1. Introduction - Raven

Sometimes just a mere glint of red is enough to convey one's gratitude. I saw it in him. The way his eyes flickered around her is enough to voice out his feelings.

That's how Alex was around Zoe. Flustered rosy cheeks were too evident on him around her. I fucking hate how that soft side is just reserved for her. For Zoe. While he usually shows his cold exterior to the world, including me.

That's not how we used to be. I miss him, the frank and soft side he used to show, the genuine laughter, staying by my side when I needed him. It all just stopped. With time. He started avoiding me, until his avoidance was pretty much evident. Something changed between us. But I have no one but myself to take the blame for it.

I wonder if he regrets pacing out too. I realised things; stuff I wasn't supposed to.

Just when I realised I loved him, I started avoiding him like crazy. I regret every part of that stupid decision. I wonder what would happen if I stepped up and confessed my love for him. Would he still have walked away, far away to lose track of us?

I've been bed-ridden for as long as I can remember. I've entirely changed from how I used to be. The trauma, the depression, his absence; it all just contributed to my downfall. I apparently seem to have lost my fitness, I can't even touch my toes at this point. It hurts, that I lost it all.

This game, she won it. The winner takes it all, rises above towards Heaven. To God. No matter what I do, I'll never compare to her. In my parent's eyes. In Alex's. After all, she took the privilege to rise while the loser has to fall deep down in the abyss.

But that was all five years ago. I need to go. I need to... stay put. Sometimes, I wonder what the world now looks like. I think it's time to step out. Time to have fun again.

Let's look pretty once more. Just once.

I lift my legs, and reach out for my slippers. All these years, I never stepped out. Ordered takeout when needed. I guess online shopping always helped me survive?

I walk towards the mirror, only to grasp a sight of that terrifying sight ahead. I've gained weight. No wonder, I felt bulky all those years. Having too much of snacks maybe aided to his horrifying scenario. Can't blame it, too delicious to endure.

As for clothes, my parents delivered them over so I had no idea of the size. I feel embarrassed now, not kidding.

I grab my pajamas and slippers to step out, with my phone in hand. It maybe is a small step out, but a giant leap for my life. Looking shabby, I glance around and walk through my colony. And I stayed in home for that asshole? I missed out on this scenery, for him?

With all the joy in my heart, I capture the present of my own colony. The pictures of illicit glances merely a trifle to others, but a rare sight to me.

As I walk about, I capture a familiar figure within the frame. I think it's.... ALEX???? My gaze lingers to find that body and there he is. IT'S HIM!!! O, my love.

He stood out of a seemingly exquisite restaurant. To my surprise, Alex walked in with a bouquet of red roses, seemingly waiting for someone. He stood in a two-piece suit, with a cold demeanor. Was he out on a DATE?

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