(M) Unspoken Affection - MilkLove Fan Fic - Completed

11. Always you

Milk PoV

The sound of the waves crashing against the shore was a soothing yet bittersweet melody to Milk's ears. Sitting alone on the tranquil beach in Phuket, she couldn't help but yearn for Love's presence beside her. Their shared love for the ocean had always been a cornerstone of their relationship. During school breaks, they would escape to the beach, dreaming of their future together. They had poured their hearts into building their pottery shop in Bangkok, but now, Milk found herself adrift, grappling with the absence of Love in her life.

Managing her pottery gallery in Phuket kept Milk occupied, and she poured her creativity into each design she crafted. Tu, back in Bangkok, faithfully replicated her designs for their online shop, which continued to thrive under Ciize and Love's capable management. Despite the business's success, Milk couldn't escape the ache in her heart. She had resolved not to inquire about Love's well-being after she left Bangkok, but Tu's inability to keep secrets always managed to slip through the cracks.

"Tsk, Tu can't keep her mouth shut," Milk muttered to herself, a wistful smile tugging at her lips. "She's always trying to convince me to come back, saying Love looks thinner and unhappier. It's almost enough to make me pack up and return, but then I remember she's with Gun now. I have to find my own happiness, even if it means not knowing how Love is doing."

It had been a year and a half since Milk left Bangkok for Phuket. As she sat on the beach, staring out at the horizon, she couldn't help but reflect on her feelings. "Am I ready to move on? Or am I still in love with Love?" The thought of Love's upcoming birthday stirred a mix of emotions within her. She had secretly ordered a cake for Love weeks ago, instructing Ciize and Tu to deliver it anonymously. It was her silent gesture, a way to ensure Love's happiness even if it meant she found it without Milk.

"Are you happy with Gun now that I'm gone, Love?" Milk whispered softly, her words carried away by the gentle breeze. "Sometimes, I wish your happiness could be with me. But I know I'm the one who's standing in the way. I hope you're happy, Love..."

Milk found solace in the rhythmic crashing of the waves, a sound that had always comforted her in times of uncertainty. Her mind inevitably wandered to Love, the one person who had shared this deep appreciation for the sea with her.

Lost in her thoughts, Milk felt a gentle tap on her shoulder, and before she could react, she was enveloped in a warm embrace from behind. "Hey cousin! What are you doing here all by yourself?! Missing Love again?" View's voice was laced with affection and concern, her smile bright despite the underlying empathy in her eyes. Milk turned to see View standing beside her, her presence a welcome interruption to the melancholy that threatened to engulf her.

"Hey View," Milk replied softly, trying to mask the ache in her voice with a faint smile. "Just admiring the waves."

View settled down beside her, not missing the hint of sadness in Milk's demeanor. She patted Milk's back gently and spoke with genuine concern. "You can always be direct with me, Milk. You miss Love, don't you?"

Milk couldn't hold back the tears that welled up in her eyes. "I do," she admitted quietly. "I want to move on, but it's so hard. I can't seem to let go of what we had. Should I accept that my love is just one-sided now? Can I accept that she chose Gun over me?"

View's gaze softened as she listened intently, her heart going out to Milk in her pain. "Milk, love isn't always about what you get in return," she began gently, choosing her words carefully. "Sometimes, it's about giving without expecting anything back. I know how much it hurts to see Love with Gun, but if you truly love her, you'll support her and find fulfillment in knowing she's happy, even if it's not with you."

Milk nodded slowly, feeling the weight of View's wisdom sinking in.

"You're right, View," she murmured, her voice thick with emotion. "I used to give everything to Love without asking for anything in return. Her happiness was enough for me. But somewhere along the way, I started craving more of her attention. I became selfish, wanting her to myself... I see that now."

View shook her head gently, her eyes reflecting empathy. "Milk, when you're in love, there's no room for selfishness. It's never wrong to fall for someone, and you've always respected Love. Now, it's time to respect your own heart. Take this time here in Phuket to figure out what you truly want. When you're ready to go back, will you confess your feelings to her instead of writing another letter? I've never known you to be a coward," she teased lightly, trying to lift Milk's spirits.

Milk chuckled weakly through her tears, grateful for View's attempt to ease her pain. "Ouch, it hurts here!" she joked, playfully clutching her heart. "You might have a point there, View. Another half year here to give myself time. Two more years in total, and then I'll do the right thing. I know now what my heart truly wants. Thank you, View, for being here for me. You and June have been my pillars of strength, even if I can't help but feel a twinge of jealousy every time I see you two being so clingy," she added with a mischievous grin, trying to lighten the mood.

View blushed slightly, a sheepish smile tugging at her lips. "Stop talking about my relationship, Milk. Today, it's about you," she insisted with a playful nudge.

Before Milk could respond, June's cheerful voice rang out from the distance, her laughter like music to their ears. "You two lovebirds, come back! Breakfast is ready. Let's eat and then we can get to work."

Both Milk and View chuckled, rising from their spots on the sand to join June. She enveloped them both in a warm hug, her infectious joy spreading to Milk's heart. As they sat around the table, sharing a meal filled with laughter and love, Milk couldn't help but think of Love. Every moment they had shared, every laugh, every heartfelt conversation—it was all etched deeply within her.

As the day unfolded, Milk found herself reminiscing about Love more than ever. She recalled the little details—the way Love's eyes sparkled when she laughed, the warmth of her smile, and the way she cared for everyone around her. The memory of the secret cake Milk had ordered for Love's birthday surfaced in her mind, a poignant reminder of the love she still harbored.

"Love, please wait for me," Milk whispered into the wind, her voice carrying a mix of determination and longing. "I may not know what the future holds, but I can't ignore my heart any longer. Whether we can be together or not, I'll return to Bangkok with courage. I won't hide my feelings anymore. For now, all I can do is trust in the journey ahead and hope that Love will be waiting at the end of it."