Scarlet’s POV

It was one of the sweetest days that I’ll ever remember. Not because I finally had a good night’s sleep or the fact that I wouldn’t want to wake up anxious about the day but because there was so much potential stored to prosper.

I got up, washed my face, and drank my morning tea before hurrying to work on Pathum’s gift, which I’d been thinking about. I should’ve done it days ago. I never had the time to ever work on it, which I should have, but now I’m not taking a step back. I’m finishing it and making him realize his actual value. So, what's my gift for him?

It’s a letter I wrote to teach him his actual value to me.

After everything we've been through, he truly deserves some credit and appreciation. My bestie boy deserves it.

Your bestie boy? Honestly, Scarlet?! Do I have a bestie girl, you ask? No, of course not.

After Victor's infliction on our lives, we became closer and our bond stronger. In some sense, we must thank Victor. No, I do not deny his faults, but he was one of the many reasons Pathum and I got closer. At the end of that dark tunnel, we were blessed with a massive glow.

Even though I was late, he didn’t complain about it. He was just glad that I slept well. Since I woke up, he was asking if I was okay, and even if I said I was fine, he wanted to know. He’s so caring; I’m glad to have him in my life.

Eventually, I sat down and started writing my letter—the best I could deliver today. Taking a blank sheet of paper and my pencil, I began to work on my project.

Dear bestie,

So, I’ve been thinking about writing to you. I admire your great qualities and how good you have been to me. My life has changed significantly since I met you. It has been a fantastic year for me. I thank God every day for bringing you into my life. Since I met you, everything that has happened to me has been joyful, pleasant, and peaceful.

Besides the horrible things that happened, which was not your fault. So Pathum, thank you so much for bringing me all these gifts of kindness and love. I never felt love in my life like I felt from you. So, know that we’re not only besties but also soulmates.

Yes, we proved that a boy and a girl could be besties! We’ll go on to prove that a boy and a girl can be besties and maintain that relationship for a long time. Yes, sweetie, we will show the world what we can do. It’s a rare trait among humans, but we will achieve it and make the world fumble against its devildom.

We’ll pursue it. So don’t ever worry; I won’t leave you, I promise you that. I’ll never let you go, even if you want me to. And I know you won’t leave me, either. I want to say so many good things about you, but God knows my mind’s racing with thoughts. Sweetie, I love you more than you can ever imagine, and I’ll love you till the end of time.

I’m blessed to have you in my life, and it’s my absolute privilege to say you’re my most beautiful bestie. Thank you for everything you have done and hope to do for me. I can’t imagine my life without you.

Your bestie,

Scarlet

I sent him a picture of my letter and placed it in my book so that they'll be with us when we need to remember good memories. It took him a few moments to process the letter, but once he did, he was so excited that he cried joyfully.

Oh, God, how can I not love a sweetie like him? He couldn’t stop sending me his thanks and crying emojis. He’s so adorable. I know that one day, he’ll have to leave me for his girlfriend. But until then, I’m his bestie, and I won’t let him go.

I can’t; he understands me better than anyone, so how could I? God, thank You so much for bringing him into my life. There couldn’t be a better blessing than him. He’s the best blessing the Lord has given me, and I know he’s here to change my life.

Pathum: Sweetie, I’m so excited. You didn't have to do that for me.

Scarlet: I must, and I’m glad I did.

Pathum: Thank you so much, sweetie. I’m so grateful. I am.

Scarlet: Stop thanking me. Did you read the letter? I know you probably did, but did you read it fully?

Pathum: Yes, I did, sweetie. I love reading those beautiful letters. Well, maybe you can work on your handwriting a bit more to make it more legible.

Hehe, I’m joking. Your writing is fine. Please don't think I meant ugly, but your words are beautiful. I’m only being honest here. Please don't be hurt. I’m so stupid. I should’ve told you that better.

Scarlet: Don’t worry, sweetie. You didn't say anything new to me. My mom and sister have been complaining about my handwriting since kindergarten. I guess I’ll never know how to write better.

Pathum: Oh, my mouth! I hate myself. I shouldn’t have said it. Your letters are just fine. I didn't mean to say that they were ugly.

Scarlet: That’s fine. I’m used to it, and most people say that to me.

Pathum: But I’m not among those people.

Scarlet: Of course you aren’t. You lifted me higher than anyone would, ignoring the ugly letters. But at the end of the day, I hope my handwriting is readable like you said; if it can be read, then I have nothing to worry about.

Pathum: Scarlet, please listen to me. Can you do that for me? Listen.

Scarlet: Yeah

Pathum: Sweetie, don’t give me that attitude.

Scarlet: What attitude are you talking about? I don’t have one.

Pathum: Would you listen to me for once?

Scarlet: Okay, I will.

Pathum: So, about what I said earlier, I’m so sorry that I said something rude. They were just not the right words for you. As you know, I don't have control of my mouth and am often subjected to saying stupid, hurtful things like moments ago. So, let me clarify it for you. Your letters aren't ugly or anything; they’re good; in my eyes, they’re good enough for me to read, and that's it. Do you understand?

Scarlet: Hmm.

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Pathum: Oh, Scarlet, please don't do this.

Scarlet: I’m not doing anything at all.

Pathum: *crying emoji*

Scarlet: Why are you crying?

Pathum: Because I hurt you.

Scarlet: What if I told you that you never hurt me in the first place?

Pathum: Still, I’m so sorry.

Scarlet: Can we forget this and move on?

Pathum: Yes, we can; I’m sorry.

Scarlet: So, tell me how the letter was, was it good or bad?

Pathum: It was spectacular.

Scarlet: Aww, I’m glad.

Pathum: So, you want to talk about how magnificent the letters were?

Scarlet: I guess we shouldn’t go there

Pathum: Hey, I want to ask about him.

Scarlet: Him, who?

Pathum: You already know who.

Scarlet: I don't know who you are asking me about.

Pathum: I mean him who makes your cheeks go red.

Scarlet: OMG YOU I -

Pathum: Exactly, it's John.

Scarlet: What do you want to know about him?

Pathum: Anything and everything.

Scarlet: But you already know everything about him.

Pathum: No, I want you to remember him, his handsome figure, his excellent accent and cute facial features, and describe or repeat things you had told me in the past. Go on to work on a repetition. I would love to see those cheeks of yours glowing so red that they will melt your device.

Scarlet: OMG, are you serious?

Pathum: In the name of GOD. Yes.

Scarlet: Stop.

Pathum: Hehehe.

Scarlet: I met John at church, but unfortunately, he moved to another state. It has been two months since I last saw him. He isn’t the first guy I had a crush on, but the only one who didn't pick Abigail over me. I think that’s why I remember him more than anyone; maybe I wanted him to be mine. But it seems not everyone we like doesn't like us back. I’m not in love with him. I initially had an intense crush on him, and it developed further when he chose me over Abigail, but eventually, he left, and I had just a slight memory of him, I guess.

But I still hope he comes back, and may my dreams come true. Life is not a fairy tale, nor does it have to be. So that's the story of my crush.

Pathum: That’s one hell of a story.

Scarlet: Pathum, please refrain from using such words; it's against God.

Pathum: OMG, sorry, I didn’t mean to offend you. I was just saying that it was such a story. I am sorry.

Scarlet: It’s okay. But now, I must ask you one more favour.

Pathum: And that is?

Scarlet: Refrain from apologizing too much; people might use it against you.

Pathum: I’m sorry I promise I won’t apologise unless I need to.

Scarlet: Hahaha, are you sure you follow what you say? You already broke your promise twice. Hehe, it’s just fun banter. So, since I told you about my crush, I would like to hear about yours. I know you mention some things about her, but I’d like to hear the whole story if you’re comfortable with sharing it with me.

Pathum: Okay, be ready.

Scarlet: I AM.

Pathum: Okay, so about my crush, where do I begin? Scarlet, I’m confused. I don't know where to start.

Scarlet: Begin with the most recent one.

Pathum: Okay, so I’ll let you know how many crushes I’ve had. Well, I don't know whether it’s surprising, but I only had two crushes. Is that the right word? Whatever. I had my eyes on two girls officially. What does an official crush mean? Well, it means it’s a girl whom I interact with. Someone who was asked whether they liked me or not by me or someone representing me.

Scarlet: TWO lucky girls?

Pathum: Umm... I doubt ‘lucky’ is the correct word to use.

Scarlet: Are you saying I was wrong?

Pathum: Of course not.

Scarlet: Good. Keep going.

Pathum: But remember, I may have had a million unofficial crushes. Like people, I see on the road and TV if they’re taken. That's a joke; I just made a joke, so did you laugh?

Scarlet: Ummm… I won't spoil your mood, but go on.

Pathum: Okay, so as I said, I had my eyes on two girls, and for God’s sake, I wasn't trying on two girls at the same time, okay? I am not that kind of boy. So, if we speak accurately, I interacted with my first crush back in 2017, which was three years ago.

Scarlet: Interesting, interesting!

Pathum: But I’ll start with my recent one. She was my age and my height and pretty. She had dimples on her cheeks and short black hair, always in a ponytail. She was pretty from the outside but ugly from the inside. That's harsh? Yeah, you’ll understand why when I explain what happened to her.

Scarlet: I’m sure you have your reasons for calling her that. No judging; go ahead. All ears are on you.

Pathum: Okay, so I met her in Dhamma school, or in other words, like how you guys go to church on Sundays. We Buddhists have a day where we go to the temple and do our studies. They’re primarily religious teachings.

Scarlet: Got it.

Pathum: Yes, just like you met your crush at church, mine was at the temple.

Scarlet: Aww, alright, now, continue.

Pathum: So now I’m done explaining about my first. As I said earlier, we met at Dhamma school through a friend. It was a literature class, and suddenly, one of my classmates, Medha, asked me whether I knew about a boy.

I didn’t hear the name correctly, so I shook my head and said I didn’t know. And the very next day at Dhamma, I was sitting in my seat when suddenly this girl turned to me and asked me which school I was attending, and then she asked if I knew a girl called ‘Medha’.

Since I knew it was my classmate, I nodded and said yes. It was a brief meeting, but it was the first time I interacted with my crush. That was the beginning of a story. However, due to poor communication, I misinterpreted the girl as the boy.

Scarlet: So that's how your second crush began.

Pathum: Just like she started, she also participated in ending it. Hehe

Scarlet: Aww, I’m sorry.

Pathum: It’s fine, but let’s continue, shall we?

Scarlet: Let's go.

Pathum: Medha told me that Rashmee had asked fundamental questions about me, like where I lived, whether I did well in school and other things.

Scarlet: Curiosity often leads us to unknown mysteries.

Pathum: Haha, true!

Scarlet: Go on. Don’t stop.

Pathum: So eventually I got a stupid idea. I was curious about Rashmee since she is pretty. I wanted to know whether she liked me or not. So, I told my classmate to check whether Rashmee was interested in me. That was my biggest mistake because Medha ended up revealing my plan to Rashmee. You might wonder what's so wrong with knowing the plan, right?

But the thing is my friend had told my crush that I was interested in her, which is 100% false. I was never interested; I only wanted to know whether she was interested in me. You get it?

Scarlet: Yeah, I get it. It was a misunderstanding.

Pathum: Exactly.

Scarlet: So, what happened afterwards?

Pathum: Well, the next week when I went to Dhamma, she was chatting with her friends and when they saw me everything changed. I ignored it because I have no business with them but unfortunately the misunderstanding had taken control of the situation. She directed her gaze to me and once we locked eyes, she gestured for me to come near her, which I ignored.

I wasn't willing to walk to a group of girls I had never talked to before. But her friend wasn't giving up. She raised her voice and said something that I could hear. Can you guess what she said?

Scarlet: No idea!

Pathum: That crazy woman called my name.

Scarlet: OMG really?

Pathum: Absolutely!

Scarlet: Gosh. Why did she have the nerve to do that?

Pathum: They were familiar and comfortable with the environment, unlike me.

Scarlet: I understand.

Pathum: So eventually, I had to go near them, and when I was walking near my crush, she opened her mouth to say something that shattered my whole life. I felt shame, fear, and shock blended with disappointment and uncertainty.

Scarlet: OMG! What did she say?