are you okay?" Bella's cheeks flushed as she turned to face him. "Yeah, I'm fine, thanks." Simon's gaze held hers, and he smiled. "I'm Simon. And you are...?" Bella's hesitation was brief before she replied, "Bella." Simon's eyes crinkled at the corners. "Lovely name. May I have your number, Bella? I'd love to grab coffee sometime." As Bella's heart skipped a beat, she handed over her number, and Simon's fingers brushed against hers. The spark was undeniable.

As Simon pocketed her number, his eyes never left Bella's face. "I'd love to meet up soon, Bella. Maybe tomorrow?" Bella's pulse quickened at the prospect. "Tomorrow's fine," she replied, trying to sound casual.

Simon smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Wonderful. I'll text you tonight to confirm." With a nod, he turned to leave, then paused. "Bella?"

"Yes?" she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Thank you for stopping," Simon said, his gaze soft. "I wouldn't have forgiven myself if I'd let you walk away." Bella's cheeks flushed as Simon disappeared into the night, leaving her breathless and bewildered.

As she walked home, Bella couldn't shake off the feeling that her life had just taken a dramatic turn. Little did she know, Simon's presence would soon unravel secrets from her past, testing the boundaries of love, time, and destiny.

That night, in my bed I thoughtught, “so this is love?” Why did it feel so good, had anything in my life ever made me feel this good, I wanted to get to know him, I wanted to know what it was like being loved and held, for once, just once. How warm, how comforting the feeling of being noticed by the one you have been noticing feels…huhhhh!!!! Maybe life wasn’t so cruel after all. That night, I slept like a baby, phone close to my chest, dreaming of myself finally filling that void, that deep and empty, unloved ands ignored void in my heart. Simon, I hope your different.