Click.

Tobias remembers the first time you two officially met. Frame by frame. Like photos in a gallery.

‘You took that shot on the bulletin, didn't you? That photo of me at the pep rally?’ you had asked him over lunch. Surprised was an understatement, Tobias was stunned— frozen in his seat, staring at the limp pasta on his plate. Cafeteria food was already pretty bland but at that time, Tobias couldn't taste anything. Just the cold chill that ran down his spine when you approached.

No one has ever approached him. Not willingly at least. And especially not with any pleasant intentions.

Ah.. oh no.. you must be furious. After all, he hadn't asked before publishing that photo of you on the school paper.

He made a mistake.

He's at fault.

Tobias had to hold his utensils tighter to fight the way his hands shook. Afraid of embarrassing himself even more, he didn't look you in the eyes— he couldn't, not if he wanted to keep himself from crying.

But then—

‘It’s great. I loved it.’

‘You’ve got real talent.’

..?

.. ah..?

Tobias can't recall how he responded. It didn't matter. Because the way you had simply.. smiled in turn was dazzling.

Tobias wished he had taken a picture.

So he's carried his camera with him everywhere since.

You know— just in case he spots you in the corridors or by the school gates. Or when you're out on the streets with friends and when he spots you in cafes. Or when you're out at your part-time job, or when you're feeding random strays on the street, or visiting aunts and uncles. Or when you're cycling in your neighborhood, studying in your room, or even laying bored on your bed.

Eating. Changing. Bathing.

Click.

Yesterday you had forgotten to return a pen.

Click.

Last week you finally remembered to water the plants.

Click.

A few days ago, you met a new stray.

Click.

Happy, angry, grieving. Tobias had made sure to capture it all. Each one, near and dear to his heart— plastered all over his walls. He stares at you through every possible screen. But none quite as dazzling as that first day.

But today, that changes.

Because he's planned a surprise.

One that will, for sure, bring the most dazzling smile to your lovely face.

Meanwhile, you're turning up just to be polite. After all, it's difficult to say no when you're invited as nervously as he did. “W-Will y..you go..?” Playing with his fingers, stumbling over his words. It was.. pitiful. To say the least.

You can hardly remember the guy but you showed up because you figured no one else would.

To his photography exhibit.

But it isn't quite.. what you expected.

You.

You, everywhere.

The exhibit started out harmless, things you could have laughed off. But the further along you went— the harder and harder it got to simply brush off.

And.. click.

With his camera, Tobias is standing not too far behind. Heart racing— watching, waiting for your lips to break into a…

Smile.