More Than An Act

2.Home with You

Nunew POV

Instead of sitting next to P'Zee I had made myself comfortable on the other side of the table next to Nat. His presence was exactly what I needed at the moment and he knew it because when I started fidgeting with my hands he grabbed them.

"Everything's okay Phi, there's nothing to worry about."Nat whispered to me.

I looked up at him and gave a reassuring smile. Don't get me wrong I was near my breaking point but having someone on my side made all the difference.

" what are you guys whispering about!?" teased the director and I felt my blood turn to ice as everyone's gaze was back on me, especially P Zee's. Thankfully Nat answered," We were just talking about the time we got lost as newbies!"

P'Aof grumbled at this

"I should have known you two would have been a pain in the neck."

Everyone at the table started laughing and Nat pulled me closer,"Meeting P'New was my fate P'Aof, and it was your fate to deal with us."

while everyone was busy sharing memories of their first time slip ups I looked over at Zee and noticed he was busy looking at something else. Anyone else would assume that he was deep in thought but I knew better than that, whatever he was looking at had him really upset. I followed his line of sight down towards my lap where I noticed Nat unknowingly had his hand placed on my thigh.

But. . . why did Zee's face convey that expression? Was I in the wrong for believing that maybe, he might be angry at Na-

"I'm going to take Nong home."Zee cut in.

"Eh already?"Someone asked,"But it's still early!"

Phi's face twitched in slight annoyance but it was hard to detect if you weren't around him 24/7. It was rare for P'Zee to show dislike for something , so perhaps he also had a reason for wanting to leave early, I didn't want him to appear as if he was ruining the fun.

"Actually I've been feeling a little sick."I confessed,"Phi is just being considerate."

This brought everyones attention away from Zee and back to me.

"N'New you didn't have to force yourself if you weren't feeling well, we would have understood."The director reassured.

I scratched my head sheepishly," I kind of wanted to celebrate too, like you said, we've worked so hard."

"Why didnt you say so sooner?"Nat brought his face next to his so we could compare temperatures but P'zee had somehow managed to walk around the table without me realizing it because the next moment I was being gently but firmly lifted by the arm.

The tight grip on my arm sent me a silent warning, a warning about what?

No clue

"I already sent his Mae a message that I would be bringing him home goodnight everyone enjoy your dinner." we said our goodbyes and just as I was leaving I turned to look at Nat who had his thumbs up and mouthed the words susu na!

And the butterflies had evolved into dragons.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The car ride home felt tense and I wasn't sure why.

P'Zee was even gripping the steering wheel. I wonder what had him so on edge, was it the fact that I had chosen to sit on the other side of the table? Perhaps about bringing up the past in how difficult it was to get certain things right.

This silence was unusual for us and I hated the feeling that it gave me, my gut couldn't handle thus so I decided to ask

"Phi," I started hesitantly,"Are you upset at me?"

There was a small pause before he sighed

,"Nu I'm not upset at you"

Eh? he wasn't upset at me? his demeanor expressed that he didn't want to continue the topic so I left it at that but the insecurity that melted away was replaced by worry at his inability to share what was on his mind. After being around each other for so long we had depending on each-other and left nothing unsaid, yet, what was troubling him?

I looked out at the passing cars and houses. Sometimes I stop to wonder what would have happened if I decided not to join the acting industry. Would I have been happy elsewhere? Would I have found someone else to worry about ? Who knows but, I don't entirely regret this pathway because it was both a blessing and a curse. I met my crush, but I also met the only potential person who could completely destroy any and every wall I had ever built.

Here I was, daydreaming again trying to create different scenarios. Thankfully it made time pass by much quicker and in a few minutes we had reached my house.

I got out from the passenger side and Zee also stepped out to go greet my mother.

As I opened the door I was greeted by my mother's smiling face.

"Hello Mae I'm home!" I greeted

"Evening Mae" Zee repeated, he had gotten use to calling my parents that way after all the insisting they gave him. They would tell him,

"We're already so familiar with each other just call us Mae and Por." And ever since that Zee had gotten comfortable with them.

"Son in law! it's so good that you stopped by ! how are your parents?" My mother walked over to hug him and I felt my face redden, this is how they tease me.

"They're doing good ! my parents ask about their own son in law everyday wondering when I'll bring him around." They're doing this on purpose.

He smiled and I melted. Zee's parents were similar to my own and I felt happy and wanted in their presence, I think I would miss them just as much once Zee and I went out separate ways, that thought made my mood deteriorate.

"Mae, Zee needs to head home soon so he can rest too." I began but Mae cut me off

"It's already so late why don't you sleep over? We have the clothes you left last time, they're washed and dried!"

Sometimes it felt as if my Mae really believed herself to be my wingwoman without meaning to but the thought of Zee sleeping over with this newfound realization scared me. please say no please say no please say-

"Of course if that's alright with you!"

damnit .