Chapter 8: Confrontations in Bangkok

Arin arrived in Bangkok, her heart racing with anxiety and determination. She couldn't shake the feeling that time was running out. The city was bustling with life, but all she could think about was Pin and the misunderstanding that had driven them apart.

As she drove through familiar streets, memories of happier times flooded her mind. She remembered their laughter, late-night talks, and dreams they shared. It hurt to think how quickly everything had changed. Arin parked her car outside Pin's condo, her palms sweaty as she approached the door, knowing Pin was alone since her parents had died in an accident.

Taking a deep breath, she knocked, her heart pounding in her chest. After a moment, Pin opened the door, surprise washing over her face. "Arin? What are you doing here?"

"I need to talk to you," Arin said urgently, her voice filled with emotion.

Pin hesitated but stepped aside, allowing Arin to enter. "I don't know if we have anything to talk about."

"Yes, we do," Arin insisted, her eyes searching Pin's. "I came to apologize. I've messed up, and I need you to understand how sorry I am for everything."

Pin crossed her arms, clearly still hurt. "You said terrible things, Arin. You accused me of cheating and wanting only money."

"I know, and I was wrong," Arin said, taking a step closer. "Atul was just helping you. I misunderstood everything because I let my jealousy take over. I've been struggling with my feelings, and I let my family's pressure affect how I treated you."

Pin's expression softened slightly, but she still held back. "You don't get to just apologize and expect everything to be okay."

"I don't expect that," Arin said, her voice breaking. "But I can't stand the thought of losing you. I need you to know that I care about you more than anything, and I regret how I handled everything."

Pin looked away, tears forming in her eyes. "You hurt me deeply, Arin. I've been alone since my parents died, and I thought I could count on you."

"I should have been there for you," Arin replied, her heart aching for Pin's pain. "I want to be there for you now. Please give me a chance to make it right."

Pin took a deep breath, her expression still cautious. "I'm scared. I don't want to get hurt again. And I'm not going to forgive you easily."

Arin stepped closer, reaching out to take Pin's hand. "I promise I'll be honest with you. Let's move forward together, no matter how difficult it may be."

As they stood in the condo, surrounded by memories of what once was, Arin felt hope bloom in her chest. Pin looked at her, uncertainty still in her eyes.

"I'm not saying I forgive you," Pin stated firmly. "It's too late for you to travel back to Nan, but you can stay at my rental condo for now."

"Thank you," Arin replied, relief washing over her, knowing she had a chance to prove herself.

After their conversation, Arin joined Pin for dinner. The mood was tense, but they managed to share a few smiles. After dinner, Arin changed into her nightwear after a shower that Pin had prepared for her. As she caught sight of Pin in the kitchen doing the dishes, she felt a wave of affection wash over her.

Unable to resist, Arin quietly approached Pin from behind and hugged her tightly. "You're amazing," she whispered, trying to be intimate.

Startled, Pin turned quickly, and in the process, she pushed Arin away. Arin stumbled backward and hit her head on the counter, letting out a gasp of pain.

"Oh my god, Arin!" Pin exclaimed, rushing to her side, concern etched on her face. She carefully reached out and applied some medicine to the bruise forming on Arin's head.

Just as Pin was focused on Arin, the tension in the air shifted. In a moment of impulsive longing, Arin leaned in and kissed Pin, catching her completely off guard.

Pin pulled back, wide-eyed and surprised. "What was that for?"

"I… I just needed to feel close to you," Arin admitted, her heart racing. "I'm sorry if I crossed a line."

Pin stared at her, a mix of emotions playing across her face. "You can't just kiss me and expect everything to change."

"I know," Arin replied, feeling a wave of regret. "I just wanted you to know how I feel."

And in that moment, they both knew they had a long road ahead to face whatever came next—together, but with many obstacles still in their way.