(M) Unspoken Affection - MilkLove Fan Fic - Completed

3. The distance, the new worker

No One PoV

The pottery studio buzzed with creativity as Love and Milk navigated a surge in orders, their partnership a cornerstone of their success. However, Love couldn't ignore the subtle changes in Milk's behavior. Once inseparable, Milk now seemed distant, retreating into her work with a quiet intensity that left Love feeling uneasy.

Their decision to hire Tu Tontawan brought temporary relief, yet it also highlighted the growing divide between Love and Milk. Tu's arrival injected new energy into the studio, her enthusiasm infectious as she eagerly soaked in Milk's expertise. But amidst the camaraderie and shared workload, Love couldn't shake the twinge of jealousy that gnawed at her.

One afternoon, as Tu and Milk huddled over design sketches, Love stole a moment to confront her friend gently.

"Milk, can we talk?" Love's voice wavered slightly with concern.

Milk glanced up, her expression guarded yet curious. "Sure, Love. What's on your mind?"

"I've noticed you've been pulling away lately," Love began cautiously. "Is something bothering you?"

Milk hesitated, her hands pausing over a clay piece. "I've just been focused on work, that's all."

"Is it because of Tu?" Love asked, unable to keep the edge of jealousy from her voice.

Milk blinked in surprise, then shook her head. "No, Tu is great. It's not about her."

Love nodded, though the knot of uncertainty tightened in her stomach. Tu's presence had stirred emotions in Love that she struggled to understand. She admired Tu's passion and dedication, but there was something more—an undeniable attraction that she couldn't ignore.

As days turned into weeks, Love watched Tu and Milk collaborate closely, their teamwork seamless and efficient. Tu's admiration for Milk's talent was evident, her gaze lingering a beat longer than necessary, sparking a pang of jealousy in Love's heart. She found herself drawn to their interactions, grappling with feelings she couldn't quite name.

One evening, after closing the studio, Love found herself alone with Milk. The silence between them was palpable, charged with unspoken emotions and unfulfilled questions.

"Milk, I miss us," Love confessed quietly, breaking the uneasy silence.

Milk met her gaze, her eyes searching. "I miss us too, Love. I'm sorry if I've been distant."

"It's okay," Love murmured, struggling to articulate her thoughts. "I just... I've noticed how well you and Tu work together. She really admires you."

Milk smiled faintly, a hint of sadness in her eyes. "Tu is great. She's passionate about pottery."

"And about you," Love blurted out before she could stop herself.

Milk's brows furrowed in confusion. "What do you mean?"

Love hesitated, her heart racing. "It's just... I've noticed how she looks at you. It's more than admiration, isn't it?"

Milk's expression softened with understanding. "Maybe. But it doesn't matter."

"It does to me," Love admitted quietly, surprised by the intensity of her own feelings.

Silence stretched between them, filled with unspoken truths and unresolved emotions. Love wrestled with jealousy and confusion, grappling with her growing attraction to both Milk's friendship and Tu's captivating presence.

In the days that followed, Love struggled to reconcile her feelings. She cherished Milk's friendship deeply, yet Tu's presence had awakened desires and uncertainties she couldn't ignore. She found herself drawn to both, torn between loyalty to her friend and the magnetic pull of something new and unfamiliar.

As Love navigated the complexities of her emotions, she realized that her feelings for Milk ran deeper than she had ever acknowledged. Their bond, once unshakeable, had evolved into a fragile dance of longing and unspoken desires. Meanwhile, Tu's presence continued to cast a shadow over their dynamic, stirring emotions that Love struggled to understand.

In the quiet moments between pottery sessions, Love sought solace in the familiarity of their shared workspace. She watched as Milk poured her heart into each creation, her talent shining through despite the tension that lingered between them. And amidst the clay and kiln fires, Love grappled with her own heart, uncertain of where her feelings would lead and what they meant for her friendship with Milk.