Chapter 1: Return

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"Are you sure you're really going back to Thailand? I can come with you for the entire year. I'll take a leave," Richie persistently insisted, but I kept refusing.

"Your subordinates need you here, and I can handle myself just fine. Besides, Mom is there, and she can take care of me." I patted my older brother's head, and he pouted in response. "Stop pouting. I can't take you with me."

I packed my belongings into my luggage and glanced at my sulking brother in the corner of the room. He really wanted to come along because he wanted to see Freen—his crush.

"I told you, I want to see Freen," he insisted.

"And I already told you, I'm not going to see Freen there. She's probably busy, you know. She's an actress," I explained.

Freen is our childhood friend from Thailand. She's an extrovert who loves photography and making candles. It's been years since we last saw her—maybe around five years? I'm not sure if she'll still recognize us if we meet again.

"I saw your bucket list last night, and it said you want to meet Freen to confess. What did you do, huh?" Richie teased me as he walked toward me. "Did you do something that Freen doesn't know?"

"I'm the one who broke her precious snow globe. Happy now?" I asked him, and he burst into laughter.

"I knew it! I remember how she cried so hard that day."

I rolled my eyes.

But that's not it. I wish I could tell my brother that the person he likes is the same person I'm in love with.

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"Welcome back to Thailand, Becky!" My mom waved the banner she made, making me chuckle at her cuteness.

Mom was always busy running her business here in Thailand, which is why she couldn't visit me.

"How did you know? I was going to surprise you," I asked, hugging her tightly.

I thought I would never see her again. I thought that day in the hospital was going to be my last.

"Mom..." I sobbed, burying my face in her neck.

I couldn't help but cry in front of her, despite the onlookers. I didn't care anymore. I wanted to lessen the burden I felt inside.

"There she is! Freen is here!"

I looked around when I heard people mention Freen's name. Everyone was running toward her.

Freen is indeed beautiful. She's even prettier than the last time I saw her in interviews. She's wearing an open-button dark green long-sleeved polo, revealing a white spaghetti top underneath, paired with black jogger pants. Her long wavy hair flows down, giving her a slightly masculine look.

"Freen has become so popular these days because of her drama. Maybe we can talk to her next time," Mom said.

I smiled, but I couldn't take my eyes off Freen. She was so beautiful. The way she smiled at her fans, her gaze, her walk—everything about her seemed perfect.

I couldn't help but admire her from afar. I still remember how we met. I was being bullied because of my appearance, with people saying that I'm not really Thai. Then Freen showed up and confronted the bullies. She smiled at me, the sweetest smile that made my heart flutter. That's when I realized I liked girls. No, I liked her in particular.

Now, I see her looking in my direction, but I'm sure it's just my imagination. She would never recognize me, so I'll just imagine a scenario where she's smiling at me and walking toward me.

"Hi, Becky!" My eyes widened when I saw her standing in front of me. Cameras were everywhere, and the people behind her were murmuring. "Can I steal her away for a while?" Freen asked my mother, who immediately agreed.

Freen grinned and grabbed my hand, pulling me out of the crowd. I glanced at my mom, and she smiled at me, silently mouthing, "I'll take care of your things."

We ran outside the airport and got into the Black Badge Cullinan. It's Freen's car, the one she showcased in many interviews. It was the first thing she bought after finishing a drama three years ago.

"Where's your brother?" Freen asked, raising her eyebrows. Does she like my brother? Why does she want to know where he is?

"It's unusual for you to fly alone. I still remember that you have aerophobia. Am I right?" she said.

I smiled at her words. After all this time, she still knows me.

"Actually, he wanted to come and see you, but as the temporary CEO of Dad's company, he can't just leave his subordinates alone. Aren't you proud that I learned to come here alone?" I teased her.

I wanted to tease her more, but she was driving. I didn't want to burden her with thoughts of my upcoming funeral.

"I am proud, but also worried. When will you go back there? I'll come with you so your brother won't sulk anymore."

I wanted to tell Freen that I planned to stay here until my last day, but I didn't want her to worry even more. Besides, she would just try to persuade me to undergo therapy.

"I don't know. Maybe I'll be here until my last breath," I chuckled, and she laughed too.

"So that means you're going to stay here for good?" she asked.

I wish, Freen. I really do.

"Yup," I lied.

"Since you're already here, let's go to my place first. I want to show you something," she said excitedly, making me smile even wider.

She's still the same Freen I knew years ago—the beautiful, kind, and genuine Freen. How could I not fall even more in love with her?

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