2. Self-conscious

Next day early in the morning, Min was surprised to see someone standing in front of her house. She didn't recognise the figure in black clothes. But on a closer look she knew who it was.

''Pearl, what are you doing here?

Min.....''

Pearl looks at Min with Unusually serious eyes. Min has never seen this type of expression on her face before. She looked pale and grave. In fact very grave that it made Min scared for a second.

''Is something wrong? Why are you dressed in full black clothes? I almost got a heart attack''

... (Pearl looks down)

'' Don't just stand there, come inside.''

(Inside Min's house)

There was a short moment of silence. Neither of them dare to say anything, expecting the other person to speak first. At last, Min spoke breaking the ice between them.

''So...... Are you okay? Did something happen?

My place broke down.

Your place what???!! How? Are you hurt anywhere??

No, luckily, I wasn't home at that time. I went out to buy some groceries. When I came back, it was a total disaster. I asked the police present there, they said that my house wasn't built with a strong base. But I wasn't notified about it either.

I see.... So, what are you going to do now?

Find a place to stay, I guess? I'll manage the rest somehow.

Pearl, that would take a lot of time.

I know. Or...... You want me to stay here?

No way!

What? Are you denying me!? I thought we are friends Min!

No, I didn't said no to that. I was thinking that-

Thinking what? Wait.....Where's this burning smell coming from?(Confused expression)

Thinking that...... I forgot to turn off the stove

in the kitchen.

(Sighs) Ahh! Min! What are you waiting for? Go hurry turn it off, or are you planning to blast your own house too?''

Min goes running into the kitchen. She forgot that she had kept some cookies for baking in the microwave. The cookies were as burned as a coal. They decided to have lunch outside. Pearl sat opposite to Min. She saw her eating furiously.

''He-he...

What are you laughing at Pearl?

Are you hungry from 10 days? Stop eating so clumsily. You might choke on your food.

Aww! But I'm hungry...

I can see.''

(Min chokes on her food. )

''Didn't I told you. Here''

Pearl gives her a glass of water to drink and pats her back gently.

''There's some food on your mouth...''

Pearl rest her hand on Min's face. Gently wiping her lips. Min froze at first on her touch but regain her consciousness back. Pearl looks down at Min's neck.

''Can you remove your hand if you're done? And don't look at my neck! I'm not lesbian!''

Pearl pulls back grinning. She didn't said anything. She knew that Min was just playing around by the way she acted, playing the innocent-victim role.

''Anyway, Where are you going to stay?

Hmm... I'll be living near my childhood friend I guess.

Bellatrix? But you told me that you aren't close to her anymore.

Yeah. Well, I happen to bump into her while visiting you this morning. By the look of my face at that time, she thought I was some ghost and almost screamed to death.

That's right! Even I was stunned to see you like that.

(laughs slightly)........ She told me that she can help me to live for a few months.''

(Phone rings) Pearl receives a call from Bellatrix.

''Oh... It's her call. See you then. Bye.''

Pearl waves at Min and leaves.

(Min's point of view)

That's strange... Did she get close to Bellatrix again? I hope not!.... She told me that I'm her only friend... Why is Bellatrix being kind to a not so close childhood friend? Even if you were her childhood friend, you don't know the current Pearl!

Wait. What's wrong with me??? Why am I overthinking things!?

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