When Haru Was Here

by Dustin Thao

Sometimes I wish we could be kids again.

“You got a free concert. Be grateful.”

stop ignoring me

Why so… dramatic!

sorry I was busy you can come over!

Honestly, I’ve done this several times, now.

wearing a denim jacket over his red sweatshirt.

Note to self: wear this combination for later.

“We haven’t seen each other all week.”

He looks like those kind of people that spend countless hours with their partner and still it doesn’t seem to be enough time for them.

“I’m telling you, it’s a glitch.”

I think there’s been a glitch!

“We’re the main characters.”

Right now, he’s right!

“The more you put out into the universe, the more chances something happens.

The kiss only lasts a moment. But the feeling of it lingers

I wish I knew the ending to our story sooner. Maybe it wouldn’t hurt as much.

“The two spent so much time together, they forgot their duties to the world. So the gods forced them apart,” he explains. “But it’s only a story.”

Is it? Just a story?

“I knew you were lucky,” Haru says with a wink.

“This way, we’ll have each other’s,”

You have me on my knees, i’d love to do that once!

“In honor of the Star Festival?” “Or of us meeting.”

It’s funny how some people walk into your life. A few hours ago, we didn’t even know each other. Maybe we’re meant to take the wrong train sometimes.

But it feels like we’ve known each other longer, maybe in another life or something. I can’t really explain it.

The men already spent money on you, so… I don’t think that’s THAT problematic.

“I was waiting to give this to you,” he says quickly. “My phone number to stay in touch.”

realizing we’ll never see each other again. Haru slowly disappears from view. All I have left is a red bracelet and the memory of him.

FUCKKKKK!!!! This is gonna hurt me that bad!

It’s a feeling that comes and goes, reminding me that even in a crowded room, I’m still alone. That no one even knows I’m here. It’s like there’s a wall between me and the rest of the world. I’m always on the outside, staring through a screen.

“I noticed you standing alone all night. I’ve been building up the courage to ask you for a dance.”

I’ve never danced with another guy before.

Suddenly, I feel like the main character of the story.

Before I can say more, a girl with blond hair appears at his side, looking stunning in a yellow dress. She grabs his arm and says, “I love this song. Come dance with me.”

Why did I feel this

That something about tonight isn’t quite the same.

The moment I open my eyes, I’m alone on the rooftop again. No one is lying there next to me. I stare at the empty side of the blanket as another breeze rolls through, ruffling the trees.

Speechless

I lie there on the rooftop for the rest of the night, wishing he were still here with me.

I’m still not used to a world without him in it.

You forget how much you miss someone until they’re right in front of you again.

There’s nothing but an empty chair where he should be sitting.

I still can’t believe it’s him. Haru. Sitting right in front of me.

I don’t even believe you

“Maybe we knew we’d meet again.”

The moment I come out again, I realize Haru is gone. The street is completely empty. I glance around, wondering where he went.

Okay, I can’t with his schizophrenic ass

I didn’t even get your number.

When I realize no one is coming, I make my way to the train station, wondering how I let him slip away again.

Eventually I just shut my eyes until the rest of the world drifts away.

Haru stares back at me through the dark. Silence hangs in the air between us.

He’s fully schizophrenic.

I think I’ve lost my mind.

Yes, you have.

I feel a pang of guilt for leaving this way.

As you ahould

We decided on La La Land,

I knew there was something to la la land in this book.

Jasmine always had the soundtrack playing in the car.

I would too

“They could have tried harder.”

No no that’s not the way

“The planetarium?”

I know he only mentioned it in his mind

at this point, I would go anywhere with him.

Nah, you’re delulu

“I think it’s meant to show what it feels like to fall in love.”

“It was real to them.”

Suddenly, it’s pulled into the sky by some invisible string and vanishes.

I would like to know which kind of drugs is the author into.

“How are you even doing that—”

He’s in your head

“Why didn’t you?”

That’s very intrusive for an imaginary person.

Especially when he never loved me back.”

Then why were you there in the first place…