I looked in the mirror.

I saw not just a face

But a reflection of my past,

Accomplishments laced with mistakes.

I saw one space

Collecting all of my fears.

I saw tears held back—

I-love-yous

Held back too.

How many years I have not known my self.

As long as it has taken to get back to you,

I would retrace every step

Just so that I could be here to say

I love you.

Because now I know the truth:

Love runs deep in the veins of the pulsing

Universe.

Love is my name, and

I'll not soon forget who I see

When I catch my reflection

Gazing back at me.

— Self love (this poem is not written by me, all credit to the writer with a beautiful soul)

I was writing this story for a competition at my faculty (I didn't win though) and the theme is love. Lacking of experience in romantic love, I was beating over my mind for some idea and came out with a few rejected idea before this came to mind. With an inspiration from a Tumblr post and renovations here and there, Zero was born. 

There's so much I would like to write more but unfortunately, the words restriction are maximum 1000 words. Editing and cutting some scenes to make it work were the hardest part really. Thanks to three close friends' comments, I managed to complete the final draft.

Writing simple and sweet is not really my style but despite all, I am really proud and satisfied of how Zero turned out. I hope the messages in Zero are properly conveyed to all of you, that's what I wish the most. 

Thank you. - naiorim

"I am not looking to escape my darkness. I am learning to love myself there." 

— Rune Lazuli