You and Me

Submitted into Contest #179 in response to: End your story with a kiss at midnight.... view prompt

44 comments

Romance Contemporary Friendship

Why can’t I just say how I feel? It shouldn’t be hard. It should be natural. The most natural thing on earth. Everyone does it, right? Everyone’s always done it. It’s nothing. Just one small step. A few words. A few taps of a keyboard, even. 

I reach for my phone. I’m gonna do it. I could call you, or… no. I’ll text. It’s less stressful that way, for me and for you. It lets us make sure we say precisely what we mean. Less chance for misunderstandings.

I open up my messages and scroll to your name. It’s not hard to find. I could pick your face out of a crowd anywhere. Opening the conversation, I start to type. 


Hey, I was just wondering, would you maybe-


No. That’s not good. It’s too weak. Too apprehensive. You’d smell the fear through the screen. I need to project confidence. 

I try again. 


Hey, do you want to go to dinner with me sometime?


I ponder this for a while, eventually shaking my head. It’s too abrupt and unclear. You might not realise that I mean as a date. You might think I’m talking about a casual platonic meetup. That’s not a mistake I want to make. I want you to know what I’m asking. I want to know what your answer means. 

Sighing, I glance around my room, searching for inspiration. It’s a waste of time. Hundreds of books and movies, yet not a single one can give me the answers I need. 

In desperation, I turn to the world’s most treacherous source of advice. The internet. Sure, there’s a lot of garbage on there, but if you slog past the cheesy pick-up lines and pseudo-psychology, there really are a few hidden gems. 

Not that I can find them. Almost everything I read is about dating in person. Standing up straight. Projecting confidence through physicality. Maybe even a bit of light contact, a hand on the arm, that sort of thing. Solid advice, but utterly useless to me since, you know, you’re halfway across the country right now. 

Still, slowly but surely, I cobble something together that sounds more or less decent. 


Hey, I know you’re back in town on the fourth. How about that Friday we go for dinner at that pizza place you like, then afterwards take a walk through the park? They’ve revamped the gardens, and I think you’d love them. 


Dinner and a romantic, moonlit walk. That sounds like a date, I think. I’ve managed to make my intentions clear. Plus, I sound confident. No umming and ahhing, no self-defeatism. The best thing of all is it gives you an easy out. If you’re not interested, you can say you’re busy that night. If you genuinely are busy, you can suggest another time. It’s not like the park is going anywhere. The message is perfect. 

I’ve done it. I’m ready. Now, there’s only one thing left to do. It’s just a shame it’s the hardest thing of all.  

My finger hovers over the send button, unable to take that final step. I keep telling myself to just press it and get this whole thing over with. But that annoying little voice in my head keeps arguing. What if they say no? What if they decide they hate me? What if they don’t want to talk to me anymore? It’s times like this that I wish I drink. A little bit of liquid courage is exactly what I need right now. That’d shut the damn voice up. 

But I don’t take a drink. Instead, I do the stupidest thing possible. I give myself time to think. Yeah. I’m an idiot.

Before long, that little voice is running rampant. What am I doing? This is stupid. So, so stupid. Sure, I want more from our relationship. But what if you don’t? What if, by doing this, I ruin our friendship? I don’t want to lose you. 

I tell myself again and again that I’m overthinking. That you aren’t like that. That it would take more than a bit of awkwardness to drive a wedge between us. But I’m not convinced. Sure, maybe we’d be fine for now. But what if you find someone else? Will they be okay with us being friends, knowing how I feel about you? I’m not so sure. 

Besides, I know that you’re not exactly looking for a relationship right now. Truth be told, it’s probably not the best time for me either. But that shouldn’t matter, not really. If two people are right for each other, they can overcome anything, can’t they? The timing might not be ideal, but we can get past it.

Then again-

I almost scream in frustration. I can’t do this anymore. Picking up my phone, I delete the message, deciding to wait until you’re back and tell you how I feel face to face. It’ll be better that way. I can put all that advice to use and win you over with my charming smile. 

I’m lying to myself, of course. I know the odds are good that I’ll still find a way to bottle it. I’ll still talk myself down. But maybe, just maybe, I won’t. Maybe I’ll find a way to beat that annoying little voice. 

Do you know what the worst thing is? You probably think I won’t say anything because you don’t mean enough to me. That my fear of rejection is stronger than my feelings for you. You couldn’t be more wrong. In a weird, paradoxical way, the strength of my feelings for you are what stops me from saying anything. You’re amazing. The most perfect human being I’ve ever met. Every time I see your smile, my heart soars like an eagle. And when I hear your laugh, my body glows with happiness. Even when I’m just listening to you vent about your troubles, I feel like I’m hearing a classic tale equal to anything Shakespeare, Austen, Hemingway, or Joyce ever created. Because you’ve nailed the most important part of storytelling. You’ve made me care about the protagonist. You’ve made me care about you. And I couldn’t bear it if I did something stupid enough to drive you from my life.    

The next couple of weeks pass in a blur. I throw myself into my work, glad of the distraction. In the brief moments I let myself think of you, I begin to convince myself that I really will tell you how I feel. That by not saying anything, I could be robbing us of so much time together. By the week before you’re due back, I’m certain. The next time I see you, I’m asking you out. 

My muscles finally relaxing, I slump back into a chair. I’ve spent a long day at my desk and am ready to unwind. Turning on the TV, I grab my phone and begin swiping through social media to catch up with what my friends have been doing. I see some pictures of you celebrating New Year’s. I smile. You’re happy, and that makes me happy. But then I swipe to the last picture and see you wrapped up in somebody else’s arms, your rosy lips pressed against theirs. My head spins. My chest tightens. I feel like I’m about to pass out. Putting down my phone, I put my head in my hands and cry. Why didn’t I tell you how I feel? Why didn’t I at least try to see if you felt the same way? Why do I have to be so damn broken?


January 03, 2023 12:11

You must sign up or log in to submit a comment.

44 comments

AnneMarie Miles
15:32 Jan 03, 2023

This is so very relatable, Daniel. Anyone whose ever had a crush can relate to this, the overthinking, the typing up messages and deleting, the all-consuming anxiety and need for perfection (which is usually the source of procrastination). I was so empathetic for your MC that the ending nearly crushed me. I had such high hopes that they would be the ones kissing at midnight. But as life goes, it's not always a happy ending. I am seconding Wendy on the line she picked out about caring for the protagonist. That was my favorite too 🙂

Reply

Daniel Allen
14:57 Jan 04, 2023

Thanks for reading! I'm glad that you could relate to it. As you say, we've all experienced these sorts of feelings and the heartbreak that comes when they don't reach a happy resolution. I will confess this was one of those stories where I was particularly emotionally invested myself, so writing that ending did depress me a little. Still, it just felt like the appropriate way to go!

Reply

AnneMarie Miles
15:28 Jan 04, 2023

I'm sorry to hear that, Daniel! Writing the truth is the cathartic way to go, in my opinion. Maybe not the easiest, but it usually has the most emotional impact. I hope it was in some way a release for you.

Reply

Daniel Allen
15:43 Jan 04, 2023

Thanks! It wasn't a completely true story or anything. I upped the drama levels a lot (especially with the ending). But I did find that they were interesting/ relatable emotions and feelings to explore, and they seem to be resonating with others.

Reply

AnneMarie Miles
16:08 Jan 04, 2023

Absolutely! Whenever you write from a place of experience, it will resonate with others. I've had a similar experience with my writing this week. Parts of the truth, deep emotions. Wishing you the best of luck on this one!

Reply

Show 0 replies
Show 1 reply
Show 1 reply
Show 1 reply
Show 1 reply
Wendy Kaminski
12:57 Jan 03, 2023

"Because you’ve nailed the most important part of storytelling. You’ve made me care about the protagonist." Such a great line, and so very appropriate for this story! I felt every bit of angst through this guy's thoughts, and it was fairly painful a process. Not without its laughs, though, which I appreciate you sprinkling throughout ("You’d smell the fear through the screen." Snicker. :) ("world’s most treacherous source of advice." lol It should have to carry that warning label - where's Tipper Gore when you actually need her?!) "I give...

Reply

Daniel Allen
15:06 Jan 04, 2023

Thanks, Wendy! I'm really glad that you enjoyed the story. Yeah. I think many of us can relate to the protagonist's thought processes in some way. Thanks for catching the typo! As for the arm touching, I actually did some Googling to make that section accurate. Those were all bits of actual advice that I came across. I'm glad you appreciated the ending. It was perhaps a bit harsh, but just felt appropriate for the tone of the story.

Reply

Show 0 replies
Show 1 reply
17:22 Jan 19, 2023

"I give myself time to think. Yeah. I’m an idiot." Oh, that's SO unfortunately relatable! You certainly made me care about this protagonist. I felt all his anxiety and let-down.

Reply

Daniel Allen
13:51 Jan 24, 2023

Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed the story!

Reply

Show 0 replies
Show 1 reply
Tara Leigh Parks
17:46 Jan 11, 2023

"Even when I’m just listening to you vent about your troubles, I feel like I’m hearing a classic tale equal to anything Shakespeare, Austen, Hemingway, or Joyce ever created. Because you’ve nailed the most important part of storytelling. You’ve made me care about the protagonist. You’ve made me care about you." Love this. I also think this would make a great monologue to perform, maybe in a play where each character does monologues or a one man show. Some short stories work that way, depending on the style. This is one of those.

Reply

Daniel Allen
13:59 Jan 24, 2023

Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it. Yeah, I have played with the idea of converting some of my stories to audio, and this feels like one that would be fun to do.

Reply

Show 0 replies
Show 1 reply
Helen A Smith
15:21 Jan 11, 2023

A great story with a sad ending on a highly relatable subject. Surely it was it all easier before the internet when there were less options ? At least the only choices were speaking directly or phoning. Or, the magical age of the letter. I think that might have worked best of all. The main point is you made me care about the character Daniel.

Reply

Daniel Allen
13:59 Jan 24, 2023

Thank you very much! I'm glad you enjoyed it and related to the character!

Reply

Show 0 replies
Show 1 reply
Susan Catucci
17:50 Jan 10, 2023

This work of yours is so perfectly human, it hurts. The mental tug-of-war we have with ourselves when faced with difficult choices, meaning the ones that involve feelings, exposing some vulnerability, is all too relatable. Makes we wish we all were equipped with internal referees that could blow a whistle or throw a flag when we're going too far. Bring the ball back, man. It's a common dilemma but still we have to endure it alone. A sad take on the prompt that he wasn't part of the kiss but soooo effective. Well done, Daniel.

Reply

Daniel Allen
14:04 Jan 24, 2023

Thank you very much! I'm really glad you enjoyed the story and found it to be authentic. Yeah, part of me wanted to end it on a happier note, but this just felt right!

Reply

Show 0 replies
Show 1 reply
Liv Chocolate
09:24 Jan 10, 2023

You captured texting anxiety perfectly, Daniel! And what a clever take on this prompt by having the kiss be witnessed instead of experienced by the MC

Reply

Daniel Allen
14:05 Jan 24, 2023

Thank you very much! I'm glad you enjoyed it!

Reply

Show 0 replies
Show 1 reply
Zack Powell
03:36 Jan 09, 2023

Daniel, who told you it was okay to post my diary entries on Reedsy? LOL. Just kidding, but I can relate to this more than I'd like to admit. This is such an accurate representation of the fear of rejection - the overthinking, the hundreds of messages that get thought up but never sent, the realization that the other person is moving on with their lives while you're stuck thinking about them constantly. I'm sure most people can relate to this, and you told it in such a way that even those who can't relate can surely empathize. Really appreci...

Reply

Daniel Allen
14:19 Jan 24, 2023

Thank you very much for your kind comment! I'm glad you appreciated the use of 'you'. I tried to make it feel more personal this way, but I also wanted to use gender-neutral language as much as possible to highlight the universality of these feelings. Thanks for reading!

Reply

Show 0 replies
Show 1 reply
Rama Shaar
21:05 Jan 08, 2023

This is such a sad story, but very well written. Quite frankly a part of the human experience! You captured the voice and thought process of the overthinker very well.

Reply

Daniel Allen
14:10 Jan 24, 2023

Thank you very much!

Reply

Show 0 replies
Show 1 reply
Mary Lehnert
19:31 Jan 08, 2023

This is the first story of yours I’ve read and it won’t be the last. The angst and talking over pros and cons haven’tvwe all been there? That’s. called the human condition and you nailed it perfectly. Great job and the ending was so right. Great piece. Look forward to reading more from you . Thanks also for reading Schweissfuss and the nice comments.

Reply

Daniel Allen
14:07 Jan 24, 2023

Thank you very much for your kind comment! I'm glad you enjoyed the story!

Reply

Show 0 replies
Show 1 reply
Stevie Burges
14:31 Jan 08, 2023

Been there and worn the T-shirt and that’s from a woman’s point of view. Loved the story. All that working out what she’s thinking when of course the MC doesn’t have a clue! Great story. It raised all my angst levels - in a good way. Thanks for writing.

Reply

Daniel Allen
17:50 Jan 08, 2023

Thank you so much for reading! I'm glad you found it relatable!

Reply

Show 0 replies
Show 1 reply
Wally Schmidt
00:41 Jan 08, 2023

Daniel!!! So good to read you again! The last line is a crusher, that's for sure. I physically gasped when I read it; so raw. The crux of the thing to me is in this line "In a weird, paradoxical way, the strength of my feelings for you are what stops me from saying anything." I wonder how many missed connections there are because so many of us are programmed not to take risks. This story is terribly sad. Terribly true. Well done.

Reply

Daniel Allen
17:48 Jan 08, 2023

Hi Wally! Thanks for reading. I'm really glad that you enjoyed the story. This was definitely a sad one to write, and thinking about how widespread the emotions here are makes it even sadder. Still, in a way, I think that it also provides a little hope. So many of us are in the same boat. Hopefully, one day, we as a species can overcome this tendency to avoid small risks and be happier for it.

Reply

Wally Schmidt
05:58 Jan 09, 2023

I came across this interesting experiment yesterday where people were asked about making an important decision: to get married, to quit their jobs, stuff like that. If they couldn't decide they could flip a virtual coin on the website. The choices revolved around dilemmas about making a life change or sticking with the status quo. Turns out those who took a risk were much happier in the end than those who did nothing. Here is the link if you want to read about it https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2016/08/15/what-a-well-known-resea...

Reply

Show 0 replies
Show 1 reply
Show 1 reply
Michał Przywara
21:47 Jan 04, 2023

Ah, the majestic overthinking loop, the glorious doubt cycle, the parade of self-deceiving procrastination - I'm sure many people will recognize these :) Certainly, I do. The ending is both great and horrible. It's horrible, because it's a real gut punch, but that's also what makes it great. By *not* getting together, we get a much stronger tragic ending, instead of a sweet success. So, it's sad, and that's why it was the right choice. Great, unexpected take on the prompt! It's a kiss missed.

Reply

Daniel Allen
17:40 Jan 08, 2023

Thank you, Michał! Yes, these emotions seem to be things that most of us have experienced at one time or another. I'm glad you appreciated the ending. Though it is perhaps a little sad, it just felt right.

Reply

Show 0 replies
Show 1 reply
Aeris Walker
19:11 Jan 04, 2023

Very creative way to pull of this prompt in unique/less predictable way. I wasn't expecting that ending, but it's certainly a realistic one. I think many of us can relate to situations like this, either with a shake of our heads at our indecisiveness/passivity, or with a sigh of relief that what we thought we wanted didn't end up working out. You do a great job getting us into the mind of your MC. We are rooting for this person right away, leaning over their shoulder as they type, chanting "send it! send it!" This whole story feels like i...

Reply

Daniel Allen
17:36 Jan 08, 2023

Thank you, Aeris! I'm really glad you found it both relatable and enjoyable. I worked hard on the voice and the emotion on this one because I think these feelings are so common these days, and it was nice to have a chance to discuss them. I've had someone else suggest that I turn it into a book, so I may have a go! Thanks for reading!

Reply

Show 0 replies
Show 1 reply
Tommy Goround
18:37 Jan 03, 2023

The not knowing. Life's most interesting conflict. Going to go watch Harry met Sally for the 10th time. Clapping.

Reply

Daniel Allen
14:51 Jan 04, 2023

Thanks for reading, Tommy! Glad you liked it!

Reply

Show 0 replies
Show 1 reply
15:56 Jan 03, 2023

Great writing and very relatable. This was me at age 24. The internal voice worked really well to bring us into his emotional state. Hope the MC speaks up quicker next time, this is a lesson most people need to live through in one way or another.

Reply

Daniel Allen
14:53 Jan 04, 2023

Thanks, Scott. Yeah, I certainly channelled some life experience on this one (though I naturally upped the drama a bit). It's nice to see that the story resonates with people.

Reply

Show 0 replies
Show 1 reply
Marley Hutton
15:24 Dec 05, 2023

Daniel....... wow. you really nailed it. that is how everybody feels sometimes..... who were you referring to as the girl?? or was this like a Y/N x ___ situation?

Reply

Show 0 replies
Laura McElhany
21:18 Oct 16, 2023

Umm... It didn't have a kiss at midnight but good story!

Reply

Show 0 replies
Nirja Sareen
04:03 Oct 06, 2023

DAMNN did not see that coming (felt this story)

Reply

Show 0 replies
Gold Fish
04:34 May 23, 2023

BEAUTIFUL IM CRYING

Reply

Show 0 replies
RBE | We made a writing app for you (photo) | 2023-02

We made a writing app for you

Yes, you! Write. Format. Export for ebook and print. 100% free, always.