"Am I really unlikable?"

"Somehow, living really isn't fun"

"Will I ever be able to find my purpose after college?"

"........"

...****************...

Jei Mi sat alone in her room, surrounded by the comforting silence that embraced her like a fragile cocoon. Her almond eyes stared into the mirror, searching for answers that seemed to elude her. She brushed her fingers through her long, brunette hair, contemplating the person she had become.

For as long as she could remember, Jei Mi had battled against her own mind, a relentless struggle against the negative thoughts that seemed to haunt her every step. Deep within her, a storm brewed, twisting her perception of herself and the world around her. But she hid this internal turmoil behind a sweet smile, careful not to burden her family and friends with the weight of her inner demons.

In the outside world, Jei Mi adjusted her personality like a chameleon, trying to fit in, to be accepted. She longed to belong, to find comfort in the connections she formed with others. Yet, despite her efforts, a nagging emptiness persisted, a persistent ache that refused to be soothed.

Seven years ago, Jei Mi had experienced a flicker of affection, a glimpse of what it felt like to be seen and cherished. But it had been one-sided, her heart left shattered in the wake of unrequited love. Since then, she had carried the scars, a constant reminder of her vulnerability and the pain of her affection being ignored and rejected.

"I moved on, I'm supposed to feel gratified since I will now be able to free myself from crying myself to sleep each night yet, I feel lifeless, rather, I'm quite living a life that doesn't feel anything nice but, pressures and anxieties remain."

Tonight, as the moon cast a soft glow upon her room, Jei Mi found herself sharing a roof with her best friend, Han Da Wei. He was the kindest man she had ever known, a beacon of warmth and understanding in her complicated life. They had shared countless memories together, their bond unbreakable.

But as the night unfolded, a subtle shift occurred. Boundaries blurred, and their connection deepened. A fragile tension hung in the air, laden with unspoken desires and unexplored emotions. Jei Mi felt her heart race, a mix of anticipation and fear intertwining within her. Something was happening between them, something that had the power to change everything.

Jei Mi and Da Wei stood on the precipice, their hearts teetering between friendship and something more. And as they took that fateful step forward, they could never have imagined the twists and turns their lives would take, the joys and sorrows that lay ahead.

.

.

.

.

".... I promise you, I will make you my last if you can wait for me"

What kind of life will they lead if there's a prospective intervention of something called "affection beyond friendship"?

What hurdle awaits for the journey of these unexpected pair of uncertain couple?

"ugh... Dang! Living alone is fun but, why mom and dad left so much to do from housework to animal work"

"I want freedom to lay in my room the wholeday, watch movies without all of these kinds of responsibilities"

Jei Mi spoke out loud while sitting on their sofa.

----------------

Jei Mi, accountancy undergrade in one of the Top university in C district, En Nua College. She was currently on her middle senior year. She was left alone in their house for 1 week because her family temporarily went on staycation to A City to spend Christmas and there's no one will be left to take care of the house and the pets they have so she had no choice but to stay behind.

----------------

Jei Mi couldn't believe her eyes as she opened the door to find her two best friends, Han Da Wei and Ka Mira, standing outside her house. It was an unexpected surprise that brought a smile to her face and a flutter to her heart. They had always been there for her, through thick and thin, and tonight was no exception.

----------------

Han Da Wei was on his final year in Marine Engineering in C district while Ka Mira was Mi childhood bestfriend, a senior year industrial engineering in C district.

----------------

The trio embarked on a journey together, heading to Ao La in C district to process their health cards. It was a mundane task, but the company of her closest friends made it an adventure in itself. As they walked side by side, laughter filled the air, temporarily pushing away the weight of their responsibilities.

But when they arrived at the health card office, Jei Mi's excitement was dampened. The staff at the counter refuted her application, informing her that at twenty years old, she was still ineligible for the health card. Frustration washed over her, a reminder of the limitations imposed by age and bureaucracy.

"Why? But, I am already an adult so isn't normal to get this?" Mi asked in frustration.

"Maam, unfortunately, the policy is set that 21 years old is the eligibility for getting health cards and we're only an employee complying to the rules"

Disappointed but not defeated, the trio made their way back to Jei Mi's home. They decided to make the most of the evening and indulged in a movie marathon, allowing themselves to be whisked away into different worlds. The hours melted into one another as they laughed, cried, and shared in the rollercoaster of emotions that played out on the screen.

As the night wore on, Jei Mi's home became a sanctuary, a haven for their friendship. They laughed, they reminisced, and they stayed up until the early hours of the morning. It was a rare occasion for all three of them to sleep under one roof, and Jei Mi couldn't contain her joy. She felt a warmth in her heart, a sense of belonging that she had yearned for so long.

Morning arrived, bringing with it the responsibilities of the day. Ka Mira had a job to attend to, leaving Jei Mi and Han Da Wei behind. They waved goodbye to Mira, their bond strengthened by the shared memories of the night before.

In the following days, Jei Mi carried on with her routine, tending to the mundane tasks of daily life. On the third day, as she busied herself with laundry, she began to feel an ache in her back. It seemed to grow with each passing moment, an unwelcome intrusion into her otherwise peaceful day.

Han Da Wei noticed her discomfort and concern etched across her face. Without hesitation, he offered his assistance. Jei Mi was taken aback by his kindness, grateful for his presence in her life. As she hesitated, Da Wei gently suggested a massage, a gesture meant to alleviate her pain.

Uncertain but trusting in her best friend, Jei Mi agreed. She followed him into her room, a mix of anticipation and vulnerability swirling within her. But as Da Wei began to massage her back, an unexpected moment unfolded. He lifted her shirt slightly, revealing her bare skin to the cool air.

Stunned, Jei Mi's breath caught in her throat. It was an intimate gesture, one that blurred the boundaries of their friendship. In that suspended moment, time seemed to stand still, their connection hanging in the balance. The room was filled with unspoken words and uncharted emotions, leaving Jei Mi to grapple with the realization that something had shifted between them.

"gosh! I don't have undergarments!! What to do?!" Mi thought to herself

In a moment of silence, only the smell of the oil swarmed within the small confinement of her room, unable to react, Mi didn't say anything and let Da Wei continue with the massage.

"I think it would just be alright, it's just the back, he will not touch other things right...." she also can't believe her thoughts "I mean, it's not that I don't trust him but, damn what will happen between a man and a woman alone in a room, perhaps, I'm overthinking it"

"Mi, is it good?"

Mi who was lost in her thoughts suddenly flinched at the sudden question thrown to her by Da Wei

"A-Ah yeah, it's you so why would it be bad? *chuckle*"

The afternoon sun cast a warm glow through the window as Han Da Wei and Jei Mi found themselves alone in her room, engrossed in a series. At first, their interaction was that of platonic best friends, simply enjoying each other's company. But as time passed, subtle shifts in their positions and gestures left Jei Mi feeling increasingly confused and unsure of her emotions.

It started with Da Wei's hands gently wrapping around her waist, a small embrace that felt foreign yet oddly comforting. Jei Mi's heart raced as she realized the shift in their dynamic. They were no longer just friends watching a series together; there was an unspoken intimacy growing between them.

Bit by bit, their positions transformed from casual companionship to something more akin to a couple cuddling. Da Wei's hands ventured lower, massaging her lower back and waist. Whenever Jei Mi flinched slightly at the unfamiliar sensation, he would tighten his embrace.

As time went on, Da Wei's other hand slid underneath Jei Mi's shirt, resting gently at the top of her stomach. Her breath hitched, her mind racing with a mix of emotions. His hand began to move in a circular motion, slowly making its way upwards. Jei Mi's heart raced, knowing that she couldn't let it go any further. She knew the consequences that lay ahead if they continued down this path.

Gathering her courage, Jei Mi gently held Da Wei's hand, stopping its upward journey. It was a silent plea, a desperate attempt to prevent the situation from escalating further. In that moment, she hoped he would understand the unspoken boundaries she was trying to set, as their friendship teetered on the edge of uncertainty.

They remained in that intimate embrace, their bodies entwined, as the series played on in the background. Da Wei's hand that had ventured beneath her shirt now stayed put on her stomach, and his other hand continued to serve as her pillow. Jei Mi couldn't help but feel torn between the comfort of his touch and the fear of crossing a line that could forever change their relationship.

"what on earth are we doing? We're bestfriends but, why I couldn't react? I need this to stop but, why can't I utter anything?" Mi thought to herself

Feigning sleep, Jei Mi closed her eyes and pretended to drift off, allowing herself a momentary respite from the whirlwind of emotions that enveloped her. Da Wei played with her cheeks affectionately, unaware of the internal struggle she was facing. She hoped that by pretending to be asleep, she could temporarily evade the weight of the situation, buying herself some time to process her feelings and figure out the path forward.

In that moment, their shared space held an air of uncertainty, as the unspoken desires and uncharted territories between them hung in the air. Jei Mi's heart yearned for answers, for clarity in the midst of the storm that raged within her. Little did she know that this fated night would mark the beginning of a journey filled with heartache, self-discovery, and the complexities of navigating the blurred lines of love and friendship.

------ to be continued -----