23.5 WHEN THE EARTH STOP SPINNING (Adult Version)

EARTH IS SHAKING

CHAPTER 2

Ongsa, wearing a perfectly tailored black suit that fits her petite frame beautifully. The jacket emphasizes her slender figure, and the trousers are neatly cut to her ankles. She completes the look with sleek heels, adding to the modern elegance of her outfit.

Walking through the quiet corridors of her old school brought back a flood of memories. The halls, once bustling, were now empty except for distant classroom noises. Despite the calm, her heart felt heavy with both pain and nervousness. She knew she would soon meet Ms. Nida, and she was determined to appear confident.

The ache in her chest grew stronger with each passing moment, a blend of apprehension and a deep-seated resolve to prove herself.

Before she could even knock, a small, petite lady suddenly opened the door. Their eyes locked, and Sun's smile faded, replaced by a mix of emotions. It had been 8 years since they had seen each other—she and Sun, once lovers now separated by time and circumstance. They stood facing each other, and her hands trembled involuntarily, though she tried to hide it. Her heart pounded in her chest, a rush of memories flooding back. Yet, she forced herself to maintain a calm facade, masking the torrent of emotions stirred by their unexpected reunion.

"Ongsa" Sun said gently.

Ongsa's eyes went blank suddenly, a sharp pain gripping her head. Standing before her was the last person she ever expected to see again. Time seemed to freeze as a rush of emotions flooded her mind—surprise, disbelief, and a tinge of unresolved longing. The air between them thickened with unspoken words and memories, each moment hanging heavy with the weight of their past.

"Hello, we have an appointment with Principal Nida at 9:00 am, and you are?" Then Prim question snapped Ongsa back to the present, grateful that Prim intervened just before Sun could see her distress.

Sun offered a polite smile to Prim.

"My name is Sun. I also have an appointment with the principal. I thought it was her, so I opened the door. I'm sorry."

"It's okay, thank you, Sun. My name is Prim, and she's Ongsa. We're from the distribution company," Prim began, but Ongsa swiftly cut her off.

"Prim, don't divulge too much to strangers."

Prim looked taken aback, immediately apologizing with a sheepish smile. Sun nodded reassuringly at her.

Sun looked at Ongsa intently, while Ongsa met her gaze flatly. She observed how Ongsa's appearance had changed from what she remembered. Despite the differences, Sun smiled softly, her eyes betraying a mixture of sadness and joy. Seeing Ongsa looking so beautiful and grown up filled her with bittersweet emotions.

Before Sun could say another word, Ms. Nida's voice cut through the corridor, capturing their attention.

"You're both here, good. Let's have our meeting in the conference room," the principal said firmly.

As they walked into the conference room, Sun stole glances at Ongsa. She looked vastly different now, her presence exuding a mature and somewhat intimidating aura that Sun hadn't expected. Ongsa's demeanor carried a weight of experience and confidence that seemed to have grown over the years.

Just then, Ongsa's phone rang, causing her to pause. Prim offered, "I can answer that for you,"

Ongsa smiled and nodded. "It's okay, go inside and don't wait for me. It's Mr. Khan."

Prim nodded and turned to Sun, who was quietly studying Ongsa, struck by how much she had transformed since they were last together. "Ms. Sun, let's go."