Fake This Love

Chapter 33: Sarawat

As expected, Sarawat's calls to Tine go unanswered but Sarawat decides he will not be deterred. Thank God for liquid courage and Boris' driving skills - Sarawat forged ahead to the Star Entertainment compound.

He was trying his best to keep the composure he was known for but he was finding it rather difficult. All his fears of rejection and abandonment are clawing at his skin. His own mother walked away from him, his own father loved him second best to the woman who kept conning him, even people he considered his friends blatantly used him for his money then discarded him without second thought - why would Tine Iamkajorn treat him any different?

Because he's different. You know he is.

Sarawat really needed to hear Tine's voice. His absence was messing with his thoughts.

He takes out his phone and starts to call Tine. He lets it ring out this time. And when the call goes unanswered he tries again.

His past proud self would have probably stabbed himself for acting so desperately. But this was it, Sarawat's one shot at happiness. Might as well, give it his all.

Finally, Tine picks up.

"Is there an emergency? Are you okay?," Tine asks, concern evident.

This makes Sarawat feel better. See? He cares for you. "Everything is okay. Or at least it will be."

"What do you mean?"

"I'm on my way to pick you up. Can we have dinner? I really want to talk to you."

There is a moment of silence. "I may finish late, Wat."

Sarawat silences the panic building inside of him. "I can wait."

"You really don't have to -"

"I miss you."

Silence again. All Sarawat could hear was a sharp intake of breath. Am I wrong? Does he really want nothing to do with me anymore?

"I can't wait to see you."

Hope dares to sprout in Sarawat's chest. "Where are you now? Can you step out for a quick bite? Or some coffee?"

Another pause. "It's busy here right now. There are lines I need to rehearse."

"I understand. I'll just be in the car okay? I'll ask Boris to drive around."

"I really don't know what time I'll be done..."

"I would not dream of hurrying you. I will be here whenever you're ready."

The call ends and Sarawat feels less jittery. Maybe this time around, love will not hurt.

- - -

Boris slowly drives around the vicinity, simply passing the time. As they round a corner near the studio lots, Sarawat spots a pastel blue and pink coffee shop with a whole slew of flowers and macarons displayed by its window sill. A sudden urge to buy Tine a present fills him.

Boris maneuvers to the sidewalk and Sarawat exits the vehicle and enters the shop.

That proved to be the worst decision of his life.

In the corner of the almost deserted dining area was Tine - arms around a woman, his face buried in her long hair.

Sarawat could feel his heart crumple and shrivel like a discarded piece of paper.  He couldn't breathe and couldn't move. He also could not deny the blatant lie staring him in the face.

That was Pear wasn't it? That pretty girl who brought Tine soup, the one he'd always catch Tine FaceTiming, the one whose name would always pop up on Tine's phone. How could Sarawat  been so blind?