Reading Between (the line)

Scene 24

Timing.

A certain period when something happened; a turning point.

And I missed it. My timing was late—so late that here I am, suffering the consequences of my delayed realizations about love.

Yes, Praewa is beside me, but her heart and mind are with someone else. And even though my heart crumbled for this missed love, I had no choice but to pretend that everything was okay. That I am okay.

"Hi, Noon, I'm Kim from PengLai News. We saw a cute behind-the-scenes clip of you and Praewa after the Premier Night of your series yesterday. I know this has been asked a few times already, but fans can't help but wonder if the relationship between you two is now on a different level. Would you mind giving us an update on the status of your relationship?"

It was the final part of our farewell event for our successful series, and one of the reporters raised that question.

I gave everyone in front of me a calculated celebrity smile before opening my mouth to answer, "What do you guys think?" I teased them. They all giggled, their imaginations running wild, but I quickly cut those thoughts off. "Well, whatever it is you're thinking, I'm confirming it," I told them, maintaining my teasing smile.

The reporters' eyes widened, and they quickly turned to Praewa, who was beside me, seeking confirmation. But before they could utter a question to her, I quickly added, "I'm confirming that we're friends."

All of the people in front, including the fans behind, let out a dismayed reaction, which made me chuckle. Praewa did the same. Lately, I noticed that we had been so in sync at pretending that I no longer think people can see through our act.

"Why? What's wrong? Am I not right?" I asked everyone. And all I got were a mix of laughter and strong shakes of heads, especially from fans. "What were you thinking, then?" I asked again. And this time, everyone answered at the same time but in different words, making the crowd noisy and incomprehensible.

I chuckled at the sight but after that, I made a serious expression. "Well, Praewa and I are just good friends and co-members of Cosmos." I began explaining. Everyone fell silent. "We're colleagues, on-screen partners, and business partners."

"I know some fans wish for us to have a relationship beyond what I just mentioned. However, I want you guys to keep in mind that Praewa and I cannot be more than that. We're Cosmos sisters. Yes, I do love her, and that she's special to me but that is also true with the other Cosmos girls. That won't change.

I paused to gather more courage.

"We are all siblings. So, please. Please understand that she and I won't be more than that. I just don't want you guys to hope for nothing and someday have your hearts broken." I gave them a concerned smile.

The fans exchanged looks after that but remained silent. So did Praewa. Though I could feel her eyes on me, I did not dare turn to her. Or else, I might have recanted every word I'd just said.

And since they all chose to be silent, I continued, "I hope with this, any similar questions will no longer be asked moving forward. To our fans, I'm really sorry, I love you, and thank you so much for your continuous support."

After that, I put my hands together in front of me and bowed sincerely to everybody.

---

I took a deep breath and then closed my eyes.

The cold breeze and the sound of the busy city below reminded me that I am on top. When I opened my eyes again, the sky, glowing in an orange hue, welcomed me. The sun, slowly drifting away for the night, created this beautiful farewell.

It is sad, yet somehow, it provided me solace.

"Pammu said you'd be here and she's right."

I turned my head to the side when someone suddenly spoke and sat beside me, interrupting my peace. It was Anda.

She handed me a can of cold soda. "You see, I only had a few spare changes," she briefly explained when it took me a second before grabbing the can.

I smirked. "Did I complain?" I asked her, but she just rolled her eyes at me. I chuckled. "Well, thanks." She just nodded in response.

After popping the soda open, I took a sip before asking her, "You have something to tell me?"

I know this person so well. She was never fond of rooftops. Yet, here she is, coming over. And I know full well it isn't because she was only looking for someone to drink cola with. She's a simpleton but not to that point.

And without hesitation, she threw her question. "Why did you do that?"

Though her question lacked context, I quickly understood what she meant. I wasn't in the mood to beat around the bush anyway, so I cut to the chase and answered honestly right away. "Well, isn't it obvious?" I asked her. "Sooner or later, Praewa and Mai will go public. I'm just helping them pave the way and making it a little easier for them to be accepted by people, especially the NoonPraewa fans. Consider it my final gift and a peace offering." I smiled ruefully after.

"Plus, it'll prevent breaking the hearts of our fans in the future. Isn't it a win-win for everybody?" I asked Anda, but her expression was so puzzled when I finally turned to her.

"What the hell?" she suddenly cursed loudly, taking me aback. Seconds later, she put down her drink and stood in front of me. "What on earth are you talking about, Noon? Go public? Pave the way? No! Forget that! Are you saying that Mai and Praewa are dating?!"

Anda bombarded me with those questions, one after another. And I was so glad we were on the rooftop alone; otherwise, I would've already smacked her mouth for being that loud.

"Uh, yeah. They are," I chose to answer the last question.

"Since when?!" she asked again, this time hysterically loud.

"For months now? Why? Didn't she tell you guys?" I asked her back, confused.

"No!"

I paused. She hadn't?

"Well, now you know," I told her nonchalantly. "And will you stop being so loud and just sit back here? You're making my ears bleed, plus you're blocking my view of the beautiful sunset." I scolded her, gesturing for her to move away from in front of me.

She gave me her 'what the hell' look, but since I just blankly stared back at her, she ended up sitting back down as I initially told her. Then she smacked me lightly on my shoulder. "Why the hell are you so calm about it?" she asked, clearly annoyed.

I chuckled bitterly at that. "Calm?" I asked her back. "I looked calm, huh?" I softly mumbled into the air.

Not even five minutes later, I felt Anda's hand lightly tapping my back, comforting me. I covered my face with my hands.

The busy city below might have been noisy, but the sound of my weeping drowned me even more. And I hoped—no, I prayed—that this would be the last time.

Please.