Monochrome: 21

Kieran headed out the door of his apartment, turning the lock and checking the knob as he entered the hall. He checked his pockets and moved on, sure that everything was in order. The old, worn steps on the stairs creaked as he trudged down to the first floor. Heading towards the door, he caught sight of a woman he recognized -- Bianca.

“Oh, hello!” she said with a smile.

“Hey. What’s up?”

“Ah, I came by to see if Finn was here… seems he’s out. I’m waiting for my sister.”

“Your sister?”

“Liadan! Finn never mentioned my last name?”

“No, I guess not,” Kieran answered. He could see the resemblance, though Bianca was smaller and more feminine.

Kieran approached the glass doors. As he stood across from Bianca, she started, “Oh, that’s right…”

“Are you in love with Finn?”

For a moment, Kieran froze.

He regained himself, and turned his head, asking, “What?”

“You are, aren’t you?” she marked, bearing that same smile.

He stared at her, trying to read her face.

“I won’t say anything.”

“What makes you think that?”

“I can tell from just the few times I’ve met you… and that’s not to say you make yourself obvious.”

“Why are you saying this?”

“Oh, I’m sorry! I’m not trying to be rude, here, but, I guess I was… I’m just happy that someone else loves him, too,” she replied, embarrassed.

“…why?”

“Because… you see what I see. And, you’re a very kind person.”

“I… doubt that.”

“I think you should have a little more confidence in yourself.”

“…”

“And, anyways… maybe you’ll finally be the one for him?”

“…no,” Kieran said. “I won’t.”