The Only Exception | Armin x Annie

Chapter 7

Annie's Point of View

Today is the day we'll be reading our scripts and practicing it in front of everyone else. I already read and practiced our script for a whole week. In that week, I haven't got to message or talk to Armin that much. We haven't seen each other since the day I left his apartment. I wanted to message him about the good news that I'll be acting in his movie but maybe his manager already told him.

Staffs and employees greeted me as I walked passed by them. I entered the room and saw most of the main cast already there. We greeted each other and laughed about certain topics. We got along quite well since we've been in this industry for quite some time now.

Bertholdt was beside me quietly reading the script. He's always like this when it comes to his job. He takes it seriously for he doesn't want to let anyone down. The room grew louder as Erwin came in and as soon as I saw the man behind him, my heart skipped a beat.

Armin came in with a white button up shirt where his sleeves were rolled up just below his elbows. As our eyes locked into each other, I looked into his face and noted his rounded eyes, raised brows, and slack expression, realizing that he didn't expect me to be here. Didn't his manager tell him?

He sat down on the chair at the edge of the table with his manager beside him. We were acting like strangers right now since it is a critical moment and place where other celebrities came together.

We started our script reading with professionalism but with a hint of playfulness to break the ice with artists we were working with that we just met.

"This movie will include the bed scene in the book. Shall we discuss about the details and how the scene should turn out?" Erwin said and both Bertholdt and I nodded. I saw how Armin shifted on his seat and fiddled with a pen while looking down, avoiding eye contact with everyone.

As we finished up and bid everyone farewell, Bertholdt held the back of my shoulders and leaned closer to me, whispering to me that he'll wait in the car. I nodded and smiled at him before he left. Armin's manager followed behind Bertholdt after telling Armin he'll be leaving.

The tension between us both grew as we were left alone in the meeting room. He looked at me blankly as I saw how his jaw tightened.

"Hi." I said awkwardly. He ignored me and began placing his belongings on his case. I don't know what's wrong with him. Ever since he saw me I felt his coldness towards me. I thought that it was just because there were other people with us but even now that we're alone together, he's still frigid.

"S-See you." I mumbled but he just left without a reply. I looked down and felt embarrassed. What did I do wrong this time?

I proceeded to go out of the room and walked my way to the parking lot where Bertholdt was. My driver told me that he suddenly needed to leave so Bertholdt is taking me home. As I went inside his maserati, he leaned in to put on my seatbelt for me.

"You know I can do it myself, right?" I muttered as I heard the click sound of the seatbelt locking.

He just smiled and focused on moving the steering wheel. As the car started moving, I saw Armin just beside the exit, staring at us with a cold gaze. He acted different today. He was rather aloof and unwelcoming.

"Don't forget to rest and don't stress yourself too much okay? Call me if you need anything." Bertholdt said as we arrived in front of my condominium unit.

"Hmm. Thank you, Bert." I said as I left his car, waving him a goodbye before walking towards my place. As soon as I arrived, I texted Armin and told him good job for today. But several minutes have already passed, he didn't reply. In fact he left me on read.

Is he going through something?

I decided to call him. It rang for a couple of minutes yet still no answer from him. I called him again and again but he still didn't answer.

I sighed and stood up to get my car keys. I was worried about him. Maybe he acted that way because his manager was the one who made the decision? Isn't he happy that I'll be acting in his movie? Several negative thoughts flooded my mind once again.

As I arrived in front of the apartment complex, I grabbed my purse and was about to get out of my car when I saw him and Christa Lenz together just beside the exit. Christa was wearing a disguise but I know it's her. Her hair, height, and posture says it all.

I looked down as I saw her hug him. I felt a sudden melancholy and grief within me. Why am I hurting like this?

I've only met him for two times and the today didn't even feel like the third time. He was cold and unfriendly towards me and he didn't text me back. Did he get back with Christa? Just the thought of it pains me.

What did I expect? We were just friends to begin with. We didn't have a sort of deep connection with each other but why did I want more from him? Why am I suddenly feeling jealous when I don't have the right to be?

She's the ex-girlfriend and I'm only a friend. Why did I think that we could go over that line? Did I confuse his kindness for love? Did I seriously think the night we spent together meant anything to him?

My eyes suddenly flooded with tears. I couldn't seem to get a grip of reality. I couldn't get to bawl or wail. I was just silent.

My phone suddenly rang and an angel emoji popped up. Why is he calling me right after he met Christa?

I wiped my tears and coughed before answering the call, biting my lips as I tried my best not to sound different than usual.

"Hey Annie." I heard his hoarse voice through the other line. Tears started to fall more as I heard his voice. I'm usually not the type to be emotional about these things but why do I suddenly change when it comes to him?

"H-Hey Armin." I answered as I look at him go back inside the building.

"I'm sorry about earlier. I didn't feel well."

I covered my mouth to stop myself from making any noise. I swallowed my saliva as I looked at the scenery of strangers walking right in front of me.

"It's alright, Armin. Are you alright?" I asked him despite of my raging emotions. I wasn't mad at him, I was mad at myself. I was mad for assuming that the moments we spent together were something special between us. But it looked like it was only special to me.

"Y-Yeah. How about you?"

"I'm fine." I said as I looked up to wipe my tears again.

"I'm sorry for taking up your time. Good night then."

"No problem. Call me if you need someone to talk to, alright? Good night, Armin." I said before ending the call.

I dropped my phone to the passenger's seat and held the steering wheel with both my hands as my forehead laid in between my hands.

And there I let it all out. All my built up frustrations. I look so ridiculous right now crying over a guy who I labeled as friend, who I fucked once, and who I just spent time with twice.

Why am I so madly and deeply inlove with you, Armin Arlert?