Chapter 17: Break up

Mitchelle/Sunny’s POV

The atmosphere at our table was rather quite odd instead of celebratory. Jackson is sitting beside me, too occupied on his phone. Across us, Breana and Alex are sitting together but not really talking that much and Ari is still on her way.

“Finally, for making it through the school fest, let’s make a toast!” I started, breaking the tension or awkwardness or whatever it was. I raise my glass.

“To the school fest.” The three echoed, raising their glasses to clink with mine. I got their attention apparently.

I grimaced as we downed our drinks. The alcohol making its way down my throat, making me feel warm and fuzzy.

“Take it easy, Sunny, we all know you’re a lightweight.” Bree reminded me as she chuckled lightly at my action.

“That’s right.” Jack agreed as he poured for our drinks.

Oh, the gentleman that he is.

“Oh, don’t worry babe. By the way, Alex, the roses you sent are lovely. Thank you for being thoughtful.” I praised. I earned a smile from her.

“And for me too. I appreciate it. Thank you.” Bree uttered towards Alex who turned to her. She said it so weak like she’s suddenly embarrassed that we were there with them.

“It’s nothing special if it’s for people like you.” Alex turned to Bree then to me.

“Are you being greasy?” Bree asked with an eyebrow raised while I just laughed it off.

“Of course not! But I bet the flowers itself made you both happy. Pity, I didn’t saw your faces when you read the message.” Alex jokingly said with a smirk on her face while Jack excused himself for a phone call. He didn’t seem to be tuning in the conversations. I decided to ignore his indifference and focus on celebrating.

“What have gotten into you that made you SO proud of yourself? The confidence is oozing.” A small laugh escaped my lips.

“Well, I’ve got Sunny’s love, that’s why…” She bantered back but after realizing something she added “-and of course, Bree’s love too, right?” She finished then took a drink from her glass.

“You’re weird today, Alex.” Bree shrugged off and continued munching at the food.

We continued our banter until I had to go to the bathroom for a while.

---

Third Person POV

“A-Alex.”

“Bree - ”

Both girls turned to each other as they called the other’s name. Jackson excused himself and Sunny went in the CR.

“You first.” Alex offered.

“Well, since we are in speaking terms now, forcibly because of Mitchelle inviting you. Not that I don’t want to, I just …. Maybe, wanted to know beforehand and I wanted to talk in private. I think I want to move past our misunderstanding before. I-I missed you. I miss you being yourself, the greasy, cute and confident Alex. I like that Alex around me.” Bree rambled as she fiddled with her fingers. Her head bent down and her gaze not raising from the floor.

Alex put her hand over the nervous girl making her look up.

“I totally understand. What you sang on the stage. It came as a surprise to me. It was so transcendental. I also missed you.” The black-haired girl confessed.

No words were necessary for both of them to say. They just smiled at each other as Alex ruffled the younger girl’s hair, making her groan and protest at the action. Things are back to normal between them. Whatever normal means.

---

Back to Mitchelle/Sunny’s POV

Going back from the bathroom I discovered the two seemingly closer than when I’ve left. Alex’ right hand was over Bree’s while her left was ruffling the other’s hair. The younger one groans.

“What did I miss?” I inquired, sitting down.

“Oh, no-nothing sis. Alex is just being her usual smug self.” Bree stuttered while the other just laughed.

Noticing Jack still haven’t made it back I went out to find him. Looking around the place I saw him talking. What surprised me was that he wasn’t talking over the phone but with a woman in an office attire. I slowly made my way towards them.

“Jack.” I called

He turned abruptly, like someone caught red-handed. He looked at me the at the woman, like he is having an internal battle on whom to explain himself first.

“Think about it Mr. Choi. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity. I’ll leave the two of you.” The woman then turned towards the other way, strutting in her high heels.

I stared at him. Maybe he’ll take my silence as a sign to explain himself and what the woman just said to him. I didn’t pick him as the type to betray me with side chicks so I wasn’t really mad, as long as he clears things out.

He scratched the back of his head. He looks like he’s finding the right words to say difficult.

“Just spit it out, Jackson Choi.” I demanded sternly. I didn’t try to hide the impatience in my voice.

“Okay, okay.” He tries to calm me down. “After the performance I received an email from the school about an agent of a big music company wanting to meet me. That was her. She had seen the performance and she liked it.”

“Then that’s great. Why did you have to talk here and hide it from me? From the band?”

“Because as I said, it was ME they messaged. It is ME they agreed on meeting. She said they needed an artist, only ONE.” He slowly reiterated, emphasizing on the words. He looked defeated and conflicted.

“Oh.”

I didn’t know how to take the news but I cannot deny that the fact that he tried to hide it from me hurts my feelings. We’ve been together for years and he couldn’t trust me with such big news or a big breakthrough in his life.

“I’ve tried to bargain, trust me, I wanted them to take even just one with me, YOU, but they said they needed a guy and one that they wouldn’t need much to train to complete a boy group. I’m sorry.” He sighed.

I approach him and touch his face. “It’s okay. I understand. I mean we just have to work it out after graduation and long-distance relationship doesn’t looks that bad. We can videocall, chat or call. Surely, we can make this work, right?” I looked at him to find assurance but all I see in his eyes are confusion and restlessness.

“No. They wanted me to go in a week and I’ve read the contract. Once I agree to it, I cannot have romantic relationships nor date. I wouldn’t even have time even if I wanted to. I’ll be bound to the company till I debut.” He declared.

I withdrew my hand, backing away from him.

“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity.” – The statement replayed in my head.

“Will you take it?” I had to know. I had to prepare myself, I thought. When he spoke, I realized I wasn’t prepared to hear his answer.

“Yes.”

It was a whisper. Too quiet yet it rang in my ears as my heart clenched.

“So … you’re breaking up with me?” My eyes start to sting and a lump threatens to grow at my throat. I had to fight the urge to cry remembering I still have to go back to my friends later.

“You see, I have no choice. You know I love you for what it’s worth but this is my future Mitchelle. I-I don’t want to lose you but I cannot throw this away as much. I don’t want to choose babe but - ”

“Stop! Just stop.” I almost shouted. I even held up my hands to emphasize my words.

He moved to get closer but I was faster to avoid him.

“Don’t. Please, just leave. If that’s your decision, then we will be better off if you leave me right now. Don’t even bother calling or messaging me. We can move on faster and better that way.” I plead as I felt hot streams flow across my cheeks. I turned away and walked fast, not bothering to turn around even when he called out to me. I wipe my tear-streaked face with the back of my hand as I walked back towards my unknowing friends.

“Sunny dear, sorry I had to go somewhere else first. What happened?” I encountered Ari on my way back inside. Worry is evident in her face and words when she saw me.

“Nothing.” I shrugged off. “Some dirt got in my eyes. C’mon, let’s get inside. Bree and Alex are waiting inside.” I tried to calm myself down. I hope I would like fine in front of the two.

“O-okay.” Ari tensely said.

The mention of either Bree or Alex or probably both had brought a flash of sadness in her eyes or maybe I was just seeing my own reflected pain in her eyes.

I don’t know anymore. I just don’t want to feel this pain.