Parallel Universe [NaMon Fanfic]

Chapter 13

Chimon's POV

"What the hell are you talking about?" I scanned his face for a direct answer. He was looking everywhere but me, his hand tightly clutching his phone and his other hand stiffly doing some gestures I don't understand. I stepped away from him and mustered a smile.

"I'm just kidding," I replied, then I walked ahead of him without waiting for his reaction, but I found myself intently listening for his footsteps. Three seconds passed and he hadn't moved from where he stood. I turned around and walked back to him.

"What?" he asked. I placed a hand on his shoulders and urged him forward.

"We're going to be late," I replied.

"Aren't you worried that Pluem might see us?" No. Not anymore. I felt him resist my hands on his shoulders. I let go, watching out for his reaction. He seemed fazed. Because of my question? Most likely.

"He left me, I doubt he'd care."

"Well..."

"Well what?" I asked. We're already in front of the door to the meeting room.

"Don't you care? I thought you wanted to get back with him." Hmm... I thought so, too. I felt a desperate pull to say those words and show him who I really want, but the way he reacted... and resisted... I feel like we're back to strangers.

"I... changed my mind." I wonder when it happened. Was it when he saw me cry? Or when he ate breakfast with me even though he's already full? I haven't seen him leave his house without eating breakfast. And I haven't seen him try hard to lie until this morning. I might've had a change of heart when I saw his disappointment about suggesting to finally set things straight today. I can't tell for sure when, but I can certainly tell that something about him changed me.

I understand why he's asking questions though. Even I am confused about how I could change my mind within half an hour.

"What do you mean?" he asked. I swallowed hard. Should I tell him? Despite how he reacted a while ago, he still dared ask me to speak what's really in my mind. Should I admit it then? That I fell for him?

Right then, the door opened and showed me the answer.

"Nanon, why are you just standing there? By the way, I brought you your favorite snacks!" It was Janhae. I purposely hid myself behind the door and listened as Janhae pulled Nanon in the room.

I can't tell him. Ever.

The shooting for the series we're both working on is almost done. And Nanon and I will finally clear things up to the fans today. I doubt that we'd talk to each other again after that. That's what's written in the contract after all. To mind each other's business after all this shit is done. How ironic. I was the one who proposed to add that to the contract and yet right now, I wish I didn't.

"Chimon." I turned around and saw Ciize.

"Why are you just standing there?" I shrugged and gave her a small smile.

"Let's get inside already," she replied, grabbing my arms. I let her guide me inside the room. Instinctively, my eyes searched for a person but this time, it wasn't Pluem I was looking for.

"Let's sit here," Ciize said, pulling me towards a pair of chair.

"Alright," I replied. Right opposite us, there sat Nanon and Janhae. What a nice view. I hoped he would at least smile at me, but he barely spared me a glance. He's too occupied with his girlfriend.

"I forgot to bring the script," Ciize mumbled.

"You can borrow mine," I replied, pulling my script from the bag. Ciize smiled and thanked me. Then, she grabbed a highlighter in her bag and started searching for her lines. I'm not even surprised. She's always like that.

We started the meeting for the movie project. All the while, I found myself hoping to meet eyes with Nanon. He did not even look away from his girlfriend.

"Chimon, do you want to eat out together?" I looked at Ciize and nodded.

"You decide where," I mumbled, fixing my things.

"Did you and Pluem fight again?"

"We broke up." I braced myself for her reaction and got myself nothing. Oddly enough, it shook me.

"You're not surprised?" I asked, slinging my bag behind me. She simply sighed.

"Chimon, Ciize!" Instinctively, I turned around. I wish I didn't though.

"Are you going to eat out? Let's go together!" It's Janhae. I don't want to say yes, but I don't want to say no either. I turned to Ciize. She was also staring at me.

"Sure," I replied with a smile. Behind Janhae, Nanon coughed.

"Are you alright?" I asked. It was obviously a fake cough.

"Yeah sure. Let's go." Ciize and I followed behind Janhae and Nanon.

From my pocket, my phone suddenly vibrated. It revealed a message from Ciize.

I thought you'd say no.

I replied: I thought you'd answer for me.

But I don't want to say no to her. I looked at her and shook my head.

Same here

We reached the elevator and got in, Ciize beside me typing and untyping.

Too bad. We won't get to drink your broken heart away right now. A laugh escaped my mouth. Janhae and Nanon turned to me, and I mouthed a silent apology. Ciize beside me snickered.

We finally reached the parking lot and got in Nanon's car.

I typed a reply to Ciize, We could drink all night after we eat.

She replied, Your treat?

I shot her a scrutinizing look. Pluem got my heart broken and now you're about to make me broke.

She stuck her tongue out, still staring at her phone. My phone vibrated, but I already knew it was Ciize who replied with an emoji with its tongue stuck out.

I dared to glance in front of us and saw Nanon staring at the backseat through the mirror. Janhae was talking to her about something.

It felt like there's a barrier between the two of us, I'm suddenly grateful for Ciize beside me. Atleast, I feel less lonely.

"Can I ask something?" It was Janhae. We just got out of the car.

"Are you two dating?" she asked, pertaining to me and Ciize.