Where Sky Meets Water

CHAPTER 8

Ubon's POV:

My life sucks.

Well I guess like I seem to complain too much. Anyone looking from outside would just see the shine from outside - a pristine image I worked so hard keep up, making sure I'm like the ideal kid my parents have always wanted.

I betcha, once those people would swap their bodies with me or something - they'd regret it. Nobody would ever like being me. They'd hate it, detest it.

I swirl the olives pierced with a toothpick into the glass of cold martini, debating whether I should drink this, or not.

The first time I drank alcohol, I ended up passing out after just one shot. And the other time - I ended up in Jun's apartment.

Jun, Jun.

I close my eyes in frustration.

Why did things end up this way? We were strangers until a month ago, now I made everything awkward between us.

It's my fault - totally me. It's always my fault. And it's always too late to do anything about it.

I couldn't help it. I ran away. This form of escapism isn't healthy but I can't stay sane looking at her everyday - what if she found out?

She'd hate me.

I feel guilty. Trapped.

I look at my phone. 15 missed calls from Jun.

Sigh.

The bar is kind of old, but I like the music here - reminds me of the old times, the kind of music my grandparents love.

It might sound unnatural but there's an element of comfort in wallowing deeper and deeper into my thoughts. Not a very good thing to do - I might just drive myself insane but I think I don't care anymore now.

They're playing jazz. It starts out sad and moody just like my thoughts. I have a thing for such music.

Thats when i hear a deep, soulful voice singing a new song. There's a changeover, huh?

I can't ignore it though - its beautiful. Captivating. Gave me goosebumps.

I turn around and look at the performers. There's a woman wearing a vintage figure-hugging black dress with a knee-high slit, her hair up in a classic chignon. And an outrageous, frilly mask.

Hmm. Tasteful attire. And a captivating voice. The sharp contrast of the dark bar to this woman shining in the spotlight makes everyone turn around to look at her.

Can't deny her strong stage presence.

Oh boy.

Okay - now I get it. I don't like Jun. I just like women. I guess I can deal with that.

Speaking of Jun - this woman kinda reminds me of her. I can't exactly tell why - she's nothing like Jun.

I put the cold glass against my lips and take a sip, and gulp it down quick. And feel it burning down my throat.

She ends the song. Wow. Amazing.

"Bravo!!" I stood up and started clapping.

I turned around to see many pairs of eyes staring at me disapprovingly. Oops.  Wrong move.

That girl just stands there and doesn't move. She's looking at me. Or so I think.

She's looking at me, right?

Wow, she looked at me!

Oh shut up, Ubon! She looked at you cuz you just did something super awkward.

She's still looking at me.