Written In The Same Star

Unspoken Goodbyes

The crowd’s cheers filled the grand auditorium, celebrating Engfa’s victory. She stood on the stage, radiant in her crown and sash, waving to the adoring fans who chanted her name. This was her moment, the culmination of everything she had worked for.

Charlotte clapped along with the others, but her applause was faint, her chest tightening with every cheer. She should have felt happy for Engfa—proud, even—but all she felt was a hollow ache.

This was it. Engfa had won, and her journey was just beginning. For Charlotte, it was time to leave.

She had spent the last few days convincing herself that this was the right choice. Watching Engfa soar while she quietly stepped away. Leaving now, after the pageant, was the only way she could protect herself from the heartbreak she knew was coming. 
---

Charlotte returned to her hotel room, where her suitcase was already packed. She had planned it all carefully. As everyone celebrated Engfa’s win, she would leave unnoticed. 

She sat on the edge of the bed, staring at her suitcase. Her heart felt heavy, her thoughts racing. 

“This is for the best,” she whispered to herself. 

Just as she reached for her phone to call for a cab, there was a knock at the door. 

“Nong Cha?” 

Charlotte froze. She wanted to ignore it, but she couldn’t.

“Charlotte, I know you’re in there. Please open the door.” 

Charlotte closed her eyes, her hand hovering over the suitcase handle. She had to face her. Slowly, she stood and opened the door. 

Engfa was still wearing her crown and gown, but her makeup was slightly smudged, and her eyes looked tired. Yet, despite it all, she was still the most beautiful person Charlotte had ever seen. 

“Why did you leave the party?” Engfa asked, stepping inside before Charlotte could respond.

Her gaze landed on the packed suitcase, and her expression shifted. “And what’s this?” 

Charlotte hesitated, her throat dry. “I was going to tell you—” 

“Tell me what?” Engfa interrupted, her voice sharper now. “That you’re leaving? Without even saying anything?” 

Charlotte looked down, avoiding her gaze.
“I thought it’d be easier this way.” 

“Easier for who?” Engfa’s voice cracked, hurt flashing across her face.
“Because it’s not easier for me.” 

Charlotte swallowed hard, trying to keep her emotions in check. “Engfa, you’ve won. You’re going to be a star. This is your time. You don’t need me holding you back.” 

“Stop it,” Engfa snapped, stepping closer. “You’re not holding me back, Cha. You’re the reason I’ve gotten this far. Don’t you see that?” 

Charlotte shook her head, tears threatening to fall. “You don’t understand. This—” She gestured between them. “This isn’t going to work. Your world is about to change, and I don’t belong in it.” 

Engfa’s eyes softened, her frustration melting into desperation. “Cha, look at me.” 

Charlotte hesitated before meeting her gaze. 

“I don’t care about the fame, the crown, or any of it,” Engfa said, her voice trembling. “I care about *you*. I don’t want to do this without you.”