All Chapters of Matchmaking Festival: Chapter 1 - Chapter 10

Laugh it off, let it go, and when you wake up it will seem so yesterday. Haven’t you heard that I’m gonna be okay?– Hilary Duff"Hi. I just want to let you know that I’m satisfied with your work. So, thank you," said Annaliese to the freelance video editor she hired over the phone. “Yes, I’ll contact you again later for the next project. Bye.”Working as a travel vlogger had always been her dream job. Though it took her great courage to quit her secure job as a secretary which she was very good at, she finally could brag about not regretting her decision at all. She started by reviewing local tourist destinations she visited and didn’t expect to get an audience pretty quickly. Then she continued to neighboring countries and before traveling all over the world.Unfortunately, her love life wasn’t as lucky as her career. If there had been an award for the unluckiest person of the year, she could be one of the top five nominees. Never once in her 30 years of life had she wanted to waste

I got a little bit stronger, ridin' in the car to work and I'm tryin' to ignore the hurt. – Sara Evans ••• “You’re late.” Gerard crossed his arms over his chest. His eyes moved, following where his best friend was walking ever since she entered the room. Annaliese stopped behind the kitchen counter and took out a glass from the cupboard. “I know, I know. I’m sorry. But like I told you before, I didn’t feel like watching The Good Doctor tonight. I didn’t promise I could join you guys, did I?” she defended herself. “Well, that’s fine with me. But Bea was a little upset, so she went straight to bed right after watching only two episodes,” informed Gerard. He had to tell Annaliese about it so she could explain it to Beatrice first thing in the morning. If not, the so-called Princess Bea would not talk to her for the next whole day. Even though they had only begun being friends three years ago, they had a strong bond. They hit it off ever since the first meeting and they slowly built

And when the night is cloudy, there is still a light that shines on me, shinin’ until tomorrow, let it be. – The Beatles ••• “I just finished talking with Dad and was about to cross the street when a truck almost hit me. But William rescued me just a second before it happened.” That was how Annaliese recounted the near-death experience. Less than ten seconds. Gerard and Beatrice exchanged glances. They seemed to not believe how their best friend responded as if undisturbed by the accident. “What?” Annaliese arched her eyebrows. Beatrice exhaled loudly. “Are you for real, Ann?” she commented. “You almost lost your life. If it hadn’t been for William, you wouldn’t have been here. You don’t have to pretend to be okay. It’s okay not to be okay. We’re your best friends, aren’t we?” Annaliese didn’t say a word but let out an audible sigh. “Ann, you made William confused. You’re acting like he’s made a mistake, but it was only because he gave you that feeling, didn’t he?” Gerard gentl

'Cause I've still got a lot of fight left in me. – Rachel Platten ••• “Eat something, will you?” Beatrice pushed a bowl of cereals she’d made for Annaliese. She almost gave up trying after ten hours. Ever since Annaliese got back to the hotel, she didn’t say a word but stared blankly. Zombie might be the right word to describe her demeanor now. Beatrice turned to Gerard then rolled her eyes and shook her head in disbelief and pity at the same time. She didn’t like to see her best friend in this phase again. Gerard knew exactly what was going on. Annaliese was in denial, trying to fight the feelings that suddenly came back after all these years. He sat next to her on the couch. “The more you deny it, the stronger it gets, Ann. Trust me,” he said. Nonetheless, Annaliese didn't flinch at his words though she heard them clearly. “You’re doing it wrong. The first thing you need to do is accept the fact that you’re feeling it again. Love,” continued Gerard, emphasizing the word ‘love

And I can’t help but stare, ‘cause I see truth somewhere in your eyes. – Justin Timberlake •• Annaliese found herself in someone’s embrace when she woke up. Again. This time her eyes met William’s, who happened to be the one keeping her body warm the whole night. As soon as their brains came to a wakeful state, they jumped off the couch simultaneously. They both sat on the edge of the couch, keeping a distance between each other. None of them could say a thing. Apparently, awkward situations always got in the way of their efforts to build a friendship. As if it wasn’t enough, what they saw on the table made it worse. A picture of them unconsciously kissing. Annaliese quickly grabbed it from the table and held it against her chest. "You didn't see it, did you?" "Uh, unfortunately… I did." William pursed his lips and raised his eyebrows. "Then pretend you didn't. I'll do too. This picture doesn't exist. Okay?" Annaliese instructed. Her heart beat so fast. She then got up from the