The Constant Beat (Completed)

Chapter 11

When Jaja arrived at Seline's place, she didn't waste a second. Dropping the bag of takeout on the dining table, she immediately pulled Seline into a tight hug.

Seline melted into her friend's arms, the tears she'd been holding back finally bursting.

She cried, as if the tears had been waiting for this moment to pour out. Jaja held her, rubbing her back softly until the subs turned into shaky breaths.

"What's wrong?" Jaja whispered gently, her voice soothing

"I still love her." Seline's voice was barely a whisper, but the words were raw and real.

Jaja looked at her friend and smiled softly, "I know, Seline. I've always known. Even when you kept pushing her away, I saw how your eyes lit up whenever you read her little notes or sipped the coffee she'd leave for you. And don't even try denying it, I caught you digging through the trash just to fish out the note from the flowers she sent." Jaja said and she rolled her eyes at Seline.

Seline let out a watery chuckle. "Yeah, I guess I'm a bit pathetic, huh?"

"No, you're not" Jaja shook her head, squeezing Seline's shoulders.

"You're just in love. You never stopped being in love with her."

Seline sighed, the sound heavy with regret. "So, what's stopping you from going back to her?" Jaja's expression turned serious as she asked the question Seline had been avoiding. Seline Knew the answer without thinking.

"You know why.. It's her lifestyle." Seline murmured, dropping her gaze.

"The video games and childish acts." Seline said.

Jaja arched an eyebrow, peering at Seline with a curious expression. Then something seemed to click. "Wait a minute. Why are you all dramatic so early in the morning? And why are you still wearing the same clothes from last night?" Her eyes narrowed as she leaned closer, her expression shifting to one of suspicion. "Did you.... did you see someone last night?"

Seline's cheeks turned pink. "Um..."

Jaja gasped, eyes widening. "Oh my god! Did you hook up with someone?" she practically shouted, then smirked. "Who was it? Spill!"

Seline's blush deepened as she quickly shook her head. "No, no! It wasn't like that. It was Keia."

Jaja's jaw dropped. "Wait..What?!.. You and Keia. Did you drunk call her or something? You know you have a habit of ----"

"No! She was there.. at the bar." Seline interrupted, the memory falshing in her mind. The way Keia had looked, so carefree and surrounded by others.

"I saw her dancing with these girls, and... I think I felt jealous." She swallowed hard. "Really jealous."

Jaja sat back, eyes wide. "That's why you went missing? We were all looking for you! But I never would've guessed you'd end up with Keia."

"I know," Seline said softly.

"I'm so stupid."

"You're not stupid. You're just... in love. Still, with your ex." Jaja said gently.

Seline closed her eyes, Jaja's words hitting her square in the chest. She was right.

"Uhm.. I think you need to talk to her, Seline." Jaja murmured. "It's not fair to either of you to leave things like this."

Seline sank deeper into her seat, feeling more lost than ever. "Yeah, I know.. but I'm not ready yet. I'll text her for now. I just... I need time."

Jaja nodded, understanding in her eyes. "That's okay. Take your time. But don't let it slip away, Okay?"

Seline nodded numbly, standing up to change out of her clothes. When she came back, Jaja had already unpacked the food, steaming bowls of hangover soup and congee. Seline offered her a small, grateful smile. "Thanks for this."

Jaja just shrugged and grinned. "That's what friends are for." They sat down, the food warming Seline's heart as they continued to talk, the morning light filtering through the windows as a new day began.