The next morning, Charlotte was at the MGI training facility, attempting to focus on the lessons and the competition. But her mind was miles away, still haunted by her conversation with Engfa.
And it was always just around the corner, and the more Charlotte tried to avoid her, the more their interactions seemed to grow, with every glance and every fleeting moment of shared tension building into something Charlotte could no longer ignore.
________________
That evening, during a break from the training sessions, Charlotte found herself outside on the balcony, trying to clear her mind. The sun was setting, casting a warm golden glow over the city, but Charlotte felt anything but peaceful.
She leaned against the railing, taking in a deep breath, when a voice broke the silence.
“Nong Cha.”
Charlotte stiffened, her heart skipping a beat. She didn’t have to turn around to know who it was. She could feel Engfa’s presence behind her.
“What do you want?”
Engfa didn’t reply immediately, but Charlotte could hear her footsteps as she slowly approached.
“You know, you’re really good at pushing people away,” Engfa said, her voice softer now, less defensive.
“I don’t know what’s going on, but it’s starting to feel like you’re hating me on purpose.”
Charlotte swallowed hard, refusing to turn around and face her.
“I do not hate you,” Charlotte said, her tone colder than she meant. “I’m just here for the pageant. You’re here for the pageant. Let’s focus on that.”
But Engfa wasn’t backing down. She stepped closer, her presence undeniable.
“You can keep telling yourself that, but I don’t believe it,” she said, her voice laced with both frustration and something else—something more vulnerable.
“You’re not like the others, Cha. You’re different. And I’m not sure if I hate it or... if I like it.”
Charlotte finally turned to face her, her eyes locking with Engfa’s. The distance between them felt electric, charged with unspoken words, with years of history.
Charlotte’s chest ached. She had to stay strong. She had to protect her.
“You’re just confused,” Charlotte said softly. “We’re rivals here, P'Engfa. This... this is a competition. That’s all.”
Engfa shook her head, a frustrated sigh escaping her lips. “I don’t think it’s that simple,” she muttered, her eyes searching Charlotte’s face.
“I don’t know why, but I feel like I’ve known you forever, like there’s something between us that can’t be ignored. And yet... you push me away every chance you get.”
Charlotte’s heart was racing, her mind spinning. *This isn’t how it’s supposed to be.*
She stepped back, trying to put distance between them, but Engfa reached out and grabbed her wrist, her grip firm but gentle.
“Please don’t do this,” Engfa said, her voice barely above a whisper. “Tell me what’s going on. Tell me why you keep avoiding me.”
Charlotte’s breath hitched. *I can’t do this.*
But when she looked into Engfa’s eyes, she saw something that shattered her resolve. There was a longing there, a vulnerability that mirrored her own.
*Maybe I’m not the only one struggling with this.*
“I... I can’t tell you,” Charlotte said, her voice breaking.
YOU ARE READING
Written In The Same Star
Fanfiction[=*Englot AU*=] After losing her partner, Engfa Waraha, in a tragic accident, Charlotte Austin is given a chance to go back in time and change their fate. Determined to save Engfa, she returns to a past where they're not lovers but enemies who can't...
