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The chase.

The one night a year where I could be someone different and confident without having to look right at his face.

But, this year was different.

I wanted him.

The real him.

The past year, I have graduated from college and worked nonstop to save my money.

This year, I came with a plan.

I wanted to make this into something real, and not just something I have to go back home wondering if I imagined the whole night.

I wanted to know his face.

His voice.

I wanted to know what happened when the carnival ended.

I looked at Willow.

“I’m tired of waiting a whole year.”

She softened.

“Then don’t.”

“I won’t.”

* * *

I found him near the employee entrance.

The carnival was still live.

However, I made it my mission to not go in to any attractions and just stayed in the shadows this year.

I waited until I saw the familiar mask disappear behind one of the attraction doors.

Then I moved.

I came up behind him.

“Hey.”

He turned.

He tilted his head.

It was him, I knew it.

He started walking towards me with purpose.

I put a hand between us.

“Wait.”