Starstruck Serendipity: When Fan Met Celebrity (MeenBabe)

Chapter 36: Between Choices

Aoom had been restless for days, her mind a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions revolving around Liu's sudden reappearance. The encounter at the restaurant had stirred up old memories and insecurities that she struggled to push aside. Despite the tension between her and Meena, she decided to take matters into her own hands, determined to find some closure and clarity.

Late one evening, under the guise of a quick errand, Aoom slipped out of the condo without informing Ice and Meena. She headed to their old favorite bar, the place where she and Liu had spent countless nights laughing, talking, and sharing dreams. Liu was already there, seated at a corner table, a warm smile greeting Aoom as she approached.

"Hey, you made it!" Liu said, standing up to give Aoom a hug.

"Yeah, I thought we could catch up," Aoom replied, her voice tinged with uncertainty. They settled into their usual spot, the atmosphere familiar and comforting, but Aoom couldn't shake off the nagging feeling in her chest.

As the night progressed, the two women shared drinks, reminisced about old times, and spoke about their lives since they last met. The more they talked, the more Aoom felt herself slipping back into the comfort of Liu's presence. There was laughter, touching, and an undeniable closeness that seemed to bridge the gap of the years apart.

Unknown to them, a few fans were present at the bar, their curiosity piqued by Aoom's presence with an unfamiliar woman. They discreetly observed the interactions between Aoom and Liu, noting how Aoom seemed increasingly affectionate, her gestures a stark contrast to her usual demeanor.

As the evening continued, the atmosphere between Aoom and Liu grew more intimate, and they found themselves leaning in closer, their connection deepening. In a moment of unguarded emotion, they shared a kiss, their lips meeting softly, the world around them fading into a blur. The fans, who had been covertly capturing their interactions, suddenly snapped to attention, their phones quickly raised to record the unexpected moment.

The flash of cameras and the hum of video recordings filled the air, capturing the kiss and every tender gesture that followed. Aoom and Liu, lost in the intensity of their moment, were oblivious to the sudden attention, their focus solely on each other. The fans' eyes were glued to their screens, capturing every frame, every second, documenting the scene with a mixture of surprise and disappointment.

After several hours, Aoom decided it was time to leave. She thanked Liu for the evening and walked out of the bar, her head still buzzing with thoughts. When she arrived back at her condo, Meena was still awake, her eyes filled with concern.

"Where were you?" Meena asked calmly, her voice soft but laced with worry. "I didn't know your schedule, so I decided to wait for you." She moved closer, intending to hug Aoom, but was taken aback when Aoom, with a slightly brusque motion, pushed her aside and walked straight to the bathroom without a word.

Meena stood frozen for a moment, confusion and hurt flickering across her face. She watched as Aoom disappeared into the bathroom, the door closing with a soft click. Unsure of what to do, Meena decided to retreat to their room, hoping Aoom would come around.

Minutes turned into an hour, and sleepiness began to overtake Meena. She drifted off, unaware of the turmoil in the bathroom. When Aoom finally emerged, she didn't glance in Meena's direction. She simply crawled into bed, her movements silent and detached.

Meena woke up to the soft sound of Aoom's breathing beside her. The tension in the air was thick, and Meena could feel the distance between them. She turned to face Aoom, her heart heavy with unasked questions and unspoken fears. But she knew, deep down, that this was a moment they needed to navigate together, no matter how painful it might be.