Even though P'Cher had repeatedly warned me to stay off social media, curiosity was just too hard to resist.

 

"An insider says there's trouble on set. T and W don't get along. Everyone on set knows they don't talk to each other."

 

"They say W started it and even punched T, but T didn't fight back. It's just like their roles, right? The hero and the villain."

 

"Isn't W a newbie? He seemed so sweet in public. Why act like a jerk now? Jealous of my fave's spotlight, maybe?'

 

"Remember last month when T wore a mask all the time? And at events, his makeup was oddly thick? Fans were furious at the makeup artist, but it turns out they were covering up bruises."

 

These were the kinds of messages spreading under the hashtag #DiveSecrets. The source was a freshly created anonymous account claiming to be an insider on the set of our series. They alleged that there had been a fight between cast members, even hinting that real life mirrored the characters we played in the show.

 

Of course, no names were mentioned outright, but fans and Thai netizens were quick to connect the dots. They concluded that the feud was between Third, the lead actor, and me, the newbie playing the villain in my first major role. Various accounts dug up clips and photos from events to find evidence. Normally, Third and I didn't interact much at public events, which they took as proof of our supposed bad blood. The anonymous account even claimed there was a video of the fight, causing the hashtag's engagement to skyrocket to nearly 600,000 tweets.

 

I pressed my lips together as I scrolled through the speculations. It was hard to believe how easily people bought into a baseless account created just the day before. Thankfully, a small group of netizens, including my fans and school friends, defended me, saying I wasn't that kind of person. But most people preferred to believe rumours. After all, waiting for the truth wasn't as exciting as indulging in juicy gossip. Now, I was being torn apart online, with some even demanding I be removed from the series.

 

What puzzled me the most was the source of the rumour. Sure, it was true that Third and I didn't get along during pre-production, but the whole fight story was completely fabricated. That incident was an accident. If there was a video, it was probably from that moment. Third and I had already cleared the air and were on good terms now. We even joked around on set. They'd know if the source was part of the crew. So why spread a rumour to ruin our reputations?

 

Even though I was taking the brunt of the backlash, Third had his share of haters piling on, too. In the end, we both suffered. I locked my phone screen and set it down on the bed, rubbing my temples as they throbbed. I should've listened to P'Cher. I shouldn't have gone on social media.

 

It was now 5:30 AM on a day off with no work scheduled, but I couldn't sleep. I decided to open my laptop and work on my research report. However, as I sat at my desk, my mind went blank. I couldn't type a single word. I tried editing photos of Nine, but even his bright smile couldn't lift my spirits anymore.

 

Closing my laptop with a sigh, I returned to the bed, hugging my knees and sitting there for what felt like forever. Calls from Jay, Renji, and others went unanswered. I just wasn't in the right headspace to talk to anyone.

 

Knock, knock, knock!

"P'Wan, are you awake? P'Wan!"

 

At 8 AM, my little sister's frantic voice came with rapid knocks on my door. Dragging my feet to open it, I found her standing there in a long nightgown, her messy hair framing a face filled with urgency, clutching her phone tightly.

 

"P'Wan, have you seen the news? On X, there's-"

 

"The #DiveSecrets thing? Yeah, I know," I interrupted, my voice calm but weary. I tried to keep my expression neutral as I walked back to sit on the bed, with View trailing close behind.

 

"It's not true, right? I don't believe for a second that you'd get into a fight with anyone," View said, sitting beside me. Her big eyes were filled with one hundred per cent concern, even as she pressed for answers. 

 

"And especially not with P'Third. Come on, compared to him, you're like a puppy. Even if you tried, you'd lose," she added.

 

"Don't make that face! I mean, you're smart enough not to resort to violence, right? Even if there were issues," she quickly clarified when she saw my frown deepen.

 

"Exactly," I replied, still unsure if she was insulting or complimenting me. At least she believed in me. "It's all fake news. Third and I never had any issues. We didn't click at first, but we never fought. We've already cleared things up. We're fine now."

 

"And the so-called video?"

 

"It was a mistake during a fight scene. I accidentally hit Third."

 

"What?! So you did hit him-"

 

"But it was an accident! Third understood. There's no bad blood between us. Otherwise, why would I have gone to Ayutthaya with him?" I explained. Hearing that, View looked relieved for a moment before her face turned angry.

 

"Then that video must be from the accident, right? That bitch! This is slander! I'm going to roast them!" She grabbed her phone, ready to type.

 

"Stop, stop, stop!" I quickly snatched the phone from her hands. "No, let my agency handle it. You stay out of it."

 

"How can I stay out of it? They're attacking my brother!"

 

"It's fine. The adults will sort it out. Thanks for worrying about me," I said, calming her down. Though still visibly upset, View was mature enough to know when to back off. She nodded reluctantly.

 

"Go on, let's get some breakfast. I'm starving. How about sausages and eggs?" I got up, intending to make breakfast to distract myself from overthinking, but View pushed me back down onto the bed.

 

"You stay put. I'll make it," she said with a huff, marching out of my room toward the kitchen. Not wanting to sit idle, I followed her. Despite her protests, I insisted on helping. In the end, I found myself frying sausages and bacon while View worked on the eggs.

 

The phone on the counter behind us vibrated with an incoming LINE call. Glancing at the screen, I froze. It was Third. P'Cher had told me not to answer any calls except for my parents, but this was Third, my supposed rival in the scandal. He was in the same boat, so answering should be fine.

 

"View, watch the pan for me. I'll take this call," I said, grabbing my phone and stepping out onto the balcony. Once I slid the door shut, I answered.

 

"Hello?"

[I just saw the news.] Third got straight to the point, his voice still slightly groggy. He must've woken up to the drama and called me right away.

 

"Yeah, it's ridiculous, isn't it?" I replied with a dry laugh, though my voice sounded hollow even to myself. Fake news or not, being bombarded with hate was disheartening. Social media was terrifying.

 

[Are you okay?]

His question caught me off guard, a lump forming in my throat. It took me several seconds to muster a response.

 

"I mean... It's not true, but seeing so many people hate me without evidence.. It's hard. I didn't realise so many people were ready to despise me."

 

Since finding out, I'd been a mess. I tried not to overthink it and to stay strong, then reminded myself that being in the public eye came with challenges. But this was my first time facing something like this, and it was overwhelming.

 

[I'll handle it. Don't worry.] Third said, his deep voice steady and reassuring. It made me feel a little better.

 

[Your manager already contacted mine. We'll probably need to post stories clarifying the misunderstanding and let the agency sue whoever started this. If reporters ask me about it at tonight's event, I'll explain again to clear things up.]

 

[Don't stress, okay?] he emphasised.

 

"Thanks," I said, a small smile tugging at my lips. Third seemed so composed and experienced. Would I ever be as strong as him...

 

"Who do you think started the rumour? The account claims to be someone from our set."

 

[Probably someone looking for trouble and a court date.] He replied, his previously calm tone hardening. Clearly, he was angry too. After all, he was affected by this as well.

 

"Sorry for dragging you into this mess," I said

 

[You don't need to apologise. It's not your fault.] The other side responded quickly. I could hear him exhale a long sigh. [What time did you wake up?]

 

"Five in the morning. My AR called to give me some news."

 

[You don't have work today, right? Go back to sleep. Days off are hard to come by.]

 

"I can't sleep until this is resolved." I stood there, shoulders slumped, looking dejected. My rare day off had been completely ruined. I was sure I'd be a wilted vegetable for the rest of the day.

 

[Stubborn, huh? How old are you?]

"What?" I blinked in confusion. Did he just call me stubborn? What the heck? Or was i so stressed that I was hearing things?

 

[Go to sleep.]

"Nope."

 

[Do you always like to argue this much? His deep, smooth voice carried a mix of sternness and amusement, making my heart race. If he were standing in front of me, his gaze would probably be one of fondness, wouldn't it?

 

Oh no, oh no. First, I was stressed, and now my heart's fluttering. Wan, you're switching emotions way too fast. 

 

"Alright. I'm hanging up now. If there's any update, let's talk again." I spoke so quickly that my tongue almost twisted before I ended the call. By the time I realised it, a smile had crept onto my face, a stark contrast to the gloomy expression I had earlier, like a dog abandoned by its owner for a three-day trip out of town.

 

Was that guy intentionally teasing me to make me smile? If so, he's playing with my heart way too much!

It would've been just another normal workday morning for Third if not for the moment he opened social media after waking up and found a ridiculous hashtag spreading fake news about him and Wan all over the internet.

 

The first thing the young actor did was call to check on the other party. Just hearing Wan's downcast voice was enough to tell him that the guy must be stressed about the news. As a newcomer in the entertainment industry, Wan had never faced such an annoying situation before. This only made Third angrier at whoever had spread the news. After hanging up with Wan, Third called his manager, wondering why they hadn't informed him about the situation.

 

[Oh, it's nonsense. I didn't want to clutter your mind with it. The higher-ups will handle it. You just need to wait and see what to do. Oh, and since you're awake, get ready. The car will pick you up at noon.] 

 

P'Pitch, the head of the agency, and his manager said casually. Though Third felt a bit uneasy, it made sense since he had an event today. Maybe the manager didn't want him distracted by the drama and losing focus on work. Usually, the agency would handle such matters first and then inform the artist about how to respond to the media. So, all he could do was wait.

 

The issue was resolved by the afternoon when both he and Wan explained the situation on their Instagram stories. Wan clarified that there was no conflict between them and that the rumours were a misunderstanding. It was simply a mistake during a fight scene. Wan's agency released a statement saying it would sue those who spread the rumours, and Third quoted it in support.

 

The drama ended quickly. Once it was confirmed to be a misunderstanding, netizens lost interest. While getting his makeup done before the 7 PM event, Third scrolled through the hashtag, which was already dropping in rank.

 

He felt annoyed seeing how many people had insulted Wan earlier, only to delete their comments once the truth came out. Only a few had the decency to apologise to Wan. People type hurtful things based on hearsay, claiming that public figures should accept criticism. But when the truth came out, they didn't even bother to apologise. That was how social media had always been. People forgot things so easily, but those who were insulted carried the scars forever. You'd have to experience it yourself to truly understand

 

"Third, you're not overthinking this, are you?" Nine's overly sweet and fake voice broke the silence as he emerged from the restroom in the artist's lounge. "Have you prepared your answers for the reporters?"

 

The young man ignored his co-star's words for today's event. Instead, he turned to P'Sunny, his AR, who was chatting with another staff member.

"P'Sunny, when is our agency releasing a statement about suing the people who spread the fake news?! I want to repost it."

 

"Huh... oh... not sure. Maybe there won't be one."

 

The response made him frown deeply. "Why not?"

 

"Well, in this case, we're the victims. When we discussed it, the other side said they'd sue, so P'Pitch might let it slide this time. Maybe he's saving it for a bigger case to make an example out of someone," she replied nonchalantly before turning back to laugh with the staff, leaving Third to sigh in resignation. 

 

His sharp eyes reflected a mix of frustration and doubt. Neither P'Pitch nor P'Sunny seemed to care about this news at all. It was more like they didn't care at all. Even though he was less affected than Wan, he was still impacted by the fake news. Couldn't they at least consider their artists' feelings? Not even a threatening statement? If the agency won't handle it, then I guess I'll have to take care of it myself.

 

"Alright, let's go, kids. Third, when the reporters ask about that issue, just say it's not true, and you don't know anything, okay?" P'Sunny reminded him again before they headed out for the event, oblivious to the unusually stoic expression on Third's face.

 

The event proceeded as expected and wrapped up in just over an hour. After stepping off the stage, Third and Nine were immediately surrounded by reporters. As anticipated, the first topic was the drama surrounding the hashtag #DiveSecrets.

 

"As I explained in my story, it was all a misunderstanding. Wan and I have never had any conflicts or physical altercations. It was just a minor accident during filming," he said, "But some netizens suspect the accident might have been intentional. What's your take on that?"

 

"Accidents during fight scenes are normal. And we're friends. If there were any issues, we'd talk about it off-camera rather than fight on set in front of hundreds of people," he replied with a light laugh, though his chest burned with irritation. Who the heck came up with that suspicion? Have they been watching too many dramas?

 

"So, to confirm, there's never been any conflict between you two?"

 

"No. Wan is my friend, and he's a really good person. When something like this happens, I feel uncomfortable too," he said seriously.

"It would be great if those who misunderstood and spread false rumours about Wan would come forward and apologise. I hate seeing my friend get accused of something he didn't do. As for the person who started the rumours, I believe evidence has been collected, and it's something the higher-ups will handle," he added.

 

That was all he could do to protect both Wan and himself for now. It was a shame that legal actions had to go through the agency. If he managed himself, he would've already had a lawyer investigate, send notices, and prepare documents for a lawsuit. He wouldn't let them delete their posts and escape so easily.

 

Once the drama was addressed, the reporters moved on to other random questions, alternating between him and Nine. The latter continued to try to sell their chemistry, but Third was too irritated to maintain his usual composure. He forced a smile and avoided answering. When the interview ended, he strode back to the artist's lounge without waiting for Nine, breaking his usual polite routine.

 

A deep crease formed between his brows as he walked ahead. No matter how he thought about it, it was strange that his agency seemed so indifferent. Reflecting on it, the fake news directly tarnished Wan's rising reputation among netizens. Who would benefit from bringing Wan down from his position as the internet's new favourite?

 

"Don't you think getting this opportunity was tough for us? And now, out of nowhere, someone comes along and tries to steal the spotlight at our event. You must be incredibly generous if you don't feel anything about that."

 

Nine's words from before echoed in his mind. Third paused slightly as a new possibility crossed his thoughts. Could the agency's indifference to this drama stem from a hidden agenda? Or were they afraid that Wan, who was from another agency, might outshine him and Nine, the lead actors, so they hired someone to spread the rumours to sabotage Wan's rise?

 

The entertainment industry wasn't clean or straightforward. He didn't want to think poorly of his agency, but considering Nine's apparent jealousy of Wan and the fact that Nine was close to P'Pitch, the manager, it seemed highly plausible...

 

"Ugh, good thing there's no group meeting today. Let's just finish up and go home. I'm so over this," Nine complained as soon as the door to the artist's lounge closed. His sweet, polite demeanour was gone, replaced by an arrogant expression.

 

"P'Sunny, I want some orange juice. Can you go buy some for me?"

"Sure, sure," the young AR rolled her eyes. 

 

Truth be told, she wasn't thrilled about her job of taking care of artists, especially the demanding ones who loved giving orders like this. But she was just another employee, so she had no choice but to endure it quietly.

 

Once she left the room, only a few team members remained inside. They were all close enough to know that Third and Nine didn't get along, so Third didn't bother hiding his irritation as he stormed toward his colleague, who was sitting cross-legged, fixing his hair in front of the mirror.

 

"You know, the drama today feels oddly similar to something that happened years ago. It's not just me imagining things, right?"

 

"Huh? What are you talking about?" Nine glanced at him, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips, his expression oozing annoyance.

 

"That fake news, you knew about it, didn't you?"

 

The tension in the room thickened instantly. The remaining staff exchanged glances before quietly slipping out, leaving the two rising stars of the agency to hash it out alone. One clenched his jaw, trying to suppress his anger, while the other feigned ignorance.

 

"Come on, Third. Aren't you being a bit too harsh on me? Blaming me for every crappy thing in your life? That's hilarious. Don't you think there might be others who dislike you or that guy Wan just as much?" Nine raised an eyebrow, chuckling lightly in a way that felt insincere. "You're not exactly the most lovable person, you know. It's normal for people to dislike you."

 

"But no one else has gone out of their way to ruin me like you have," Third shot back, his fists tightening. His dark eyes burned with frustration as memories of the past flooded his mind-memories that, even after all these years, still made him seethe with anger toward the man in front of him.

 

Flashback to nearly seven years ago, when they were both 15. They were high school sophomores at a prestigious public school known for its academic excellence. Third had been a student there since middle school, while Nine had transferred in after passing the entrance exam and earning a scholarship. They ended up in the same class but weren't particularly close. Third only knew vaguely that Nine came from a poor family, but admired his determination to study hard and earn his place at the school.

 

"The other day after school, I saw a Benz picking someone up."

 

"Oh, that was my dad."

 

"Really? That's so cool. I'm jealous of you, Third."

 

It seemed like a casual conversation at the time, but Third had no idea how Nine truly looked at him. They didn't talk much, so Third was unaware that beneath Nine's polite and gentle demeanour, which even the teachers adored, lay a deeply envious nature. Nine resented classmates from wealthy families, and he was driven by a desire to outdo them, especially Third, who was popular at school, consistently ranked in the top three academically, and excelled at everything -almost too much.

 

Ambition wasn't inherently bad if used to push oneself toward goals honestly. But Nine chose to channel his ambition in the wrong direction. Their relationship reached a breaking point when the school announced a competitive exam for a scholarship to study abroad in America. Only one scholarship was available for Grade 10 students.

 

For Third, his family's wealth meant he didn't need to take the exam; he could simply ask his parents to send him abroad if he wanted. But Third wanted to earn the opportunity on his own. On the other hand, Nine desperately needed the scholarship to escape his impoverished circumstances.

 

Third still vividly remembered, encouraging Nine to do his best a week before the exam, only to receive a sweet smile laced with hidden malice in return.

 

"I'm already giving it my all, but it would be nice if no one tried to take what should be mine."

 

"..What do you mean?"

 

"Well, shouldn't opportunities like this go to someone whose family can't afford to send them abroad? I don't know, maybe I'm overthinking it." Nine laughed softly.

 

Realistically, the only serious contenders for the scholarship were him and Nine. Third began to sense that Nine didn't like him entering the competition, believing that Third could study abroad without needing the scholarship. But Third felt he had every right to compete. He wanted to achieve this on his own merit rather than relying on his parents.

 

In the exam, whoever scored higher would win. It was a fair competition. He wasn't taking anyone's opportunity, and another scholarship would be available next year. So, he decided to just do his best. Even if he didn't win, it wouldn't matter. Bụt then, the day before the exam, something unexpected happened.

 

"Grade 10, Class 2, Tharit Jaratecha, please report to the English Department office immediately."

 

The announcement came during lunch break, causing Third, who was playing soccer with his friends, to frown. He'd never been called to the office like this before and felt an ominous sense of foreboding. It was as if the world collapsed around him when the teacher asked him to bring his school bag, only to find a copy of the exam for the scholarship inside.

 

"I didn't do this!" The boy was in shock, frantically denying the accusation. That morning, he'd arrived at school early because his mom had dropped him off on her way to work. He'd stopped by the English Department to submit homework before anyone else arrived. The cleaning maid had been there, and if they checked the security cameras, they would see that he'd only dropped off the sheets and left immediately.

 

"We can check the security cameras-"

 

"The cameras in the office are broken, but the hallway cameras show only you entering early and leaving. The maid also said she saw you lingering suspiciously near the teacher's desk."

 

"That's not true! I didn't do it!"

 

No matter how much he protested, the teacher didn't seem to believe him. And even though there was no concrete proof that he'd done it, the evidence was in his bag. Checking other cameras revealed no one else tampering with his bag, except him.

 

"I'm sorry, Tharit, but to be fair to the other students, we have to disqualify you from the exam this year."

 

That was the final decision. Nothing could change the outcome, no matter how much Third tried to appeal or even had his parents intervene. His parents didn't see it as a big deal, as it only disqualified him from this year's exam without further consequences. They told him to let it go, saying he didn't need the scholarship if he wanted to study abroad. Financially, they were right. But emotionally, it was a different story. His parents were always busy and never paid attention to how he felt. 

 

Although the incident was kept under wraps, rumours still spread among his classmates, and the teachers began treating him differently. The atmosphere and the way people looked at him were never the same. And there was no evidence to clear his name.

 

Yes, there was no proof he'd done it. But at the same time, there was no evidence to prove his innocence. In the end, the scholarship went to Nine. Unable to endure the suffocating environment any longer, Third asked his parents to transfer him to a private school at the end of the semester.

 

"It's a shame we won't see each other anymore." Those were Nine's words on the last day of exams. Third had his suspicions about Nine but lacked evidence. He tried to convince himself not to be overly biased.

 

"Good luck, Third. "Nine smiled and patted his shoulder lightly before leaning in to whisper, What's meant to be will always find its way. So, what's mine is mine."

 

"You bastard!!!" In that moment, Third lost it, raising his fist. He was now certain that Nine had framed him for stealing the exam. But it was too late. Even if he spoke up, no one would believe him anymore.

 

The stares of his classmates bore into him. Third clenched his jaw, grabbed his backpack, and stormed out of the room, never looking back at the school that had become his black hole.

 

Time passed, but the wound in his heart never healed. It was repeatedly reopened when Third discovered his new acting dream. Just as he thought his future was looking bright, Nine re-entered his life, signing with the same agency, starring in the same series, and being paired as his on-screen partner.

 

"Looks like we meet again. Let's work well together." Those were the first words Nine said when they reunited. Third had to restrain himself with all his might so as not to punch Nine's face in front of the manager. He tried to live his life as if they were strangers, with everyone else in the agency only knowing that they didn't get along. But fate had a cruel sense of humour, making them rise to fame from the same series, pairing them as a fan-favourite couple, and forcing them to star in lead roles in it.

 

Third felt disgusted, so repulsed that he almost wanted to vomit every time he saw Nine's fake smile. He had to use every ounce of patience he had to separate personal feelings from work every single day. He knew well that no one would believe him even if he spoke up. 

 

Nine was a master at being charming and using his words to sway people, while Third, with his cold and rigid demeanour, didn't stand a chance. Who would people believe more?

 

The opportunity to pursue the career he'd always dreamed of came with a painful past. But when forced to choose between the past and the future, Third had no choice but to endure this situation. He focused on working hard, paving his way to the top, so he could finally escape from this two-faced scumbag as soon as possible.

 

However, Nine never stopped being envious. Destroying Third once wasn't enough; now, it seemed like he wanted to trip Wan up, too, as Wan appeared to be getting more attention. But Third would not let history repeat itself. That day, he couldn't protect himself. But this time, he'd protect Wan!

 

''But no one else has gone out of their way to ruin me like you have,' huh? That's harsh," a soft voice spoke, narrowing his eyes with a mocking smirk. "How about this? If you're saying I did it, then bring me proof. Don't just throw empty accusations, like last time. Oh! I forgot, back then, you couldn't find any proof either, could you?"

 

"You-!" Third's anger flared up so intensely that he lost control, stepping forward to grab Nine by the collar, lifting him off the ground. But Nine calmly pried Third's hands off him, unfazed.

 

"Tsk, tsk, tsk. Using such language with your own fan-paired partner like this? If P'Pitch or P'Sunny finds out, they'll be furious," Nine said, adjusting his collar and shrugging nonchalantly.

 

"The issue's over, isn't it? Why do you care so much? And are you angry with yourself or with Wan for getting caught up in fake news? I'm starting to wonder about you two-"

 

"Shut up and stay away from Wan and me. This is your last warning. No matter how much this agency coddles you, if there's a next time, I won't hold back," Third growled through gritted teeth, his frustration evident. He then grabbed his outfit and stormed off to change before leaving.

Bam!

 

The sound of the dressing room door slamming echoed loudly. Nine smiled in satisfaction, pulling out his phone to scroll through social media and update his Instagram story in a cheerful mood.

The next day, I was still free from work because P'Jarin had postponed a magazine interview so that I could rest and recover emotionally. So, I had the rare luxury of waking up at ten in the morning. The first thing I did after opening my eyes was grab my phone and check social media.

 

Even though everyone kept telling me to stop looking at that cursed hashtag, I couldn't control myself. Even though the agency had released a statement yesterday, I still braced myself for more backlash. But instead, when I clicked on it, I found a clip from an event interview with Third. Someone had cut a specific part and posted it.

 

"It would be great if those who misunderstood and spread false rumours about Wan would come forward and apologise. I hate seeing my friend get accused of something he didn't do."

 

Still groggy from sleep, I suddenly felt wide awake, sitting there stunned, holding my phone in disbelief. My heart pounded rapidly. Third stood up for me.

 

Even though the word "friend' made my heart sink a little, the joy and gratitude I felt far outweighed it. He didn't have to say anything to make others apologise to me. It could've made him seem too harsh, but he still did it...This is crazy. If I'm trying to get over him, this is going to make it so much harder.

 

After watching that clip about ten times, I opened LINE and sent a message to Third. Even though I didn't know when he'd read it, it would've been incredibly rude not to thank him after he stood up for me like that.

 

I saw your interview yesterday. Thank you so much.

 

Ding!

I'd just set my phone down on the table when the notification sound went off. The screen lit up, showing a pop-up message from Third, who'd replied surprisingly quickly.

 

Are you okay now?

 

He asked if I was okay again. If he keeps showing this much concern, I'm just going to... like him even more.

 

I'm okay now. The agency is handling it. They're going to sue.

 

Good.

He replied briefly, along with a pit bull sticker, giving a thumbs-up.

 

When he sent the sticker, I thought the conversation was over. But then I jumped when a new message popped up.

 

Did you sleep last night?

 

Not really.

 

If you couldn't sleep, why didn't you call me? Didn't you say you'd call me every day?

 

What? Is he trying to flirt with me or something? I thought to myself, my hands trembling slightly as I typed my reply.

 

I didn't want to bother you.

 

And then he just disappeared, leaving me staring at my phone, waiting for a reply for five minutes before pouting.

 

Fine, maybe he's busy. Whatever...

Ding!

 

If you don't call, I'll call you instead.

Make sure to pick up my call tonight.

 

"What?! Aaaahhh!!!"

 

"P'Wan! Why are you screaming?!" View's sharp voice echoed from the bathroom. I quickly covered my mouth and buried my face into the pillow, hiding my flushed face from everyone, even the ghosts in the room.

 

Well, amidst all the bad things, there's still something good. It seems like my love life is shining brighter than ever!