My Turn [𝐙𝐄𝐄𝐍𝐔𝐍𝐄𝐖 FF]

ꜱᴇᴠᴇɴ

Zee sat on the edge of his bed, his phone in his hand, staring at Janice's contact. It had been two days since the scandal with Nunew erupted, and he desperately needed to talk to her, to explain everything. He took a deep breath and dialed her number once again, hoping she would finally answer.

The phone rang and rang, each second feeling like an eternity. Just as he was about to hang up, he heard the click of the call being connected.

"Hello?" Janice's voice was curt and cold.

Zee felt a small smile tug at his lips. "Janice, finally. I've been trying to reach you for days."

There was a brief silence on the other end, then a sigh. "What do you want, Zee?"

"Janice, you have to believe me," Zee began, his voice earnest. "That singer and I, we're not really in a relationship. It's all a misunderstanding. I was drunk, and things got out of hand. Please, you have to believe me."

Janice's tone shifted from curt to annoyed. "Zee, I don't care about your explanations. Whether you're with that singer or not, it's none of my business anymore. Stop calling me and stop messaging me."

"Janice, please, just listen—" Zee tried to plead, but the line went dead before he could finish his sentence.

After Zee posted the statement denying any romantic involvement with Nunew, he hoped it would quell the rumors and clear his name. However, instead of putting an end to the speculation, his statement seemed to ignite even more controversy. Social media exploded with backlash, with comments accusing Zee of lying and denying the obvious.

Zee found himself inundated with messages, tags, and comments that ranged from accusatory to outright hostile. He felt overwhelmed and frustrated as he scrolled through the barrage of negativity aimed at him. Despite his efforts to set the record straight, it seemed like the more he tried to deny the relationship, the more fervently people believed in it.

In a moment of desperation and realization, Zee decided he needed to speak directly with Nunew. He hoped to find a way to address the situation together, to strategize on how to handle the fallout and possibly clarify their actual relationship status. 

Zee stared at his phone, the screen lighting up with Nunew's message. 

He's probably just waiting for me to call him, Zee thought, biting his lip. He took a deep breath and sighed, finally mustering up the courage to press the call button.

The phone rang twice before Nunew picked up, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Well, well, look who finally decided to contact me."

"Nunew, are you available today?" Zee winced at his tone but kept his voice calm. 

There was a brief pause on the other end before Nunew replied "Yes, I'm free. Where do you want to meet?"

"I'll send you the address," Zee said, ending the call before he could second-guess himself.

After hanging up, Zee took a moment to gather his thoughts. He typed out the address of a quiet café downtown and hit send, hoping this meeting would help clear the air between them. He knew he had to face Nunew and take responsibility for his actions, no matter how awkward it might be.

---

Zee sat at a small table in the corner of the café, his mind racing with thoughts about how to approach the conversation with Nunew. He felt a mixture of anxiety and guilt, unsure of how Nunew would react.

The sound of the door opening drew Zee's attention. He looked up to see Nunew stepping inside, wearing a fitted turtle neck that accentuated his figure and a pair of jeans that hugged his small waist. Nunew scanned the café, his eyes lighting up when he spotted Zee.

A smile spread across Nunew's face as he walked over. "Sorry I'm late," he said, a hint of amusement in his voice. "I got a bit lost."

Zee felt a pang of shyness as Nunew seat across him but managed to keep his cool. He nodded, trying to stay composed. There was an awkward silence between them. 

"Let's get straight to the point." Zee took a deep breath and started the conversation.

"Look, Nunew, I'm sure you realize it was just a mistake since we don't actually know each other."  Zee said, looking down at his coffee. 

"I was drunk that night. I'm sorry for any trouble it caused. It's my fault. I'll take the blame for all of this."

"Right." Nunew started making Zee to look back at him.

"It's your fault." 

"So, how do you plan to take responsibility for this?" Nunew smirked, he can see the confusion all over Zee's face. 

"I can't let this slide Mr. Zee Pruk, Take responsibility for me." He added leaning closer to him. 

"What?" It was the only the only word that got out of Zee's mouth still processing what Nunew was saying. He didn't expect that this is his answer.

"What's the matter, cat got your tongue? You were bold enough to tell everyone we're together and even bolder to leave your mark on me?" Nunew teased, raising an eyebrow as he lowered his turtleneck to reveal a prominent hickey on his neck.

Zee's eyes widened in shock, the realization dawning on him. Nunew was the one he had kissed, the one he couldn't remember.

"Hold on, I'm really sorry," Zee stammered, his voice filled with regret. "I was drunk and didn't mean to do it. I have no idea how to handle this."

"I see..." Nunew said while crossing his arms, studying Zee's face. "How about this, Zee. I have a proposal for you."

Zee's brows furrowed in confusion. "What kind of proposal?"

Nunew smiled, his eyes glinting with mischief. 

"Let's date. Let's continue the rumor. I heard you got dumped, and lucky for you that I like you. Plus, I need someone to date too. It's a win-win situation."

"No, I'm not accepting that offer. Should it be easy to just make a statement saying that we're not together? Your fans are attacking me." Zee stared at him, taken aback.

"What if I don't want to do that?" Nunew's smile faded, replaced by a determined expression.

"But the truth is we're not really together. Why lie?" Zee argued.

Nunew shrugged. "It doesn't matter. The public is taking the dating news well. You just ruined it by giving your own statement"

"And what about me?" Zee shot back. "This affects me too."

"You're gaining followers and becoming more popular because of me." Nunew leaned forward, his eyes narrowing. 

Zee's jaw clenched. "I don't care about that. I just want the truth out there."

"Is this about you so called ex-girl friend again? Don't you see? You'll be doing better without your ex because you're dating me. No one could top that." Nunew sighed, his frustration evident.

Zee reacted to Nunew's arrogance with a scoff. In his mind, he thought, This guy is so full of himself.

Nunew couldn't take the arguing anymore. "We can talk about the deal later. I have something to do." He paused, looking at Zee expectantly. 

"Give me your number so we can discuss this properly." He said because they have been talking in their social media accounts which makes it difficult since there are many spams because of the issue.

"No, this is the end of our conversation. I don't want to be involved with you anymore." Zee shook his head stubbornly.

"You're refusing to give me your number again?" Nunew's eyes flashed with anger.

"That's right," Zee said firmly.

Nunew rolled his eyes, his irritation clear. 

"Suit yourself then." He stood up abruptly and stormed out of the café, leaving Zee to mull over the tense encounter.

Zee sat there, watching Nunew's retreating figure with a mixture of frustration and regret. As the door closed behind Nunew, he muttered under his breath, "What a mess..."