Reading Between (the line)

A/N: This Chapter is short. TT

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It took a few seconds for her words to sink in. 

With an awkward chuckle, I replied, "Sorry about eavesdropping on your phone call a few days ago. I didn't mean it. But don't worry, I didn't listen for long. I had to go back downstairs to grab myself a coffee. Sorry again." I put my hands together and bowed slightly, trying to convey my sincere apology. "So, shall we go?" I subtly invited her before walking past her towards the door.

I hadn't even taken five steps when her words stopped me in my tracks. "Stop liking me, Praewa." Four simple words, but enough to bring tears to my eyes. I composed myself before turning back to her.

She continued, "I do not like you. And I never will. You're only a colleague and a friend to me. I will never see you that way." Her cruel words pierced my heart like a knife. "We belong to the same girl group and we even have a love team now. So, if you're like me and want to seize this moment, better keep your feelings in check. Don't ruin my dreams."

I opened my mouth in an attempt to speak, but the words wouldn't come out. My heart was aching too much for me to find the right words.

I knew she didn't like me. And I knew she wouldn't. But getting the confirmation right in my face was painful beyond words.

"N-Noon... I-"

I managed to utter, but suddenly, several people came in. Noon quickly placed a cap on my head before dragging me out. She was walking fast while still yanking me, and I just let her.

When we reached the basement where the manager and Anda and Lookkaew were waiting, Noon just quietly entered the van while I stood in front of the open door, dazed.

"Are you not hopping in, Praewa?" Lookkaew asked me. I looked up at her, and when she saw my teary eyes, she quickly made Anda transfer seats. She grabbed me and made me sit with her while Anda closed the car's door.

On that ride home, everyone was quiet except for my sobs.

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[1 month later]

The day everyone had been eagerly anticipating finally arrived. D-day. The premiere of the first episode of our series. The entire Cosmos members had decided to watch the episode together and film our reactions. The CEO learned about this and generously offered us a room in the company building for the occasion. The room was perfectly set up, except for one thing: the food. So, we all agreed to bring snacks and drinks to share.

I was still getting ready when I received a message from Atom. She said she was nearby and offered me a ride. I happily agreed, and moments later, I was already settled inside her car.

"What snack did you buy?" I asked her, eyeing the paper bags in the backseat.

"Oh, those? Those are not food; they're just books I bought to read. We'll be stopping by the convenience store near the company. Wanna buy the snacks together?" she asked, and I nodded in agreement.

Thanks to minimal traffic, we quickly arrived at the company's parking area. From there, we decided to walk to the convenience store. Upon our arrival, Atom picked up a basket, and we headed to the snack aisle. I scanned the shelves, selecting my favorite snacks while also considering what the other girls might enjoy.

After picking out at least five different snacks, I made my way to Atom to place them in our basket. Then, out of the corner of my eye, I saw her waving to someone. I followed her gaze and was shocked to see Noon.

"Noon! You haven't bought snacks yet? Want to join Praewa and me?" Atom offered cheerfully.

If it were just Noon and me, I'd prefer to avoid conversation, but with Atom there, I had no choice but to put on my celebrity smile. "Right. You can get the drinks since Atom and I are handling the snacks. We can split the bill three ways later," I added.

"Alright," Noon agreed almost immediately and headed to the fridge to grab the drinks.

In no time, Noon returned with three bottles of soda. We proceeded to the cashier, where Atom paid the bill. We then transferred our share to her electronically.

Walking back to the company building, I was left holding the paper bag with the sodas while Noon carried the snacks. Atom and Noon were deep in conversation, leaving me on the side, listening.

When we reached the lobby, Atom pressed the elevator button for us. As we waited, my right arm began to ache from holding the sodas, so I tried to switch to my left. Unfortunately, the paper bag was weakened from the condensation of the cold drinks, making the transfer difficult.

"Can you hold this for me, Atom?" Noon's voice broke through my concentration. But since she didn't address that question to me, I continued struggling with the sodas in my arms. "Give them to me," she said.

I looked up to see her standing in front of me, reaching for the sodas. "Uh, no. It's okay, Noon. I can carry them. We're almost there anyway," I politely declined her offer.

As the elevator doors opened, I heard her click her tongue in annoyance. She forcefully took the three bottles of soda from me and stepped into the elevator. "The elevator will not stay open forever, Praewa," she scolded.

That snaps me out from the shock of what she did. I hurriedly stepped in just before the doors closed, narrowly avoiding getting hit.

"What a clutch,"

I heard her murmur something, but I chose not to dwell on it. After all, she didn't have a favorable opinion of me anyway.