Chapter 22: A Heart’s Dilemma

The morning sun streamed through the windows, casting golden light across Pin's apartment. She had chosen to stay close to the project plant area, a decision that was supposed to be purely practical. Yet, deep down, she knew it wasn't just about work.

Pin stretched, rolling her stiff shoulders as she stepped into the small kitchen. The smell of freshly brewed coffee filled the space as she absentmindedly poured herself a cup.

Just as she sat down at the table, a knock on the door interrupted her thoughts. She didn't need to guess who it was.

Arin.

Pin opened the door, and there she stood—confident as ever, yet with something softer in her eyes.

"Morning," Arin greeted with a small smirk.

Pin leaned against the doorframe. "You know, normal people call before showing up."

Arin chuckled. "I figured you wouldn't answer."

Pin rolled her eyes but stepped aside, letting her in. Arin walked in, looking around. "You really picked a quiet place."

"That's the point," Pin replied, taking a sip of her coffee.

Arin sat down across from her, folding her arms on the table. "You've been avoiding me."

Pin sighed. "I've been working."

Arin tilted her head. "And avoiding me."

Pin didn't deny it. Instead, she stared at her coffee. "Why are you here, Arin?"

"You already know," Arin said, leaning forward. "I want to be close to you. And I want you to come back with me."

Pin's fingers tightened around her cup. She had expected Arin to say something like this eventually, but hearing it still caught her off guard.

"You just assumed I'd agree?" Pin scoffed. "You think you can just walk back into my life and I'll follow you to Bangkok?"

Arin sighed, running a hand through her hair. "No. I don't expect it to be easy. But I had to try."

Pin stood up, pacing toward the window. The sight of the project plant in the distance grounded her, but it didn't calm the storm in her mind.

"I built something here," she said quietly. "I have my own life."

Arin walked up behind her but didn't touch her. "And I want to be part of it again. Not just for a moment—for good."

Pin turned to her, her heart pounding. "You're crazy, Arin."

Arin smiled. "For you? Yeah."

For the first time in a long while, Pin didn't have a sharp reply. She just stood there, feeling the weight of Arin's words.

And for once, she didn't push her away.

The evening sky stretched endlessly over Nam, painted in soft hues of pink and orange. Pin sat on her small balcony, overlooking the quiet streets, her thoughts tangled in a web of emotions she couldn't quite escape.

She swirled the tea in her cup, watching the steam rise as she tried to focus on anything other than Arin's words from earlier.

A message notification broke her trance.

Atul: Coming over. Have beer ready.

Pin shook her head with a small smirk. Atul always had a way of sensing when she needed a distraction.

Not long after, a knock echoed through the apartment. Pin opened the door to find Atul leaning against the frame, wearing his usual casual grin.

"Didn't bring beer," Pin said, stepping aside to let him in.

Atul chuckled. "Didn't think you'd need it. Your face already says you're drunk on thoughts."

Pin rolled her eyes and flopped onto the couch as Atul made himself comfortable.

"So," he began, stretching his legs out. "You gonna tell me, or should I start guessing?"

Pin exhaled, staring at the ceiling. "She asked me to go with her."

Atul didn't even need to ask who. He leaned forward, rubbing his chin. "And?"

Pin hesitated before admitting, "I don't know."

Atul raised an eyebrow. "That's a first. You always know what you want."

Pin sat up, wrapping her arms around her knees. "I thought I did."

Atul studied her for a moment before nodding. "You like discussing this, don't you?"

Pin scoffed. "Discussing what?"

Atul smirked. "Her. You bring her up even when you don't mean to."

Pin fell silent, her fingers tapping against her knee.

"You still love her," Atul said simply.

Pin's jaw tightened. She wasn't sure whether to deny it or just accept that he was right.

After a long pause, she whispered, "It's not that simple."

Atul shrugged. "Love never is. But you're thinking about it, which means you haven't shut the door completely."

Pin didn't respond, but she knew the answer was written all over her face.