The Space Between Us ( OomBam AU )

Chapter 1 - The Announcement

The ballroom at the Siam Kempinski was crowded enough that avoiding someone should have been easy.

For Oom Eisaya, it had become a skill.

She stood beside the entrance to the main hall, dressed in a fitted black gown, listening as P'Nok from the brand team explained the evening's schedule. Photographers called her name from behind the media wall. Somewhere nearby, champagne glasses touched, managers negotiated future campaigns, and actresses laughed loudly enough to be heard over the music.

Oom listened, nodded and smiled when necessary.

Then Bam Saralee entered the ballroom.

Oom noticed without looking directly.

She always did.

Bam wore a cream-coloured dress that left one shoulder bare, her dark hair swept loosely away from her face. At twenty-seven, she had already reached the point where a simple entrance became news. Cameras turned. Guests shifted to greet her. Someone from a Korean luxury brand hurried forward with both hands extended.

Bam accepted the greeting with a wai and an easy smile.

"Khun Bam, this way, please!"

She turned towards the media wall.

Only then did her eyes pass across the room.

They stopped on Oom for less than a second.

No smile. No nod.

Nothing anyone else would notice.

Oom looked back at P'Nok.

"Sorry, P'. What time is the stage interview?"

"Eight forty-five. After Khun Bam's segment."

"Okay."

P'Nok glanced between them before lowering her voice. "You two have attended four events together this month."

Oom already knew.

"Really?"

"You've never taken one photo together."

"We haven't worked together."

"That has never stopped anyone in this industry."

Oom's smile was small. "Maybe we're both shy."

P'Nok looked unconvinced, but the photographers called Oom before she could ask anything else.

Oom walked towards the media wall.

Bam was finishing her interview there.

"Your international schedule has become very busy," a reporter said. "Will Thai fans still see you in a drama next year?"

"Yes, of course," Bam answered. "I'm currently considering a few scripts. If everything is confirmed, the channel will announce it."

"Would you consider a girls' love series?"

The question earned excited sounds from the reporters.

Bam laughed softly. "Why is everyone asking me that lately?"

"Because your fans want it!"

"If there is a good story and a character I want to understand, I'm open to it."

"Do you have someone you want as your partner?"

Oom's steps slowed.

Bam's manager, P'May, noticed her approaching and immediately signalled to the event staff.