Your Name

21| "Why do people treat me like this..."

A FEW DAYS LATER

╰┈➤𝐖𝐀𝐑 𝐏𝐎𝐕*ೃ༄

As I strolled down the familiar path toward the cozy cafe, P'Earth suddenly appeared in front of me, flashing a wide and friendly smile. The abruptness of his presence caused me to startle slightly, my heart skipping a beat.

"P'Earth!" I exclaimed, my heart still racing from the unexpected encounter.

P'Earth's smile remained unwavering as he greeted me warmly. "Hey, nong War! I have been wondering, why haven't I seen you around lately?"

I scrambled for a response, my mind racing. The truth was, I had always spent time with P'Yin, either in his room or my room. I could not divulge this to P'Earth, though, not after what P'Yin had cautioned me about, urging me to maintain a cautious distance between me and P'Earth.

"I..I have been spending more time in my room lately, just catching up on sleep and stuff, phi," I replied with a tiny smile, adjusting my big glasses.

P'Earth seemed to accept my vague excuse even though I couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt for not sharing the true reason behind my seclusion. I mean, P'Earth is a good friend to me but P'Yin seemed like he doesn't like P'Earth.

P'Earth didn't seem to dwell on it and instead offered a kind gesture. "Let me carry your book for you," P'Earth said, gesturing toward the heavy textbook tucked under my arm.

I hesitated for a moment, considering his offer. While it would certainly be a relief to have him carry my burden, I recalled P'Yin's words echoing in my mind again, wanting me to put up a barrier between P'Earth and me.

With a polite smile, I declined P'Earth's offer. "Thank you, P'Earth but it's okay. I have got it," I responded.

P'Earth nodded, seemingly unfazed by my refusal. "Heading to the cafe to study?" He inquired.

I nodded. "Yeah, just some reading and studying," I replied, clutching my book closer. We continued walking together toward the cafe.

Silence.

As we strolled side by side, the silence between us was broken by P'Earth's attempt to bridge the gap that had seemingly formed between us. "So, once our final exams almost over, how about we plan to hang out? Blow off some steam?" P'Earth suggested with a warm smile.

I appreciate the offer, knowing that it was a friendly gesture from a friend. However, the thought of spending time with someone other than P'Yin felt complicated, given the clandestine relationship that had been blossoming between us. And I didn't want to make P'Yin felt disappointed if I didn't listen to his words.

"I appreciate that, P'Earth," I replied. "But I have a lot on my plate right now," I said politely while adjusting my glasses.

"Oh..." He responded briefly.

Silence.

As we approached the cafe, P'Earth glanced at me with a curious expression. "Hey, can I ask you something?"

I met his gaze. "Of course, what is it?"

P'Earth hesitated for a moment before opening his mouth again. "Are you and Yin...you know, in a relationship?"

My heart raced as I quickly considered how to respond. The truth was that I longed for a deeper connection with P'Yin but we had both agreed to keep everything as a secret, at least for the time being. I could not bring myself to admit it, not to P'Earth or anyone else.

I instantly shook my head. "No, P'Earth, we are not in a relationship. We are just friends," I said.

P'Earth's expression relaxed and he let out a sigh of relief. "Oh, good to know. I was just curious, you know? You two seem pretty close. I mean, he always picks you up at work, so I had to ask," he said with a warm smile.