Chapter 2 - I Was Never There

Inside the dessert shop, the sweet aroma of freshly baked waffles and creamy ice cream filled the air, but the atmosphere at the table was starkly different. A heavy silence hung over them like a thick fog. Lalin and Irene exchanged awkward glances while Kunlaphat sat quietly, her eyes fixed on the dessert before her. Her mind was a whirl of emotions—shock, sadness, and anger—at the realization that her ex, Lalin, whom she had broken up with over two years ago, was now the person her best friend was seeing.

Irene could sense the tension in the air and struggled to start a conversation, her eyes darting to Kunlaphat from time to time. Yet, Kunlaphat remained silent, refusing to even look up.

"Uh... Phat?" Irene spoke softly, but Kunlaphat stayed unresponsive.

The silence dragged on, making Irene increasingly uncomfortable. She wasn't sure what was happening, but she sensed something was amiss. While Irene tried to navigate the awkwardness, Lalin watched Kunlaphat with mixed feelings, not expecting to see her again.

Kunlaphat was lost in her thoughts, trying to make sense of everything, struggling to suppress the emotions that were bubbling up inside her. The cheerful atmosphere of the dessert shop had turned into one of discomfort and tension, leaving everyone unsure of how to move forward.

In the end, someone had to retreat first.

"I just remembered I have a project meeting with my group," Kunlaphat said, breaking the silence. "I should get going."

She gave Irene a smile, then turned to Lalin, forcing a polite expression.

"It was nice meeting you, Lalin."

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The sound of splashing water echoed from the large pool inside a luxury condo. Kunlaphat, in a black swimsuit, sank to the bottom, the cold water of a Bangkok winter night failing to soothe the ache in her heart.

"Lalin,"

she murmured, thinking of their past relationship and the day Lalin decided that Kunlaphat no longer had a place in her life. Kunlaphat wondered how Lalin felt now that she had achieved her dreams in the entertainment industry, standing in a place so far out of reach.

Memories of her first encounter with Lalin resurfaced in Kunlaphat's mind...

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That day, Kunlaphat had gone to an audition for a host position at the invitation of her senior. While waiting for the crew to prepare, she noticed a high school girl standing in the corner, reciting lines to herself. When Lalin looked up, their eyes met, and she gave Kunlaphat a small smile—a simple gesture that unexpectedly made Kunlaphat's heart race.

When it was Lalin's turn, she confidently stood in front of the camera, speaking with a clear and natural tone. Kunlaphat watched her through the monitor, captivated by Lalin's charm and talent, even though she was just a high school student.

After the audition, they were introduced through their seniors, exchanged contacts, and began talking regularly. Within a month, they decided to start dating, just as Lalin was about to enter university.

What seemed like a smooth relationship soon hit bumps along the way...

"If people find out about us, that I dated a girl, how do you think they'll react? And my parents..." Lalin's voice trailed off with concern.

Kunlaphat's voice wavered as she responded, "Do you really have to break up just because you're entering the industry? And you said your parents wouldn't accept it—why didn't you tell me that when we started dating?"

Lalin sighed, "I didn't think we'd get this far."

That phrase cut deeply, as if Lalin had never truly envisioned a future with her. Kunlaphat wanted to cover her ears, unable to bear hearing those words from her lover.

"Enough, Lalin. I don't want to talk anymore," Kunlaphat said softly, turning away, leaving Lalin sobbing alone in silence. Shortly after that argument, Kunlaphat discovered the painful truth: Lalin had been seeing someone else behind her back. Whether Lalin's reasons were about the industry, her parents, or another woman, Kunlaphat could no longer tell what was real.

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"How long have you been talking to Tiwa?" Kunlaphat asked, her voice calm but her eyes filled with hurt.

"Why did you do this, Lalin?"

Lalin's response was cold. "I have nothing to say, Phat. Now that you know, why don't you just leave me?"

"Do you really like her that much?" Kunlaphat's voice was faint, her heart shattering. She loved Lalin so deeply that she couldn't fathom letting her go, even after learning the truth.

"If I ask you to stay with me and stop seeing her, can you do that, Lalin?" Kunlaphat pleaded, something she had never done before, but Lalin was the only one who made her willing to do anything.

"I think it's best if we just end everything here," Lalin replied, her words devoid of any warmth or hesitation, leaving Kunlaphat to grapple with the unavoidable pain.

And on that day, Lalin walked out of her life without looking back.

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