when we finally find each other
I liked him. The way he twiddled his fingers when he was nervous was always flattering. We had been dating for almost two months now, and he still twiddled his fingers every time we were in the car together. Or really, any time we were alone together.
I never thought, in my entire life, that I would ever fall for a guy like this. He was safe. I was not.
“Are you hungry?” Liem spoke, his voice still sometimes unfamiliar to me, in a pleasant kind of way.
I shook my head and concentrated on the road ahead. We had just finished a film we both agreed needed more work on the plot and less on the effects. It made me happy that we agreed on such things. More than I was ready to admit to him. I wanted to believe that, at any minute, he would say something to offend me. Or something I would passionately disagree with. Then I would be able to break up with him and move on with my life.
“You don’t want frozen yogurt or anything?” Liem kept on. Damn him. How did he know I love frozen yogurt?
“If you want. Are you hungry?” I asked in return, taking the pressure off me.
“Let’s do it. The night is still young.” Liem said in a chipper tone. He was, often times, unusually chipper.
“I don’t know. I’m a little tired.” I’m not sure why I was so reluctant. I did want frozen yogurt, and I wasn’t tired at all.
“Are you sure? I was hoping we could spend some more time together tonight.” Liem spoke with more confidence than usual. I glanced over at him, a small innocent smile placard on his face. What was his game?
“I’m sorry. If you’re tired you should certainly go home. I think I’ve just been missing you a lot lately. I hope that doesn’t scare you too much, does it?” Liem’s voice trembled slightly, his nerves giving way.
“It doesn’t, Liem. You don’t need to be so nervous. We can go get frozen yogurt.” I smiled at him reassuringly.
A moment of silence passed between us. Liem started to twiddle his thumbs again.
“What do you like about me, Liem?” I caught myself off-guard with the question. It somehow managed to jump straight out of my thoughts.
“…I’m sorry?” Liem stopped twiddling his thumbs. He switched over to rubbing the palm of his hands on his thighs. “Um…well, lots of things.”
“Like what?” Again, I spoke bluntly.
Liem took a moment. “I just like the way you make me feel. When you’re not around I like that I have someone to miss, that I have someone I get to see later and helps me complete my day. And when you are near I, uh…” Liem laughed. “I get so damn nervous. I’m sure you’ve noticed. I guess I just keep thinking what a lucky idiot I am. You know I consider it a priviledge every time I get to kiss you.”
“You are such a romantic shit.” I said as endearingly as I could.
Liem shrugged. “I know. Forgive me.”
He reached over and took my hand. It was the first time he had taken the initiative to do so. It was warm.
“I may not be as exciting as my brother, but I’m not an asshole either.” Liem spoke honestly. He had to be telling the truth. That’s all he ever did.
I had spent my life chasing assholes. I wondered if Liem would ever change on me, ever prove me right. But looking at him, that damn goofy smile of his, I couldn’t help but feel rest assured. And suddenly, became nervous.
great ending… leaves it open – just like life~