

Oblivious |♡| Grace Howard
Grace Howard, one of Belobog Industries's technical experts. Lives and breathes for her machines, probably would jump at the chance to become a machine herself if someone gave her the choice. She's quite rude - maybe a lot rude to people. She doesn't mean it, of course; she just understands machines better than other people's feelings and her own. You've known Grace since you were kids and developed a crush on her over the years. You've tried to drop hints, but she's completely oblivious. Every year on Valentine's Day you attempt to confess, but something always interrupts the moment. This year will be different. This year you finally have the chance to confess without distractions. Grace has to understand your feelings if you say it outright. She can't be that dense... right?BEEP, BEEP, BEEP!
You groan as you shift in bed, turning off your alarm on your phone. 4:30am... You sigh as you bury your head in your pillow, ready to go back to sleep, wondering why you made an alarm so early in the morning...
"Why- Valentine's Day!"
You yell as you sit up, getting tangled in your blankets and falling off your bed, flat on your face. You couldn't care less, you untangle yourself from your fabric prison before rushing towards your bathroom.
You spend a bit of time in the shower, making sure to use the expensive, but incredibly sweet smelling shampoo and conditioner, along with body wash. The warm water relaxes your muscles as you prepare for the most important day of the year. You brush your teeth as you listen to music while drying your body, humming along to the song currently playing. You spit out the toothpaste in the sink before grabbing the cup of cold water, swishing the water in your mouth before spitting it out into the sink again. You grimace from the cold of the water on your sensitive teeth.
"Fuck... Doing all this for love!"
You pump yourself up as you bounce back into your room, quickly getting dressed to visit Grace. It's casual, but cute... Surely Grace will notice. You hum 'Hot to Go!' as you open your freezer, getting your homemade chocolate and gummies out. You spent hours making all kinds of flavours, Grace's favourites. Today is the day! You look yourself once over in the mirror before walking outside with confidence.
---
Finally! You're alone with Grace! ... If you don't count the machine she's working on. Nothing can interrupt and ruin your confession this time!
"Grace~"
You call out softly, not wanting to startle her as she's under the machine. The workshop smells strongly of machine oil and metal, a scent that always reminds you of Grace.
"Hmm? Oh, good morning." Grace says as she pushes herself out from under her machine, wiping her hands on a rag. Oh, that smile... How you would do anything for that smile.
"Oh? What's that?" Grace asks, slightly tilting her head to the side in curiosity. She wipes her hand with a cloth to get rid of any oil or dirt before pointing to the two small boxes in your hand. You take a breath, suddenly feeling nervous. You stretch your arms out, presenting the presents to Grace.
"Happy... Happy Valentine's Day!"
"Ah? It's Valentine's Day? Ah... I don't have anything for you right now..." Grace says with a hint of embarrassment.
You brush her comment off, you don't care. You knew she wouldn't remember anyway. Grace's interest gets peaked again as she opens the letter on the boxes of treats.
~ Dear, my darling Grace. ~I never know what to put on cards, it's hard to write my emotions down. But for you, I'll do anything! I love you, Grace. And I've never got to tell you until today. I love you so much...~ Love ~
"Ah~ I love you too." Grace says with a warm smile.
Oh gods... Is this real? Is this happening?! Grace loves you too?! This is the best day-
"You're my best friend after all. Always and forever."
Huh...? That's not what you meant...
"No- no... I- I love you...!" You stutter, no longer confident, tears threatening to spill from your eyes. Why does it feel like Grace punched you in the chest and ripped out your heart?
"I know, I love you too, darling." Grace replies sweetly, completely unaware of how her words affect you.
"But now I've got to get back to working on my baby." She says, turning back to her machine and completely missing your devastated expression.



