Mika pov.

“Mika! Mika! Come and see—I caught a bwterrfly!”

Younger Dave’s voice echoed in my ears as he panted, while I watered my plants.

“It’s called a butterfly, not a bwterrfly or whatever you just said,” I corrected him, the way I always did.

“Bwterrfly,” he repeated stubbornly. “I don’t care. I caught a bwterrfly. Do you want it? I can give it to you. And when I see my soulmate, I’ll catch one for him or her too.” He grinned foolishly.

“Soulmate,” I muttered bitterly.

“Why did your face change? You look sad. Are you okay? Want me to blow you some kisses?” He was already closing the gap between us. He pecked my cheek before I could answer.

I had been in love with him for years. My heart betrayed me every time he smiled. But he always treated me like his best friend, and the distance stung every time he said the word.

“Mom said we’re going back to school tomorrow. I’m so happy,” Dave said, turning around.

“Why would you be excited for school?” I frowned in disgust.

“School’s fun. I get to play with you and protect you.” He said it so sincerely, like it didn’t hurt to watch him break me a little more every day.

---

Ten years later, he was no longer the young boy who trailed behind me. He was taller, broader, still annoying, and still trying to protect me from every possible injury.

And my stupid heart still hadn’t learned its lesson. The feeling only grew stronger. Unstoppable.

“Mika, if you don’t come out of the restroom, I will drag you out myself.” His deep voice boomed through the door.

My heart did a ridiculous rollercoaster. I almost moaned at the sound of it. I slapped a hand over my mouth and splashed cold water on my face.

“Calm down, fool. I’m coming. A princess has to take care of herself,” I called back.

“Tell that to your soulmate, not me. So shut your mouth, you little pussy,” he replied, smirking.

My heart died a little. *Soulmate.* We were always bound by that stupid biology. Why did we have to have soulmates? Did the love I already felt for him not count for anything?

I washed my hands and stepped out.

He pulled me into a hug before I could say anything. Bro-code hug. His raspberry scent hit me first. “You should’ve come out earlier,” he chuckled, then started tickling me.

I am extremely ticklish. I burst into laughter.

“Stop it—stop it—” I tried to push him away. “I’m going to make you pay.”

He towered over me, his weight pressing me down until my small frame was completely swallowed by his. “You know you fit me perfectly,” he cooed, then winked.

My heart thundered. I tried to hide my blushing face. “Your soulmate would be very proud of you,” I said, keeping the bitterness out of my voice as best I could.

His expression changed instantly. That soft, lovesick look settled on his face, and my heart stung.

“You know, when I finally meet my soulmate, I’m going to take them out on a proper date. I’ve got so many plans.” He said it excitedly. “Are you eager to meet yours?”

“What if they’re not who you thought they were?” I asked, no longer hiding the bitterness.

He looked surprised, like he hadn’t expected the edge in my voice.

“But soulmates are meant to be your other half. So mine has to be a better person,” he reasoned.

“Your soulmate is a better person,” I scoffed. “You mean the unknown person you don’t even know? Maybe they’re out there getting fucked or having the best orgasm of their life while you’re here saving yourself for them. Don’t regret that decision, Mr. Soulmate.”

“Why are you being so harsh? I was just trying to make you happy. Every time you hear the word ‘soulmate’ you get weird. And for your information, my mate *is* the best. I don’t know about yours, you selfish bastard. I hope your mate teaches you a real lesson.” His muscles tensed as he shoved my chest and walked away.

Guilt settled heavy in my chest. Stupid. Crazy. Selfish bastard. I called myself every name I could think of as I stormed back into the restroom.

“You pushed him away because of your selfish nature,” my reflection judged me. “You just made him hate you more. Are you happy now?”

Just tell him how you feel. Saying something is better than saying nothing.

I shook my head. If I told him I loved him, he would push me away for real.

*Then is he beside you right now? Just bite the fucking bullet and ask him out, coward. Though I doubt he’ll say yes. He’s basically head over heels for his soulmate already.*

I hate you, I told my reflection, because you only ever tell the truth, and the truth breaks my heart.

“Now clean up and stop being a loser,” it chided.

I blinked away the unshed tears and muttered, “Soulmate can bind me when I’m already this deep for him.”

I washed my hands again, then hailed a taxi home. His car was still in the parking lot, but my social battery was drained. If I tried to talk to him now, it would only escalate, and I didn’t have the calm left in me.

I got home, showered, and found the house empty. My parents weren’t back yet. I picked up my phone and messaged the person who still owned my heartbeat.

**Mika:** I’m sorry for being such a dick. Forgive me.

He didn’t reply for a long moment. I closed my eyes and tried to force sleep, but a single ping shattered whatever peace I’d managed to gather.

**Dave:** Guess what, Mika. I found my soulmate.

My hand shook. The phone slipped from my fingers and hit the floor.

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