Leo Arslan

An Open Letter To My Almost Lover

When two people attracted to one another couldn’t make it work, it’s the formula for a real tragedy, and it’s the perfect definition of what we are.

I saw you, I heard you, and I felt you. 

I saw how your eyes searched for mine in a room full of strangers, how your ocean eyes lit up when you caught a glimpse of me. I felt how you cared for me while we were out there dancing to the beats of our youth. I heard the way your friends teased you about me while you smiled from ear to ear. And most significantly, I felt you—the sensation and tension whenever our skin became too close to each other. 

So, tell me, my almost lover, what could possibly be an obstacle too big to overcome for us not to give this, us, a chance?

I met you while I was at my most carefree. I remember it was one drunken night, and I was dancing to the beats of Happy by Square Heads while I didn’t know you were watching. From that small interaction on, we kept in touch.

You were the exact opposite of the man of my dreams, but with your own little ways, you made my heart beat faster like I hadn’t felt before. I’d like to believe I did, too, since you braved a 100 miles to see me again. 

So, tell me, my almost lover, what could possibly be your fear too big to crush for us not to give this, us, a chance?

I’ve always been careful with my heart, and you made it seem like you were worth tearing apart the walls I’ve built for myself. But now I’m crying myself to sleep just at the thought of how much I wanted you, yet you couldn’t even be mine.