Written In The Same Star

Engfa's Overload

Before rehearsal at the backstage. Charlotte was fiddling with her gown’s zipper, her face a mix of concentration and frustration, when Engfa approached.

"Need help?" Engfa asked, her tone neutral but her eyes curious.

Charlotte startled, her hands freezing mid-motion. "No, I—I'm fine."

Engfa raised an eyebrow. "You’re clearly not." Without waiting for a response, she stepped behind Charlotte, gently brushing her hands away.

"Hold still."

Charlotte’s breath hitched as Engfa’s fingers brushed against her back. The warmth of her touch was unexpected, sending a shiver up Charlotte’s spine. She stared straight ahead, her heart racing.

"There," Engfa said softly, her voice much closer than Charlotte anticipated. She finished zipping up the gown and lingered for a moment before stepping back.

"See? Easy."

Charlotte turned around, her face flushed. "Thanks. You didn’t have to—"

"You’re welcome," Engfa interrupted with a smirk. "I can’t have you tripping onstage because of a wardrobe malfunction. We’re rivals, not enemies."

Charlotte bit her lip, her heart softening.
"Rivals, huh?"

Engfa tilted her head, studying her.
"You sound disappointed. Were you hoping for something else?"

Caught off guard, Charlotte stammered, "N-No! I just... I didn’t expect you to help me, that’s all."

Engfa laughed lightly, her voice warm. "You really think I’m that heartless? I’m competitive, but I’m not cruel."

Charlotte smiled faintly.
"Maybe I misjudged you."

Engfa crossed her arms, leaning casually against the wall. "Maybe you did. Or maybe you’re just scared to admit you like me."

Charlotte’s eyes widened. "What? I don’t—"

Engfa cut her off, her gaze softening. "Relax, Cha. I’m kidding... mostly." But her teasing tone was undercut by the warmth in her eyes.

Charlotte felt a mix of emotions—embarrassment, amusement, and something deeper she couldn’t quite name.

"You’re hopeless, you know that?"

Engfa shrugged, her smile turning playful. "And yet, you’re still here talking to me."

Charlotte sighed, unable to hide the small smile tugging at her lips. "Maybe I like the challenge."

Engfa leaned closer, her voice dropping to a gentle murmur. "Careful, Cha. I might start thinking you enjoy my company."

For a moment, Charlotte didn’t know how to respond. She felt the weight of Engfa’s words and the unexpected sweetness in her tone. It was disarming, but also comforting.

"I guess I don’t mind it as much as I thought," Charlotte admitted softly, surprising even herself.

Engfa blinked, caught off guard by the sincerity in Charlotte’s voice. A small smile crept across her face. "Good. Because I’m not planning on going anywhere."

For the first time in days, Charlotte felt her guard slipping. She looked at Engfa, realizing that maybe—just maybe—letting her in wasn’t as dangerous as she feared.

Neither of them noticed how close they had gotten until the stage manager called for rehearsal. They both startled, quickly stepping back.

"Guess we’d better get going," Engfa said, her voice lighter now. She started walking toward the stage but paused, glancing over her shoulder.