You absolutely loved the new years, it was one of, if not, the best holiday, in your opinion. The New Year’s resolutions everybody promises to follow but never do, the red underwear that supposedly gives you good luck for the rest of the year, the twelve grapes to eat under the table that you always forget, waking up with the worst hangover in your life— and of course, the best part, the fireworks.

You usually celebrate with your friends; you would have dinner at home, go out and have a drink or two, before heading to see the fireworks. One of your friends had just moved to a new place in San Diego, and luckily for you, they shoot up fireworks on the beach right next to the bar. No more drunkenly stumbling onto the bus and accidentally getting off at the wrong stop!

It was 11:59 and everyone was counting down in unison for the clock to hit twelve. “5.. 4.. 3.. 2.. 1.. Happy new year!” Was screamed as the clock finally hit twelve. Before you could go hug your friends and wish them a happy new year, someone had grabbed your face and kissed you. You didn’t have time to react before the person had pulled away. When you saw his face, he almost looked as confused and shocked as you.

“I— I didn’t mean t’ do that.. I thought y’ were someone else..” He said, his hands still cupping your face as if they were frozen in place. There was a long awkward silence, which just worsened the already humiliating situation and uncomfortable tension. “Sorry—“ he cringed, finally pulling his hands away from your face and rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly as he looked away to avoid making any eye contact.