43 Chapter 43: Freudian slip II

(third POV)

Michelle doesn't feel as shy to him like when she's with Anthony, so she was able to respond more casually. "Well, I was thinking that this feels so surreal. Like we're friends now, and I still can't believe that I'm friends with Andy Peng, the teen star. So, I was contemplating earlier if I should just do an exclusive interview and post it online!" she joked.

Andy chuckled, ok so maybe he was being presumptuous to think that she was checking him out. Still, her answer was refreshing. "I didn't know you're a fan. Should I give you an autograph?"

Michelle smiled and took out her notebook, playing along. "Please sign here. Can you also put in a dedication? Don't know how much this will be worth in the future.", well, an arm and a leg in truth but Andy doesn't know that now.

Andy's eyes mooned. He didn't know that Michelle could be so humorous. "What should I write?" he asked as he took the pen and the notebook.

Michelle pretended to think it over, to tease him, she said, "Ok, write this. To my number 1 fan, Michelle Lui, thank you for believing that I will become the best star in the whole world. Because of your undying faith in me, I am now inspired to strive and reach that dream. I will always be grateful to you for being my greatest supporter. Very truly yours, Andy Peng." She wanted to pat herself on the back. Ah, such a flirt. But it's still friendly banter so perfectly ok. Hahaha!

Andy wrote what she said, "Hey, that is too excessive. In the whole world? I can't even barely call myself a second-rate star in our country now and how did you know that that's my dream?"

Michelle took back the notebook. Honestly, she just read that in one of his interviews after he already achieved said dream. "I just took a random guess, but is it really?"

Andy smiled. It was his dream, but now talking to Michelle at this moment enjoying their light banter, said dream was changing slowly. Was he becoming a romantic sap? Oh well. Maybe just getting caught in the moment.

Seeing that Michelle was still waiting for his answer, he answered, "I'm not too sure myself. Maybe you should ask me again after a few months. How about you? What's your dream?"

Michelle paused. 18-year-old Michelle wanted to be like her mom, not that that changed much. But it's not like she will tell Andy that. What if he tells those words to Anthony and he be turned off?

Anyway, she must have a different answer. Hmm… Thinking about it, being back in this timeline, having the chance to experience everything again and change things she wanted to change, she knew that she was already living a dream. So, she answered as she smiled, "Being here, right here, right now."

Andy had a lot of girls confessing to him left and right. But when he heard Michelle say those words, he was stupefied. Was this her flirting? Or did she just… confess to him? For if she did, he really has to give it to her. She has style. That's got to be the most unique confession he had to date.

Should he take her up for it? Ok, maybe not yet. They just knew each other for a week. But then, he thought of what she said again and deep inside, he wanted to jump like a mad monkey. He wanted to embrace his destiny and good luck. He wanted to giggle, and after the initial surprise wore off, he did just that. Like some teenage girl, he actually giggled.

"Mi… Michelle… " he said trying to answer her in between laughter.

Michelle looked at Andy in confusion. Why was he giggling? Was her answer funny? She thought about it again. 'Oh fuck.' She blushed and began explaining her reasons. She could just bang her head on the table. It's ok if Andy was not Anthony's friend, but he was. Like she enjoys flirting with him, but not this early! Also, what if he gets the wrong idea? Like would he think that she's such a cheap girl and only wanted to be friends with him because she has a crush on him?

Michelle started explaining, "I mean, I'm thankful to be here and enjoy the blessings life has given me. I have my parents, and my family is doing well. I mean, I have everything I could ever want. Then, I also have great friends like you and Lara, and… you get what I mean right?"

Andy stopped giggling and listened. He nodded his head and settled for a smile. "Yes, I understand." He replied. He understood that that might be the case then, but still he could not help but think that maybe what Michelle said earlier was a Freudian slip. She must really like him and was just denying it now to save face. Hehe. He knew that they need to get to know each other better first, but still, he was happy. Ah, he was so lucky to be born as Andy Peng!

Michelle sighed in relief. That was stupid. Yeah, she likes Andy, but not as much as she likes Anthony!

Thankfully, after a while, the waitress arrived with their food and saved Michelle from further embarrassment.

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TBC