The contestants were enjoying a rare moment of relaxation after an intense day of rehearsals. Some were chatting in the lounge, while others were sprawled out on the couches, sharing snacks and stories.
Charlotte had found a quiet corner with her notebook, jotting down notes for the next day’s practice.
Engfa, as usual, was at the center of attention, cracking jokes and making everyone laugh. But her eyes kept drifting to Charlotte, who seemed lost in her own world.
“Nong Cha!” Engfa called out suddenly, startling Charlotte.
“What?” Charlotte replied, looking up.
“You’ve been glued to that notebook all day,” Engfa said, walking over.
“Come join us for a bit. You’re too serious.”
“I’m fine here,” Charlotte said, her tone polite but firm.
Engfa smirked and leaned down, her face close to Charlotte’s. “Come on, live a little. Or are you afraid you’ll actually have fun?”
Charlotte glared at her but didn’t move.
“I’m not afraid of anything.”
“Prove it,” Engfa challenged, raising an eyebrow.
The other contestants, sensing an opportunity for entertainment, started egging them on.
“Yes, Cha! Prove her wrong!”
Feeling the pressure, Charlotte sighed and stood up. “Fine. What do you want me to do?”
Engfa grinned, clearly pleased. “Catch this.” She picked up a small candy from the table and tossed it toward Charlotte.
Charlotte didn’t have time to argue before Engfa tossed the candy at her. She reached out to grab it, but her foot caught on the edge of the table. She stumbled forward—and before she knew it, she was face-to-face with Engfa.
Their lips bumped together in a quick, accidental kiss.
The room went silent.
Charlotte immediately pulled back, her eyes wide with shock. “I—I didn’t mean to—”
Engfa blinked, momentarily stunned, before a slow, mischievous smile spread across her face. “Well, that’s one way to prove you’re not afraid.”
The contestants erupted into laughter and cheers, some whistling and others teasing, “Get a room!”
Charlotte’s face turned crimson.
“It was an accident!” she stammered, glaring at everyone.
“Sure it was,” one of the contestants said, smirking.
Another chimed in, “Engfa’s turning this pageant into a romance show!”
“Stop it!” Charlotte protested, her face growing redder by the second.
Engfa, however, seemed entirely unfazed. She tilted her head, her teasing smile turning softer.
“Don’t worry, Cha,” she said, her voice low enough for only Charlotte to hear.
“It wasn’t a bad accident.”
Charlotte felt her heart skip a beat at the unexpected warmth in Engfa’s tone.
“Arrrrrgghhhh,” she muttered, trying to hide her embarrassment.
Engfa laughed, stepping back to give her some space. “And you’re adorable.”
“Stop it!” Charlotte hissed, but there was no real anger in her voice.
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...
