Scarlet’s POV

Pathum: She said, ‘Did you want to convey a message through Medha?’ And understanding what she meant, I replied, ‘No, because it's not something like that.’ and then I couldn't continue, so she stopped me by saying, ‘I don’t like you romantically, so get that idea out of your mind.’

I wasn’t expecting that at all. I only had told Medha to ask Rashmee if she liked me, but what happened was that Rashmee believed I was interested in her. But I wasn’t. She’s the one who asked about me. But anyway, I lost my balance and fell, feeling like I was floating in midair before walking towards my seat, sitting down, and laying my head on the table to close my eyes. All I had wanted to know was whether this girl was interested in me. Does that make sense?

Even though Pathum didn’t see it, I nodded sympathetically, my thoughts going everywhere.

Yes, I understand your situation, Pathum. But ugh, how could she break his heart? If I were with him, I’d defend him no matter what. I wouldn't let anyone hurt him. I’d rather die than allow anyone to inflict pain upon him. But would Pathum let me die? No, I highly doubt it. Nevertheless, no one shall hurt Pathum. Not on my watch.

Scarlet: Wow, she sounds so rude.

I wish I were there to console him, but it has already happened. There's no time machine to change things. What matters now is helping him heal from the experience. What I can control is the present; the past can't be changed. It happened, and whatever happened happened because it needed to.

Pathum: Sadly, it was just the beginning.

Oh boy! That was just the beginning? I stared at the screen, my jaw dropping in surprise, before typing in my following comment.

Scarlet: Wow, interesting!

I hope I didn't sound stupid.

Pathum: I suppose. But are you sure you want to listen to it?

Yes, of course, hunny! I do love to listen to you. I’m flattering myself, but he’s just unique. He knows how to tell a story with excellent narration.

Scarlet: Yes, of course! But are you sure you want to tell me? If you’re uncomfortable with it, you don’t have to say anything about it. You know I won’t force you.

However, I have a feeling that he wants to tell me, but will that hurt him? I don’t want him to be in discomfort just because I’m interested in hearing a story from his past.

Pathum: Oh, absolutely!

Great! I’m all in. I thought with a smile.

Scarlet: Awesome, me too!

Pathum: Alright. So, anyway, she took the first step in lighting the fire while I gradually threw straw. But what happens when you try to stop a fire by adding more straw? Well, it’ll only create an even bigger fire. It's like replacing petrol with water. You pour a gallon of it onto something on fire, hoping it’ll have the same effect as water, but where do you end up?

Dang, he knows how to be poetic. Is this truly my bestie? Whoa, I can’t believe it.

Scarlet: You end up with an even bigger mess.

Pathum: Yes, exactly!

Crap! I was right. I groaned, putting my face in my hands. Poor Pathum!

Scarlet: So, Rashmee, why did you not have feelings for her at first?

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What? I can’t help that I’m curious! Isn't he something to study? I could do a case study regarding him. I’m not flattering, but I’m proud to have him in my life. Thank you, Lord.

Pathum: She was pretty and attended a better school due to her wealth. I’m not a beggar, but still, she had a higher income than us. I didn't even consider her because I had no idea about it. I didn't even notice her before all this happened because I knew I had no chance with her. But things change. Oh, well, that reminds me of what happened next.

Oh, Pathum, I get it now. My eyes stared at the screen sympathetically before I typed in my following message.

Scarlet: Ok, go on.

Yikes, I can't wait!

Pathum: Since I was still shocked by what she had said to me, I spent the whole morning thinking about what I could do to eliminate my shame. I couldn’t walk away from it like a loser and knew I had to say something to her. So, when I finally mustered up the courage, I went to speak to her after Dhamma school ended. Yes, I waited a long time, but eventually, I got my chance. She was with a friend when I walked up to her. She said Medha had mistakenly told her I had feelings for her when I didn’t and that we should move on. I then apologized for the mistake and hoped she’d be

okay. She took it like a champ. Then, several weeks later, she confessed her newfound feelings for me to Medha, which surprised me.

As I read the message, my eyes narrowed in envy, and a sour expression came across my face. But I snapped out of it moments later, shaking my head and scolding myself. I couldn’t believe what I was thinking about. I was so glad Pathum couldn’t see my expression.

I’m not envious; why on earth would I be? We’re just talking about a past incident with one of his crushes. But why did she say she didn't like him in the beginning? Was she nuts?

Scarlet: OMG, she didn’t!

Pathum: Yeah, she did, and I was like, ‘Is she out of her mind?’ because I couldn’t believe it. I lost my mind when I heard her telling Medha she was now in love with me. Can you believe that?

No, I undoubtedly cannot.

Scarlet: No. But what happened next?

Pathum: Several weeks passed, and we both had many chances to smile at each other, but I couldn’t bring myself to talk to her again. I was too spineless and shy.

Spineless? Here he goes with degrading himself again. I appreciate everything about him except when he disrespects himself. He ought to have some self-appreciation for himself. He needs to see that he’s such a wonderful person.

Scarlet: Why do you say that about yourself?

Pathum: Because I never asked for her number.

Oh, I see, but I’m so glad he didn’t. Oh God, why am I so happy about this? Gosh, what’s gotten into me today? Have I started liking Pathum as more than a friend or something? Honestly, I don’t know anymore. I’m so confused.

Scarlet: OMG! And why not?

Pathum: I have no idea. I was just a stupid lad. It never occurred to me that I needed to get her number. All I cared about was seeing her every week at Dhamma or classes. All while Medha communicated between us. Do you understand? I was too shy to talk to her or ask for her number. But you know what?

Aww, he’s such a cutie.

Scarlet: What?

Pathum: I’m glad that I never asked for her number.

Scarlet: Why do you say that?

Pathum: If I had her number, I would’ve made a mess out of it.

Scarlet: What? Why do you think you would’ve done that?

Pathum: A few months after she confessed her feelings to me, she ended up going back on her word and rejecting me. I still remember that rainy day at Dhamma where I came to class and saw people throwing curious and concerned glances at me. I ignored them and went to Rashmee, who was with her friends, and she didn’t look at me or want to talk to me. It made me realise something was wrong. One of her friends then saw me and gestured for me to come over to them, but I shook my head and told Rashmee I’d talk to her during a break. However, the conversation we ended up having ruined my day and pushed me into an even darker pit than before.

Scarlet: Oh, wow. That sounds terrible. What did she say to you that upset you so much?

Pathum: It was a question that she asked that upset me, and when I replied, I knew I had messed up badly. However, I knew where she was going with that question. She knew what she was doing and played her part well. I didn’t realize it that day but should’ve taken it like a man and digested properly, but no, I didn’t. Like I said, I made a huge drama-filled mess about it.

Scarlet: And what was the question?

I stared at the screen, pondering all the possibilities, but I was unprepared for his answer. When he gave it to me, my jaw dropped in shock.