[TWO WEEKS LATER]
Rey: Ella, your phone's ringing!
(shakes her shoulder)
Ella — wake up!
(Ella opens her eyes groggily. Rey shows her the screen — Damian's name is flashing on the call.)
Ella:
(stares at it silently for a few seconds, then pulls the blanket over her head)
I don't wanna talk to him. Please.
Rey: Come on, it's been two weeks since you've been ignoring all his calls and texts.
Ella: This way, I can forget him faster.
Rey: Oh really?
(raises an eyebrow as Ella silences her phone, places it on the side table, and removes her blanket)
So… how's that going then?
Did you forget even a little bit of him, huh?
Ella:
(closes her eyes, a tear slipping out)
If I can't… he will.
(pauses, wipes her tear)
Someday.
Rey:
(sits beside her, softly)
From his actions, I can assure he'll never forget you.
And from your tears, I can assure you won't either.
Ella:
But we can't be together.
Rey:
Ella, you didn't watch Damian's last interview, did you?
(Ella stays silent, curling up on the bed. Rey takes her phone, scrolls, and plays the interview.)
INTERVIEWER (on phone):
So, your fans want to know — what kind of girl do you prefer?
Damian (on screen, chuckling):
Let me be clear — I can't date everyone in my fandom, neither can I marry everyone.
So, I just want my fans to support my choice… whatever it may be.
(Rey pauses the video and looks at Ella.)
Ella:
So what?
Rey:
Check the comments.
(Rey scrolls and shows her the phone. Ella hesitates, then reads the top ones.)
Comment 1: Come to think of it, he's totally right.
Comment 2: I'm with you, Damian — doesn't matter who you choose.
Comment 3: He totally has someone in mind already… edit: okay guys, I agree, I'll support whoever she is!
Comment 4: Even if it's an animal, I'm still with you 😂
Comment 5: That's why I love him — he's the most honest actor. Always with you, Damian!
(Ella keeps scrolling. The screen is filled with hundreds of positive comments, except a few negative ones.)
Rey:
See? His fandom isn't toxic anymore — not after that fandom cleaning he did.
(Ella sits up slowly, eyes widening in disbelief as she reads more and more comments.)
Ella:
They really… accepted it.
Rey:
Exactly. He made sure they would.
(Ella looks away, thinking — a faint smile flickers through her sadness.)
Rey plays the video.
Damian: "Someone who is soft, funny, and bold at the same time. Someone who doesn't give me special treatment but still makes me feel special. Someone who shouts and fights but loves me equally. Someone who understands me… someone with whom I can cry, and who accepts all my flaws."
Interviewer: "Well, that's very precise. Do you already have someone in mind?"
Damian: "Yes and no…"
Interviewer: "What does that even mean? A yes or a no?"
Damian: "Whatever you want to choose. Time will tell you everything."
Rey pauses the video and gives Ella her phone.
Rey: "Now stop torturing him and yourself."
Ella: "Should I?"
