FIRST LOVE - Book 2

Chapter 16: Innocent Pain

Fon excused herself from the table, her heart racing as she struggled to contain the pain that welled up inside her. Each word that Khongkwan had said echoed in her mind, a constant reminder of her past regrets and the weight of their unresolved feelings.

As she stepped outside, the cool air hit her like a wave, but it did little to calm the storm brewing within. She ran a few paces away from the restaurant, the tears spilling from her eyes as she felt the crushing disappointment in Khongkwan’s voice.

“Why didn’t you come back?” echoed in her mind. “You abandoned me.” The words were sharp, cutting through her like a knife. She leaned against a nearby wall, her breath hitching as sobs escaped her lips.

Fon felt lost, her heart aching not just for herself but for Khongkwan as well. She wiped her tears with the back of her hand, trying to regain her composure, but the pain of feeling unwanted and misunderstood was overwhelming.

“I didn’t mean to hurt you,” she whispered to herself, feeling utterly helpless. The memories of their shared laughter, the warmth of their friendship, and the dreams they once had together flooded her thoughts.

What she wouldn’t give to go back in time, to change the course of events that had led them to this moment. She longed to tell Khongkwan how much she cared, how much she had missed her, but the fear of rejection loomed large.

Fon took a deep breath, trying to steady herself, but the tears continued to flow. She felt as though she was caught in a cycle of grief and confusion, one that seemed impossible to break.

Minutes later, Sky approached Fon, concern etched on his face as he saw the tears streaming down her cheeks. He gently placed a hand on her shoulder, offering her comfort.

“Hey, it’s okay,” he said softly, trying to reassure her. “I know that was tough for you.”

Fon sniffed, her voice shaky as she spoke. “You heard what she said, Sky. She’s disappointed in me. I didn’t mean to make her feel like I abandoned her. I just... I just wanted to come back and be there for her, but it feels like I’ve failed.”

Sky nodded, understanding the weight of her words. “I know it hurts. But remember, you can’t tell her the truth right now. It’s too complicated.”

Fon wiped her eyes, still feeling the sting of her emotions. “I don’t want her to get mad at her grandmother. She’s all Khongkwan has left, and I can't be the reason they end up fighting. It’s not fair.”

“Yeah, but you also can’t keep carrying this weight forever. You’re not responsible for what happened between them,” Sky said, trying to be firm yet gentle.

Fon shook her head, her heart heavy with fear. “What if she finds out the truth and gets mad? What if she can’t forgive me? I can’t lose her again, Sky. What if... what if it’s easier to just let her go?”

The thought sent fresh waves of tears down her cheeks, each sob feeling like a physical ache. “I don’t want to lose her, but maybe... maybe that’s the only way to protect her. Maybe I should just step back and let her move on.”

Sky held Fon tighter, his voice firm yet gentle as he spoke. “Fon, you need to understand that Khongkwan needs you. You both know deep down that you’re the only person who can truly complete her right now. Nobody else can help her feel the way you do. You’ve always had that connection.”

Fon looked up at him, her eyes still glistening with tears. “But what if it’s too late? What if she’s already moved on?”

Sky shook his head. “She hasn’t. You saw it in her eyes today. There’s still something there, something that hasn’t changed. You just need to be brave enough to reach out again. She wants you in her life, Fon. You have to believe that.”