After Our Beloved Summer

That year 2021

"You should keep your distance from him. Naturally, the rumors will die down soon." my manager uttered

She's right. But why emphasize it? It's not like we are dating for real anyway. I mean we're good work friends but that's it... right? It's not real.

"Is that fine with you, Ms. Dami?" my manager asked to reassure that I will follow.

I answered, "Yes ma'am. I'll enjoy my break. Thank you for everything again. Happy New Year!"

"Okay then see you tomorrow for the awards night. Cheer up a little. Your expression is... you look annoyed or is something bothering you?" my manager asked.

What? What expression am I making? Am I THAT sad?

"No ma'am. I'm just tired." I said.

My manager then dropped me off the front gate of my home. I head up to my room after greeting my family. I told them that I'm tired and I'll catch up with them later.

Gosh I'm so tired. I missed this. Lying in bed and not thinking of work the next day. We did well. I had fun. I hope the viewers will like it. What should I watch? Should I watch our show?

("Dami-ya I want to try acting like a married couple. With you, it'll be great. I don't think I can do it with any other actress.")

I shook my head and suddenly got up from my bed. I decided to fix my stuff and get ready to shower. He said that, huh?

Oppa is just too friendly. A lot of women will probably misunderstand this with him. Good thing I know that he's just like that. Friendly. Funny. He's a great guy. He was always like that... not only to me.

I check my phone after showering. Photos from our shoot were all there. It's funny, I actually haven't taken this much photos from my previous work. He definitely enticed me back to taking selfies. It was so fun.

Let's see... he takes pretty decent photos. Oh I have lots of photos of him and with him. What's this, why is it that he occupied almost half of my gallery. Silly oppa. With this much... I'll really miss him.

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It was our last day of shoot. I've been anticipating this day a few weeks back. Been feeling too sad and sentimental. I'm honestly worried if I'll do well. Will I live up to my own expectations? Did I do as well as Dami did? She's just amazing.

There she is. Always composed. Professional. I can always rely on her ideas. She's smart. And she's dated much more than I did lol. Kidding aside, she was just great at what she does. Sitting in the corner and analyzing the script with our PD again. We kissed last shoot. To be honest, I still feel a little awkward. But she always seems comfortable with doing these things. It was kind of irritating. I mean, it's great but doesn't she see me as a man? I'm a lot older than her but why am I the one who seems taken aback.

Oh well. I'll just brush it off. I'll continue being a happy actor that everyone can get comfortable with.

We shot our last scene. A beautiful scene. I get giddy with it too. We were done taking commemorative photos. I should say something to her. What will I say? Why should I say something? Well, here goes...

"Dami-ya I want to try acting like a married couple. With you, it'll be great. I don't think I can do it with any other actress." I said that.

"Me too. I'm curious. I think we can do any concept together. We're a great match Oppa. Let's work again soon" Dami replied

"I hope so too. See you around. What will you do after?"

"I'll enjoy my vacation for now. So I'll just rest at home. And you?"

"Same here. I'm gonna go camping. I've been preparing for that. Do you like camping?"

What? Why am I asking her this again? Would it seem like I'm asking her to join?

"Yes. I told you that before. Did you forget already, oppa?"

Oh I know. That's probably why I asked. But maybe I shouldn't ask more...

My manager called for me already. And my friends are waiting too. They'll probably ask to celebrate with me along with our agency friends. They visited me. I'm thankful.

"Sorry hehe I should go. Take care, Dami-ya."

"Okay. Let's keep in touch, Wooshik Oppa."

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Wow there she is again. She looks pretty in her black dress. And her back details... This is awkward. I didn't think I'd see her this soon when we bid our farewells yesterday. But it's great to see her. I never expected to win an award too. This is so great. I'm so happy.

"Dami-ya! Let's take some photos hehehe you did great! You deserve this award."

Dami answered, "What are you saying, Oppa? You and I won the award."

Dami and I won this award, I guess. We're taking photos. I'm so ecstatic. She's standing close to me again. I will go on camping soon so I don't know when I'll see her again.

I'm not sure how I got into playing a romantic role with her to be honest. I really saw her as a great friend. She's like my little sister. I am so much older than her. I took care of her during our first film because she was so shy too. I loved her vibe so I kept in touch with her through SNS. The more we talked, the more I realized how much we had in common. She's also a great actress and I really am in awe whenever I meet talented people like her. I am naturally drawn to them. I still remember being susprised at how her tear fell during the train scene in our 1st movie. Good thing they didn't notice but a small grin popped into my expression back then. She's amazing. Was she really a beginner before?

A lot of people thought we had great chemistry from our last film. Maybe because I hugged her so suddenly in our last film?

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We won an award! And wow, Wooshik-oppa looks... well yeah, tall and cool, I guess? Ehem. He is happy and cheerful as always. His vibe really gives me a mood boost.

We're taking commemorative pictures for our award now. Looking back, it never crossed my mind that I'll work with a romantic genre with Oppa. Or did I? I remember him from my breakthrough movie. We played enemies. We we're trying to kill each other for our roles. Doing action sequences. Then on one scene, his sleeve brushed against my eyes along with some dust. I was fine with it. It happens.

But after that incident, he suddenly started being gentle towards me. On one scene, he was too close for comfort, but I was okay. I was used to it. I don't easily break character. He threw his punches perfectly like he's another person. Then, he stopped and looked me in the eye with this endearing expression. He got closer. I can smell him and hear his breath. He held my shoulder and gave me soft hug.

"Are you okay?" was what he whispered to me then. I couldn't help but smile. How can I not when he was so--- he's just so kind to everybody I guess? But after that, we naturally became acquainted and friends.

And now, he is here. Standing beside me. Taking photos as we won an award for our romantic role together. Could you believe that? Looking back on our memories, I naturally wrapped my arm around his as we took our photo. We won't be seeing each other for a long time again. It was fun while it lasted.

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Why do I always get this electric feeling when she's just being comfortable around me? She wrapped her arms around mine. Hey, she's just comfortable around you because you are her reliable Oppa. Calm down, Eddie. I wanna touch her hand one last time. Can I? Dami-ya... I'm suddenly feeling sentimental. I won't see her again after this, I guess? Our memories from shooting came flashing back. For now, I will take this commemorative photo and treasure it.

I went home and now looking at our photos. I need to be careful which photos to share on my IG. Dami's agency is a bit... strict. I don't want to cause any harm to her.

I have schedules soon for my film as well. For now, I'll watch our drama. I'm curious how it turned out.

(to be continued...)