Her Unrequited Love
A Stormy Encounter
Episode 1: A Stormy Encounter
A woman is standing in front of her window as tears flow down to her cheeks
Thalia
I CAN'T DO THIS ANYMORE!
The rain pounded against Thalia's window as lightning streaked across the dark sky. The storm outside matched the tempest within her heart.
Thalia
WHAT'S EVEN THE POINT OF ALL THIS?!
Her voice merged with the howling wind, carrying her anguish far into the night.
Thalia
YOU TOOK MY FATHER AWAY FROM ME!
Thalia
HE'S THE ONLY ONE THAT I HAVE!
Thalia
WHAT HAVE I DONE WRONG?!
？？？
(shouting) Hey! Could you keep it down? Some of us are trying to get some sleep here!
Thalia spun around to see a man standing on a neighboring rooftop, his drenched clothes clinging to him.
Thalia
(shouting) Who are you?
？？？
(shouting) Just a guy who's trying to get some sleep, which seems impossible with your screaming!
Thalia
(shouting) Sorry, didn't realize I was ruining your beauty sleep!
The man shot her a look of disbelief, clearly taken aback by her retort.
？？？
(shouting) Beauty sleep? Lady, I'm just trying not to drown up here!
Thalia
(screaming) Well, misery loves company, right?
？？？
(shouting) Look, if you're having a meltdown, at least make it quieter. Some of us are trying to be miserable in peace!
Thalia
(shouting) Ugh, fine! Go back to your rooftop, grumpy neighbor!
Thalia's laughter echoed through the rain-soaked rooftop. Despite the storm and the unexpected encounter, a sliver of amusement had found its way into her heart.
Thalia
(shouting) Shouting therapy, huh? Who knew?
？？？
(shouting) Yeah, well, it's a new wellness trend. Rain included!
Thalia shook her head, raindrops splattering around her.
Thalia
(shouting) You're a strange one, aren't you?
The man shrugged, a hint of a smirk playing on his lips.
？？？
(shouting) Strange is the new normal, haven't you heard?
A bolt of lightning illuminated the scene, casting an eerie glow on their rooftop meeting.
？？？
(shouting) So, what's your deal, Miss Shouty?
Thalia
(shouting) You ask a lot of questions for someone who crashed my therapy session!
He chuckled, the sound mixing with the sound of raindrops hitting surfaces.
？？？
(shouting) Consider me your rooftop therapist then. Unlicensed, but enthusiastic.
Thalia
(shouting) Great, now I have a life coach from the rooftops.
They stood there, two strangers brought together by a storm and their shared rooftop retreat.
？？？
(shouting) You know, sometimes the best way to deal with life's mess is to shout back at it.
Thalia
(shouting) And here I thought I was just letting off steam.
A roll of thunder punctuated their exchange, a punctuation mark to their rooftop banter.
？？？
(shouting) You're not alone up here, you know. We all have our own battles.
Thalia felt a surge of something akin to understanding. It was strange, but there was a connection forming between them amidst the chaos.
Thalia
(shouting) Maybe it's time I start winning some battles.
The rain showed no sign of stopping, but the tension in the air had shifted. Thalia found herself smiling, a glimmer of hope returning to her eyes.
Despite the rummage storm, there's no one stopping her from going to Jaehan's place.
After a few knocks when she arrived, the door swung open, revealing Jaehan standing on the other side. His surprise was evident as he looked at Thalia, who was standing before him, raindrops glistening in her hair.
Jaehan
Thalia? What are you doing here?
Thalia met his gaze, her nerves threatening to overpower her resolve.
Thalia
(nervous) I... I needed to talk.
Jaehan's expression shifted, curiosity can be seen in his eyes.
Thalia stepped inside, the warmth of the apartment enveloping her as she looked around. The familiar surroundings were a stark contrast to the storm outside.
Thalia
(This was a terrible idea.)
They settled in the living room, the silence hanging heavy between them for a moment.
Jaehan
(tentative) So, what's on your mind?
Thalia took a deep breath, her heart pounding against her chest.
Thalia
*sighs* (Maybe it's best if I shouldn't tell him, I wouldn't want to be another burden to him)
Thalia
(nervous) It's nothing, really. I... I just wanted to see how you're doing.
Jaehan's brow furrowed, a hint of confusion in his eyes.
Jaehan
Ali, you don't usually show up unannounced. Is something bothering you?
Thalia
(forcing a smile) No, no, everything's fine. Just... worried about the storm and all.
Jaehan
(concerned) Why are you soaked and wet, then?
Thalia felt a blush creep onto her cheeks, her attempt at nonchalance crumbling.
Thalia
(stammering) Oh, uh, I got caught in the rain on my way here.
Jaehan's gaze held hers, his concern deepening.
Jaehan
Ali, you're shivering. You should get out of those wet clothes before you catch a cold.
Thalia's heart raced as she felt his genuine worry, and she nodded.
Thalia
(nervous) Yeah, you're right. Sorry for barging in like this.
Jaehan
(gentle) No need to apologize. Make yourself comfortable.
As Thalia headed to the bathroom to change, her mind raced with a mix of emotions. The weight of her hidden feelings seemed to be heavier than before.
Unspoken Connections
Episode 2: Unspoken Connections
Thalia
(typing) Hey, Payne. Can we meet up for lunch today?
Payne
(typing) Of course! Is something up?
Thalia
(typing) Yeah, I need to talk.
Thalia
(thinking) I can't keep my feelings bottled up like this.
At the café, Thalia sat across from Payne, the aroma of coffee filling the air.
Payne
(concerned) Ali, you seem really tense. What's going on?
Thalia
(nervous) I... I spent time with the guy from the rooftop last night.
Payne
(interested) Wait, the mysterious one who yelled at you during the storm?
Thalia
(nodding) Yeah, it's strange, but he's not so bad.
Payne leaned forward, intrigued by Thalia's revelation.
Payne
(teasing) So, did you discover his hidden identity?
Thalia
(chuckles) Not yet, his features are hidden in the shadows
Thalia
But there's something about him... something that makes me feel understood.
Payne
(smirking) Sounds like you've found yourself a secret ally.
Thalia's cheeks turned slightly pink at the thought.
Thalia
(blushing) It's not like that, Payne.
Payne laughed, a knowing glint in her eyes.
Payne
(playful) Whatever you say, Ali. Just remember, secrets have a way of coming out.
Lunchtime passed by, and class hours have began
Preparing for their P. E class, Thalia stood at the edge of the school field, her gaze fixed on Jaehan as he chatted with his friends. Her thoughts drifted between her unspoken feelings and the memories of their shared past.
Thalia
(Why is it so hard to tell him? What if it ruins everything? We've been friends for so long, and I don't want to risk losing that.)
Thalia
(Maybe it's better to keep things the way they are. Our friendship is too precious to gamble with my feelings.)
As she continued to watch Jaehan, lost in her thoughts, the sound of footsteps approached from behind.
？？？
(curious) Staring at my cousin, huh?
Startled, Thalia turned around to find someone standing there, a mischievous smile on their face. She blinked, momentarily caught off guard.
Thalia
(surprised) Oh, I... uh.
The stranger's gaze was playful and curious, as if they were trying to figure something out.
？？？
(smirking) Seems like you've got something on your mind.
Thalia
(nervous) It's nothing, really. Just... lost in thought.
The stranger's eyes held a hint of amusement as they studied Thalia
？？？
(teasing) Hmm, lost in thought while gazing at Jaehan. Interesting.
Thalia
(blushing) No, it's not like that. He's just a friend.
The stranger's smirk persisted, as if they were enjoying this little game of words.
？？？
(playful) Friends don't usually get stared at like that.
Thalia
(nervous) Well, it's not what you think.
With a chuckle, the stranger's teasing seemed to intensify.
？？？
(teasing) Relax, I'm just messing with you.
Thalia's cheeks remained flushed as she tried to find her footing in the conversation.
Thalia
(nervous) Right, well, thanks for the... chat.
As the stranger turned to leave, Thalia couldn't shake the feeling that they had a deeper understanding of her thoughts than she expected.
Thalia
(thinking) Who was that? And why did they seem to see right through me? Is there something about me that's so obvious?
Later that day, Thalia found herself walking through the school hallway, lost in thought about the encounter with the mysterious stranger. Her mind replayed their conversation, wondering about the person who seemed to know more than they let on.
Thalia
(thinking) Who could that person be? And why were they so interested in why I was looking at Jaehan?
As Thalia turned a corner, she nearly collided with Payne, who had a concerned expression on her face.
Payne
(concerned) Hey, Ali! You look like you're in another world.
Thalia
(shaking her head) Sorry, Payne. I'm just... thinking about something.
Payne
(curious) Is it about that mysterious person you were talking to by the school field earlier?
Thalia
(surprised) How did you know about that?
Payne chuckled, her eyes twinkling with mischief.
Payne
(playful) Rumors spread quickly, you know. So what's the scoop?
Thalia hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal.
Thalia
(careful) Not much, really. Just a casual conversation.
Payne raised an eyebrow, clearly not buying Thalia's attempt at downplaying the encounter.
Payne
(teasing) Casual conversation? The kind that has you lost in thought all day?
Thalia
(blushing) Okay, maybe it was more than just casual. But I have no idea who the person is.
Payne grinned, clearly enjoying Thalia's flustered state.
Payne
(amused) A mysterious stranger, huh? Sounds intriguing.
Thalia
(sighs) I just can't shake the feeling that they saw right through me.
Payne's expression softened, and she placed a reassuring hand on Thalia's shoulder.
Payne
(supportive) Whoever they are, Ali, maybe they're just perceptive. And maybe it's time to be a little more honest with yourself.
Thalia
(thoughtful) I know, Payne. It's just... complicated.
Payne gave her a knowing smile before her expression turned mischievous again.
Payne
(teasing) Well, just remember, I'm always here to listen to your confessions, rooftop or not.
Thalia rolled her eyes, but a small smile tugged at her lips.
Thalia
(playful) Thanks a lot, Payne.
As they continued walking together, Thalia couldn't help but feel grateful for her friend's support and the unexpected encounter that had set her thoughts in motion.
Thalia arrived home, her thoughts still swirling with the events of the day. She pushed open the front door and was immediately greeted by the sound of her sister's voice.
Althea
(sarcastic) Look who decided to grace us with her presence.
Thalia turned to see her older sister, Althea, standing in the hallway with a smirk on her face. Althea's tone was dripping with sarcasm, a familiar sensation that Thalia had grown accustomed to over the years.
Thalia
(weary) Hi, Althea.
Althea
(mocking) "Hi, Althea." How original.
Thalia's shoulders slumped slightly, the weight of her sister's words already beginning to take their toll.
Thalia
(weary) Can we not do this right now?
Althea stepped closer, her eyes narrowing as she appraised Thalia.
Althea
(mocking) Oh, what's the matter? Did someone finally notice you at school? Or did you trip and fall in front of everyone again?
Thalia
(defensive) Leave me alone, Thea.
Althea
(smirking) Oh, don't be so sensitive, Thalia. You're the one who keeps embarrassing herself.
Thalia's fists clenched at her sides, her sister's words cutting deeper than she wanted to admit.
Thalia
(struggling to stay composed) Just... let me go to my room, okay?
Althea
(taunting) Off to dream about your precious Jaehan? Or maybe your rooftop friend?
Thalia's cheeks burned with a mixture of anger and humiliation.
Thalia
(voice shaking) You have no idea what you're talking about.
Althea's laughter echoed through the hallway as Thalia hurriedly retreated to her room, the weight of her sister's hurtful words lingering long after she had shut the door behind her.
Thalia sat on her bed, her heart heavy with the weight of her sister's hurtful words. She stared out the window, lost in thought about the events of the day—the unexpected encounter, the supportive words from Payne, and now, the harsh reality of her home life.
Thalia
(thinking) Why does Althea always have to be so cruel? And why does her opinion matter to me
As the evening sky darkened, Thalia's phone buzzed with a new message. She picked it up and saw a text from Payne.
Payne
(text) Hey, Thal. I know today was tough. Just remember, you're stronger than you think. And you deserve to be happy.
Thalia's lips curled into a small smile as she read Payne's words of encouragement. In that moment, she realized that despite the challenges she faced, she had people in her corner who believed in her.
Thalia
(thinking) Maybe it's time I started believing in myself too.
With a renewed sense of determination, Thalia set her phone aside and leaned back against her pillows. The events of the day had left her with a mix of emotions, but one thing was clear—change was on the horizon.
As she closed her eyes, her thoughts unexpectedly drifted back to the stranger she had encountered by the school field. A hint of curiosity tugged at the edges of her mind, and she couldn't shake the feeling that their paths might cross again sooner than she thought.
Unseen Bonds
Note: I have revised the first and second part to match with this episode :) You might as well want to reread it hehe, I apologize for the inconvenience, I hope you enjoy reading. Thank you <3
Thalia's thoughts remained consumed by the memory of the mysterious stranger she had encountered. The weight of her family issues and self-doubt felt heavier than ever, and she longed for a way to break free from their grip.
Thalia
(Maybe Payne is right. Maybe I do deserve happiness.)
After school, Thalia found herself wandering through the quiet school field. The wind rustled through the trees, and the sun cast long shadows on the ground. Lost in thought, she found herself standing by a familiar spot, the very place where she had been deep in contemplation the other day.
Thalia
(whispering to herself) Who are you? Why did you show up when I needed someone?
As if in response to her thoughts, a voice broke the silence.
？？？
(curious) Deep thoughts again, I see.
Startled, Thalia turned to find someone unexpected standing a few feet away. It was Zorian, a new student in the school, known for his quiet and mysterious demeanor.
Thalia
(surprised) Oh, hi. You're... new here, right?
Zorian
(nodding) That's right. Just transferred a few days ago.
Thalia
(curious) So, what brings you to the school field?
Zorian
(smirking) Just exploring, I suppose. This seemed like a good spot for it.
Thalia studied Zorian's face, trying to decipher the expression behind his words.
Thalia
(curious) You seem... observant. Do you often notice things that others might not?
Zorian
(cryptic) Observing can lead to interesting discoveries.
The cryptic response left Thalia intrigued. She couldn't quite put her finger on it, but there was something about Zorian that felt strangely familiar, as if they had crossed paths before.
As the school day came to an end, Thalia found herself walking down the hallway lost in her thoughts. The encounter with Zorian earlier had left her with a lingering curiosity.
She turned a corner and nearly collided with someone. Startled, she looked up and found herself face to face with Sierra, known for her sharp intellect and business-minded nature.
Sierra
(curious) Watch where you're going, would you?
Thalia
(apologetic) I'm sorry, Sierra. I wasn't paying attention.
Sierra
(observing) You seem preoccupied. Mind sharing what's on your mind?
Thalia hesitated for a moment before deciding to confide in Sierra. After all, Sierra's insights could shed light on her feelings.
Thalia
(thoughtful) It's just... I met this new guy today, Zorian. He's different, and I can't shake the feeling that I've met him before.
Sierra raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued.
Sierra
(smirking) Zorian, huh? Such an interesting name. What's so special about him?
Thalia
(reflective) I don't know, it's hard to explain. It's like there's a connection, but I can't quite place it.
Sierra
(analyzing) Sometimes, connections can be more than they seem. They might lead you to unexpected discoveries.
Thalia considered Sierra's words. Maybe there was more to her interactions with Zorian than she initially thought.
Thalia
(grateful) Thanks, Sierra. I appreciate your perspective.
Sierra
(smirking) Just remember, sometimes mysteries can be quite... intriguing.
As Sierra walked away, Thalia was left with a newfound sense of determination. Perhaps it was time to dig deeper into the connection she felt with Zorian and uncover the truth behind their interactions.
The school day was drawing to a close, and Thalia found herself sitting in one of the empty benches, lost in her thoughts. She watched as students chatted and went about their activities, feeling a mixture of longing and uncertainty.
Thalia
(Ever since I met weird strangers, I haven't thought of Jay)
Thalia
(But I guess, even if he's out of my mind for a few moments, my feelings never change)
Thalia
(It's now or never. I need to talk to Jaehan.)
As if on cue, Jaehan approached, his easy smile brightening her day.
Jaehan
(friendly) Hey there, Ali. What's on your mind?
Thalia
(gathering courage) Actually, there's something I've been meaning to say.
Jaehan
(curious) Go ahead, I'm all ears.
Thalia took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves.
Thalia
(sincere) We've been friends for so long, Jaehan. And I want you to know that you mean a lot to me.
Jaehan's eyes softened, his attention fully on her.
Jaehan
(gentle) You mean a lot to me too, Thalia. You're like family.
Thalia felt her heart race, encouraged by his words.
Thalia
(bravely) Jaehan, there's something I've been struggling to say... I—
Before she could continue, the bell rang, signaling the end of the school day.
Jaehan
(apologetic) Sorry, Thalia, I have to go, someone's waiting for me. Can we talk later?
Thalia
(forced a smile) Of course. Later then.
As Jaehan hurried away, Thalia was left with a mixture of relief and anticipation. She hadn't revealed her true feelings yet, but the conversation had taken a positive turn.
The school courtyard was bathed in the soft hues of sunset, and Thalia found herself gazing at the horizon. The events of the day had left her with a mix of emotions—curiosity, longing, and a newfound determination.
Thalia
(whispering) I might not be able to tell him what I truly feel, but it's a relief I got the courage to say something... At least.
Thalia
(sighing) Maybe time will come for us... I just have to wait for that to happen
As the breeze rustled leaves around her, Thalia's phone buzzed, indicating a new message from Payne.
Payne
(message) So, are you and Mr. Mysterious getting along? 😉
Thalia chuckled at her friend's playful tone.
Thalia
(replying) Trying to decode the mystery, Payne.
She watched as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow that painted the sky in shades of pink and gold.
Thalia
(thinking) Just like the unknown connections between people, there's beauty in discovering what's hidden.
With a renewed sense of purpose, she stood up from the bench and shouldered her bag.
Thalia
(resolute) There's more to explore, more to understand. I'm ready for whatever comes next.
With her heart set on uncovering the hidden truth behind the mask of her Mr. Rooftop Therapist, she walked toward the fading sunlight, embracing the journey of self-discovery and connections that lay ahead.
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