The Way it Feels💓

The kiss that felt long

PRESENT

I was sitting on the ground, the stars shining brighter than I had ever seen. Their light felt distant, almost mocking in my sorrow. "Are you not cold?" Tenzin asked, his voice breaking through the silence. I looked up, surprised he had found me here. I quickly wipe my face.

I noticed I was shivering; it was definitely cold. "It's really cold," I said with a small laugh, trying to lighten the mood. Tenzin settled down beside me and immediately took off his coat.

"I'm fine," I protested, but before I could say more, he draped the coat over my shoulders. The warmth spread through me, chasing away the chill.

We sat in silence for a moment, the only sound the soft rustle of leaves. Finally, he broke the quiet. "I don't know what's going on between you and Mr. Gyeltshen, but if he's bullying you, you need to tell me." His words caught me off guard, and I let out a laugh. Tenzin looked surprised, as if he hadn't expected that reaction.

"You know what? Sometimes feelings make everything so complicated," I said slowly, my gaze drifting to the sky, where stars twinkled like distant dreams.

"It does," he agreed, and I turned to see him staring at the sky too. A smile crept onto my face; it felt comforting that he wasn't pressing for details. Just sharing this moment of stillness was enough, a gentle reminder that I wasn't alone in my struggles.

Soon after, we returned to the hotel, and I noticed the 11:00 PM as I opened the door. "Where were you?" Tshoki asked, sitting up in bed, concern etched on her face.

"I went to get some fresh air," I replied, my voice a little shaky as I slowly made my way to the bed. I could feel the weight of the evening pressing down on me.

"I'm sorry I couldn't take you,"I said, as guilt rushed over me.

"It's okay. I was worried too; you just ran off," she added, her small hand forming a tight fist. "That girl was so annoying, clinging onto Mr. Gyeltshen."

"It's okay," I said, trying to dismiss it. "She's his fiancée." I laid back on the bed, staring at the ceiling, trying to sort through my tangled emotions.

"Really?" Tshoki asked, her tone shifting to surprise as she crawled over to join me. I could see the confusion in her eyes, and it felt good to have someone beside me, even amidst the chaos.

"Let's sleep; tomorrow we have a lot to do," I said, stifling a yawn. Tshoki nodded, and the warmth of her presence was comforting as we settled into our beds. The events of the day played in my mind, but exhaustion soon took over.

Slowly, we both drifted off, the gentle rhythm of our breathing blending together in the stillness of the night. As sleep wrapped around me, I felt a sense of peace wash over me, if only for a moment.

...

The next day, we were back at school shooting the drama, but it felt different. Lhayang hadn't left, and it was clear this wasn't just business. I knew she was his fiancée, but I pretended not to, trying to ease the pain that churned inside me.

Gyeltshen made several attempts to start a conversation, but I avoided him like he was invisible, focusing on my work instead.

"Are you okay?" the camera director called out to Gyeltshen, noticing his distraction during the shoot. "You're making so many mistakes," he continued, frustration creeping into his voice.

"I need a few seconds," Gyeltshen replied, his tone tight as the shoot came to a halt. I could see the tension in his posture, and my heart ached at the sight of him struggling. But I kept my distance, not ready to confront the whirlwind of emotions that seemed to surround us both.