Vice Versa (BL)

Chapitre 4

We entered a large apartment. It was just like him: radiant and with touches of soothing pastel colors. He got rid of his jacket and dropped it on the sofa. The sun's rays came in through large windows that gave a view that overlooked the city.

" Put yourself at ease. What do you want to drink ?"

I didn't think I could relax. I was so tense I was turning into a rock.

"Just water."

I sat down in a corner of the couch. He came back with the drinks and handed me mine. I thought he was going to take the other end of the couch but he came and sat next to me. It was a very bad idea to come.

I looked at him out of the corner of my eye.

"Are you sure you're okay compared to this morning?"

"Yeah, I nipped it in the bud.. It's not going to get any worse, don't worry."

"If you say so."

"And if I'm wrong and if it's in the interest of the film, why not. They're waiting for that anyway."

He took a sip of his beer with an impassive expression.

"But it will also have an impact on your life. They'll think there's something going on between you and Julia."

" You know when you're famous, everything has an impact on your life. I am a brand and I have to be profitable. The slightest misstep has disastrous consequences that everyone will point to".

The hint of annoyance in his voice was clearly audible.

"Besides, I'm not alone in the boat. I have people counting on me."

"Don't you like being an actor?"

He moved and his thigh came up against mine. I held my breath for a second and then tried to ignore the contact.

He sighed heavily and a yawn escaped him.

"There are times when the pressure is on and I have my doubts. But when I think back, this is what I've always wanted to be. I can't imagine being anything but an actor. I don't spit on my success because others weren't as lucky as I was. But sometimes...you feel alone. And I don't have many friends. Luckily, I have Julia. I've known her for a long time and she understands me because we are in the same world."

While I didn't know all the rules of the said world.

"So Julia is very important to you?"

" We are close. I've known her for six years. She came to the agency almost at the same time as me. We've watched each other grow, change and succeed."

I didn't think there was such a deep connection between them. It was as if everything was already perfectly put together and nothing was to disturb the established order.

Without me seeing it coming, Puen leaned his head on my shoulder.

"I am tired..."

His eyelids slowly closed. I watched him for a moment as he slept, his features relaxed. Who was I to mess with your life and your dreams?

"You worked so hard to get where you are today..."

I put my glass on the coffee table and took his cheek in my hand and laid him down on the couch. I ran my fingertips over his forehead and pushed his hair to the side. Reluctantly, I left the apartment and closed the door quietly.

* * *

We had an appointment on the beach to shoot a swimsuit plebiscite whose protagonists are Puen and Julia. Puen looked great in his swim shorts. His fine muscles exposed to the sun shone under the layer of cream. His hair had been moistened and was falling on his forehead. And what about Julia? She was beautiful as usual...and always so touchy with him. Figuring I wouldn't be needed anytime soon, I ventured out into the streets nearby. I bought a smoothie on the way and then spotted an artisan jeweler. I entered the store, escaping the hot and heavy temperature outside. I admired the jewelry exposed, some made of basic materials, like wood, wires, and others with more expensive materials. I saw a gold necklace with a small hourglass pendant, as a warm wave passed through my chest.

According to Puen, this was a symbol of our reunion, that we will always find each other to spend time together...one way or another. I bought it without thinking twice and put it on right away. With the pendant hidden under my shirt, I returned to the location. When I returned, the director announced a break. Puen and Julia joined me in the tent.

Puen leaned over and put the straw in his mouth before taking a sip of my smoothie. I moved my drink away from him.

"Who gave you permission?"

"I'm hot."

"And..?"

"You're here to take care of me."

"Did he realize the words that were coming out of his mouth and their double meaning ?"

"I refuse to hold your drinks for you." I retorted.

"Please." He insisted with a sad pout.

I rolled my eyes.

"You really are a child."

He smiled as he took the smoothie from my hand. I let him finish the rest. All this time, I had forgotten that Julia was listening to our conversation. Her eyes met mine and I tensed up. The way she looked at me gave me the shivers. I tried to smile to hide my discomfort. Her lips stretched, but it wasn't warm smile because her features were frozen in a cold expression.

"What are you doing this weekend, Talay?"

I'd been ignoring me so long, I thought she didn't know my name.

" What are you doing?"

"I'm celebrating my birthday. "

I blinked, stoic.

"Are you inviting me ?"

She nodded.

Yet she wasn't the type to remember the existence of a simple assistant , let alone personally invite him to her birthday.

"Why ? " I asked.

"You seem to be a good friend of Puen. And Puen's friends are my friends. ''

When I was about to refuse, Puen beat me to it.

"He will come. ''

" Good. I don't take no for an answer." She added.

"Apparently, you've already decided for me." I said in a not-so-happy voice.

"I promise you'll have fun." She said.

"Yeah..."

Why did I break out in a cold sweat then ?