WRONG NUMBER {COMPLETE}

Sixteen

~Forth~

I don't know if I've ever felt like this before. Is this what it feels like to be rejected? I feel numb, but the look in N'Beam's eyes said it all. He seem so stressed out that it was literally making him sick. I set out on the road to P'Mew's. He lives only an hour from the resort. I figured I'll crash at his place and drive to campus on Monday.

"Well, look who finally got a taste of his own medicine hahaha" -P'Mew stated making room for me to come inside. " Laugh all you want... I don't know where I went wrong. I honestly felt the connection." I said plunging on his couch. " We really hit it off, he was excited about our date. Then I see him in person, and he already has developed feelings for another. I mean I suddenly have the urge to fight for him, Phi. I mean who could this other person be, that has swayed his decision so swiftly?" I vented to P'Mew.

He simply laughed and smiled, " I need to meet this Nong that have you head over hills. He is in the Moon and Star competition this year right?" He asked. I nodded to respond, "... he has you acting all love sick. He must be a real catch"-P'Mew. I sensed the sudden interest in his voice, "... No way!!! Phi!... he is too young for you and I already have enough competition as it is" I said noticing that mischievous 😏 look of his.

He bursted out in laughter, " Well if Park can date Lam, I can date someone 6 years younger than me" he stated. " Yea... and he threw the age difference in his face  the moment he wanted to break up with him."I responded. P'Mew just looked in my direction with an indifferent 😑 look on his face. " Lam didn't tell you Park came back? He arrived on Friday and went straight to your house. That man took Earth's deal, with a lower pay so he can get back with Lam"-P'Mew. This was news to me, come to think of it I've only been communicating with Lam through text since Friday.

I can only imagine how conflicted he is. He really loved P'Park, and when he didn't even consider a long distance relationship as Lam was willing to do. It broke my best friend, his whole world shattered. I wonder if there's anything left to put together. Especially, now he seem to be bouncing back. He seem chipper when I last spoke with him, he was in good spirits. I hope P'Park isn't toying with my best friend. Lord knows I'll take a bullet for Lam, and that includes taking  on the most fierce head hazer  in the school of engineering history. P'Park is a legend on our campus. Known for his strength when it came to fighting against economic gang.

~Lam~

I walked downstairs about an hour after my word exchange with P'Park. The table was set up, with a note stating :Don't give up on us Lammie, please eat for me-Park. I just looked at the note, without an ounce of FUCK to give. I picked up the plate and tossed it in the garbage 🗑. Again, I checked my text to N'Beam. And again, there was no response but he had yet to read my message this time around.They would be arriving in about two hours.

Should I surprise him at the pick up spot? Would that seem like I'm coming on too strong? I took a deep breathe and decided to call him instead. If he doesn't pick up and then it is sign for me to move on. I dialed his number, it rang twice then he answered on the third ring. "Hello P'Lam..."-Beam. The sound of his voice alone perked me up. " Nong! Hey how are you doing? Sorry I called out the blue, but I just wanted to check up on you" I said, suddenly feeling nervous.

"Sorry I haven't answered your text... I just have a lot on my mind"-Beam. There was a disconnect with N'Beam. He didn't sound like himself, " how are you getting home from the bus drop off?" I asked. To which he stated, " My brother would be picking up Yo and I"-Beam. Without much thought, I blurted out, "...I'll pick you up. I'm heading there now". I don't know what came over me, but I was not taking no for an answer. I wanted to see him, rather I needed to see him. I grabbed my keys and next I was on the road. Honestly, I don't know what has come over me. But I've decided not to fight it, I'm going with my gut feeling on this.

~ Beam~

My conversation with P'Lam was inevitable. I had been ignoring his text on purpose. I didn't know if I was ready to face him. It was when he called on the phone, that I knew what I had to do.I apologized for not responding to his text. He was not annoyed nor upset, rather he sounded concerned. He insisted on picking me up from the station. I hope he gets there before P'Pha. I was not ready for the 101 questions from him. Also, he is not a big fan of the engineer students.

When we arrived back at the drop off spot. I saw a very familiar figure standing next to a white Maserati. As promised, he was waiting at the entrance of the university. I felt my heart flutter instantaneously. " Oh Beam!!! P'Lam!!! And P'Forth!!!" Wayo said piecing everything together. "What dangerous game are you playing?" Wayo asked as the bus came to a halt. I took a deep breathe and responded, " ... One that I am putting an end today".

I went for my luggage and walked over to P'Lam. The smile on his face alone as I approached him could light up a cave. " Welcome back,.." he said reaching out for my bag. In that moment, his presence brought a smile to my face. One that I've been trying to find for a couple of days now. "Thanks for picking me up... you truly didn't have to" I said. He glanced at me, in an almost shy smile and said " I didn't have to, I wanted to".

In, that very moment I knew it was time to come clean. He deserves the truth, I couldn't with P'Forth. But I felt P'Lam was the right person to go to first. Although, he look cold and stand off-ish. He is really warm and sweet when you get to know him. So, I took a deep breathe and stated, " I have something to tell you Phi... you deserve an explanation for my behavior". He nodded and gave me that calming smile of his, "  I can tell you have a lot weighing on your mind...but can you at least have a meal with me first? Please, I need this more than you know. Then I'm all ears..."