Scarlet’s POV

Pathum: She asked me, ‘Why do you assume that Rashmee still likes you?’

I then said, “I don’t know.”

I knew where she is taking this conversation into. She just indirectly means my time is over or in other words her heart has changed and I am eliminated from her life. And that was it; my world shattered around me. I had feelings for her by that point in time. Initially, I didn't develop feelings for her, but after getting to know her, I started to develop some and here her friend goes into saying it's over. My world couldn't be more great by that point.

Scarlet: I see… but didn’t she start everything by confessing her feelings to you before rejecting you?

Pathum: Yeah.

Scarlet: Ugh, I’m sorry, Pathum. I’m ashamed to say that she’s a female. I really am. She shouldn’t have done any of that. She seems like the kinda girl who discards boyfriends when she feels like it.

Pathum: I know, sweetie , but it’s not the end.

Pathum please

Scarlet: Are you serious? That incident wasn’t the end of that mess?

Pathum: No, it was the beginning of me pooping myself.

Scarlet: Oh… I-I don’t know what to say. I’m speechless.

Pathum: It’s okay. You don’t have to say anything.

Scarlet: All right.

Pathum: But anyway, as I was saying, after she dumped me, I wanted her back in my life, so I did everything I could to bring her back to me. She was still my crush but wasn’t my girlfriend, but I wanted her to be. So, I tried to pursue her but she successfully ignored all my attempts.

Scarlet: Oh, you shouldn’t have done it.

Pathum: I know, but now I’m glad she never became my girlfriend.

Scarlet: Gosh, that’s some story, isn't it?

Pathum: Yeah, it is. But do you want to know the horrible things she did to me?

Scarlet: Yes, of course, get on with it if it doesn't bother you.

Pathum: Oh, it doesn’t bother me one bit. I’m just relieved that she’s out of my life.

Me too!

Scarlet: Me too. And I’m glad you’re feeling good about it. I’m listening.

Pathum: Okay, so as you know, she rejected me; I guess let’s use the word reject because to dump me, she would’ve had to be my girlfriend in the first place. So anyway, whatever happened already happened, let’s move on. So, as you know, I started to chase her once she dumped me. I know I shouldn't have followed her like a puppy pleading for love, but unfortunately, I wasn’t wise enough back in the old days.

Scarlet: That’s okay. You deserve someone better. I’m sure you’ll end up with someone who truly loves you. You deserve the world.

Pathum: Awww, thank you so much, sweetie.

Scarlet: You’re welcome, mister.

Pathum: Anyway, aren’t you tired of listening to my stories?

Scarlet: No!

Pathum: Good. I was just making sure, but I’ll continue.

Scarlet: Okay.

I clapped my hands and smiled. Pathum wouldn't want to see how excited I am to hear his beautiful stories. He’ll probably die of embarrassment.

Pathum: After dumping me, she went on to live her life, and I carried the weight of making her fall in love with me again. So came the day when I wrote my first love letter.

Scarlet: Aww you wrote your first love letter to her? I’ve never written one.

That must’ve been so cute. Anyway, why is my stomach tied in a knot? Am I jealous that Rashmee was the first girl to ever receive a love letter from Pathum? Well, that doesn’t matter; he’s my bestie, and of course, he can have a girl whenever he wants.

Pathum: I wrote it in English and even drew a heart on the bottom then Medha coloured it. And as always I was spineless. I didnt directly gave her the letter instead I gave it to my friend Medha who gave Rashmee the letter, her eyes lit up with interest and she stared at me all the way home from classes. That’s when I knew I caught her attention again.

Scarlet: OMG, so what happened afterward?

Did she fall in love with him again? I hope whatever happens may be on a good note.

Pathum: I lit a fire, and she was excited when she saw it. How do I know? Well, that’s what Medha told me. I’m so embarrassed that I needed a girl to deliver the letter to her for me since I couldn’t do it myself.

Wow really? It’s like Medha did most of the love, I’m surprised Medha didn’t fall in love with Rashmee because she did most of his work. Hey, no, Pathum is all right. He’s cute the way he is. So, hush. He’s a shy guy so it’s understandable. Of course, he never used Medha; he only sought her help. How dare I think he used her? God punish me, because how dare I accuse my bestie of doing such a dreadful thing?

Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.

Scarlet: I get it. So, what happened next?

Pathum: She was so close to falling in love with me again. And since our hopes were high, I thought about writing another letter to her, which was epic.

Aww, this boy knows how to tell a story. Epic? Does this mean he did something incredible for his second letter? Gosh, just listen to him.

Pathum: So what happened was I wrote the letter but needed Medha’s help to deliver it and I got an interesting response.

Boy, don’t keep me hanging. Just say it already.

Scarlet: Did she kiss you?

Ugh, why did I just say that? I hope that they didn’t kiss!

Pathum: Your guess was marvelous.

Scarlet: OMG, why?

Pathum: Because it’s wrong; she never kissed me. Gosh, such things never happen. I’ve never touched her or any girl in my whole life. I’m still a virgin, Scarlet Baker!

Thank God they didn’t– Wait a minute, why does it matter to me anyway? It shouldn’t! But his sense of humour is always amazing– however, his virginity is not a joke and it’s not my concern. Oh, is it not? Yes, Scarlet, yes! Gosh why does the fact he’s a virgin make me relieved ? I don't understand you Scarlet Baker!

Scarlet: So, what happened?

Pathum: I got a picture of my letter through Facebook Messenger. Someone had gotten ahold of it and intended to share it with me. But would you like to know who got my letter?

Scarlet: Who was it?

Pathum: Rashmee’s boyfriend.

Scarlet: What the heck?! Where did he come from?

Pathum: Well, let me rephrase that. He was her new boyfriend who she happened to find within a week since she had a slight interest in me.

Scarlet: Wow. She’s a horrible person.

Pathum: I know, and it’s okay. I don’t need those people in my life. I’m ashamed for trying to make her mine.

Scarlet: Don’t blame yourself, sweetie.

I’m not going to let him take the blame for how horrible that girl was.

Pathum: Things got intense because her boyfriend threatened me, but I didn’t want to back away. Instead, I decided to stand up for myself, and we got into a heated argument, which ended with me saying, ‘Let’s end it here and now,’ and he agreed. I never heard from him again. However, the most embarrassing part of it was that I even thought about having a gang fight against him for me. But fortunately, no one broke a tooth or anything; since there wasn’t even a fight in the first place.

I never would have forgiven myself if I ever got into a fight because of her. Is it even worth sacrificing your life for a girl who changes boyfriends from season to season?

No, I don’t think so. She’s such a horrible, selfish bitch. Oops, sorry, please forgive me for my terrible language, my Lord. I just didn’t know how else to describe her. I thought, biting my lip at my thoughts before typing something into the chat.

Scarlet: Can we forget about her and talk about something else?

Honestly, I hate that Pathum had to go through that and hated it more than he had to relive the past just to explain it to me. I don’t want him to be uncomfortable. I wouldn’t be a good friend if I allowed him to wallow in his discomfort.

Pathum: Yes, that’s a good idea. Let’s forget about her now.

Scarlet: She was. But wait, you never told me about your first crush. Would you mind sharing it with me, or is she worse than Rashmee?

Pathum: No, my first crush is special. I mean, you might be shocked when I tell you about her.

Scarlet: OMG! Is she a royal, celebrity, or something?

Pathum: Umm, no.

Scarlet: Okay. Now you really must tell me!

Pathum: Of course, but do you promise me you won't judge me?

Scarlet: Pathum, when did I ever judge you?

Pathum: Well, my first crush is quite special not only because she was my first but because of what happened when people learned about it. Once I was exposed, I became a villain.

Scarlet: OMG, why does it involve so many people? If you’re uncomfortable sharing it, don’t tell me anything. You can keep it to yourself.

Pathum: No, I want to share it with you. I’m just scared of what you’d think when you learn about her.

Scarlet: Seriously, what’s with this girl?

Pathum: Umm…

Scarlet: I’m sorry for asking, but is it because she’s a child?

Pathum: NO, WHAT THE HECK?! Scarlet, I’m not that type of person. Ugh, I won’t tell you anything again.

Scarlet: Sweetie, calm down. Take a deep breath and forget what I asked. It was just a question, and the answer was a simple ‘no,’.

Pathum: I’m so sorry, I was rude. I panicked.

Scarlet: It’s fine, it was my fault. I shouldn’t have asked that of you.

Pathum: No, don’t blame yourself. I want to tell you about her. But can you promise me you won't judge me?

Scarlet: If you ask me that question again, I will—so, hush. I‘d never judge you. So tell me about this girl. Where did you meet her? At Dhamma school or class? What does she look like? Is she pretty like your bestie?

Pathum: No. She doesn’t go to Dhamma school or probably never has.

Scarlet: Oh, why is that?

Pathum: Because she’s Muslim.

Scarlet: OMG! Are you serious?

Pathum: Oh, please don’t look at me like I’m a criminal.

Scarlet: Oh, God, I‘m not thinking you’re a criminal, sweetie.

Pathum: I’m glad you think that, but people at school… they judged me, said cruel things about me, and just mocked me. They were so hateful, and I was hurt—they called me a bad person just because I liked her, a Muslim. You know its a rare thing to see a muslim girl with a buddhist boy, something that will never happen. But stupid me thought it could go well and gosh didnt it ruined my fame. I don't give a dang about my fame but still I got hurt by the society. I mean by the people in the school.

Scarlet: I’m sorry, Pathum. May the devil take them. So, don’t worry about them anymore; they no longer exist. And I’m so sorry for what they did but trust me, I won’t let them hurt you again. If you’re scared, just know I’m here. Okay?

Pathum: *crying emojis* 😭

Scarlet: Awww….. Don’t cry, sweetie.

Pathum: I’m okay. But anyway, are you surprised that my first crush was on a Muslim girl?

Scarlet: Yeah, I sure am.

Pathum: I promise I’ll share her story soon, but I’m feeling quite tired now. Would you forgive me if I postponed it for another day?

Scarlet: Of course, sweetie. Go to sleep now. You need to rest.

Pathum: Thanks. Goodnight, Scarlet.

Scarlet: Goodnight, Pathum. I hold you to your promise.

Once Pathum was offline, I was left sitting there, deep in thought.

Seriously a Muslim girl? She must’ve been beautiful or in some way must’ve been so special. How else could a Muslim have his heart?