The Concept Game, Volume #2

You and your lover's relationship was never met positively amongst other people. When you introduced them to your family and friends, they weren't the most accepting. You were hoping for better odds when it was the other way around, but it was the exact same reactions.

It felt like everyone were eyeing you two whenever you were together at family events and group outings, waiting for you two to leave so they can freely talk negatively about the two of you. The comments were getting to the both of you, and you both unfortunately decided to end the relationship. You brought up the idea of staying friends, and they quickly agreed, not wanting to get rid of you out of their life.

For days, you were glued to your bed, not wanting to leave or interact with anyone. You didn't even tell anyone in your personal life because you knew that they would rub salt into the wound and celebrate the end of your romance. By the end of the week, you felt like there were no more tears left to cry, so you went for a walk for some much needed fresh air. You browse through the different shops in town, eyes lighting up at an item that reminded you of them. The smile that sits on your face turns into a frown as you remember that they aren't yours anymore. Putting the item done, you would leave the store, not wanting to cry any tears in public.

You rushed out of the last store when you bumped into someone. Profusely apologizing, you make eye contact with the person and freeze. The other person freezes as well, and the two of you just stare at each other. You gasp as you realize that you bumped into your former lover.

"____..." They said softly.

"Hi..." You said, matching their tone.

"How, how have you been?" They asked you.

"Oh, you know, hanging in there. How are you?" You said, not truly sharing your current feelings.

"Same, going one day at a time." They replied, and the both of you nodded your heads.

"Did you tell your family about..." They then asked you, to which you shook your head no.

"No...I know they'll just add more insult to injury." You said with a sigh.

"Yeah, I haven't told my people yet either for the same reason." They said with a sigh.

"Oh! I just remembered, did you ever hear back from that interview that you did?" They asked you, not wanting the conversation to end.

"Ugh, no. But you know how weird they are with communication." You replied, rolling your eyes at the thought. They groaned, also fed up with the interview process for the job you applied for.

"That's very true, but you'll get it. I know you will." They said with a smile. You smiled back at them, feeling the same old butterflies for the first time in a little while.

"Thank you, I hope I get it. How has work been?" You asked them.

"Oh, you know, having me work like a busy bee." They said, imitating the buzzing sound of a bee. You giggled at the action, and they chuckled too.

"As always, but you better be taking care of yourself." You said, jabbing your finger into their shoulder. They winced, jokingly whining that you're hurting them.

"I do take care of myself, just so you know." They said smugly, and you put your hands up in defense.

"Alright, if you say so." You both laughed and a comfortable silence fell over. The two of you stood there, not saying a word until your phone rang. You pull out your phone and you look down at the contact, immediately letting out a groan of annoyance.

"Parents?" They asked you. You shook your head, showing them the contact name. After reading who is calling you, they also groaned, knowing how long a phone call with this person can go.

"Yikes, good luck, babe. I MEAN, friend. I mean, ___?" They said in a scramble, unsure of how to address you properly. They put a hand over their mouth in embarrassment. You couldn't respond out of shock, so you just nodded your head.

"I-I'm gonna go take this...so, um, l-let me know whe you get home." You stuttered. They quickly nodded their head, and you both ran off in opposite directions, not looking back due to the awkward encounter. You spoke with the person who called for your whole journey home and even longer once you stepped inside. The sun was setting by the time you hung up. Letting out a loud sigh, you text your former lover that you arrived home hours ago, but the phone call just going on and on.

Moments later, the phone rang again, and you were praying that it wasn't the same person calling back to add more details to their never-ending story. You let out a sigh of relief as you saw your ex's contact came up.

"Oh, how glad I am that it's you and not you know who." You said happily.

"You've never been this happy to talk to me on the phone." They said in a teasing tone.

"Don't you start with me, you know I'm always happy to talk to you. I'm assuming you made it home safely?" You asked, and they let out a hum in agreement.

"I did, yes. It was really great seeing you today." They suddenly confessed. A big smile grew on your face, ears getting warmer.

"It was really good seeing you too." You responded.

"Can I be honest?" They asked you. You hummed in agreement, and they let out a sigh.

"I know that we broke up because of everyone else, but I wish we didn't. Ever since we did, I've been having a hard time falling asleep. Every time I close my eyes, it's like you're still there with me. I truly believe that in another world, another universe that we would be perfect. We already were, it's just the people in our lives who were so unaccepting of us. Nothing would tear us apart there because it would be just the two of us. The stars would even light the way for us in this other world. I truly didn't want to let you go, _____." They passionately expressed, hearing them getting choked up. You were also on the verge of tears at their confession.

"You still have me in the palm of your hands, I hope you know that. You'll never lose me. Not now, not then, not ever." You finished with a sniffle. The two of you cried over the phone, mad at yourselves for letting people get in the way of your relationship.

"So let's go back to the way things were. Be us again, even if it means moving to another world like I mentioned." They said.

"Let's be us again."