FIRST LOVE - Book 2

Chapter 17: Roots of Jealousy

Khongkwan’s voice was sharp as she called the waiter over, her urgency palpable. “Can we get the bill, please?” she demanded, tapping her foot impatiently. Her hands moved swiftly as she packed her belongings, frustration evident in every movement.

Sky, taken aback by her sudden change in demeanor, furrowed his brow in confusion. “What’s going on with you, Khongkwan?” he asked, trying to gauge her mood.

“Really, where’s Fon?” Khongkwan shot back.

Sky sighed, shifting uncomfortably. “I called a cab for her to take her home,” he replied, but it seemed to only fuel her agitation.

Khongkwan’s eyes narrowed as she pulled out her phone, showing him a recent photo of Fon looking carefree and distant. “It’s not like Fon is home!” she exclaimed, her voice rising with annoyance.

Without another word, Khongkwan tossed some money onto the table, her actions abrupt and final. “You settle the bill, Sky. I have to go.” With that, she rushed out of the restaurant, leaving Sky bewildered in her wake.

“Where are you going?” he called after her, but she ignored him, her focus fixed on the door as she burst outside.

As the door swung shut behind her, Sky couldn’t help but chuckle softly, shaking his head in amusement. “Well, that was dramatic,” he muttered, taking a moment to gather his things before following her out, still curious about what had just transpired.

Meanwhile, as Fon settled into the back of the cab, her phone buzzed with a familiar name lighting up the screen. It was Som.

“Hey, where are you?” Som asked cheerfully.

Fon sighed, a mix of exhaustion and longing in her voice. “I’m on my way home,” she replied, glancing out the window at the passing streets.

“Why don’t you come join me and my friends? We could use some fun!” Som suggested, her tone inviting.

Fon hesitated for a moment, thinking of the whirlwind of emotions swirling within her. But the thought of being alone felt heavier than the prospect of socializing. “Sure, I might need some distractions today,” she said finally, a small smile forming despite herself.

“Great! I’ll text you the address,” Som replied, her excitement evident. “Can’t wait to see you!”

As the cab continued down the road, Fon felt a flicker of hope. Maybe a night out with friends was exactly what she needed to clear her mind and shake off the lingering thoughts of Khongkwan.

Fon stepped out of the cab and approached the venue, the lively music and chatter filtering through the doors. As soon as she entered, she spotted Som, who greeted her with a warm smile and an open embrace.

“Hey, you made it!” Som exclaimed, but her smile faltered as she noticed Fon’s red, puffy eyes. “What happened? You don’t look so good.”

Fon took a deep breath, trying to steady her emotions. “I was with Khongkwan and Sky earlier,” she admitted, her voice shaky. “I thought I could tell Khongkwan the truth about everything, but... I just couldn’t. I’m not sure she’d understand who I really am to her.”

Som frowned, concern etched on her face. “What do you mean?”

“It’s just... it hurts so much,” Fon continued, her voice barely above a whisper. “Khongkwan has no idea that I love her. She’s going on with her life, and I’m stuck here, feeling like I’m not even in the picture anymore.”

Som placed a comforting hand on Fon’s shoulder, sensing the weight of her words. “You deserve to be seen, Fon. You deserve to be happy, too.”

Som guided Fon through the bustling venue, leading her to where Kade and Tee were seated. “This is Kade and Tee,” she introduced warmly. “Guys, this is Fon.”