Reading Between (the line)

Scene 19

A/n: Sorry. It took me too much time to upload this Chapter. I actually finished it 3-4 days ago? But when I reread it, I just don't feel the scene? I dunno. So, I re-wrote it from scratch. Lol.

Please. Please. Please tell me that this chapter is just fine in the comment section. Just for motivation ^///^ . Anyways, enjoy silent readers.


(credits to the owner of the photo above, just got it from uncle google)
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[Noon's]

"Isn't it obvious, Praewa? Because I like you. I like you now!"

Praewa remained silent after that, her expression unreadable.

Damn it!

I cursed at myself silently after yelling that out. Realizing too late what I had just done, I was tempted to smack myself in the head.

'This was not the plan, Noon! Damn it! You and your stupid temper!' I scolded myself silently. Well, whatever! Since I had already said it out loud, I might as well continue to confess!

Taking advantage of Praewa's shock, I continued, "I like you, okay? And I did what I did because I was really worried about you earlier. Not as your onscreen partner with only our work in mind, but as me. As Noon. If only I could take away your headache earlier, then I would have done—"

"HAHAHAHAHAHA."

My words halted when Praewa's laughter suddenly echoed. "P-Praewa?" I called out her name in confusion. But instead of reacting to it, her laughter became more intense, almost as if she just heard something hilarious.

"I'm... hahaha, sorry. I'm sorry," Praewa finally spoke, still laughing in between. Knowing that there was no reason for her to laugh that hard, I was so appalled that I could not react properly and stayed blank.

After wiping the tears from laughing too much, Praewa finally eyed me. And in contrast to her laughter, her eyes spoke no joy but something else. "Woah! This is the first time that I laughed so hard because of you, P'Noon," she told me. "And to think that it's because of the ridiculousness of your statement? Wow! This is new, but not so refreshing, no." she was even shaking her head.

"W-wha—"

I opened my mouth to say something, but Praewa took a step closer, stopping my words. "You like me? Really? You like me NOW?" she asked, scoffing afterward. "Damn! Really, P'Noon? After all this time, you're telling me that you like me now? Wow! Why, thank you!" she sarcastically added.

Praewa's cold eyes as she said those words rendered me speechless. Now I understand. I was too arrogant. Too proud. Too blinded by the fact that Praewa had loved me first. And because of that, I was expecting her to jump in joy once learning that I am now reciprocating her love.

But I was wrong. Deeply wrong.

I tried to reach her arm to calm her down, but she quickly shoved my hands away. "Don't," she simply warned me. Then she looked at me with pain visible in her eyes. "Why are you this cold-hearted towards me? Just why? What have I ever done so wrong to you, for you to break me over and over again, like this?" she began to ask.

And though I wanted to answer her, I was too overwhelmed by her shifting emotions. This girl. I caused her this much pain?

"I just fell in love with you. I just felt that way. So... why?" Praewa's voice cracked. And when I saw the tears falling from her eyes, I could no longer stop myself from hugging her. I tightened my embrace when she attempted to push me away.

"I-I'm sorry..."

Whether it was for my forceful embrace or for everything that I did to her, I no longer knew. I just wanted to apologize to her. Even for a bit, I just wanted her to know that I was sorry.

It didn't take long before Praewa stopped resisting. She didn't return my hug, but she just stayed put, letting herself cry on my shoulder. When she finally stopped, I slowly broke the hug.

She was wiping her tears afterward, so I tried to help her, but she pushed my hand away. She looked up at me to meet my eyes. And when they did, my entire body froze.

"You made it clear that day that we were only meant to be onscreen partners and nothing more. And despite how that broke me, I accepted it. I even vowed to do the same. I don't know the purpose of you taking back your words, but I want to make it clear that I have no plans to take mine back. So, whatever it is that you're trying to achieve by doing this, I'm begging you now to stop. I no longer want to hear more about this tomorrow and moving forward."

"Because just like you, P'Noon, this is also my dream. I may have made a dumb mistake at first, but since it gave us an opportunity of a lifetime, I am taking it now that we're already even. So, please. Just as you asked of me before, do not ruin my dream for me as well."

Without waiting for me to reply, Praewa turned around to leave, but I managed to stop her by holding her arm. "I can't do that," I told her firmly.

Praewa took her arm back from me as she turned around. From empty and cold, her eyes now showed rage. And they were pointed at me. "Ha!" she scoffed. "Don't you think you owe me at least that, P'Noon? How brazen of you."

"I know."

She glared at me after that, and I looked away. I could no longer bear to meet her eyes. Because I knew if I did, I might give in to her wish.

Yes, just as she said. I was brazen. But I had to be, or else... or else, I would forever regret it. I was already regretting everything that I did to her in the past; I could not bear to add another regret.

This is my last chance.

I gathered my remaining courage and looked Praewa in the eyes again. "I know I have a lot to apologize for, Praewa. And I will do so moving forward. But for now, let me apologize for this first," I told her.

Her right brow rose, but she did not speak, so I continued, "I will not stop what I am doing. Nor will I stop my feelings for you as well. Call me selfish, brazen, arrogant, everything. I will accept them all. But there's no way—there's no way in hell I am letting you go this time. If it is my turn to woo you, then I will gladly do so. I will beg, pray, anything. And I won't stop until I make you realize that even if I have fallen for you too late, I... I can catch up. No. I will catch up."