Reading Between (the line)

Scene 20

I would even kneel if needed. That's how desperate I was.

---

"Woah!" 

Pin gasped upon seeing me. I knew why—it was due to the dark circles under my eyes from staying up late last night. Not really late, because it was already dawn when I finally finished practicing the dishes I planned to cook for Praewa.

Since I was aware of my poor cooking skills, I spent the entire night practicing until they were at least delicious.

I had already given up on the visual appeal of the food, but I could proudly say that all of it was tasty.

"What happened to you? Didn't we have a day off yesterday? Didn't you rest?" Jenny asked, as she was also in the tent when I entered.

"I'm fine, girls. I was just doing something important. These can be covered with makeup anyway, so no need to worry," I told them.

I saw the two of them exchange looks before changing the topic to the scenes we were shooting later. Our characters were best friends in the series, and we had three scenes to shoot together today.

It took hours to finish the shooting, and when I checked the time, it was almost lunchtime. Praewa and I had scenes to shoot after lunch, so I was sure she was in the tent, prepping.

I hurried inside and saw her sitting in the chair I had occupied earlier. We locked eyes in the mirror, and as expected, she was the first to look away. "You're here. Have you eaten lunch already?" I nervously asked. If she had already eaten, the lunch I cooked for her would be wasted.

She shook her head. "Not yet," she simply replied, forced by the presence of a makeup artist.

"Ms. Pram is already out to get everyone's lunch for today, P'Noon," the makeup artist informed me. I thanked her and went straight to the food container inside my bag. I had bought a special container that kept the food warm just for today. So, before Ms. Pram returns, I have to give it to her now.

"N'Praewa," I called to get her attention. She eyed me from the mirror's reflection before turning around. "I made you lunch," I told her, handing over the container.

I was very aware that she didn't want to accept it, but the makeup artist's suppressed giggles made her realize we weren't alone. With an awkward smile, she slowly accepted the container and placed it on the table in front of her.

"T-thank you, P'Noon. You don't actually have to, but I appreciate it," she said.

Though I knew her words weren't sincere, I was still happy she appreciated it, so I couldn't help but smile.

I am very happy she accepted it!

---

It was already evening, and I was about to sleep when the doorbell rang ferociously.

At first, I was happy to see Praewa at the door. But that feeling quickly dissipated when she shoved the food container at me with force. My heart sank when I felt the weight of the container. It was the same as when I handed it to her at lunch.

She hadn't eaten it.

Suppressing my emotions, I looked at Praewa. "I-It's already late, Praewa. Why are you here? You could have returned the container tomorrow. Or not returned it at all; it's fine," I told her, maintaining my composure.

Her eyes coldly looked at me, "I never thought you would stoop this low," she finally spoke.

I had no idea what she meant, so I asked, "What do you mean? I just cooked you lunch. I-It's... it's just like any other food I gave you before."

They are not the same food, but for her, it is.

"When will you stop doing this? You said it yourself—you're already late. So why bother doing this, P'Noon? Just why?"

"And I also said that I would catch up, Praewa. And I will. No matter how much you push me away, I won't stop. Because I love you. I really do," I told her sincerely.

Praewa's expression changed for a second but then reverted back. "But I no longer do," she said coldly.

"No. That's not true," I denied quickly. Though I sounded sure, I really wasn't. It was the first time Praewa had told me that. She always said I was already late, but she had never said she didn't love me anymore.

I am getting scared.

Praewa shook her head in disbelief. "Then you leave me no choice." She took out her phone and showed me the screen.

My world crumbled when I saw a photo. When I tried to grab the phone for a closer look, Praewa quickly withdrew it. "Didn't I tell you that you're already too late? This is why, P'Noon. Because P'Mai—no, Mai and I... are girlfriends."