Earlier that day...
The sharp knock on the door ripped Namtan from her slumber. She blinked groggily, her vision still blurry as her body fought to stay wrapped in the comforting cocoon of sleep. Another knock followed, louder and more insistent.
"Namtan! Wake up! We need to get to New Jersey, now!" Claire's voice sliced through the haze, pulling her awake with a jolt.
With a grunt of frustration, Namtan dragged herself out of bed and stumbled toward the door. She opened it to find Claire, impeccably dressed in a sharp blazer, her phone gripped tightly in one hand, her face radiating urgency.
"Claire?" Namtan croaked, rubbing her eyes. "It's six in the morning. What's going on?"
"Sonya called," Claire said, stepping inside and tossing her bag onto the couch. "We have an emergency meeting. Love's manager reached out, and she's only available this morning before heading off on tour. Sonya thinks this is our shot to lock her in as the U.S. ambassador for Faye City."
"Love?" Namtan asked, her sleep-heavy brain struggling to catch up. "The rising pop star?"
"Yes, her," Claire confirmed, already pacing and scrolling through her emails. "She's huge with Gen Z right now, and Sonya believes she's the ideal match for our new collectionâ'bold, fresh, and effortlessly real.' We need to lock her down. She's fearless, confident, and still connects with her audience. This could be a game-changer for us."
Namtan rubbed her temples, trying to clear the fog. "Alright. Let me get ready."
Claire gave her a brief smile, already heading for the door. "You've got ten minutes. Coffee's on me."
As Claire left, Namtan grabbed her phone from the nightstand. Her thumb paused over the screen when a message from Film, timestamped at 1 AM, caught her eye.
"Hey, I know it's late, but I just wanted to say I'm really sorry about missing our dinner plans and for not texting earlier. Call me when you can, okay?"
A soft smile tugged at Namtan's lips, but it was laced with a touch of bittersweetness. She stared at the message, her thumb hovering over the call button, but then she hesitated. "She's probably still asleep," Namtan murmured to herself. "I'll call later."
With a deep sigh, she tucked her phone into her bag and quickly started getting ready, her mind still lingering on Film's words, even as the urgency of the day ahead pushed forward.
The meeting in New Jersey took place in a sleek, modern office that offered a breathtaking view of the city skyline. The space felt crisp, professional, and yet invitingâperfect for the big day ahead. As the clock ticked closer to the scheduled time, Love arrived exactly on time, her vibrant energy immediately infusing the room with a sense of excitement. She entered with a relaxed confidence, dressed in a casual yet impeccably styled outfit that blended effortless cool with undeniable star power. Her presence was magnetic, somehow both larger than life and approachable at once.
"Hi, it's so great to finally meet you all!" Love greeted, her warm, beaming smile lighting up the room and making everyone feel instantly at ease.
"It's an honor to meet you," Namtan replied smoothly, feeling a flutter of nerves despite her calm demeanor.
As the conversation unfolded, Namtan found herself increasingly captivated by Love's enthusiasm and charm. Despite her initial jitters, she quickly realized how well Love fit the vision Sonya had shared with her. "Your style and attitude are exactly what we've envisioned for our new collection," Namtan continued. "You represent everything we aspire toâboldness, confidence, and authenticity. We think you're the ideal ambassador."
Love tilted her head, her expression softening in a way that made Namtan feel that much more certain about their choice. "That really means a lot to me," Love said earnestly. "I've always believed in supporting brands I genuinely connect with. And if Lisaâmy idol and inspirationâbelieves in Faye City, that's already a huge endorsement. Plus, I absolutely love the designs; it feels like a perfect match." Her words were sincere.
The meeting continued without a hitch. Love's engagement with the collection was nothing short of impressive; her focus was unwavering, her excitement palpable. She leaned in, asked questions, and provided valuable feedback that only showed how deeply she connected with the brand. By the end of the presentation, Love was already flipping through the pages of the contract, eager to make her commitment official.
"I love everything I've seen," Love declared with a confident nod. "Let's make this happen. I'm in."
As she signed the final page, Claire, who had been quietly observing from the side, leaned toward Namtan and whispered, "She's really into thisâand into you. Did you notice how she barely looked away from you the entire meeting?"
Namtan chuckled lightly, a flush creeping up her neck. "Shut up, Claire. She's just being nice."
The meeting ended on a high note, the deal sealed and the atmosphere filled with the thrill of success. As they left the building, Namtan and Claire spent the rest of the day networking with potential investors, forging connections that could further elevate Faye City. By the time they returned to New York, it was nearly 6 PM, both women exhausted yet energized by the day's triumphs.
At the office, Raya greeted Namtan with a bright smile. "Hey boss, how was the meeting?" she asked, curiosity sparkling in her eyes.
Namtan smiled, still basking in the success of the meeting. "Great, we can check off the list our US ambassador because we have one already," she said, her enthusiasm evident.
Raya's face lit up. "Wow, that's great! Congratulations!" She paused, a mischievous glint in her eye. "By the way, Film stopped by earlier. Can you believe it? Film, the famous actress!" Her voice was barely above a whisper, but her excitement was palpable.
"She mentioned she'll be in L.A. for work and asked me to tell you to call her when you can."
Namtan's chest tightened, a mix of surprise and disappointment swirling within her. She had been too busy to check her phone, and the thought of missing Film's messages or calls made her feel guilty. She masked her emotions with a small nod. "Thanks for letting me know, Raya."
Once alone in her office, Namtan checked her phone, and a string of messages from Film blinked on the screen.
"Hey, I didn't get any message from you today, I hope you're okay and not mad," Film's message read. Namtan's heart skipped a beat as she read the next message.
"I'm so sorry about our dinner plans, I will make it up to you, and sorry for not telling you I'll be in L.A. today, I forgot about it."
The guilt in Film's words was palpable, and Namtan sighed, feeling a pang of regret for not being able to respond sooner.
"She doesn't need to apologize," she murmured to herself. Deciding to head home before calling Film, Namtan wanted to freshen up and gather her thoughts. As she walked into her apartment, she felt a sense of calm wash over her. She took a deep breath, picked up her phone, and dialed Film's number.
Film answered immediately, her voice soft and laced with exhaustion. "Hey, I'm so sorry about everything. I feel terrible about missing dinner and going away without talking to you."
Namtan's voice was reassuring, a gentle tone that soothed Film's frazzled nerves. "Hey, it's okay. I knew what I was signing up for when we started this. You're an actress, and your schedule is unpredictable. But that doesn't change how I feel about you. I'm here to support you, no matter what.
"Film's voice cracked slightly, a hint of vulnerability seeping into her words. "You're too good to me, Namtan. I don't deserve you."
Namtan's response was firm yet tender. "Don't say that, Film. You deserve all the love and patience in the world. Just promise to tell me when it gets too much, alright? I'm here for you, and I want to help in any way I can.
"The conversation flowed effortlessly, the distance between them fading as they talked. Film's exhaustion began to lift, replaced by a sense of comfort and security that only Namtan's words could provide.
As they chatted, Namtan asked, "How's your day been? How's the shoot going? "Film sighed, a hint of frustration in her voice.
"It's been chaos, as usual. But I'm managing. I just wish I could see you soon. "Namtan's heart skipped a beat at the words. "Me too, Film." she whispered, her voice barely above a whisper. The words hung in the air, a palpable sense of longing between them. As they talked for hours, the sun began to rise, casting a warm glow over the city.
The next evening, as Namtan and Claire settled in to watch TV, Namtan suddenly froze when a news clip aired. Film was at a restaurant, dining with her co-star. The camera panned across the table, capturing the effortless banter between them. Namtan's chest tightened, a pang of unease surging through her.
Claire, noticing her shift in mood, glanced over and asked, "Are you okay?"
Namtan's voice was steady, but the emotions beneath it were harder to hide. "It's part of her job, I know," she said, her words measured, "but sometimes it's hard not to feel a little... left out."
Claire's expression softened, understanding filling her eyes. After their conversation during the car ride back from New Jersey where Namtan told her everything, Claire knew exactly what Namtan was feelingâthe insecurity, the fear. Film wasn't just a famous celebrity. She was Faye's ex, Namtan's sister by heart, her mentor, and her savior. The weight of that history, coupled with the constant public attention, made moments like these especially difficult.
"I know it's not easy," Claire said, her tone warm and reassuring. "But remember, Film cares about you deeply. And don't believe everything you see on TV. If you're ever worried, talk to her. She values your relationship, and I'm sure she'll reassure you."
Namtan nodded, a quiet gratitude filling her chest. Claire's words were a gentle reminder that relationships, especially one with someone as complicated and high-profile as Film, required trust, patience, and open communication.
By Friday, the ache of missing Film had become unbearable. Namtan couldn't shake the deep longing that had settled in her chest, and the thought of waiting any longer felt impossible. She turned to Claire, uncertainty in her voice as she hesitated. "Do you think it's too much if I fly to L.A. to surprise her? I don't want to seem clingy or overbearing."
Claire's face lit up with a warm, encouraging smile. "I think it's sweet, Namtan. Go for it. You deserve to show her how much you care, and I'm sure she'll appreciate the surprise."
With renewed determination, Namtan booked a flight to L.A. and secured a room at the hotel near Film's house.
The flight to L.A. wasn't just a tripâit felt like a leap of faith. Namtan was taking a chance, hoping her surprise would bring a smile to Film's face and strengthen the bond they were still building. As the plane ascended, her heart raced with excitement and anticipation. This wasn't just about a reunion; it was about proving, to both herself and Film, that love could endure the distance and the challenges.
---
Namtan arrived at the hotel at 2 a.m. after catching the 7 p.m. flight, exhaustion tugging at her limbs. Still, the moment she stepped into her suite, a quiet thrill settled in her chest. The soft hum of the city filtered through the slightly open window as she moved through the room, unwinding from the long journey.
She wasted no time taking a quick, refreshing shower before slipping into a loose white shirt and pajama pants. As she unpacked, she found herself glancing at her phone every few moments, anticipation bubbling under her skin. Film usually called at 7 a.m.âher usual wake-up timeâdespite Namtan insisting otherwise. With the time difference, it would be 4 a.m. in L.A., and she didn't want to disturb Film's sleep. But knowing Film, she would still call anyway.
Just as she finished hanging up her clothes, her phone rang. The screen lit up with Film's name, and Namtan's heart skipped a beat.
She answered immediately, a bright smile spreading across her lips. "Hey!"
Film's face appeared, her eyes still heavy with sleep, her voice thick and groggy. "Hi..."
Namtan frowned slightly, concern flickering across her face. "I told you not to call when you're supposed to be sleeping."
"I know," Film admitted, rubbing her eyes. "But it's the only time I know you're not busy with work, and you're already awake."
Namtan, still fresh from her shower, ran a hand through her damp hair. "Yeah, but it's Saturday, Film. I don't have work todayâat least, not for today."
Film blinked in confusion, taking in Namtan's surroundings for the first time. "Wait... where are you? That's not your room."
Namtan smirked, a playful glint in her eyes. "Yeah, it's not. I'm actually in a hotel."
Film's brows furrowed. "Wait, hotel?" Her voice sharpened slightly. "Where? With whom? Am I disturbing you?"
Namtan bit her lip, suppressing a grin. The familiar touch of jealousy in Film's voice was both endearing and amusing.
"Relax," she reassured her, shaking her head. "I'm alone."
Film exhaled, but her curiosity only grew. "Okay... so why are you in a hotel?"
Namtan hesitated for just a beat before finally saying, "I'm at the Beverly Wilshire."
Film's face went completely still.
"What?" she asked, her voice a mix of disbelief and confusion. Then, as realization struck, she bolted upright in bed. "Waitâwhat do you mean you're at the Beverly Wilshire? Are you in L.A.?"
A soft chuckle escaped Namtan's lips. "Yeah," she admitted. "I arrived two hours ago."
Film's jaw dropped. "Why didn't you tell me?!"
Namtan grinned, tucking her legs under herself. "Well, it wouldn't be much of a surprise if I did, would it?" Then, more softly, "I'm here because I miss you."
Film's hand flew to her mouth, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears.
"Youâ" Film swallowed hard, her voice breaking slightly. "You came all the way here... for me?"
Namtan nodded.
For a moment, Film just stared at her, her emotions threatening to spill over. And then, suddenly, she was throwing off the blankets, scrambling out of bed.
"I'm coming to you. Wait for me!" she said, already rummaging through her closet for something to wear.
Namtan's laughter rang through the phone. "Hey, you don't have to come right now. You still need sleep. I can wait until you wake up."
"Are you kidding me?" Film shot back, her voice soft but determined. "Why would I wait when all I want is to see you? I miss you, too. So much."
Namtan's heart swelled, warmth spreading through her chest.
"I'll just take a shower and be there in fifteen minutes," Film continued. "Send me your room number."
Namtan shook her head, still smiling. "Fifteen minutes? Film, slow down, you're going to trip over something."
"Don't care," Film mumbled as she practically sprinted toward her bathroom. "I need to see you."
Namtan exhaled, her smile softening. "Okay," she said gently. "I'll wait for you. I'll order breakfast."
"Good," Film murmured before hanging up.
As Namtan set her phone down, her fingers brushed over the screen, her heart still racing. The excitement, the nerves, the overwhelming happinessâit was all there, tangible and real. She had been worried about how Film would react, afraid that maybe this was too much, too soon.
But Film wasn't upset. She wasn't hesitant. She was coming to her.
And that was all that mattered.