Reading Between (the line)

A/n: My initial plan is to finish this up to Scene 20, but I think I'll get past that a bit. So busy these days with work so pardon my late updates ^^

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[Praewa's]

I rolled around the bed, sat up, then lay back down.

I've done everything I could to drift off to sleep, but still to no avail. I sat up again and noticed the yellow flowers on my bedside table. Seeing them reminded me of the events earlier.

Let's rewind the time a bit.

I met P'Mai at the place she mentioned and was given those sunflowers the moment I arrived. I thought nothing of it since she often gave me those flowers after I mentioned once that I liked them. And I appreciate the gesture.

While we waited for our food, I began to ask her extra details about the character I would be playing, as I had initially planned. She mentioned things that weren't in the book, which, by the way, she had also given me as a gift. I took notes while she spoke.

"Oh, I meant to ask you this before. Who did you base the other character on, P'Mai? P'Tam said it wasn't P'Noon. Is there another artist you based it on?" I asked out of curiosity.

Since we were already on the topic, I wanted to know so I could take some notes for Noon as well. As a co-actor, there's nothing wrong with helping her learn more about the character she was playing. It'll benefit both of us anyway.

I noticed P'Mai look away, her cheeks turning red after hearing my question. I was confused as to why she acted that way. But before she could answer and before I could pry on her reaction, our food finally arrived.

My attention shifted to the plates being placed on the table. And since the food smelled and looked so good, we decided to eat first. I hadn't had my lunch earlier, so my stomach took priority over my curiosity.

Minutes later, we finished eating the main course. After the dessert was served, P'Mai brought up the question I had asked. "I-it wasn't based on any celebrity," she answered directly, but I understood what she meant.

"Oh? Is it someone you know personally then?" So, I asked, scratching the list of celebrities I had in my head.

I saw P'Mai slowly nod, her cheeks turning scarlet again. A similar reaction to earlier. Don't tell me...

"Wait!"

I stopped her as I realized something amazing. And P'Mai's nervous reaction confirmed it. I narrowed my eyes at her, feeling like I had hit the jackpot with my deduction.

"W-what?"

I gave her a playful smirk. "Perhaps. Is it someone you love? Or someone you have a crush on? Oh my gosh, then that would be so sweet!" I giggled, feeling giddy with my smart observation.

But P'Mai's expression turned from nervousness to utter confusion, then to frustration. I tilted my head. Did I get it wrong? I pouted a bit, feeling a tad bit upset that I got it wrong. Who was it based on then?

"That can't be, Praewa. No way. I didn't even pair you up with your on-screen partner, there's no way I'd pair you with a stranger! Besides, the one I like is already in the book." P'Mai's voice raised a bit.

"Huh?"

Already in the book? She used her crush as a character in the book? Which one? The friend? The classmate? No way! If she was the writer, it's impossible she'd make her crush a side charac-

That was when my thoughts halted. I realized something nonsensical and unbelievable. It was so absurd I forced myself to think more. While I struggled with my thoughts, P'Mai eyed me intently and spoke again.

"It was me, Praewa. Tina's love interest was based on me." She finally revealed. "I am Oon. And Tina... she's the one I like," she said, staring right into my eyes.

Back in my room, I picked up the sunflower and stared at it. "What was that, P'Mai? Why?!"

But I am Tina!

---

"Good morning!" / "Good morning, Praewa!"

I could not sleep properly last night, and this scene in front of me is not helping my headache at all. While massaging my nape, I eyed the two women in front of me.

"What are you two doing here?" I asked them.

I could see them exchanging dagger looks without answering my question. My aching head was more than enough problem for me, so I walked away and went to the side, ignoring them too. I didn't have the energy to be their referee in whatever it was they were trying to fight about.

"Wait, Praewa! I'll give you a ride," Noon suddenly said, stopping in front of me.

Before I could reply to her. I felt P'Mai's hand on my arm. "No. I will take you. I have something to tell you anyway," she told me.

"And what could that possibly be? She already met you yesterday. What else is there to talk about?" Noon retorted, trying to remove P'Mai's hold on my arm. "Let go," she ordered firmly when P'Mai didn't budge.

Maybe because Noon was stronger, P'Mai's hold slowly loosened until she finally let go. "It's not for you to decide," P'Mai countered. The two of them eyed each other menacingly once again.

When Noon began to pull me back to cover me from P'Mai's sight, I finally intervened. "Will you two stop this? You're causing a scene so early in the morning," I scolded them, looking around to let them know people were already staring.

When I felt them calming down, I finally told them whom I wanted to ride with. "Noon and I are going to the same building, so I'll go with her," I announced. Though it's true, the main reason I chose Noon is that I didn't want to talk with P'Mai yet regarding yesterday.

She didn't confess to me, I know that, but I felt awkward being alone with her right now. I just... I don't know what to say to her after that. That's all. I know I can't avoid her forever since we'll be starting to shoot the series in two days. But at this moment, I don't want to add more to the headache I'm suffering.

Which is caused by her, by the way.

So, I let Noon open the passenger seat door for me and I got in. Though I felt a bit sorry, we left P'Mai standing there as Noon's car drove away.