Off Camera

Chapter 11

Tee POV

I wake with a smile on my face and something warm and sticky on my crotch. Even with the discomfort, my smile widens as images of my wet dream dance through my head. My hand slides across the sheets next to me, but my smile slowly fades as I'm once again met with emptiness.

Where is Tae?

Just like yesterday, I glance towards the bathroom. "Tae, are you in the bathroom?"

Silence is my only answer.

My heart quickens as I move and suddenly wish I hadn't. The warm sticky substance in my boxers reminds me of the amazing wet dream I had, but it was only a dream. I look over in the corner of the room at my duffle bag on the floor. Luckily, I went home yesterday and got a change of clothes. Otherwise, I would have to use some of Tae's clothes, but that isn't a bad idea either. If I didn't care about our co-workers seeing me in his clothes, I wouldn't have snuck off and got my clothes.

I would have held my head high and proudly wore Tae's clothes, waiting for someone to recognize them while I savor his masculine scent hugging my body.

Hopefully soon I won't have to worry about it. We will announce our relationship and won't need to hide any longer.

Carefully, I get out of bed and grab some clothes before heading to the bathroom. Once inside, I peel off my boxers, trying not to touch the sticky substance. A faint smile dances across my mouth again at the reason for my current situation.

A few sore muscles remind me reality is so much better than any dream can ever be.

I step into the shower and let the warm water pulsate down onto me. The spray massages my body while also carrying away any trace of my dreams.

I feel revitalized once I step out of the shower. Today's schedule flashes through my mind. I don't need to be there until around noon, but I will go early like I normally do, just in case they are running ahead of schedule. Plus, I can stand back and watch Tae film his scenes.

After getting dressed, I walk out of the bedroom and glance around the dark apartment. "Tae. Are you there?"

Again, I'm met with silence.

I head towards the kitchen. A grin spreads across my mouth when I spot the same breakfast as yesterday, a bagel with strawberry cream cheese and juice. A warmth fills my chest, along with a sense of love.

I step up next to the plate and pluck the note off it. My eyes glisten as I read it.

.

Tee,

This isn't much, but it is better than nothing. I'll do something better when I have time.

I can't wait to see you on the set today.

Love,

Tae ❤️

.

He signed it the same way as I signed my note. I choke up, hoping this means what I think it does. We still haven't had time to talk about what our relationship is now, or if it is any different than before.

My heart twists. I'm not going to accept anything less than moving our relationship forward. I've waited too long, and I don't want to wait any longer.

I shake my head and push the bad thoughts out of my mind as I take a bite out of the bagel.

***

With a spring in my step, I almost skip into the studio. My eyes immediately scan the area, looking for the one person who I haven't seen for over a day, but have felt beside me while sleeping.

My smile fades slightly when I don't see Tae anywhere.

I turn and drag my feet off to the side of the set where I can study my lines and sit watching the filming. A heaviness settles on my chest as a gray cloud forms over me.

I plop down in the dark corner and scan the area one last time before I turn my attention on the script and my lines for today. The majority of the day is focused on other scenes, and I only have a few parts to film, which are slated for the afternoon and the end of the day.

A small pout adorns my face as I flip open the script and scan through the page.

After some time, I'm so engrossed in memorizing my lines I almost forgotten I came in early to see Tae and watch him work.

A commotion on the other side of the set pulls my attention away from my script. My focus instantly snaps to Tae, looking as handsome as ever. His dark hair is parted in the middle and combed to the sides. The director stands beside him while a beautiful woman flashes a brilliant smile at Tae. She waves her slender fingers around the studio and says something, which I can't understand or hear, but the people around them stop and stare at her.

I push it out of my mind until she rests her hand on Tae's forearm. My eyes narrow as I drill daggers into her hand.

Push her away. Tae doesn't like anyone touching him.

My lip twitches as my frustrations surge. My fingers grip the edge of the script and the paper crumples in my hand.

I stare at the woman. Her long black hair shimmers under the studio lights. Her pale skin is about as pale as mine. She might be gorgeous, but she isn't the prettiest woman I've ever seen.

My eye twitches as I snarl.

She needs to leave Tae alone. He is taken.

My teeth grind as Tae puts his hand over the woman's hand on his arm. What is he doing? Don't tell me he is enjoying this.

The edges of the script collapse into a crumbled ball as I choke down all my protests and harsh words which are fighting to come out.

A couple of the staff walk in front of me, glancing across the studio at Tae and the woman. One young girl giggles and pats the other girl on her shoulder. "See. I told you they have something going on. I saw Tae and her talking a couple of weeks back. They seemed close back then and look at them now. The woman even has her hand on Tae's arm, and he isn't pushing it away. Everyone knows Tae doesn't like to be touched. That must mean something. Right?"

The other girl nods and giggles. "They are secretly dating."

My anger shoots through the roof while I snap my eyes to the two girls in front of me. How dare they say something like that. People will hear it and believe it.

My heart hammers in my chest while I glare at the two girls, who giggle and walk off oblivious of my growing rage.

Laughter fills the air, and everyone turns to look at the woman next to Tae as she grips his arm. He tilts his head and chuckles along with her.

I narrow my eyes and stare at the man I was eager to see only minutes ago, but not so much now.

Tae's crooked smile rubs me wrong. His laughter suddenly stops when our eyes lock. I force a smile while my eyes bore holes through him.

Something flashes through his eyes. Does he regret what he is doing?

He doesn't push the leach away, which only pushes my rage even higher.

I can't take any longer. I bolt up and march out of the studio. Steam rolls off me and trails behind me as I storm off around the side of the building.

I don't think I'll be going to his house tonight.

Published August 2, 2022