Almost

He was sitting in front of her. Nothing was said, they just looked into each other's eyes. Savoring the sight that would soon be memories. The cafe was not so crowded yet not really empty either. Several people just enjoying the jazzy music echoing through the dimmed lighted room. It was a sweet day though, the first snow just fell down, covering the already cold soil. The sky was pretty gloomy but the Christmas decoration brightened up the mood. The silence almost felt so comfortable. Ah. That was the word... almost.

"I am so sorry..." He started the conversation, breaking the spell. It was not because he needed words. In fact, they did not need them at all, but some things were better to be spoken while others... let's just say that not all things should be declared out loud.

"What for?" She smiled at his words--not confuse a bit because she already knew the direction of this conversation. It was just good to make him say it first. It was not only to stroke her womany pride but she simply did not want to assume too far. She wanted to learn his depth before disclosing hers.

"I wish I approached you sooner. I wish the situation were different. I wish... Seems like I'm about to have a lot of wishes right now." He chuckled, she could not help but giggled.

"Well, it's a week before Christmas and you know, wishes that revolve around me? I think it won't be that bad." She smirked at him, tried to lighten up their mood by coating the serious topic with a joke.

"No, it will never be bad." He caressed her ring finger that was now beautified by a pretty diamond ring.

"Just come to my wedding, friend." She smiled and squeezed his much larger hands. She did not deny, nor confirm about her desire toward him. He was right, the situation was not in their favor, but they both knew that it was for the best. They were a good friend. Their friendship was so pure, it was just too precious to be tainted by a messy romance. Both of them also could not even picture a future where they might involve as a lover. No, they were perfect as a friend. Only a friend.

He smiled at her sincerely when she stood, gave him a warm hug and a lovely peck on his cheek.

"Take care!" She said cheerfully. Too cheerful for his liking but who could blame her? She deserved to be this happy and content. Even, when his heart was almost breaking

"You too..."

And then she waltzed out to the snowy weather, leaving him with his still warm and untouched coffee.

Almost...