Reading Between (the line)

Scene 11

[Noon's]

I was used to it.

The stares of admiration, the advances, everything. Due to my preference for expressing myself through the way I dress and act, I have always attracted interest from people of the same gender.

That is why when "that" girl suddenly showed the same signs, I quickly understood the meaning behind her actions. Her care, her worry, her smiles, and all the special things she did for me—I already knew what lay beyond them.

At first, I tried to ignore them, thinking that sooner or later, she would realize my lack of interest. However, that did not happen at all. Months went by, and I felt like she was falling for me deeper than I had expected.

So, when I got paired with her permanently, I got pissed at her. How could she be this shameless and drag me into something that I could not take responsibility for?

It took me a while before I could accept the damage that she's done. Well, Anda also mentioned about the benefits of the mistake that she made, so I ended up turning a blind eye. She helped me realized my dreams after all.

And I never wanted to tell her those cruel words. I just wanted her to realize that I would never reciprocate her feelings and I didn't want her to get hurt. In the end, I could not find the right words and ended up breaking her heart again and again.

"Fine then. In front of these people, I promise you this: from now on, you won't hear, see, or feel my stupid feelings for you anymore. From this day forward, you and I will be co-members and colleagues only, nothing more. I swear on my career and on my name."

When she spat those words at me, I genuinely felt relieved. So, why do I feel this way right now?

---

I was about to re-enter the rehearsal studio when I heard my name being mentioned by Devi.

I took a peek and saw her and Jenny towering over Praewa, who was still seated on the couch. It is not my hobby to listen to other people's conversations, but with the mention of my name, I couldn't help but stay behind the slightly open door and listen.

"So, you're telling us that you no longer have feelings for Noon?" I heard Devi ask.

"Yeah. I believe so," I heard Praewa's quick reply. I do not know why, but I suddenly felt uneasy with that. Why?

"You believe so? So, you're still not sure?" Jenny pressed. Praewa was silent for a few seconds, causing my heart to beat nervously.

Wait, why? Why am I nervous? And for what? Nervous that even until now, she still harbors feelings for me? Or nervous because—

"Noon?" I jumped in surprise when Pammu suddenly popped up behind me. She was on her phone. "What are you doing there, not entering the studio? Is something going on inside?" she asked and opened the door widely to check. When she saw the three ladies inside, she turned back to me with an understanding look.

"Oh." She exclaimed, probably misunderstanding me. Of course, there were Devi, Jenny, and Praewa inside. She must have thought that because of that, I was hesitant to come in.

Well, I can't blame her. Devi and Jenny kind of got mad at me after Praewa's outburst during our vacation last time. And of course, there's Praewa herself.

I wanted to correct her assumption but I didn't want to get caught eavesdropping either, so I just kept my silence and entered. The reason why I came back was because I had forgotten my charging phone, so I picked it up and decided to just leave without a word.

But when I turned, I accidentally met Praewa's eyes. I was mesmerized when she suddenly smiled, "Goodbye, Noon." She spoke.

"Huh?" I was taken aback, not sure if I understood her sudden goodbye. "Goodbye? Why? You're going somewhere? Where?" I was already late to realize it, but I shot her multiple questions right after hearing that.

Devi, Jenny, and Pammu's eyes darted at me, looking appalled. Praewa chuckled. "Well, at home? And you as well, right? That's why I am bidding you goodbye." She explained with a smile, not understanding as well why I suddenly asked her questions like some lunatic.

I felt the embarrassment slowly occupying my cheeks after that. "W-well, yeah. You're right. See you girls, tomorrow." So, I hurriedly left.

'What the hell was that, Noon?' I scolded myself in my head, not understanding what the hell is happening to me.

---

Days passed by. And despite my efforts to forget what I heard that day, it has never left my mind ever. Well, mostly because I see her six days a week and has always been reminded about it.

Isn't this what I wanted from the beginning? I should be celebrating now, but why do I feel so uneasy instead? I believe that this is the best for both of us, no, for everyone in Cosmos. So, just why?

I flinched and was brought back to my senses when I felt a cold sensation on my right cheek. It was a can of cold sparkling soda. When I looked up, I saw that it was Scene's doing. We were currently on break and she had just brought a drink for me.

"I have been calling you for a while, but it seems like your thoughts are somewhere far away," she said and sat on the floor beside me. "What's wrong?" she asked, then sipped her drink.

I thanked her for the sparkling water before shaking my head. "Nothing. Just thinking about the changes in the dance routine," I lied. I didn't want to talk about it for now.

Scene let out a sigh. "Lies. But fine," she said, and I was silently thankful for her consideration. After that, she continued to talk about the changes in the choreo that I mentioned. We then waited for the others to come back from our break and then began to practice again.

We were in the middle of watching the video for monitoring when Ms. Pram entered the rehearsal studio.

"Noon, Praewa, can you guys come with me to the conference hall upstairs? Some people are looking for you both," she called for us with a wide smile.

Though not sure who they were, Praewa and I followed our manager, who seemed so happy and excited for us.