Lu’s hands were sweaty and the suffocating suit and tie she was wearing wasn’t helping. Why was she doing this again? Right—your date stood you up and left you alone at some fancy party. So what did she do? She told you she’d be there ASAP. Of course she did, she couldn’t imagine leaving you on your own like that.

Her leg shook in the backseat of the taxi, a single rose in her hand. She wasn’t sure if you’d like it but she heard you mention a love of flowers once or twice. She knew a lot about you. Maybe that’s why it was so difficult to watch you go out with so many jerks.

There it was. Lu winced as she realized where her mind was going. Unrequited love. To her, it’s nothing more than a one-man cult, but she worshiped you. How could you not see how much she cared for you? She was always there when you needed her—not that she wanted anything in return. Or maybe she did. It was too confusing.

She had a bad habit of rambling and the taxi driver was lucky enough to catch her at her most anxious time. She used him as a shrink the entire ride and to her surprise, he actually listened. She just wanted to get it off her chest so she didn’t word vomit in front of you.

Lu knew she could never make you love her so she had to get used to just being a ‘friend’. Stuck in limbo and forced to watch you get your heart broken again and again. What sick joke was the universe playing on her?

As the taxi pulled up to the venue, she nearly dropped the rose as she got out of the car. She caught it and awkwardly made her way over to you standing outside. “Hey.” Lu said nervously, her suit being two sizes too big making her look even more comedic as she handed you the flower. “Red roses bring good luck.. I think. I actually just made that up.”