Film stirred awake to the shrill ringing of her phone, the sound piercing through the quiet hotel room. Disoriented, she blinked at the dimming light filtering through the curtains, realizing it was already 5 PM. Her body ached pleasantly from the hours she and Namtan had spent together, tangled in each other until exhaustion claimed them around 10 AM.
With a soft smile, Film glanced to her side, relieved to see Namtan still fast asleep, her dark hair fanned out across the pillow, her lips slightly parted in peaceful slumber. She hesitated before sliding out of bed, careful not to wake her, and padded quietly to the bathroom, closing the door gently behind her.
"Hello?" Film whispered as she answered the call.
"Oh my God, Film!" Kiera's voice erupted through the speaker. "Where the hell have you been? I've been calling you all day! Do you know how worried I was? I thought you got kidnapped again!"
Film sighed, rubbing her eyes. "I'm sorry, Kiera. I'm fine. I... I'm with Namtan. She surprised me today, and I stayed in her room."
There was a pause, followed by an excited squeal. "Namtan is here? Oh my God, that's amazing! But Film, listen, you have dinner plans tonight with your co-stars and some producers. I need you there."
"Do I really have to go?" Film groaned, leaning against the sink. "Can't I just... skip it?"
"Film, it's already set, and it's important. But hey, bring Namtan with you! It'll be fun!"
Film bit her lip, hesitant. "I... I don't know, Kiera. She's a very private person, and we haven't really talked about what we can or can't say in public. I mean, I'm willing to tell the world about us, but I need to talk to her first."
"I get it," Kiera said softly. "But at least ask her, okay?"
Film nodded to herself. "Alright, I'll see what she says. I'll call you later."
Hanging up, Film took a deep breath before stepping back into the room. She climbed onto the bed, pressing a soft kiss to Namtan's shoulder.
"Mmm... what's wrong?" Namtan mumbled sleepily, her eyes fluttering open as she stretched.
Film hesitated for a moment, then brushed a strand of hair from Namtan's face. "Babe, I have this dinner thing tonight with my co-stars and some producers. Kiera wants me to go, but... I really want you to come with me."
Namtan blinked, still groggy as she rubbed her eyes. Her brain was still catching up to Film's words, but one thing stood out immediatelyâBabe.
Her heart skipped a beat. Film had never called her that before, and hearing it now, so effortlessly, sent a rush of warmth through her. She hadn't expected it, but she liked it. A lot.
Still, she tried to focus. "Dinner? With everyone? I don't know, Film... I'm not really good at that kind of thing."
Film smiled, seemingly unaware of the effect her words had on Namtan. "I know," she said gently, trailing her fingers down Namtan's arm. "But I want you there. We don't have to make anything public if you're not ready. Just... be with me?"
Even as Namtan processed the invitation, her mind kept circling back to that single wordâBabe. She rolled it around in her head, savoring how natural it had sounded from Film's lips. A shy smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. She took a deep breath, then reached for Film's hand, intertwining their fingers.
"I'll go," she finally said, squeezing her hand. "But only if you promise me something."
"Anything," Film replied instantly, her thumb brushing over Namtan's knuckles.
Namtan took a steady breath, her pulse quickening. "I know we never really talked about labels, but... I want to." She met Film's gaze, her heart pounding. "I want you to be mineâofficially."
And before she could overthink it, the words tumbled out, soft but certain. "Will you be my girlfriend?"
Film's breath hitched, her eyes widening in surprise before softening with warmth. A slow, radiant smile spread across her lips.
"Are you serious?" she whispered, her voice thick with emotion.
Namtan nodded, her heart hammering in her chest. "Yeah. I mean, for me you basically already are, but I want to say it out loud. I want you to be mine."
Film let out a soft, breathy laugh before cupping Namtan's face and pressing a lingering kiss to her lips.
"I already was," she murmured against her mouth. "But now it's official."
Namtan smiled into the kiss, feeling a sense of rightness settle deep in her chest.
"Good," Namtan whispered, a playful glint in her eyes. She leaned in closer, brushing her lips against Film's ear before adding teasingly, "Then let's go to that dinner... together, babe."
Film's breath hitched, her cheeks flushing at the unexpected endearment. She pulled back slightly, eyes narrowing in mock offense. "Oh, so you're calling me babe too?" she teased, a smirk tugging at her lips.
Namtan chuckled, tilting her head innocently. "What? You started it."
Film let out a dramatic sigh, shaking her head with a grin. "You're lucky I love you," she murmured, stealing a quick kiss before pulling Namtan into a warm embrace.
Film froze the moment the words left her lips. Her eyes widened in shock as she pulled back slightly, realizing what she had just said.
Namtan, equally surprised, stared at her, heart pounding. The room fell into a brief silence, the weight of Film's confession lingering between them.
"You... you love me?" Namtan finally asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Film swallowed hard, her cheeks burning. "Iâuhâ" she stammered, clearly flustered. "I didn't mean to just blurt it out like that, but... yeah." She let out a nervous chuckle, rubbing the back of her neck. "I love you, Namtan."
A slow, radiant smile spread across Namtan's face as warmth bloomed in her chest. Without hesitation, she cupped Film's face gently, her thumbs brushing over her cheeks. "Good," she whispered, leaning in until their foreheads touched. "Because I love you too."
Film let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding, her lips curving into a relieved, overjoyed smile. "Yeah?"
"Yeah," Namtan confirmed, sealing her words with a tender kiss, one that spoke of all the feelings she had been too scared to say before.
---
When Kiera arrived to pick them up at the hotel, Film greeted her manager with a warm hug before turning to Namtan with a proud, almost giddy smile. "Kiera, this is Namtan," she said, her voice laced with affection. "My girlfriend."
Kiera arched a brow, a teasing smirk playing on her lips as she extended a hand. "Girlfriend, huh?" she quipped. "I've heard so much about you, Namtan. It's nice to finally meet you."
Namtan shook her hand politely, feeling a flicker of nerves under Kiera's observant gaze. "Likewise. And... thank you for taking care of Film."
Kiera chuckled, eyes twinkling with amusement. "Oh, I should be thanking you. Now I understand why Film's always so distracted." She gave Namtan a once-over before grinning. "You're even more stunning in person."
Film, already blushing, squeezed Namtan's hand and nudged her playfully. "Told you she's the best."
As they drove to the restaurant, Kiera chatted with Namtan, making her feel more at ease. She was genuinely kind and supportive, and it eased some of Namtan's nervesâuntil they arrived at the upscale venue where Film's co-stars and producers were already seated.
At dinner, Namtan sat stiffly beside Film, feeling out of place among Film's co-stars and the producers. While Kiera tried her best to make her feel welcome, the rest of the table seemed indifferent, or worse, unwelcoming. Particularly Milk, Film's on-screen love interest, who barely acknowledged her presence.
The conversation eventually shifted to Namtan, with one of Film's co-stars, Aimee, tilting her head in feigned curiosity. "So, Namtan, what do you do?"
Namtan offered a polite smile. "I currently manage Faye City in New York."
"Faye City?" Milk chimed in, her tone laced with something that made Namtan's stomach turn. "Isn't that the brand owned by Faye Malisorn? Film's ex?"
Before Namtan could respond, Film interjected smoothly, her voice firm yet effortlessly composed. "Yes, that Faye City," she said, turning to Milk with a pointed look. "Namtan is a friend of Faye's." Her gaze lingered on Milk for a fraction longer before she continued, her tone shifting with unmistakable pride. "And by the way, she's also a lawyer. Not just any lawyerâshe recently passed the bar exam in the Philippines." A proud smile tugged at Film's lips as she added, "And she topped it."
A flicker of surprise crossed Milk's face, but Namtan barely noticedâher heart swelled at the way Film spoke about her, as if she were the most remarkable person in the room.
A few murmurs of admiration echoed around the table, but Namtan couldn't help but notice the way Milk's expression tightened, her lips curving into a smirk .
One of the producers nodded appreciatively. "Wow, that's impressive. A lawyer and a businesswoman."
However, Milk subtly rolled her eyes before taking a slow sip of her wine. "A lawyer, huh? That must keep you pretty busy. No wonder Film had so much free time before you showed up."
Namtan's smile faltered for just a moment, but she remained composed. "I'm not practicing yet, but I will eventually. And yes, it keeps me busyâbut I always make time for the things that matter."
Sensing the tension, Film placed a reassuring hand on Namtan's knee beneath the table, her touch grounding. "And she's amazing at it," she added with quiet confidence. "I don't know how she balances everything so well."
Milk smirked, leaning in slightly. "Oh, so Namtan plans to practice law in the Philippines? You must really trust her, Film. You've always been... aloof when it comes to people. And if I remember correctly, long-distance relationships weren't exactly your thing."
Namtan felt a tightness in her stomach. It was obvious that Milk was trying to stir something, but Film remained unfazed. Without missing a beat, she met Milk's gaze with quiet certainty.
"Trust isn't an issue when you're with the right person, Milk."
A brief silence followed before another co-star, Mina, jumped in to change the subject. But Namtan could still feel the weight of Milk's gaze on her.
Later, when Film excused herself to speak with a producer, Milk seized the opportunity. She leaned in closer to Namtan, her voice dripping with false sweetness and an unmistakable taunt.
Milk's smirk deepened as she swirled the wine in her glass, her tone dripping with faux curiosity. "So, Namtan, tell me... are you and Film together?" She paused just long enough to make it seem innocent before adding, "I mean, I'm just curious because, you know, Film and I had a little... thing before. Nothing serious, of courseâjust a fling."
She tilted her head, watching for Namtan's reaction before continuing with a carefully measured sigh. "I just thought you should know. After all, if I'd had it my way, it could've been something more. But Film... well, she wasn't ready to love anyone other than Faye. You know how it is." She shrugged, feigning nonchalance. "And when Faye got married, I figuredâfinallyâmaybe I'd have my chance." Milk leaned back, her gaze unwavering. "So I'm asking... just in case I'm stepping on someone else's toes."
A sharp pang twisted in Namtan's stomach, but she refused to let Milk see it. Instead, she met her gaze with unwavering calm, a small, almost amused smile playing on her lips.
"Well, thanks for letting me know," she said smoothly. "But honestly, if you're looking for answers, you're asking the wrong person." She tilted her head slightly, her voice steady and composed. "In case you haven't noticed, Film is a grown woman who makes her own choices. So if you're still holding out hope, maybe ask her if she wants you." Namtan's smile sharpened just a fraction. "And if she doesn't... maybe it's time to grow up and accept it, instead of trying to intimidate the people who actually matter to her."
The air between them grew heavy, the unspoken challenge clear. And then, with effortless grace, Namtan rose from her seat. "Excuse me," she said evenly, her tone dismissive but perfectly polite.
From across the table, Kiera had caught the tail end of the conversation, and without hesitation, she stood and followed Namtan outside. The cool night air greeted them as Namtan exhaled softly, gathering her composure.
"I think I'll head back first," she said quietly, glancing at Kiera. "Can you let Film know for me?"
Kiera, ever the perceptive one, nodded. "Of course. I'll take care of it." She studied Namtan for a moment before adding, "You okay? Don't let Milk get to youâshe loves to tease."
Namtan managed a small, knowing smile. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just needed some air... and maybe to mentally prepare for more of her antics in the future."
Kiera chuckled but gave her an encouraging pat on the shoulder. "I'll let Film know. Don't worry about a thing."
As Film finished her conversation with the producers, she instinctively glanced toward the table, expecting to see Namtan still seated. But her seat was empty.
Her brows knitted in confusion, and a flicker of unease settled in her chest. Without hesitation, she made her way to Kiera, who was still engaged in conversation with the other managers.
Leaning in slightly, Film lowered her voice, but the concern was unmistakable. "Where's Namtan?"
Kiera hesitated before letting out a small sigh. "She already left. She asked me to let you know, but you were still caught up in your conversation."
Film's heart sank, disappointment and confusion flashing across her face. "She left? Why?"
Kiera gave her a knowing look. "Milk was messing with her," she admitted. "I don't think Namtan wanted to cause a scene, so she just stepped out."
Film clenched her jaw, irritation flaring in her chest. She understood that Namtan wasn't used to this kind of environment, but what stung was that Namtan hadn't waited for her. Still, her frustration wasn't directed at Namtanâit was at Milk.
With a slow exhale, Film turned toward Milk, who sat comfortably, sipping her wine as if nothing had happened. Her jaw tightened as she strode over, planting herself in front of her friend, arms crossed.
"Really, Milk?" Film's voice was low, laced with disappointment. "What was that about?"
Milk looked up at her, smirking as if she had done nothing wrong. "Relax, Film. I was just teasing."
"Teasing?" Film let out a dry scoff, shaking her head. "Don't play dumb. I know exactly what you were doingâyou were testing her, weren't you?"
Milk set her glass down and leaned back in her chair. "Look, I like Namtan. I do. But I needed to see if she could handle thisâhandle being with you."
Film's expression darkened. "You don't get to 'test' her, Milk. She's not some stranger you need to vet. She's my girlfriend. I chose her. And what you did? It was unnecessary."
Milk held up her hands in mock surrender. "Okay, okay. I get it. But you know me, FilmâI push buttons. And, for the record, Namtan handled herself just fine. She didn't break, didn't cry, didn't backed down. She put me in my place, actually."
Film's lips pressed into a thin line, her frustration not entirely dissipated. "That doesn't mean she wasn't hurt. You and I never had issues before, Milk. We were a thing, yeah, but I was always clear that it wasn't serious. You understood that, or so I thought."
Milk sighed and rubbed the back of her neck. "And I did. I still do. I don't have a problem with Namtan, Film. I meant what I saidâI like her for you. She's strong. But maybe I pushed too hard."
Film shook her head, exhaling sharply. "You think?"
Milk studied her for a moment before nodding. "Alright, I'll make it right."
Film softened slightly but didn't let go of her frustration just yet. "You better. Because if you pull that shit again, Milk, I swear, we'll have a real problem."
Milk chuckled, holding up her glass. "Duly noted."
Without another word, Film turned and pulled out her phone, her only thought now on getting back to Namtan.
AUTHOR'S NOTE:
Hey babes!
Good newsâI'm dropping a two-chapter update today! ð But the bad news? There are only three chapters left before this story comes to an end. ð
Yesterday, I updated a chapter where my girls finally did the Boombayah! ð¥ And I just want to take a moment to shout out my amazing babes who voted and obviously loved it. Hahaha, sorry babes, but you know I had to!
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As always, thank you for the love and support! ð Whether you're a silent reader or one of my constant commenters and voters, I appreciate you all SO much! I love you babes! ð